Anti-Nuclear Lobby Group Produces Liddell Doomsday Fallout Scenario Map

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Lobby group Don't Nuke The Climate has produced detailed maps of what a Chernobyl-style accident would look like at a proposed Liddell site in the Hunter.

The Coalition has vowed to build a reactor at the former coal-fired power station, saying reliable base load power is needed.

Understood to be connected with climate action groups, the organisation says about 35,000 people would theoretically need to be evacuated in suburbs including Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Singleton, Jerrys Plains and Denman.

Anti-nuclear campaigner Dr Jim Green says they've worked on detailed maps.

"On the website people can choose any of the seven proposed nuclear power sites and they can choose a wind direction and that will show the spread of radioactive fallout based on the Fukushima disaster," he said.

"So it gives a rough idea of the spread of radioactive fallout and also the concentration of fallout in different areas.

"Fukushima is an appropriate basis for this project primarily because it's an advanced industrial wealthy country like Australia is, and the reactors that they're proposing in Australia are much the same as the reactors that were in operation at the Fukushima disaster 14 years ago," he said.

 

Credit: Nuclearplume.au

Appeal to Locate Missing Teenagers

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 Police are appealing for information to locate two teenagers missing from the Hunter.

13-year-old Austin Glynn was last seen on Saturday at Rutherford. He's described as Caucasian, 160cm tall with solid build and short brown hair.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as he has several medical conditions,

Meanwhile,

19-year-old Summa O'Reilly was last seen in Waratah on March 6, she's known to frequent the Wallsend area.

Anyone with information's being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Austin Glynn. Credit: NSW Police

 

 

Summa O'Reilly. Credit: NSW Police

Ribbon Cut on Expanded Hunter Sports Centre

 BY PETER HYSLOP

An updated 52-million-dollar Hunter Sports Centre has now opened at Glendale.

The new site boasts a trampoline Centre of Excellence, a three-level sport and community centre and facilities for students at the University of Newcastle to run programs improving community health.

Government representatives attended to cut the ribbon on Saturday. 

It's hoped the facilities will provide a boost for nurturing new trampolining talent with Australia set to host the Olympic Games in 2032.

Representatives open the Centre (including University of Newcastle VC Prof. Alex Zelinsky, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, Hunter MP Dan Repacholi, Shortland MP Pat Conroy, Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper)

Man Who Fled Police Half Naked at Booral Found and Charged

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A 40-year-old man's set to face Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Monday 10 March), who evaded police, fleeing into bush half naked last month.

At about 8am on Thursday February 13, police attempted to stop a blue Ford Falcon on the Bucketts Way at Booral.

Inquiries revealed the vehicle was stolen from Queensland and allegedly contained a firearm- a pursuit was initiated when the vehicle did not stop.

The man then left the car and fled on foot at Twelve Mile Creek without his pants on.

Despite help from the Dog Unit and PolAir, officers couldn't locate him.

Following extensive inquiries, he was arrested at Fassifern railway station late last month.

He's been charged with multiple offences, including possessing an unauthorised firearm and pursuit charges.
 

Credit: Port Stpehens Hunter Police

Police Appeal for Information on Gateshead Shooting

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are appealing for information on how a 22-year-old man appeared at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest last night.

Lake Macquarie officers attended at about 8pm and were told the man had suffered a serious wound.

He was transferred to another hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

Anyone with footage or information is being encouraged to get in touch with crime stoppers.

 

Police say the incident occurred on Sydney Street at Gateshead. Credit: Google Maps

Camp Quality Convoy to Get Underway in Maitland

BY PETER HYSLOP

Camp Quality is set to launch it's Newcastle Convoy at the weekend, bringing together 100 trucks for a 38-kilometre journey through Newcastle and Maitland.

Trucks are in competition to be the best of the convoy with a goal of raising $120,000.

Camp Quality's Sandy Hall says it'll provide much-needed funds.

"We do a lot in the local John Hunter Hospital. These funds raised across the day will go towards supporting kids and families in the local area and across New South Wales," she said.

"We couldn't do these events without our incredible community.

"To our long-standing Newcastle supporters, the trucking community, our partners, our sponsors, we couldn't do it without community support and I hope people come along and check it out on the day," she said.

Transport for NSW is advising of changed traffic conditions on Sunday in roads through Maitland, Gillieston Heights, Heddon Greta and Beresfield.

A convoy from a similar event. Credit: Camp Quality

Men Charged at Port Stephens for Possession of Stolen Firearms

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged two men at Port Stephens for allegedly possessing four stolen firearms.

Last month officers attended an address on Salamander Way in Salamander Bay where they had reportedly been stolen.

Police commenced inquiries, and attempted to stop a black Toyota Hilux on Hillsborough believed to be linked.

A pursuit was initiated- it was found abandoned at a school nearby.

During a search of the surrounding area, police found three of the four firearms, the matter was then referred to Strike Force Blaine.

Following further inquiries, in the early hours of Monday morning (3 March), two 23-year-old men were arrested on a boat at Shoal Bay. They were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, charged with break and enter and the pursuit.

They've appeared in Raymond Terrace Local Court.

 

 

Firearms seized by police as part of the operation. Credit: NSW Police

 

Crews Called Back to Blaze at Fingal Bay

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A house fire at Lentara Street has reignited just after 6am after crews failed to put the initial blaze out.

Fire and Rescue were initially called just after 11:30pm last night (Wednesday 5 March) to reports of two explosions, including in the garage- the whole house was alight, firefighters worked on keeping neighboring properties out of harm's way.

The RFS was called in to help, but crews were called back to the scene this morning after flames were seen issuing from the roof.

One person has been treated by ambulance for minor injuries, all occupants are safe and accounted for.

Lentara Street. Credit: Google Maps

Hunter Community Alliance Set to Meet Tonight

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Hunter Community Alliance is set to meet today (March 6) at the University of Newcastle's Great Hall.

It's a gathering of unions, religious, disability and community action groups, which registered an attendance of about 1000 last year.

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen is set to attend. The alliance will ask his Government for a $5 billion energy bill savings plan, which would involve subsidies and funds to reduce the upfront cost of home energy upgrades.

The alliance will also push for local energy hubs where residents can access information on Hunter projects, similar to the one delivered by the High Speed Rail Authority.

Hunter Community Alliance meeting in 2024

Shot Fired at Home in Waratah West

BY PETER HYSLOP

There's been a shot fired at a house in Waratah West this morning, no one has been injured.

Police attached to Newcastle City Police District responded following reports a shot was fired at a house on Acacia Avenue, at about 6.30am.

They established a crime scene and have conducted a canvass of the area.

No injuries have been reported- a crime scene has been established and police investigations are continuing.

Governments Hail Progress on Maitland Rd Widening at Hexham

BY PETER HYSLOP

Progress is being made on the Hexham straight widening project, with demolition of the old northbound bridge over Ironbark Creek now complete.

Construction is underway on a second bridge- completed works will involve two bridges carrying three lanes in each direction.

Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says the project should mean relief for commuters on the notorious stretch.

"It is an extremely well used road," she said.

"I know that both Tim and I get lots of enquiries about the progress of this project because people are very, very excited to see some improvements here," she said.

State Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says  the upgrades should go a long way.

"I am a 10-year veteran of living in Newcastle, working in Maitland, and I know the massive difference that this project will mean for tens of thousands of people doing that same commute," he said.

Progress of the new bridges at Ironbark Creek. Credit: Sharon Claydon MP

Fatal Crash at Merriwa

 BY PETER HYSLOP

There's been a fatal single vehicle crash at Merriwa overnight.

Just before 6pm yesterday, emergency services were called to Scone Road about five kilometres north of the town.

Officers found an SUV had veered off the road and crashed into a deep culvert before rolling over and resting on its wheels.

The driver, a 67-year-old woman, was assisted by a passing motorist and an officer who provided CPR.

Despite help from paramedics she couldn't be saved.

A crime scene's been established and investigations commenced.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Scone Road at Merriwa. Credit: Google Maps

Fire Crews Battle Blaze Which Engulfed Rutherford Mechanical Workshop

BY JACK SEYMOUR

Fire and Rescue NSW crews have successfully battled a fire which engulfed part of a large mechanical workshop overnight at Rutherford.

FRNSW crews from Maitland, East Maitland and Rutherford rushed to the business in Mustang Drive around 12.15am to discover flames had spread through the reception area of the workshop.

Firefighters forced their way inside and attacked the blaze, containing it in just over an hour, limiting the spread to nearby businesses.

They doused several spot fires and used positive pressure fans to disperse smoke from the scene.

Firefighters have handed control of the site to New South Wales Police amid suspicions about the cause of the fire.

Fire investigators are liaising with Police as investigations continue.

Image from FRNSW Media

Plans on Public Exhibition for Medowie High School

BY PETER HYSLOP

Plans for a high school at Medowie are progressing with blueprints on public exhibition from today.

The Department of Education acquired 6.6 hectares of land on Abundance Road last year, with a scheduled opening for 2027.

The Review of Environmental Factors is available through the State Planning Portal and is open for feedback.

The State Government says a school at Medowie is aimed at lightening pressure on other institutions with population growth expected.

High School Site on Abundance Road. Credit: Google Maps

Vale Alma Tate OAM

BY PETER HYSLOP

Former Newcastle councillor Alma Tate has died aged 101.

She's being remembered as a people person, dedicating her life to service of the city.

Former Mayor John Tate says he remembers his mother as a grassroots councillor, caring for locals and going door to door.

When she was elected, she was one of three women on Council- among her achievements, helping to establish Lambton pool and the New Lambton Community Centre.

She was later awarded an Order of Australia.

A memorial service will be held in coming weeks.

Alma Tate OAM. Credit: Newcastle Herald

Offshore Wind Farm One Step Closer

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Federal Government says securing a feasibility licence for a company to develop a windfarm off the Hunter's coast is a major step forward.

It's been awarded to company Novocastrian Wind, a partnership between Equinor and Oceanex Energy.

It comes despite community opposition to the project which would generate 2 gigawatts of renewable energy and sit about 20 kilometres off the Newcastle Coast. Some locals say the project could harm marine life.

Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says the project would create hundreds of jobs.

"This is an important next step in Australia's offshore wind industry and it's happening right here in Newcastle," she said.

"And a new offshore wind industry in Newcastle means new jobs in local manufacturing, in construction, maritime, transport and the logistics industries, as well as growing our vocational education and training pathways at TAFE and the University," she said.

Licence Area. Credit: Sharon Claydon MP

Appeal to Locate Missing Teens from Maitland

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Update: Police say all three children have now been located.

Police are searching for three children missing from Maitland since Friday.

Amelia and Tyson Spedding, aged 12 and 14, were last seen in Metford at 11:30pm on February 28.

12-year-old Kyia Wade was last seen leaving a home in Tenambit earlier that evening.

Port Stephens Hunter officers are commencing inquiries into their whereabouts.

They may be together. Anyone with information's being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Kyia, Amelia and Tyson. Credit: NSW Police

MP Slams SMS Parking Fine Notices in Newcastle

BY JACK SEYMOUR

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has slammed Newcastle Council for backing text messages to notify people of parking fines instead of physical tickets.

By July, councils will have to hand out fines on the spot following reforms from the State Government.

Council made the decision to back SMS technology at a meeting earlier this week, saying handing out physical tickets makes workers subject to abuse.

It comes amid criticism of automatic technology mounted on council cars identifying infringements.

Sonia Hornery says text messages aren't a great choice.

"There are many people in the Wallsend electorate that I know who don't have a mobile phone or have a mobile phone that's not a smart phone or don't know how to use apps.

"What do the Councillors suggest that's going to happen to the people who just have a landline?" she said.

 

Credit: GetArchive

Dramatic Police Chase from Denman to Mudgee Ends With Arrest of 30-Year-Old Man

BY PETER HYSLOP

A man is under police guard at Dubbo Hospital following a wild chase from Denman to Mudgee.

At about 6pm on Wednesday, officers were called to a motel on Cumberland Street at Cessnock, due to concerns for a person staying there.

Police will allege a 30-year-old man then attempted to evade police from Denman at about 1am yesterday (Thursday February 27), the vehicle reaching speeds of 170 kilometres per hour.

When it stopped at Mudgee two hours later, the man allegedly deliberately struck an officer- who did not seek medical treatment.

Police fired shots but the man drove away.

The vehicle, understood to be a hire car, was later found abandoned at Dunedoo. The man was arrested almost 40 kilometres away at Mendooran. 

He's been charged with multiple offences, including being on an outstanding warrant and driving dangerously.

Main street of Mendooran. Credit: Google Maps

Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Promised By Coalition For Maitland

BY PETER HYSLOP

The Federal Opposition's announced they'll commit to building a new urgent care clinic for Maitland if elected.

They say incumbent Labor MP Meryl Swanson hasn't done enough to bring care to the region.

Candidate Laurence Antcliff says the community has been calling for a clinic for years.

"It has never been harder and more expensive to see a doctor across Maitland and Port Stephens," he said.

"This is something that the people of our electorate have been screaming out for, for years.

"And quite frankly, this should have been delivered in 2022," he said.

Independent Candidate Philip Penfold says it's an announcement made too late.

"When both governments and oppositions announce these things, not during the course of their term, but in the dying weeks of their term while they're campaigning for re-election, I can understand why people will be cynical about that," he said.

Liberal Candidate for Paterson Laurence Antcliff. Credit: Liberal Party

Labor Rubbishes Coalition Nuclear Plans Following Inquiry Report

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Government ministers are lashing out at the Federal Opposition for their plan to install a nuclear reactor at the former Liddell Power station site.

A national inquiry into the suitability of the technology in Australia has found the cost to build sites is prohibitive, but the inquiry's being accused of being political.

The interim report cites leading experts.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy has made some firm comments about proponents of a Liddell site.

He says it's not viable.

"Peter Dutton's nuclear fantasy is a recipe for higher power prices, higher greenhouse gas emissions and more community uncertainty," he said.

"To put a nuclear power station in an earthquake zone is an act of lunacy," he said.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy visiting JFD Manufacturing today

Road Spikes End Police Chase on Newcastle Link Road

BY PETER HYSLOP

Details have been released by Police regarding a high-speed chase which came to an end on Newcastle Link Road this morning.

Highway Patrol officers at 8:50am identified a vehicle allegedly breaching the speed limit on Majors Lane, Lovedale.

Officers engaged in a pursuit from the Hunter Expressway to Cameron Park where a 24-year-old man was arrested after road spikes had been deployed.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station

Station where he was charged with not comply with direction given by police officer, negligent driving, and class A motor vehicle exceed speed greater than 30 km/h.

He was issued a court attendance notice to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 12 March 2025.

The man's licence was also suspended.

Police are asking anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Two Charged Over Property Offences at Adamstown Heights

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Two men have been charged with property offences following an incident at Adamstown Heights.

Just before 10pm last night (Monday 24 February), police were called to a residence on Lucas Crescent, occupants of the home allegedly saw two people on their property and chased them before they stopped at Hudson Park.

Newcastle City police were called, they allegedly found housebreaking implements from two men, aged 19 and 21.

They've both been hit with a number of charges and refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today.

Nationals Candidate For Lyne Backs Nuclear and Calls for Better Mobile Reception

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Nationals Candidate for the seat of Lyne Alison Penfold says she's backing nuclear power as an energy solution for the Hunter.

She's running to replace incumbent Dr David Gillespie, who's held the seat since 2013.

She says she's disappointed options for reliable coal supply are no longer viable.

"That seems to be off the table now, I am 100% behind the transition to nuclear energy," she said.

"It just simply does not make sense to me that this country would pursue the replacement of base load power with a variable energy source," she said.

She also says more action is needed for better mobile coverage following the shutdown of the 3G network.

"For a lot of people, [reception] doesn't work at home, and the telcos won't take responsibiltiy for that.

"That's why I think the Universal Service Obligation needs to be changed, and it needs to provide a guarantee that every Australian has access to basic mobile and internet services," she said.

Ms Penfold's held an opening for her office today with Nationals leader David Littleproud.

Opening of Alison Penfold's campaign office in Taree

UPDATE! Fears Growing For Missing Former MP Michael Johnsen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good news!

A Police spokesperson has confirmed Mr Johnsen has been found safe and well.

EARLIER: 

Fears are growing for the welfare of former Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen, who's been missing from is West Tamworth home since Friday.

The 60-year-old resigned in 2021 following an allegation of sexual assault on a sex worker in the Blue Mountains.

The Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently police there was insufficient evidence to charge the former Nationals MP.

It's believed he was last seen driving a dark grey Toyota Kluger in the vicinity of the Barrington Tops.  

 

Former Upper Hunter Mp, Michael Johnsen has been reported missing

Muswellbrook Home Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

The owner of a home at Muswelbrook has escaped serious injury after fire engulfed the residence last night.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews from Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Denman and Singleton were called to the two story home on Brook Street at about 7.30pm.

They were supported by local RFS crews, taking more than three and a half hours to bring the blaze under control.

The owner managed to self evacuate and was assessed by paramedics for smoke inhalation before being transported to hospital for observation.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

The home ablaze in Brook Street Muswellbrook. Picture Clancy Martin

 

Major Search To Resume For Missing Fisherman Off Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search and rescue operation will resume this morning for a man feared dead in a freak accident involving tangled netting off the coast of Newcastle.

It's understood he was involved in a fishing competition and disappeared after falling overboard about 55 kms off the coast

Search and rescue teams mobilised the Port Stephens Marine Rescue Base at about 2.00pm on Sunday before mounting a multi-agency search including the Toll and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue helicopters.

 

UPDATE! Missing Girl Last Seen At Fassifern Railway Station

 BY IAN CROUCH

Great News!

Police have just advised Emily has been found this morning (Monday 24 February, 2025).

They've thanked the public and the media for their assistance.

EARLIER:

Police are appealing for help to find a young girl who's gone missing from Newcastle overnight.

11-year-old Emily was spotted at the Honeysuckle Light Rail Stop on Sunday and was last seen at Fassifern Railway Station at about 6.50pm.

She was last seen wearing a black long sleeve shirt, short overalls and a backpack.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing girl Emily

 

Archive Photos- Maitland Council to Commemmorate '55 Floods 70th Anniversary

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 Maitland Council is set to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1955 floods on Saturday (22 February).

Council will facilitate an exhibition where visitors can view boats and equipment in the disaster, and recovered video footage.

Mayor Philip Penfold says the event will focus on educating residents. 

"It's a great opportunity for people to come along, hear from experts, see displays, get a better understanding of what happened in Maitland in '55 and understand that ongoing risk for the people of Maitland far too often," he said.

More information about the commemoration ceremony is available on Council's website.

From the archives

 

 

For more photos, head to the 2NURFM website.

Courtesy UON Living Histories 

Three Men Arrested for Alleged Inside Job Robbery at Hamilton North Bowling Club

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Three men have been charged for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery at Hamilton North Bowling Club, which police accuse was an inside job.

The Telegraph reports former Secretary Manager Phil Pereira with club Functions Manager Jamie Lee and John Tutt, allegedly plotted an early morning robbery on December 30 last year.

Police were told two men, allegedly carrying knives and dressed in black, entered the club at about 4am and stole wads of cash. 44-year-old Lee was treated for injuries and taken to hospital, but it's alleged by Strike Force Rummage investigators he was part of the plot.

Mr Pereira spoke to news cameras that night to say he hoped the victim was ok.

The Secretary Manager's fronted Newcastle Local Court. He was granted bail.

The alleged false victim will front court in March.

Phil Pereira being arrested at Cooks Hill. Credit: NSW Police

John Tutt being arrested at Muswellbrook. Credit: NSW Police

BREAKING! Police Investigate Ram Raid At Toronto

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are investigating an early morning ram raid at Toronto.

Police were called to The Boulevarde at about 2.45am on Thursday.

They were told a white Ford Ranger utility had rammed a storage shed.

During the incident a group of people stole tobacco products from the shed before leaving the scene.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

 

Two Boys Arrested Over Alleged Assaults On Newcastle Bus Drivers

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two teenage boys have charged over the alleged assault of two bus drivers in separate incidents last week.

Police have been told three males were fighting on a bus last Thursday when the driver stopped at New Lambton Heights are asked them to get off.

When leaving it's alleged one of the teens punched the driver.

A short time later the males boarded another bus and allegedly began causing a disturbance to passengers.

The bus stopped at Glendale where the passengers got off, but police say the trio forced open the rear door and assaulted the second driver.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries but were not taken to hospital.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 14-year-old boy on Tuesday.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with two counts of common assault, stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear or harm, and hindering police in the execution of their duty.

He faced the children's court on yesterday and was refused bail to face the same court next Monday, February 24.

Further inquiries led to the arrest of a second 14-year-old boy yesterday.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with common assault and affray.

He was granted strict conditional bail to face the children's court on Monday February 24.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

 

Singleton Council To Seek Permission To Lop Trees As Bats Cause Havoc For Residents

 BY IAN CROUCH

Singleton Councillors have supported a Notice of Motion to write to the local state and federal members seeking support to deal with a growing flying fox problem.

Bats have long roosted in Burdekin Park, but they are now roosting in large numbers in nearby streets, causing noise and major sanitation issues for residents, business owners and a childcare centre.

Councillors voted overnight to seek approval to lop trees in the hope the bats will move on.

Councillor Hollee Jenkins told council more needs to be done to address the issue.

 "Whether there's any new technology available to us which we could try with sound attenuation, or whether or not the flying foxes are still on the endangered list - these are all questions I'd expect our state and federal representatives to push on our behalf", she said.

 Councillor Jenkins said she was not in favour of culling the flying foxes but having them living alongside residents is not acceptable.