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

TAFE staff stage walkouts across the Hunter

BY DARCY MCGAVIN

Hunter TAFE teachers are walking off the job this week, in the latest wave of industrial action.

Staff at Belmont and Kurri Kurri TAFE already walked out on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, holding a one-hour stop work meeting at midday.

Newcastle teachers are set to follow suit on Wednesday, as a dispute with the State Government over pay and conditions continues.

Teachers Federation members are calling for fairer wages, job security, sustainable workloads and better working conditions.

It's the first time in eleven years that TAFE Federation members are taking industrial action, and has been designed to have minimal impact on student learning.

Teachers Federation TAFE Organiser Annette Bennett says the strikes send a clear message, the issues need to be addressed.

"It's up to the government, they've not listened to TAFE teachers eleven years," Bennett said. "The cuts to teachers conditions affect the students learning conditions."

"The teachers across the board have had enough of their salaries diminishing and their working conditions getting worse."

Staff walking out at Belmont on Monday. Image credit: Yasmin Catley.

Bahtabah Aboriginal Land Council Take Over Former Pelican Marina Site Five years After Structure Collapsed into Lake

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council have successfully made a claim to take over land formally home to the Pelican Marina, exactly five years since the structure spectacularly collapsed into Lake Macquarie.

The site has been disused since 8 February 2016 when part of the building – including the popular Milano's on the Lake restaurant – became submerged in the water after pylons under the marina gave way.

The Land Council's claim was approved by the NSW government after it was originally lodged in the months following the collapse.

Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, land councils are entitled to lodge claims over Crown land that is unused or unneeded.

Ms Catley said it was very exciting this parcel of land would finally have a future.

"The Pelican marina was a wonderful facility that was well-used by the community. However, for the last five years it's sat here dormant."

"It's fantastic that the Bahtabah land council is now in the position to look at options for the site so this prime piece of land can be up-and-running again as a facility the whole community can enjoy."

The land is zoned IN4 Working Waterfront, which is a specialised zone that provides for maritime-specific activities and complementary industries which require direct waterfront access.

Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Carol Proctor said the land council planned to develop the site in a manner consistent with or similar to pre-existing amenities.

"We need to go through our formal process to notify members and then consider the range of possibilities for the development of the site."

"The aim will be to contribute to the economic growth of the area, as well as to provide training and jobs for our community."

Image: Fire and Rescue NSW

What Time Should You Leave Home To Avoid Holiday Traffic This Christmas

BY ISABEL EVERETT

With record numbers of holiday travelers expected to head to regional NSW this holiday season, Hunter motorists are being urged to plan ahead to avoid traffic delays. 

“It has been a tough year for the people of NSW and we know everyone is looking for a break so we are doing everything we can to reduce travel times and make sure everyone arrives at their destination safely,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads , Paul Toole said.

“That’s why we have identified bottlenecks and pinch points so people can plan ahead between Friday 18 December and Monday 4 January as well as for the Australia Day long weekend.”

Mr Toole said historic travel data suggested the best times to leave were; 

• Between 6am and 9am or after 3pm if travelling north from Newcastle and Sydney and the same for return journeys.
• Between 6am and 11am or after 6pm if travelling south from Newcastle and Sydney and before 9am or after 3pm for return journeys.
• Between 6am and 9am or after 3pm if traveling west from Newcastle and Sydney and the same for return journeys.

“For those travelling north, the $15 billion Pacific Highway duplication from Hexham to the Queensland will take more than 2.5 hours off your travel time,” Mr Toole said.

“For those heading down to the South Coast, the Princes Highway upgrade is powering ahead with the Albion Park Rail bypass expected to open to traffic by mid-2021, the Berry to Bomaderry upgrade more than 50 per cent complete and major construction underway on the new Nowra Bridge."

To find out more about the best times to travel by car visit; 

https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/about/news-events/holiday-journeys/time-travel-chart.pdf

Traffic Pinch Points Across the State 

Traffic Pinch Points Heading North from Newcastle 

Driver Facing Court After Allegedly Running Down Cyclist and Assaulting Emergency Service Workers

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man is due to face court on Monday after allegedly deliberately hitting a cyclist and assaulting emergency services personnel in Newcastle. 

About 7pm on Saturday a 23-year-old woman was riding her bike on Heaton Street, Jesmond, when she was allegedly deliberately hit by a man driving a Subaru Forster.

The woman was dragged by the vehicle, before it stopped.

Members of the public provided assistance to the woman before emergency services arrived.

The driver, a 25-year-old man, exited the Subaru and allegedly tried to enter a NSW Ambulance vehicle, before assaulting a female paramedic. 

She sustained bruising, swelling and abrasions after being pushed to the ground.

The injured cyclist was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

As police were attempting to breath test the driver, he allegedly tried to bite the hands of a male senior constable, before kicking him. 

He was subsequently taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

The officer did not require medical treatment.

The Jesmond man was charged with cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, attempt to take and drive conveyance without consent of owner and assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Monday. 

Two Car Crashes on Hillsborough Road Causing Significant Traffic Delays

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Emergency services have been called to the scene of two,  three car crashes at Hillsborough on Hillsborough Road. 

One crash occurred just before midday on Friday near Higham Road, with one westbound lane closed and eastbound traffic also affected.

Traffic is backed up from the Higham Road turnoff across the Newcastle Inner City Bypass. 

A woman believed to be in her 20's has been transported to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition complaining of abdominal pain.

In a separate incident three cars have also crashed on Hillsborough Road, at around 12.20pm approaching Crockett Street. 

Meanwhile an earlier car fire on the M1 Pacific Motorway is causing delays for Northbound traffic at Wyee in Lake Macquarie.

The incident happened approximately 2 kilometers South of Mandalong Road.  

Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time. 

Hunter Police Officer Accused of Assaulting Neighbours, While Off-Duty

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A Hunter police officer has been charged over a number of alleged assaults while off-duty.

In February, an investigation commenced after a physical altercation between neighbours was reported, which involved an off-duty male police officer.

Their inquiries also uncovered another physical altercation between the off-duty officer and the neighbour’s son, which occurred in December 2019.

Following extensive investigations, the 39-year-old detective senior constable – who is attached to Northern Region – was served a Future Court Attendance Notice on Tuesday, for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of common assault.

He is due to appear at Toronto Local Court on December 1. 

His employment status is currently under review.

Community Urged to Show Their Support for Local Newspapers

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter Business Chamber is urging the community to consider taking out a subscription to show their support for struggling local newspapers amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

These calls come as Australian Community Media announces plans to shutter many of its regional publications until the end of June, including the Cessnock Advertiser, Hunter Valley News, and the Newcastle Star.

While dailies such as the Newcastle Herald and the Canberra Times will continue operating, a decline in traditional revenue raising methods such as business advertising has put heavy pressure on the industry.

Chamber CEO Bob Hawes says businesses and members of the community should now return the favour and lend a helping hand to local newspapers.

“Newspapers are the lifeblood of our local communities and do much to support business through editorial coverage, advertising opportunities and partnerships."

"They are a vital source of information, even though to many the digital format is a modern trend," said Mr Hawes. "But newspapers certainly fill a role both for businesses that wish to advertise and for communities that wish to get information."

Mr Hawes says it has been a "tough decision" for publications to make, but hopes the community will come together to help protect a valuable good.

“Trusted journalism has never been more important than it is now, in a time of global crisis, and we need local papers to be highlighting the needs, priorities and good news in their communities by telling local stories.”

Image credit: Hunter Business Chamber

Fettlers Whitebridge Fourth Storey rejected by Council

BY NADIA D'ANDREA and LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Lake Macquarie Council has voted against allowing a development at Whitebridge to exceed the area's height limit by 40%.

The Whitebridge Community Alliance has been up in arms about the Fettlers residental estate, after it was revealed SNL Constructions planned to build a fourth storey on the site.

Councillor Barney Langford lead the motion to reject the fourth-storey proposal, and says they followed an earlier decision of the Joint Regional Planning Panel.

"Because [the Panel] made the ruling," he explained, "they're the independent umpire - this development went to them two years ago and they made a decision...it seems to me what the developer is trying to do is wangle their way around that decision."

Cr Langford is referring to SNL's choice to send a separate application to Council, claiming the vision falls within the parameters of the Lake Macquarie 2050 plan.

"It was stated last night that over the 10 years of the JRPP, this is the first time this kind of development application has occurred after a JRPP decision...

"I think it's important that we keep faith with the community, and they were opposed to this development," Cr Langford said.

Wallsend Flood Mitigation Works Receive Crucial Funding

BY GRACE LANCASTER

Over ten years on, and Wallsend is finally receiving funding for the replacement of Tyrrell Street Bridge following substantial flood damage in the 2007 June floods.

The $2.2 million dollars of funding included in the latest Newcastle Council budget is the first stage of a long-term plan to address regular flooding in the Wallsend CBD.

It's one of three planned bridges that will be raised to allow for water to move through the suburb to the canals to better reduce flooding.

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery is pleased with the news.

"The first step is what the Council is doing which is wonderful but that step is really only going to work if Hunter Water comes on board and build all of the canals in the area around Wallsend in order for the water to move through faster," she said.

Work is set to commence in the upcoming financial year.

Image Source: LaTrobe Valley Express