Queens Wharf West Demolition Set For July

 BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

A demolition date has been set for the Queens Wharf West, after sitting largely abandoned for more than six years. 

Beginning in July, demolition works will follow a set of sub-structural preparations, including a floating pontoon to ensure the site's utilities are isolated and relocated.

The destruction of the inside is set to take place first, with internal materials and equipment removed alongside the building's balconies and awnings.

From there, two excavators will work in tandem to demolish the main building structure all the way down to it's ground floor slab.

The building's only remaining tenants, Keolis Downer ferry staff, will relocate across the harbour to a new Stockton-based site in early July to make way for works to begin. 

Since 2020, Queens Wharf West has largely been abandoned, after significant damage was caused to the building during a fire.

Of those excited for the redevelopment is Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris, who said the building has been in poor condition for quite some time.

"Look, it's been a long time coming," he said.

"It's very derelict now and it's covered in graffiti, so scaffolding is going up [because] it is not fit for purpose anymore."

With no confirmed plan for what is to come on the site, Cr Morris said he's curious to see what's to come for the iconic site.

"There's a lot sitting on the table at the moment, [and] there are so many thoughts," he said.

"I think we really need to sit down and think about what is going to sit there and be best for the city.

"There's still a great deal of thought that has to go into it because we need to choose wisely for the city."

Wharf Road will remain open to vehicles, while the western car park will be fenced off throughout the work's duration.

Demolition-related work is expected to take around six months to complete, pending weather and site conditions, with detours to be put in place for walkers and cyclists.

With strong community support present for the precinct's revitalisation, a decision on what will be built on the site will be eagerly-awaited for nearby residents, when council decides in the 2026/27 financial year.

Queens Wharf West building. Picture: City of Newcastle

Hunter Activists Allege Abuse during Israeli Military Detainment

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK.

A pair of Hunter activists are speaking out about the abuse they claim they suffered, while detained by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

At approximately 10am AEST on Thursday the 30th of May, a group of six Australians were captured from the Global Sumud Flotilla enroute to Gaza.

The Flotilla was reportedly loaded with more than 500 tonnes of medicine, food and other aid.

After departing from Italy earlier last week, the fleet was intercepted off Crete, with the group who organised the Flotilla claiming sabotage from the IDF.

They say this took the form of engine disabling and the destruction of navigational equipment.

Following their detention, the six Australians were held in Israeli custody for more than 30 hours before being freed overnight on Friday 1 May.

Of the six freed, activists Ethan Floyd, Zack Schofield, and Neve O'Connor were taken to Sitia General Hospital in Crete for treatment of injuries including concussion, bruising, and cuts.

The other three activists, Surya McEwen, Cameron Tribe and Bianca Webb-Pullman were the released without harm.

Mr. Floyd, Mr. Schofield, and Mr. Tribe are from the Hunter, with Mr. Floyd set to return home to Newcastle tonight (4th May 2026). 

In videos posted to social media, Zac Schofield said he was beaten and tortured by the IDF prior to his release.

Rising Tide spokesman Campbell Knox said Mr. Schofield is reportedly planning to continue his mission of bringing aid to Gaza before he returns home.

"We can't ask him to not be himself," he said.

"We can't ask him to abandon his humanity and give up on this mission when he knows what he's doing is right and what he's doing is necessary."

Mr. Knox said Zac Schofield was aware of the risks.

"I know that he went in knowing that this could happen, knowing that these are the risks, but he knew despite those risks, it was worth it even if just one morsel of food could reach the people in Palestine," he said.

"He was willing to take that risk, put his life on the line, and I couldn't be more proud of him for that."

Mr. Knox and his Rising Tide compatriots are now calling on Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon to help kickstart a push to assist in bringing the remaining Australian activists home safely.

Apart from the Australians, 173 other global humanitarians were also freed, 30 of whom were also admitted to Sitia hospital for similar injuries.

Meanwhile, concern has also been raised around the whereabouts of Flotilla leaders Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek, as they still remain unaccounted for.

Zack Schofield addresses media before embarking on humanitarian mission. Photo supplied.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union wants Newcastle Buses back in Public Hands

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has welcomed calls for Newcastle's bus network to be back under public ownership.

It follows news the State government is investigating the possibility of returning Newcastle's buses to the public sector, once Keolis Downer's contract ends at the end of 2027.

Under the former Coalition government, Newcastle buses were privatised back in 2017, with a commitment to ensure improved bus services as a whole.

Almost 10 years later, Newcastle's bus network is plagued by a host of customer complaints and safety concerns.

The Union's NSW Tram and Bus Division President, Peter Grech said the community has suffered a range of various impacts, ever since Keolis Downer began operating Newcastle's bus network.

"The community, as a whole has suffered," he said.

"When they took over, they cut services in half, there's communities left isolated, [and] services not showing up that are scheduled to show up.

"There's a lot of inconsistencies in regards to Keolis Downer's operations."

He went further to state the Union is looking forward to helping improve the quality of Newcastle's bus network, should a transition to public ownership occur.

"The community in Newcastle has been left with a 'have-to-use' service rather than a 'want-to-use' service, and we want to turn that around," he said.

"I think it's a really important part for the community.

"It just blossoms everything, when people are using public transport, they're using local shops, [and] using local community services."

The Union will be launching their latest report into the impacts of privatisation on the quality of Newcastle buses tonight at NEX.

Community members are invited to attend.

Picture Supplied.

Dartbrook Mine Extension Creates Mixed Political Response

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

The state Government has granted a six-year extension to the controversial Dartbrook coal mine in Muswellbrook, sparking debate amongst local political figures. 

It comes just a month after a it was revealed potential conflicts of interest took place within the site's financial operations. 

The facility has been running with a skeleton staff since it collapsed into insolvency last year, after it defaulted on a $202 million loan. 

Another $5 million is still owed to unsecured creditors, including local operators who have reported to be at  risk of bankruptcy if the lost funds are not re-couped.

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell has labelled the decision a lost opportunity, arguing the extension should have been used as a bargaining chip to ensure that missing funds were repaid.

He said while he does welcome any extension, Dartbrook's future operators are on thin ice.

"I think what the whole region is hoping is that the mine does continue, but that it continues under new ownership," he said.

"At the moment it's under administration.

"We're really hoping that a reputable company comes in, buys the mine, the mining licence, takes over the mine and runs it properly." 

Meanwhile, Muswellbrook mayor Jeff Drayton is hopeful the facility's extension will benefit the local community.

"It may not have been approached as well as we might have wanted it to be, but hopefully someone who steps in is a miner," he said.

"When I say a miner, I mean someone who has been the industry a while and knows what they're doing.

"I think if that happens, it'll be a successful mine, and if it's a successful mine, we have local jobs and local procurement, which is certainly a win for the community." 

Over the course of this six-year extension, it's believed the mine will be able to extract an additional 36 million tonnes of coal.

Picture: Mining and Energy Union

CRIKEY! Crocodile Captured In Wallsend Creek

 BY OLI GOLEDNER

A juvenile crocodile has been captured in a Wallsend creek, believed to possibly be an escaped pet. 

The animal was spotted at about 4.30pm on Saturday 28 February at a creek running behind Federal Park. 

Police and Australian Reptile Park handlers formed a perimeter around the pond to prevent the reptile from escaping and keep onlookers safe. 

The park's manager Billy Collett said they had a difficult time catching the croc initially. 

"I got a few of the lads together and we went up and spent a few hours in daylight searching," he said. 

"We couldn't see it, so on Saturday night when the sun set, we managed to eyeshine him from the bank. 

"Then SES provided us with a rescue craft, but we just couldn't get close enough to him to be able to catch him." 

Eventually, on Sunday night Mr Collett and his crew returned. 

At about 8.30pm they successfully captured the croc and brought it back to the park for specialist assessment. 

The croc was found to be a male sub-adult freshwater crocodile, measuring it at just under a metre in length and only weighing a few kilograms. 

Mr Collett explained they're still unsure as to how it found it's way into the pond. 

"We think it's either an escaped pet or it's been let go," he explained. 

"We're not too sure, but that's what we would think."

He confirmed no other crocodiles were spotted in the creek during their search. 

"I scouted that area heavily for two nights and only located one crocodile," he added. 

"So, to my knowledge there's only the one in there." 

Picture supplied. 

Union Calls For Action After Violent Bus Attack

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

Local unions members are calling for better safety protections on Newcastle buses, after a driver was violently attacked by a passenger earlier this week. 

At around 11pm on Wednesday night, police were called to the Pacific Highway at Charlestown following reports a bus passenger allegedly punched and stabbed a driver in the hand. 

The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with numerous offences. 

However, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has said the attack has worsened fears around the current safety measures present on Newcastle buses. 

The incident comes alongside more than 12 months of enterprise bargaining between the RTBU and private transport operator Keolis Downer, over safety measures, pay and working conditions. 

Tram and Bus Division President Peter Gresch said the attack highlights the ongoing safety risks drivers are currently facing within the region. 

"This is a horrific attack on a worker who was simply doing his job," Mr. Grech said.

"We've seen a string of violent incidents on Newcastle buses in recent months. 

"Drivers have been spat on, bashed, assaulted - and now even stabbed. 

"This cannot continue."

Mr Gresch added the incident should not be overlooked by Keolis Downer. 

"It should be a strong wake-up call for not only Keolis Downer, but for the NSW Government and Transport NSW as well," Mr Gresch said. 

"They need to act and react to what's happened. 

"We've been calling for these changes for many, many years and everyone keeps sitting on their hands."

The RTBU is calling for immediate discussions to ensure stronger protections are put in place to keep both drivers and passengers safe.

Picture: RTBU

Nationals Concerned Over Future of High Speed Rail

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter-based Nationals senator Ross Cadell is unsure whether a Coalition government would continue on the High Speed Rail project if elected. 

Earlier this week, the project's business case was released to the public, disclosing the current plans to its development. 

The High Speed Rail Authority has set the estimated cost of the Newcastle to Sydney line at nearly $90 billion, with the next two years to be spent on developing the final route plans.  

It was also announced the federal government would be investing an additional $230 million into the project, putting the current expenditure at $660 million overall. 

However, Senator Cadell is concerned the project may never come to fruition. 

"We're spending hundreds of millions of dollars on feasibility studies for a project that will cost $100 billion in today's dollars," he said. 

"We all know these budgets flow out and there is no allocation in the future.

"I don't think we'll see the start of this in two years, I don't think we'll see the finish of this in 50 years." 

Ahead of next year's state election, Senator Cadell said if the vote goes to the Coalition, it's uncertain whether the project will be continued. 

"I can't speak for everyone, but clearly I've got some concerns and I'll be voicing those concerns" he said. 

"If our party room and shadow cabinet allay those concerns that will be supportive.

"But, I have not seen anything at the moment that shows a funding source where we can come up with $100 billion - that the government doesn't have - to fund it." 

Picture: Nationals Senator Ross Cadell. 

Details Revealed On High Speed Rail Project

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK 

The business case for the High Speed Rail project has been released to the public today. 

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King visited Newcastle early this morning to announce the next phase of the major project. 

She said the federal government would be injecting an extra $229.6 million into the development phase, increasing its total investment to $659.6 million overall.

The High Speed Rail Authority will use the next two years to lock in the design, approval processes, scope and costs. 

Estimated to cost up to $90 billion, it's likely to be one of the most expensive pieces of infrastructure funded by the federal government so far. 

It comes as a major step forward in the development, set to revolutionise travel between Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast and Sydney. 

Minister King said the project will provide a range of benefits to local communities. 

"High-speed rail between Newcastle and Sydney will change the way people live, work and travel in our country's most populous region," she explained. 

"It will connect the Newcastle and Central Coast communities to Sydney in a way that has never been done before." 

The Newcastle to Central Coast stretch is slated to be completed by 2037, followed by an extension to Sydney Central by 2039 and Western Sydney International Airport by 2042.

The project would include stations at Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Sydney Central, Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport. 

Council Demands Answers on Newcastle Post Office

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Council has called for an urgent meeting with Newcastle Post Office owner Dr Jerry Schwartz on the progress of the historic site's restoration.

Dr Schwartz bought the building in 2018 for $3.5 million, and has received a $1 million heritage grant for its refurbishment. 

However, the long-awaited restoration must begin before April 8, before the current five-year development consent lapses. 

Councillor Clausen says if the consent lapses, they'll be back at square one. 

"Dr Schwartz needs to progress and secure a construction certificate for the site in order to enable physical works to commence," he explained. 

"If that process hasn't already commenced, that is an enormous ask and I'm very concerned that it's not going to be achievable within the timeframe. 

"Consent dates are hard and fast, they can't be moved by Council.

"If nothing happens, it will lead to unfortunately years of further decline and no clear path for the restoration and upgrade of that building.

"I think it's incumbent on him to demonstrate to the community how he intends to do that and to show that it is not just sitting there as some form of speculative land banking." 

Councillor Clausen, along with Paige Johnson, Peta Winney-Baartz, Elizabeth Adamczyk, and Deahnna Richardson will put forward a notice of motion at Tuesday night's Council meeting, noting the strong community connection to the building. 

Picture: Newcastle Post Office

Councilor Condemns Proposed Cooks Hill High-Rise

BY LOUISE LIMBERS

Newcastle councillor Declan Clausen has voiced his strong disapproval of high-rise apartment blocks proposed for Cooks Hill. 

He, alongside many residents, have sent in submissions slamming the proposal, claiming they will cause parking issues, as well as overshadow the surrounding heritage infrastructure. 

Sydney company Vivacity applied to the NSW Housing Delivery Authority for development approval to build two apartment blocks, one 13 storeys and the other eight, creating 113 dwellings. 

Located in between Civic Park and the Newcastle Art Gallery, the proposed 45-metre tall build is more than triple the current permitted height limit of 14 metres. 

Cr Declan Clausen said he believes the build will significantly impact the area. 

"Putting a 45 metre residential tower in the middle of a residential conservation area where there are clear zoning rules," he said. 

"I think would be an enormous mistake." 

Set to cost more than $133 million dollars, the development will exceed the threshold of state significant development of  $30 million and 40 dwellings for a proposal in regional NSW. 

"We are a council that absolutely welcomes additional growth and new housing but it's got to be in the right locations," said Cr Clausen. 

He lodged a formal objection to the project on Tuesday. 

"I hope that they take seriously, the submissions that I've made, and the submissions that have been made by hundreds of Novocastrians, who just expect a fair outcome where the planning rules are respected for our city," he added. 

State Government Steps In On Calvary Mater Repairs

BY EVIE JONES 

Cladding remediation works will soon begin at Waratah's Calvary Mater hospital, with a state government intervention. 

The hospital's private manager NovaCare has been issued multiple notices of breach, after it was found cladding on the facility's facade was not up to code. 

It's believed the unsatisfactory exterior has caused water to leak into the hospital and create significant mould infestations, which have led to several wards closing in the past month. 

Progress for the works has been repeatedly delayed due to ongoing commercial discussions between NovaCare and NSW Health, leading the state government to step in. 

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said they had no other choice. 

"We had to intervene to make sure that work was done on time," she said. 

"Unfortunately, the private provider hasn't stepped in as quickly as they should have, and that's why the state government has stepped in."

A contractor has been employed by the state government to begin the works in March, which are set to be completed by mid next year. 

The intervention comes as staff and concerned civilians rallied outside the facility last month protesting unsanitary and unsafe conditions. 

Sonia Hornery said she agrees with staff, labelling the mold as an unacceptable safety concern. 

"It's important for us to expedite this work because it's a continuing safety problem, particularly for people who are very ill," she said.

"We know that the Mater is a leader in treating cancer patients.

"We can't afford to have very ill people getting sick because the building isn't clean and safe and sanitary.

"It also provides problems for people with pneumonia and other chest and lung infections. "We really do need to urgently get rid of it."

NSW Health indicated it will work closely with the Calvary Mater team to coordinate remediation works while minimizing disruption to patients, staff and visitors. 

The state government also showed its support for the Calvary Mater, claiming it will take all necessary steps to support remediation and ensure the continued safety, functionality and reliability of the hospital. 

Gavin Morris To Run For Newcastle Lord Mayor

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Former NBN weatherman Gavin Morris has announced he will be running for Lord Mayor in the upcoming by-election. 

He announced his candidacy on Friday morning, with the endorsement of former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge. 

Mr Morris said he plans to run as an Independent. 

"There is a lot to do from here on in," he said.

"I have to build a campaign, I need volunteers, I need to build funding, I need to engage with the community, and that is my focus right now.

"If I were elected Lord Mayor, I would take what I learn over the next week and help it guide with the decisions that need to be made for the betterment of our city in the future."

It follows Cr Ross Kerridge resigning from the position on Monday due to his ongoing battle with cancer. 

Mr Morris said he believes his skills in the media will be beneficial if he is to be elected. 

"I've been a member of the media for more than 40 years and I have a unique skill set and I think a lot of those skills from my days in media and engaging with the community carry over beautifully into the position of Lord Mayor," he explained.

"And I feel it's really important to come in completely afresh.

"I am not connected and I am not influenced by any past goings-on in the council and I think that is really important, not just for me but for the future Lord Mayor.

"I think it's really important that that future Lord Mayor is completely and truly independent.

"I think that's more important than just about anything else."

The upcoming by-election for the position is expected to be held in mid-April.