Newcastle put forward as potential nuclear submarine base

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle's been shortlisted as a potential location for a new submarine base to house the country's nuclear-powered fleet in the future.

Brisbane and Port Kembla are also on the cards, however, it's understood the Department of Defence's preferred option is at Wollongong.

The nuclear-powered fleet is being acquired as part of the AUKUS partnership.

It's not expected the $10 billion project will replace current submarine facilities in Sydney and Perth.

Liberal Candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell says she's pushing the Commonwealth to pick the Hunter.

"I've cited things like the existing skilled shipbuilding workforce that we have here, the defence and strategic military importance that we have with our RAAF base and our Lone Pine," Ms Vitnell said.

"Also the fact that we have a deep working port - from what I understand, some of the other proposed locations might have silting problems or might not be deep enough."

Initial works are expected to be complete at the new location by next year.

The Federal Government is also set to decide on a design for the new submarines within the next couple of months.

Image credit: www.navy.gov.au

Where You Can Get Involved in Clean Up Australia Day In the Hunter This Weekend

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter locals are being encouraged to join thousands of volunteers and get their hands dirty this Sunday as part of this year's Clean Up Australia Day.

Clean Up Australia Day, which was launched in Lake Macquarie more than thirty years ago, has since become Australia's biggest community-based litter collection effort.

Hundreds of sites across the Hunter, including Foreshore Park and Nobby's Beach, Redhead's Webb Park and Broadmeadow's District Park, have been elected as COVID-safe cleanup sites.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said it didn't take a lot of work to make a huge difference.

"It's a really important message that people get involved in Clean Up Australia," Cr Fraser said. "It's a really significant day for families to get out there and do their little bit around their community."

"Even if people can just volunteer half an hour or an hour, it doesn't matter, just to come out and do a little bit in their area, to pick up some rubbish that's been left behind."

To find the closest clean-up location near you, go to https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/join-a-clean-up.

Bushfire Assistance for Cessnock and Shoalhaven

BY LAURA D'AMICO

Disaster assistance is being provided for Cessnock and Port Stephens communities affected by the mid-August bushfires.

The fires, fuelled by strong seasonal winds, scorched through over 2000 hectares, with significant operations required from first responders from the RFS and Fire & Rescue NSW.

Assistance is being jointly provided by Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) in response to the bushfires, with assistance measures available for local Councils' clean up and restoration costs, as well as for eligible people whose homes and belongings were damaged.

The NDRRA will also be providing freight subsidies for primary producers and grants for eligible non-profit organisations.

To apply for assistance you can contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.

Further information on disaster assistance and emergency information can be found at disasterassist.gov.au and emergency.nsw.gov.au.

Bid to Bring Women's World Cup to Newcastle

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Newcastle and the Hunter could be put on the international stage as Rugby Australia bids to bring the Women's World Cup to our region.

The state government have pledged $5 million to the cause, which would see finals games played at Broadmeadow's McDonald Jones Stadium and earlier games at Newcastle and Maitland's Number One Sportsgrounds.

The final decision will be made by Rugby officials in London later this year, but if successful, Australia's bid would result in the World Cup's first Southern Hemisphere appearance.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald joined Sports Minister Stuart Ayres to make the announcement today and says it's not a done deal yet, but the prospects are good.

"We're not across the line yet, but we're very hopeful," he explained, "we saw a bit of the bid today - it's very very professional, so fingers crossed."

"We all know the Hunter loves its sport, people will get behind it, we'll see great attendance and support and it'll showcase the region," Mr MacDonald said.