Fears Grow For Hunter's Flying Fox Population As Starvation Event Continues

 BY WILL MCGRATH

Hunter residents are being urged to keep an eye out for sick and injured flying foxes, with a food supply shortage causing many to become weak or die.

Flying foxes are recognised as a key species in the Australian ecosystem, responsible for pollination and seed distribution.

"About 80 per cent of our gum trees are pollinated by flying foxes because they fly such great distances and spread their seeds around," said Hunter Wildlife Rescue vice president Kerry Walker.

"They are absolutely critical to biodiversity and ecology." 

Due to an unusually warm and dry winter, trees which are used for food by the bats have had their regular flowering patterns disrupted.

This has forced the species to look elsewhere for food, leading them to consume items which are toxic to them, such as fruit from the green cocos palm.

Ms Walker said they've seen a large spike in the number of sick flying foxes reported to the service.

"It's been very widespread, clearly, that the trees haven't come into flower as much as they should, and they don't have enough nectar," she said. 

"That's causing there to be insufficient food for the flying foxes all over the state." 

It coincides with a wave of premature births, and with not enough food to go around, many pups are dying young due to mothers unable to provide sufficient nutrition

Experts say the loss of an entire generation of the species is now on the cards.

Residents wanting to help the species are asked to hang 'garlands' of fruit, such as melon, apple and pear, but not banana, on trees for bats to eat.

Those who come across a sick or injured flying fox are advised leave it alone and call Hunter Wildlife Rescue on 0418 628 483.

A female flying fox and her newborn pup brought into care after being discovered emaciated in Lake Macquarie. Picture supplied. 

MISSING: Police Search For Two Young People From Hunter Region

 BY OLI GOELDNER

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

12-year-old Jacinta Horder was last seen at an address on Ibis Parade at Woodberry, at about 1.30pm on Tuesday 16 June. 

It's believed she may have travelled by train to the Newcastle Area. 

Police ad family hold concerns for Jacinta's welfare due to her young age. 

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150 cm tall with a medium build and long wavy/curly hair dyed dark red. 

She's known to frequent the Woodberry, Beresfield and Newcastle Areas. 

Jacinta Horder. Picture: NSW Police 

Police are also searching for 16-year-old Zephyr Cammarata, who was last seen on Rockmaster Street in Chisholm at 9.30am Friday 5 June. 

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare due to his age and as he requires regular medication. 

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall, of thin build with dark brown hair -- last seen wearing a grey track suit.

Zephyr's known to frequent the Port Stephens, Hunter Valley and Orange areas. 

Following inquiries, police believe he may be in the Orange area. 

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

Zephyr Cammarata, Picture: Facebook 

 

 

Unemployment Rates Drop Across the Hunter

BY BELLA MIDDLETON

                                  

                                            

Unemployment rates across the Hunter have significantly dropped, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

In December 2022, the unemployment rate in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie dropped from 3% to 2.8% percent, while the Hunter Valley rates dropped from 4.6%  to 2.7%. 

The drop sees the Hunter region outperform the rest of New South Wales, with the state-wide average sitting at 3.5%. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, said the numbers paint the picture of a strong and healthy economy across the region.

"This is unheard of in recent times. These figures continue to show a bright picture for people in our region seeking work and no signs of a change in the difficulties businesses are having seeking to attract workers from the ranks of the unemployed," Mr Hawes said. 

Youth unemployment rates across the area are also stabilising at 7.5%, which has halved compared to pre-COVID figures across the region. 

"It's really showing that the youth, if they want to give themselves the opportunity to join the workforce, they can do so. That's really encouraging, given the start we need those people to have in life, in terms of workforce commitment and engagement," Mr Hawes said. 

"We've got plenty of businesses that are as busy as they've ever been, and we think on-balance, the region will do quite well, even though many economists are tipping a downturn towards mid-2023."

The workforce participation rate in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie has remained above the 70% mark, with the Hunter Valley rates returning to its pre-Covid figure of 64%. 

Over 32,700 jobs have been created in the Hunter region since December 2019, a growth of 9% at a time when the ABS estimated the workforce grew by 6.7%. 

Raptor Squad Set to Tackle Organised Crime in the Hunter

BY BELLA MIDDLETON

 ABOVE: Acting assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner 

The New South Wales Police Force have announced two permanent bases for the organised crime-focused Raptor Squad, including one in the Hunter. 

29 officers will be stationed at the Hunter-based Raptor North, alongside the Illawarra-based Raptor South and the Sydney headquarters. 

The specialist squad will focus on cracking down on organised crime across the region, and will work closely with the National Anti-Gang Squad, the NSW Crime Commission, and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

"We are putting criminals across regional NSW on notice with the Liberal and Nationals Government boosting the NSW Police Force's Raptor Squad," NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said.  

"Every resident of our State deserves to feel safe in their communities and their homes."

It's hoped the squad will help dismantle local motorcycle gangs, and deter metropolitan organisations from expanding to the Hunter. 

Northern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner said the success of the Sydney-based Raptor Squad lead to organised crime groups spreading into regional areas.

"What we're doing is meeting that demand, meeting that risk, by basing a squad in the northern region, and they'll be targeting those people who do us harm," said Mr Tanner. 

"Having our own squad now allows us better capability in the region. They are extra positions which have been created, so we're not taking positions away from the existing Raptor. They will still continue to be supported by the metropolitan-based Raptor squads."  

"They'll be living in our communities, so they'll have better input and better buy-in, which is really one of the advantages." 

"The message is clear today, if you're going to involve yourself in any criminal activity or organised crime, the Raptor North will be there, they will looking for you, they will track you down." 

State Crime Commander Michael Fitzgerald said the Raptor Squad has a proven high-impact on the determent of organised crime, and regional bases will build on that. 

"Since Strike Force Raptor's inception in 2009 and its establishment as a standalone squad in 2021, officers have made more than 7,500 arrests across the state and laid almost 20,000 charges for a variety of offences," said Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald. 

"The Hunter and Illawarra communities can be confident, a permanent presence of the Raptor Squad in the regions will ensure a rapid response to any organised criminal activity impacting on their safety."  

Walka Water Works to host holidaymakers in new-look future

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Walka Water Works is set for a $25 million revitalisation, with Maitland Council and the State Government signing a Memorandum of Understanding to put the site on the tourist map.

They're partnering with Reflections Holiday Parks in the hopes of securing a joint funding bid in the Regional Tourism Activation Fund.

The site's been closed for cleanup works since February, after asbestos was detected on the grounds.

While it's expected to reopen in the coming weeks, the site's slated for bigger changes beyond that date, including holiday accommodation and opening the heritage pumphouse to the public.

Mayor Philip Penfold says it's an exciting opportunity.

"It will be everything from glamping cabins to eco-cabins, to tent sites to caravan sites," he said.

"There'll be quite a variety scattered across the various locations of Walka, so as not to spoil that site."

The plan is also proposing to improve accessibility on the walking trails, redevelop the miniature railway station, and establish a centralised amenities building.

Under the plan, Council would work with Crown Lands to make the changes happen.

"The future of the pumphouse building can be many and varied," Cr Penfold said. "Certainly it'll be a fantastic opportunity for a function centre, opportunities for restaurants, cafes, and the like."

"It's a large building. It sorely needs some TLC and some work done inside."

"The understanding that we have with the Government will help us bring this back to life. It does need funding, but we do have some irons in the fire on that."

Labor promises investment package to put Lake Macquarie back on the map

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Federal Labor says it will invest $20 million into Lake Macquarie to establish a permanent dredge for the Swansea Channel, as well as extend the Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund to cover the City of Lake Macquarie.

The Opposition's already announced, as part of its economic development package, a $30 million upgrade of Mandalong Road at Morisset, support for the Glendale Transport Interchange, and $500 for a Newcastle to Sydney high-speed rail project.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy says it's about time we see serious investment in the region.

"We've been neglected by the current Liberal Government, whether it's the Federal Liberal Government or the State Liberal Government," Mr Conroy said.

"They've neglected our region, a region that is the second-biggest in New South Wales, when you include the Hunter Region.

"We've got 700,000 people in our area, and we're treated like the poor cousins of Sydney, when we shouldn't be, we're the seventh-biggest city in the country."

It's hoped the expansion of the mine grouting fund will encourage property developers to build more and taller buildings in the region, by circumventing the risk of having to fork out extra costs if they encounter subsidence. 

The permanent dredge is similarly being put forward as a boost for tourism and travel in the lake.

Mr Conroy says the plan will spur around $1.8 billion in economic benefits.

"This package will help deliver over 12,000 jobs, and really help secure the economic future of our region," Mr Conroy said.

"It's important that that occurs - we're sick of just having all our resources taken by the State and Federal Liberal Governments.

"They take our resources, they take our taxes, they took our vaccines, and they give very little in return."

Image credit: shape.lakemac.com.au

Hunter Street Turns Single Lane For Bike Lane Trial

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter Street will rely on just one lane in each direction to make way for a trial of brand new bike lanes in the city's west.

Single direction bike lanes are currently being installed on both sides of the road between National Park Street and Worth Place.

A number of on-street parks and bus stops are also set to be moved, and the speed limit reduced to 40 kilometres an hour as part of the project.

No parking spaces will be lost, despite major changes to the road.

Newcastle Cycleways President Sam Reich says he hopes "world standard" bike lane options will go a long way to encouraging more people to get out of their cars and into the saddle.

"The main barriers to more people riding their bikes is not the weather, it's not the terrain, it's not people's fitness," Mr Reich said.

"The factor preventing it is this perception of lack of safety on bicycles, when bicycles mix with traffic."

It's hoped, if the trial is successful, the cycleway could be extended to Islington Park and all the way to Mayfield.

The works are expected to be wrapped up by September.

Image credit: https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

Boarding House Residents Left Behind by Eviction Notice Laws

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle councillors are pushing to improve eviction notice standards, following reports residents were given just 29 days to vacate a Cooks Hill property.

Cr Carol Duncan is set to present the notice of motion at next Tuesday's council meeting. 

It's hoped the motion could establish new rules requiring operators to provide sufficient notice and routine updates to tenants regarding development applications.

Cr Duncan says boarding house residents are already some of the Hunter's most vulnerable residents.

"In boarding houses you often see that there are a large number of people who may have literacy problems or disability issues, and they're certainly not being looked after," Cr Duncan said.

The Labor councillors behind the motion are hoping this is just the start of efforts to improve the city's housing situation.

"The problem is that people need much more time to get themselves reestablished in suitable housing," Cr Duncan said.

"Particularly at the moment we're seeing escalating rental prices and property prices and a terrible shortage of social and affordable houses."

Councillor Carol Duncan at Parkway Avenue.

Maitland's Popup Vaccination Clinic Proves Huge Success

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A popup vaccination clinic at Maitland Showground on Thursday has been a huge success, despite highlighting the serious demand for the shot across the Hunter.

Around 300 people were given the AstraZeneca jab in just three hours, including walk-ins.

The queue was parked out an hour and half before opening, and included groups all the way from under 40s to over 90s. 

Dr Craig Richards from the Lorn Surgery says they're hoping to get another clinic up and running in two weeks' time.

"I think there's a very high demand for vaccination, but we're still just currently limited by the lack of Pfizer, which is most appropriate for people under 60," Dr Richards said. 

It's hoped the region could establish a larger and more permanent clinic with the arrival of Pfizer supplies in Australia.

"I think we definitely do need an accessible mass vaccination option in the Hunter Valley," Dr Richards said.

"Belmont is a bit of a hike for people, but at the moment there's probably a fairly complementary sort of role going on there, Belmont providing Pfizer for the region, and Maitland providing AstraZeneca."

Hunter Students to Hear the Tales of World War II Veteran

BY LAURA WILLIAMS

The Civic Theatre is tomorrow inviting Hunter school students to listen to a series of powerful stories from World War II veteran Alf Carpenter. 

The veteran's stories will be featured as part of the 65th annual Newcastle and Hunter Combined Schools ANZAC Commemorative Event.

Artistic Director Michelle Gosper says that the unique event will be beneficial viewing for local school students.

The traditional aspects of an ANZAC day service will be explained so that students can gain an understanding and appreciation of the rituals' significance. 

"Young people need to be reminded why we celebrate ANZAC Day and what it means to serve, to preserve peace in this world," says Ms Gosper. 

Alf Carpenter embodies these values, having served in many of the major conflict zones in World War II, facing Italians, Germans and Japanese in battle areas in North Africa and the Middle East, Northern Greece and Darwin. 

The story will celebrate many of the hats Alf has worn since serving in the war; as an entrepreneur, surf life saver, psychologist, marathon runner, professional hypnotist and Tai-Chi official, all which weave into his powerful and unique story. 

The interactive narrative will take place at 10am and 1pm and feature feature singers, musicians, and students performing from Catholic Schools Performing Arts program, ASPIRE.  

source: newcastlepermanent.com.au

Police Numbers Failing to Keep Up With The Hunter's Growing Population

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Concerns have been raised the number of police officers in the Hunter is failing to keep with the region's growing population.

From 2006 to 2020, the local population covered by the Northern Region Command increased by 20 percent while the number of police declined by five percent.

NSW Police Association Executive for Northern 1, Ian Allwood, says police numbers are at the forefront of the community's mind.

"More people are moving here, we know that, and what we're trying to do is keep pace with that population trend that moves up to our beautiful part of the world," Mr Allwood said.

"Sadly, when more people come, they also bring their issues, and that means that your local cops sadly get stretched."

The Newcastle LGA is currently listed in the top ten across 8 crime categories by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

Mr Allwood says the continued support from the community was helping make the case to get police numbers up.

"What people probably don't understand is that the budgetary allocation to have a police officer at a police station is obviously quite high, and it is a competitive process,"  Mr Allwood said.

Draft Strategy Released to Clean Up Air Across the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The NSW Government has proposed a new draft plan which hopes to turn air pollution in the Hunter around for good.

The Draft Clean Air Strategy, released on Thursday, addresses a number of key areas in air quality policy, including cleaning up industry, making fuel and transport greener, and being better prepared for pollution events.

Environment Minister Matt Kean says last year's bushfires highlighted the fact there was work to be done in the area.

“Our Draft Clean Air Strategy sets out five key action areas to mitigate community exposure to poor air quality, both during extreme events and on a day-to-day basis," Mr Kean said.

“We’re asking everyone with an interest in air quality in NSW to help us shape the final Strategy by sharing your knowledge and providing your feedback."

The draft plan draws on previous public consultation and a number of other Government policies.

But while Singleton GP Dr Robert Vickers says the Government's new proposal is exciting, there were fatal flaws still not addressed by the current version of the plan.

"We know the problem with the load-based licensing scheme is that mines are exempt," Dr Vickers said.

"The idea of load-based licensing is that your license fees, that you pay to the EPA, are dependent on how much total pollution you emit. When you're responsible for 90% of the coarse pollution in your area, it's a bit ineffective to be exempt from that scheme."

Community groups are also calling for stricter regulations on local power stations to bring emissions in line with global standards.

Dr Vickers says he's hoping the Government takes this community consultation on board. 

"We've done the work for them," Dr Vickers said. "It goes into the detail of what needs to be done, it's evidence-based."

"It's great to see Minister Kean commit to releasing this plan, I have no doubt that he's probably going to cop a lot of flak from it from some of the industry, and we fully support him implementing a plan, but we want to make sure that it's evidence-based and it's going to be effective."

Members of the public can provide feedback on the plan at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/clean-air-strategy.

Country Shows Given the Green Light to Go Ahead Next Year

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Country shows across the Hunter have been given the green light to go ahead by the NSW Government from January next year as long as they abide with COVID-safe restrictions.

Shows will have to follow social distancing measures such as controlled entry points and the one person per 4 square metre rule, although larger venues will be allowed to host up to 5,000 attendees at any one given time.

Show organisers are also being asked to use Service NSW QR codes to assist with managing crowds and contact tracing.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said while it was a great opportunity to get tourism moving again, it was important that both shows and guests followed the rules.

"Regional communities have done the hard work and deserve to enjoy themselves, but it is crucial that both organisers and attendees follow COVID safe guidelines to guard against an outbreak in country towns," Mr Barilaro said.

"I encourage everyone from the city to get out there and immerse yourself in a country show and get a valuable insight into life in the bush."

The first country show of the new calendar year is scheduled to be held in Bowral on Saturday 9th of January - one of 192 annual shows held in small towns across regional NSW.

David Williams, President of the Singleton Show, said the Government's decision "was a great thing to happen" and would go a long way to helping regional economies get back on track.

"To get this back, it brings the community together again, it's a major event for the year, a lot of people put a lot of work into it to stage these events, and it's all done on a voluntary capacity," Mr Williams said. "That's important for our volunteers, and for the community as a whole."

But Wendy Franklin, Manager of Tocal Field Days, says the restrictions could still be a big financial obstacle for shows struggling to get back on their feet.

"For us, that would mean at least a 25 percent reduction in revenue from the gate, and then you've got to take into account the loss of revenue for exhibitors who might normally take eight sides but will only have enough stock to take two," Ms Franklin said. "That becomes the point, I guess, when you need to say, is it actually viable to run it?"

"When we lobbied the Government for support, that was the biggest thing, the loss to the local communities that these events run in and the financial bonus they are to those communities."

Image credit: https://www.singletonshow.com/

Hunter Residents Urged to Watch Out for Funnel Webs This Spring

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter residents are being warned to watch out for funnel-web spiders this Spring, with wet weather and humid days bringing about the perfect conditions for the venomous critters.

Male funnel-webs spend the breeding season out of their burrows and looking for a mate - however, the spiders frequently end up inside the home or in the backyard.

Funnel-web spiders will often look for a home in cool, damp, and shady spots like the laundry or garage, and are likely to turn piles of clothes or pairs of shoes left sitting around into makeshift burrows.

Jake Meney, reptile supervisor at the Australian Reptile Park, says it is important Australians living on the east coast are aware about how to safely deal with the deadly spiders.

"They are one of the world's most dangerous spiders and they are a reasonably common spider within the Sydney region, from down south toward Nowra, all the way up to Newcastle," Mr Meney said. 

Mr Meney says people most often run into trouble with funnel-webs when they put on their shoes without checking them beforehand.

"If you are bitten, the best thing you can do is immediately apply a firm pressure bandage - exactly the same as you may have seen for first aid for Australian snake bites," Mr Meney said. "Once you've got your bandage on, you need to get to hospital as quickly as you possibly can."

The Australian Reptile Park is the only supplier of funnel-web spider venom for antivenom programs - since the program's inception in the 1980s, not a single death has been attributed to the arachnids.

"What we're actually advising, only of course, the adults to do, is attempt to try and catch the funnel-web, which might sound like an odd thing, but we actually rely on the public's support and their donations of funnel-web spiders for our venom program," Mr Meney said. 

"If you're a responsible adult, and you feel comfortable to do so, that's what we're actually advising people to do." 

Members of the public who have safely caught a funnel-web can bring collected spiders straight to the Reptile Park or to one of many drop-off points such as the John Hunter Hospital or the Animal Referral and Emergency Centre in Broadmeadow.

Image credit: Australian Reptile Park

Culturally Appropriate Aged Care Facility to Arrive in the Hunter for Indigenous Elders

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Two of the leading Aboriginal organisations in the Hunter have come together to deliver a new aged care facility for the elderly community.

Awabakal Ltd and Biraban Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday, making a commitment to work with one another on the project.

Awabakal Ltd Deputy Chair Raymond Smith says the project was exciting and a positive step forward.

"We're in the process of partnerships to link up with all the other Aboriginal organisations, to come together, to pool our resources together, to drive culturally appropriate ideas that we are putting forward," Mr Raymond Smith said. "These partnerships, they're important to us for future growth."

Biraban LALC is expected to provide the land for the new facility, while Awabakal Ltd will contribute medical care and expand their current infrastructure and services.

"The facility itself will also provide all medical services from Awabakal, for our community, and supporting independent accommodation for the Aboriginal community," Mr Raymond Smith said. "That will allow interaction and for that social network between the family members."

Biraban LALC Chair Edward Smith said the Memorandum would help both parties "ensure that our community and Elders are cared for in a culturally safe environment".

"There's a big population within the Lake Macquarie area and Newcastle," Mr Edward Smith said. "There's over 8,000 within Lake Macquarie and four to five thousand in Newcastle - and then you put the rest of the Hunter together, so you're looking over a 30,000 population of Indigenous people." 

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council has also spoken in support of the partnership.

Lifesavers Urging Families to Swim Between the Flags This Summer, After Teenager Drowns Near Forster

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter lifesavers are asking families and holidaymakers to stay between the red and yellow flags and swim at patrolled locations after a teenager was caught in a rip and drowned at Diamond Beach, near Forster on Wednesday,

Police officers and paramedics performed CPR in an attempt to revive the 17 year old boy, but were unable to save his life.

Another family member who attempted to rescue the boy was hospitalised and treated for water inhalation.

Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, said it was a "heartbreaking incident" to begin the school holidays.

"Please, if you're heading to the beach these school holidays, or this coming long weekend, swim at a patrolled location and always swim between the red and yellow flags," Mr Pearce said.

Lifesavers and lifeguards are on high alert as the weather warms up and are urging swimmers to exercise extra caution at unpatrolled locations.

Volunteers are also now back at Australian beaches on weekends and public holidays.

Image credit:www.surflifesaving.com.au

Coal Projects to Deliver More Than Three Thousand Jobs for the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A new report by the NSW Minerals Council is suggesting mining projects across the Lower and Upper Hunter could generate 3,700 jobs and more than $2.7 billion in capital investment for the region.

The ten coal projects outlined for the Hunter include two brand new underground thermal coal mine developments at Muswellbrook and Wyong, in addition to extensions to existing sites such as Glendell, Mangoola, and Rix's Creek.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee says together with the 22 other projects planned across the state, there is the potential for a total of $13 billion in capital investment and more than 15,500 employment opportunities.

"These are big opportunities for the Hunter Region and for the Hunter economy at a time when we are all looking for economic opportunities to help drive, hopefully, the economic recovery post the Coronavirus pandemic," said Mr Galilee.

The 32 total projects across New South Wales are in various stages of planning and assessment and represent an increase of seven from the sector's last major report released in November 2018

Although all of the projects in the pipeline for the Hunter are thermal or potential coking coal proposals, Mr Galilee says many of the other developments throughout the state have been identified as metal extraction projects.

“While the number of coal projects has risen slightly, the number of proposed metals projects has almost doubled from 6 to 11, representing over 30 percent of all major mining projects proposed in NSW, up from 20 percent 18 months ago," he said.

“This is an opportunity to further build and diversify the NSW mining sector and represents a strong industry response to the release of the NSW Government’s Minerals Strategy in early 2019.”

Image credit: https://www.nswmining.com.au/

City of Newcastle Commits to United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The City of Newcastle has joined a global movement to commit to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and build a better and brighter future for the Hunter Region.

The seventeen goals set out by the United Nations address complex global challenges from human rights and gender equality to clean energy and climate action.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says the goals will help guide local action and are a "wide-ranging roadmap of how we'd like the world to look in 2030".

Newcastle, the only United Nations city in Australia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a number of Hunter organisations, including Compass Housing, CIFAL at the University of Newcastle, Kumalie, Hunter Water, the Port of Newcastle, and Port Waratah Coal Services.

Cr Clausen says Newcastle is dedicated to achieving all of the goals within the next ten years and building on the city's current work in sustainability.

“City of Newcastle is already leading the local government sector on climate action, making great strides in the field over the past five years and becoming the first NSW Council to become powered by 100% renewable energy,” Cr Clausen said.

"Our 2025 Climate Action Plan, currently in development, will set our goals and priorities for the next five years to build on these achievements."

The City of Newcastle has also become the 11th city in the Oceania and Asia-Pacific Region to join the 2020 SDGs Cities Challenge - participating cities will work together with government, academic, and business experts in a 10-month action research project to identify the best approaches to implementing the UN goals.

Representatives of the Hunter Region SDG Memorandum of Understanding meet via Zoom.

City of Newcastle Set to Boost Economy by $275 Million with Coronavirus Relief Program

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The City of Newcastle's record $116 million capital works program is set to create 700 new local jobs and boost economic output by $275 million in an attempt to revitalize the local economy as it moves on from the COVID-19 pandemic.

While more than 41,000 people have lost their job or left the local labour force since February, the Council is confident their stimulus will breathe new life into the struggling community.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with the national economy in recession, it was more important than ever to "accelerate investment" and "uplift economic activity".

The city's infrastructure plan will deliver several programs over the next 12 months:

• $22.9 million for upgrades to local roads and footpaths 
• $17 million for waste management, with $9 million going towards an organics recycling facility at Summerhill and divert around 900,000 tonnes of food and garden organics from landfill 
• $14.2 million for suburban and city centre renewal, such as thee Hunter Street Mall works and local centres in Wallsend, Kotara, Merewether, Shortland, and Stockton
• $9.3 million for environmental sustainability projects, with $1.4 million going towards the rehabilitation of Ironbark Creek 
• $8.2 million for new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities 
• $7.3 million on storm water upgrades to address localised flooding
• $5 million to implement the city's Climate Action Plan 
• $5 million for new and improved cycleways
• $4.6 million for bridge reconstruction works, including Cowper Street and Nelson Street, Wallsend
• $1.5 million to plant new street and park trees

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said a $12 million loss in income would not affect their ability to deliver the program.

“The prudent financial management of City of Newcastle means we have the capacity to fund this COVID-19 stimulus budget, without borrowing," said Mr Bath. "Instead the $336 million budget will be funded from forecast income with a $23 million shortfall funded from existing reserves.”

Cr Nelmes said the program would continue the Council's track record of delivering great results for the local economy.

“Independent economic analysis shows that our investment in local infrastructure has sustained over 3,500 local jobs and increased economic output across Newcastle by more than $1.27 billion since 2015."

Image credit: https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

Hunter Health Researchers Receive More Than Ten Million in Grants

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Six Hunter researchers and their projects have received a combined total of $10.6 million in the latest round of grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

The three NHMRC Investigator Grants and three Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Investigator Grants will be led by affiliates with the University of Newcastle, the Hunter Medical Research Institute, and Hunter New England Health, and will address critical areas of concern in chronic disease prevention and community health outcomes

Associate Professor Luke Wolfenden will receive more than $2.7 million over five years to examine methods of promoting positive health behaviours such as physical activity, a healthy diet and qutting smoking.

Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin will receive more than $2 million over five years to examine mental health treatment and potential usage of technology in improving access.

Associate Professor Kelvin Kong will receive more than $1 million to study a telehealth ear, nose and throat (ENT) model in the context of metropolitan, rural and regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, focusing on improvement in Aboriginal children’s access to specialist care and a reduction in waiting times for treatment.

Dr Rachel Sutherland and Dr Nicole Nathan were each awarded $1.5 million to examine the effectiveness of chronic disease prevention programs within communities and schools.

Dr Vanessa Murphy was also awarded $1.5 million to fund research into asthma care during pregnancy and the implementation of this research into local, national, and international clinical practice.

University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Janet Nelson, said the funding success was recognition of the vital research being conducted across the Hunter Region.

“As we navigate a very challenging funding environment, it is incredibly encouraging to see our researchers continue to be recognised for their important work," Professor Nelson said. "While globally, there is a united focus on combatting COVID-19, it is essential that we continue to strive and invest in understanding and developing novel treatments for the vast array of health concerns that continue to affect our populations."

“I sincerely congratulate all our recipients of today’s announcement and I look forward to seeing the results of their impactful projects.”

Find out more about the research here.

                                      Image Credit: TOYBO Biotech