Police Release Photos Over Arson Attack at Lake Mac Council Chambers

 BY JJ PILLAY 

Detectives have released images relating to the suspected arson attack which put Lake Macquarie Council chambers out of action.

CCTV images show a dark grey ute around the area during the time of the fire in November last year. It's understood the vehicle and persons inside could be responsible for the fire.

Strike Force Komiatum has been tasked to investigate the origins of the fire. Council will re-convene following a building repair, next month.

Anyone able to recognize the persons or vehicle is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

The grey ute believed to be involved with the incident. Credit: Lake Macquarie Police

Belmont 16s sails into 100 year milestone

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

Belmont 16s is celebrating a huge milestone, marking 100 years since its first 16-Foot skiff race on Friday.

On October 7th 1922, 400 people lined the shores of Belmont Bay at Lake Macquarie to watch 7 skiffs and their crews compete for the coveted prize of £12, equivalent to a month's wage at the time.

In the months following, brothers John and Mark Reid went on to build Belmont Sailing Club, a shed over-hanging the lake, and accumulated 50 members.

A century later, Belmont 16s is one of the largest clubs in the Hunter and has grown its membership base to over 36,000 people. 

Club President David Berryman says the club's history has been riddled with highlights.

"The Club has held and hosted numerous World Championships, we've had sailors from the Club compete at the Olympics," he said.

"We've hosted multiple National Championships, and for a very long time we've hosted the Combined High School Championships."

To celebrate the Centenary, the Club is hosting a commemoration dinner tonight, hosted by Vince Sorrenti with entertainment by Kate Cebrano. 

The rest of the weekend will see a sailing regatta take place in Belmont Bay to mark the milestone, including dinghy classes and 16-Foot skiffs. 

Sunday's events will also see an appearance by the historic 18-Foot skiffs.

The Club is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and expansion project that is expected to be completed in Spring 2023.

Mr Berryman is excited for what the future of the Club holds.

"I think the future is very bright for the Club and hopefully it will be able to continue supporting sailing and 16-Foot skiff sailing for the next 100 years," he said.

You can keep up to date with Belmont 16s' Centenary project here.

Skiffs being rigged for the club's first race in 1922.

A regatta in 1971.

Skiffs taking to Lake Macquarie for the 2021-22 season

Draft heritage strategy to unearth rich Lake Macquarie history

BY ALEXANDRA REES

The rich history of Lake Macquarie could soon be celebrated under a new draft heritage museum strategy.

On public exhibition, the Council's hoping to develop tourism-focused museum heritage programs and will work with local aboriginal groups to recognise and preserve sites and collections. 

Council Arts and Tourism Manager Jacqui Hemsley says there's been increased interest in the region's history. 

"There's huge interest from visitors to our city as well as well as our students and our community in understanding a little bit more of the identity and the history of our place," she said.

"That includes our pre-contact history with the Awabakal culture as well as our more modern history."

Council already maintains a variety of sites that form part of Lake Mac's museum landscape from libraries to the landmark Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC), at Booragul.

Ms Hemsley says the program wouldn't have been possible without co-operation with the community.

"The superb work the heritage advisors have done in developing heritage plans and strategies for the city,  some of the cultural collections as well as some of the Awabakal cultural heritage, and working through some of the amazing programs and stories and oral histories that come from that sector," she said.

"We've really started to develop quite a strong and vibrant heritage community."

Community Museum Officer Meg O'Donnell with heritage items in Council's collection.

Draft Plan Paves Pathway for Lake Mac Tourism Boom

BY RAVELLE EATON

Lake Macquarie Council's Draft Destination Management Plan 2022-2026 has been released, with hopes it will lay the foundation to attract up to four million visitors within the next 10 years. 

The Plan lays out a target of 800,000 overnight visitors by 2032, with another 1.7 million day-trippers to explore key localities. 

Proposed actions include expanding Belmont Wetlands State Park, reinvigorating the use of the Catherine Hill Bay jetty and a master plan for the Lake arts precinct.

Other changes include improving visitor and recreation facilities at Rathmines and the feasibility of an indoor aviation attraction at Lake Macquarie airport with the aim to bring young people into the area.

Mayor Kay Fraser says it'll help capture an even bigger share of tourists.

"Geographically, we're also in a great position. we're easily in reach for Sydneysiders, as well as all the international visitors flowing into Australia through Sydney Airport," Cr Fraser said.

The plan is aiming to improve the current 2.2 million annual visitors to a target of 2.5-3.9 million, and for annual visitor spending to improve from $210 million in 2019 to $583 million in the next 10 years.

For more information or to provide feedback go to shape.lakemac.com.au/dmp before September 20.

Lake Macquarie residents labelled top green waste recyclers in the country

BY RAVELLE EATON

Lake Macquarie residents have been labelled as some of the best green waste recyclers in Australia. 

Data released by Lake Macquarie Council has shown 44,000 tonnes of food and garden organics was collected by crews from over 85,000 households in the past financial year. 

Waste Strategy Coordinator Hal Dobbins says almost 60 per cent of household food waste is going into the green bin. 

"Treated timer, rocks, rubble, garbage, plastic bags and kitty litter are some of the items put into the green bin incorrectly," he said. 

Lake Macquarie residents had significantly lower rates of contamination when it came to placing items in the correct bin.

The council congratulated residents and hopes to get even more organics from the red waste bin into the green waste bin.

The food organics facility at Awaba.

Lake Macquarie to leap ahead with Trampoline Centre of Excellence

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Lake Macquarie is set to be the epicentre of Australian trampolining, with the NSW Government signing off on a $12.5 million grant for a new Trampoline Centre of Excellence at Glendale.

It comes alongside a $25.7 million expansion of the Hunter Sports Centre, co-funded by Council and the Commonwealth.

It's estimated, the centre will generate more than $2.5 million a year in visitor revenue, much of it from athletes, support staff, families and spectators travelling into the Hunter.

The facility will also feature a 1500sqm arena with nine trampolines, two tumbling strips, two double mini-trampolines, a foam pit, warm up areas and seating for 450 spectators. 

There'll also be space for other aerial sports, such as skateboarding and skiing.

The venue is expected to open in early 2025.

Newcastle's First Artificial Reef

BY ALICE PEART

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie fishermen now have access to an artificial reef off the coast of Blacksmith's Beach.

The 12 metre tall steel skeleton is one of nine across the state, designed to provide a new habitat for local fish populations.

The government say the reefs represent a long-term investment to improve recreational fishing in NSW.

Monitoring of the site has already identified over 50 different fish species in the reef, with expectations it will continue to grow in the coming years.

"The steel structure is the skeleton of the new thriving fish community; but the ocean will ultimately do the rest with the reef rapidly accumulating a wide variety of attaching marine organisms" said Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall.

The minister said the reef will particularly support bottom-dwelling and pelagic species which are popular with recreational fishers; Yellowtail Kingfish, Bonito and Blue Mackerel have already been spotted in the new reef.

Float Your Boat is Back for 2019

BY KEELY JOHNSON

The annual Float Your Boat spectacular has returned, with more than 20 illuminated vessels set to hit Lake Macquarie tonight. 

The flotilla will depart Marmong Point Marina at 6pm, passing through Bolton Point at 6:30pm, Toronto at 7pm, Coal Point at 7:30pm, Rathmines at 8pm and finishes up at Wangi Wangi by 9pm. 

The event will run both today and tomorrow, with live-sites set up at Toronto on Friday night and Warners Bay on Saturday night for spectators to enjoy the parade. The sites will have live music, food trucks, children's illuminated costume workshops, fire twirling and LED hula-hoop performances for entertainment throughout the night. 

"This is a fantastic opportunity to get outside in these colder months to just enjoy what the lake has to offer," said Events Officer Kate Dunn.

"It's a great community project where the local boat owners are coming together and lighting up their boats and having a great time doing it, they really enjoy this weekend." 

The event attracted more than 17,000 people to the foreshore last year, but Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says the council is expecting even larger crowds. 

"With fine weather forecast for both nights, we are expecting big crowds this year," said Cr Fraser. 

The Mayor will also get the chance to present her favourite, and the communities favourite vessels with cash prizes. 

Illuminated boats from last years event

Symposium for Hunter Creatives

BY ALICE PEART

Lake Macquarie Council will be hosting a symposium this June exploring the role of emerging technologies in the Hunter's creative arts industry.

Lake Mac GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Arts and Museums) 2019 invites the two hundred people employed locally in the arts to attend a range of presentations, workshop and networking events encouraging innovation in creative spaces.

Manager of  Arts, Culture and Tourism, Jacqui Hemsley, said the symposium will offer unique professional development to learn about emerging trends from other professionals in their respective fields.

Presenters include workers from Home of the Arts, GLAMx Digitisation Lab, the Village of Useful and The Lock Up.

Whitebridge Relieved as Controversial Development Loses

BY TIM MOORE

A proposal for the four-storey Fettlers Whitbridge building project was rejected on Friday when the Land and Environment Court handed down its verdict on the highly controversial development plans.

The project has been a source of tension for residents for over six years now.

The Whitebridge Community Alliance have been a loud voice throughout the process as a group of locals passionate about preserving their community.

A spokesperson from the Alliance, Len McCarthy, said they have welcomed the decision and is optimistic about future efforts against development.

"I hope it stiffens the backbone of Lake Macquarie Council a little bit to take developers on more often... It was a very comprehensive judgment from the court and it showed that the developer had absolutely no grounds to force [the council] to grant them permission to build a fourth storey on the development at Whitebridge."

Despite the judgment, the developers are reportedly intending to continue taking Land and Environment Court action against the Lake Macquarie Council in order to modify previous agreements to further develop community resources in exchange for building permission.

Mr McCarthy said that the community's efforts are necessary to help preserve the area and hopes their action serves as an example to others facing similar circumstances.

"Developers like this only have one speed, and that is to squeeze every possible dollar out of any development, with no respect for the community at all... The attitude the community has to have is to come out fighting right from the start, otherwise they will just run all over you and you lose your community."

Image: realestate.com.au

Man Charged With Murder Over Whitebridge Invasion

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Murder charges have now been laid after the death of a man following a home invasion at Whitebridge earlier this week.

It happened around 2:30am Monday morning at a home on Lonus Avenue, where the 60-year-old victim was found with a serious injury to his arm, and later died at the John Hunter Hospital.

Police believe three men armed with baseball bats and knives, dressed in face coverings, broke into the home and attacked the man in his bedroom.

Yesterday, officers arrested a 19-year-old man at a home on Warners Bay Road, Charlestown and charged him with murder.

He will appear in Newcastle Local Court today, as police continue to search for the other two intruders.

Spotlight Shone on Illegal Dumping Scourge

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

More than $62,000 worth of illegal dumping fines have been handed out to Lake Macquarie residents this year alone.

1100 incidents and 24,000 tonnes of unlawfully disposed waste has been recorded across the Hunter and Central Coast over the past 12 months, and we're being put on notice with fines starting at $2000 for individuals.

Analysis shows household waste is the most common material to be illegally dumped, accounting for 50% of all recorded incidents. Construction and demolition waste are the next most common.

Hunter/Central Coast RID Squad Coordinator Rob Robertson says residents can also get caught out if they enlist the help of another person or hire someone to remove rubbish.

"What sometimes happens is that fly-by-night waste removalists will advertise online, pick up your rubbish and take payment, then try to dodge tip fees by dumping their waste illegally," Mr Robertson says.

"Most householders don't realise they are actually liable when this occurs."

Lake Macquarie Council's Sustainability Manager Dr Alice Howe says they've just installed solar lighting at a known dumping hotspot, Glendale's Reservoir Road.

"Lighting is an important part of our deterrent strategy," she explains, "we really rely on the public to help us with information and lighting makes it easier for people to see what's going on.

"I really encourage people, if they see illegal dumping activity, to call the Environment Line on 131 555 and we can follow up on that," Dr Howe says.

The RID Squad's Rob Robertson on grounds off Reservoir Rd Glendale. 

Man Charged Over Alleged Sexual Assault of 13-year-old

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man's been refused bail and is facing Toronto Local Court today over the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl in Lake Macquarie.

Around 1am on Sunday, officers stopped a vehicle at Cardiff and arrested the man driving, taking a 13-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy who were in the car into police care.

Police say the 28-year-old had been speaking to the girl on social media for 12 months before they met up at a home in the Lake Macquarie LGA, and the girl was allegedly sexually assaulted.

He's been charged with aggravated sexual assault and procuring a child for unlawful sexual activity.

Macquarie Radio has revealed the man was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, charged with the sexual assault of another girl in Griffith.

He'd failed to appear in court last month.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Morisset Pipework First Step in Sewer Scheme

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The $30 million Wyee Sewer Scheme is kicking off ahead of schedule, with early construction work beginning at Morisset.

Crews are installing 500 metres of pipeline along Macquarie Street, ahead of scheduled road upgrades between Wharf Street and Rivergum Drive in about 3 months.

"Undertaking the Wyee sewer works to coincide with Council's road upgrades will mean less disruption for the residents of Morisset," Hunter Water Director Jim Bentley said, "it also makes sense to do this work now so that we're not having to repair a newly upgraded section of road."

The Wyee Sewer Scheme is a NSW Government and Hunter Water project which will eventually provide direct sewer connections to 400 homes and businesses in the area and is hoped to cater to additional future demand.

Primary construction work is due to begin in Wyee in mid-2019.

Lake Macquarie Council CEO Morven Cameron said she's pleased they've got the ball rolling.

"Collaborating with Hunter Water on the first stage...is just the beginning of this transformation for the suburb of Wyee and we're excited to see this project finally progress for the community," Ms Cameron said.

Lake Macquarie City Council CEO Morven Cameron, Hunter Water Managing Director Jim Bentley and Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser

Lake Macquarie State Labor Candidate Announced

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

State Labor has today announced who will contest the seat of Lake Macquarie, currently held by Independent Greg Piper, at the March 2019 election.

Jo Smith has put her hand up and has been welcomed to the candidacy in a meeting today with the Hunter's Labor MPs.

Ms Smith is a Manager at Birmingham Gardens' Regal Cinema and partner to cinema programmer George Merryman.

The pair has come into the spotlight recently as part of a push to retain parking spaces around the Regal, in the wake of plans from City of Newcastle to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on University Drive and the Inner City Bypass roundabout.

Jo Smith is promising to focus on community needs and engagement should she win the seat, saying greater transport connections and health care are crucial to the growing LGA.

"What we need to do is stop the losses occurring in the Lake Macquarie area, we need to bring back what we have lost, and we also need to ensure there is adequate infrastructure because we're having a population influx..." she said.

Jo Smith (second from right, black blazer) with local Labor MPs. Image courtesy Kate Washington MP. 

Lake Mac Teens Limber Up: Applications Open for 2019 Children's Games

BY KEELY JOHNSON

Lake Macquarie athletes aged 12-15 are being told they have the chance to compete at the International Children's Games in Russia next year.

Contestants will compete against top performers from around the globe, gaining travelling experience and learning about Russian culture.

Those children in the sports of athletics, swimming and rock climbing will be eligible to apply for a position on the Lake Macquarie team.

Mayor Kay Fraser, believes the trip is a life-changing experience.

"It's a great opportunity to compete on the world stage, but more importantly to travel around the globe, meet young people and experience their way of life."

Karen Turner from the Academy says trip expenses should not deter competitors from registering.

"Athletes and supporters pay their own fare, but the athletes are accommodated and have meals provided by the City, and in the lead-up, we do quite a lot of fundraising so we work as hard as we can to give the kids a start on their fare."

An information session for interested teens and parent/guardians will be held at Lake Macquarie Council's administration building in Speers Point on Tuesday 13 November at 4:30pm.

For more information, head to the website.

Team Lake Mac 2018. 

Sickening Sexual Assault of Teenager at Windale

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A 14-year-old girl has been sexually assaulted by a man at Windale.

Police say the teenager had gotten off a bus on the Pacific Highway near South Street around 3:30pm yesterday and was walking in scrubland near Yertala Close when she was approached by a man armed with a knife.

It's alleged she was dragged into the bushes and sexually assaulted, before the man fled the scene in a silver vehicle.

Lake Macquarie Police and Child Abuse Detectives have created Strike Force Kielpa to investigate the incident.

A crime scene has been established and is today being examined by forensic detectives.

Officers are also conducting a high-visibility policing operation throughout the area to complement investigative strategies.

Paid Parking Could Be Coming to Lake Macquarie

BY NAKITA JAGER

Lake Macquarie City Council has deliberated on a new parking strategy aimed at addressing the LGA's traffic woes.

Council has decided nine management studies will be conducted, looking at locations where measures like meters, new line markings and in-ground sensors should be installed.

Councillor Jason Pauling said the idea of enforcing paid parking in the area would spark some opposition from Lake Macquarie residents.

"That's a very different cultural change for Lake Macquarie," he said.

"It's been kicked around a fair bit over the past few years and generally has received a fair bit of opposition."

The parking studies will further investigate which sites are most congested in town centres such as Charlestown, Cardiff and Toronto, which have been identified as priorities.

"Each of the areas have their own unique characteristics and they probably do need different approaches to deal with parking and rotation," Cr Pauling said, "equally the various business chambers from each of the areas have different views as well, which makes it very difficult."

85% occupancy in Lake Macquarie's town centres was found to be the ideal amount of parking spaces being used - figures Council will aim to bring to fruition.

Government Grant To Curb Lake Macquarie Youth Crime

BY BRIANNA PORTER

Attorney General Mark Speakman and Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper have announced the NSW Government will provide $185,000 to fund an 18-month program to support at-risk youth in Lake Macquarie.

It's hoped to prevent young people from getting involved in criminal activities and capping rates of recidivism.

The funding comes after the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research found a significant rise in disorderly behaviour and theft in the Cardiff region, where the program will be based.

Mr Piper says the Community Activities Lake Macquarie (CALM) program will benefit from the money.

"The focus is on early intervention for at-risk youth to keep them off the streets and help them before major issues arise", added Mr Piper.

The program will help educate youth in many creative areas to distract them from going down an unhealthy path.

"The initiative aims to find creative ways to engage teenagers to keep them out of trouble including music workshops, mentoring programs and street art lessons," said Mr Piper.

The funding will not only be used to support supervised recreational and mentoring programs but to also help the at-risk youth gain their driver's license and install "lighting and CCTV in crime hot spots", Mr Speakman said.

Image: CALM