Local Businesses' Urgent Plea for Rate Relief

BY TIM MOORE

Newcastle businesses are suffering as high rates in the city place them under serious financial pressure, with many facing a very real threat of closure.

Council is particularly being called on to scrap the Special Benefit Rate (SBR) applied to businesses across Newcastle, Cooks Hill, Hamilton, Mayfield, Wallsend and New Lambton.

However, despite the pleas, Newcastle City CEO Jeremy Bath recently announced a program which will redirect funds away from the Business Improvement Association into running projects and events.

Additionally, despite an announced budget surplus of $11.95 million, little is being done to relieve some of the burdens affecting local businesses, including failure to address reducing parking costs which has been cited by business owners as the number one concern affecting their trading.

Hamilton Chamber President Nathan Errington is among those calling for action, and has said that Council needs to pay more more attention to the needs of businesses in the community.

"Newcastle City Council is failing. We have lost all confidence in the city administration regarding small business, so we're calling them to start listening to the business community... They need some rate relief."

Removal of the SBR has been cited as the main priority for local business, however this call comes alongside several other requests, including identified needs regarding infrastructure renewal and the ineffective financial assistance which was offered to businesses affected by construction during May this year.

Image source: http://www.nobullrealestate.com.au/blog/Newcastle

Singleton Considers Mandatory Water Restrictions

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Low Level water restrictions could become mandatory for Singleton residents, as Council looks at preserving its falling water supply levels.

Levels at Glennies Creek Dam have fallen to 54-per-cent and if dry weather continues, enforced restrictions could come into place in the area.

Singleton Mayor, Councillor Sue Moore, says Council is working carefully to preserve the water supply.

“Water is an important resource and we need to be mindful of how we use and preserve water even in good conditions,” she said.

The Level 1 (low level) restrictions were applied to Singleton last year, but only on a voluntary basis.

Council says its pleased to see residents have already been saving water, but is considering enforcing its low level restrictions, similar to Sydney.

"It’s great to see the people of Singleton have taken on board tips to save water".

Cr More says water levels and usage are being monitored and Council will consider enforcing water rules if drought conditions continue.

“Council is closely monitoring the status of water in order to inform the need to implement mandatory low level restrictions in the next few months, because of concerns about the supply of water into the future particularly if drought conditions worsen," she said.

According to Singleton Council, the restrictions for residential properties would mean:

• Watering of lawns by watering systems, microsprays, drip systrems, soaker hoses, non fixed sprinklers and hand-held hoses may only occur between 6am to 10am and 4pm to 10pm daily in winter 
• Watering of residential gardens by watering systems, microsprays, drip systems, soaker hoses, non fixed sprinklers and hand-held hoses may only occur between 6am to 10am and 4pm to 10pm daily in winter
• Topping up or filling of garden water features is permitted
• Irrigation of new turf is permitted for one week after laying, which after level 1 restriction of watering lawns applies
• Washing down of walls or paved surfaces is not permitted.

Residents are advised that if the restrictions come into place, they will be enforced.

“If mandatory restrictions are introduced, penalties will apply to customers found to be misusing water," Cr Moore said.

The restrictions were introduced on a voluntary basis, but could become mandatory if dry conditions continue. (Image: Singleton Council)

Erosion Concerns at Jimmy's Beach

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON AND CATHERINE ALLEN

The newly installed $4.1 million Sand Transfer System (STS) at Jimmy's Beach in Hawks Nest is experiencing technical difficulties and has ceased operating in the area.

Issues with its flow meter device have left the STS with pipe blockages and potential infrastructure exposure.

The device itself, originally designed to combat weather-induced erosion, was not a popular choice with local residents and members of the Winda Woppa Association who felt there were better ways to combat the sand degradation.

President of the Winda Woppa Association Ken Garrard says they need to work towards a more permanent solution.

"We have been talking to the council and all of the other stakeholders for some time now that the Sand Transfer System is purely a band-aid solution, that there is no proof that it will work, that we want a permanent solution." says Mr. Garrard, "We have even suggested what components might make a permanent solution, however, we haven't been successful in convincing anybody yet."

Mr. Garrard is calling on members of the community to pressurize local government and ensure that a long-term, permanent solution is found.

Photo by News of the Area