Construction Begins On Gateshead Ambulance Station

 BY OLI GOELDNER

The state government is ramping up efforts to improve emergency services across Lake Macquarie, with work to begin on a new ambulance station at Gateshead. 

The Oakdale Road facility will host 14 ambulances and 13 paramedics. 

Construction will soon get underway, with works set to be completed by the end of 2027. 

It comes alongside another station being built at Caves Beach, which is expected to be finished around the same time. 

The stations are part of the Minns government's $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program. 

Assistant Commissioner Jade Marks said it's a welcome addition to the region. 

"It will be hub not only for the paramedics that are stationed here, but also for additional paramedics to provide that coverage through to where we need it within this zone," she said. 

"Our paramedics are a mobile workforce. 

"We certainly see this new facility as part of a network that will allow us to move our staff around to where they're needed to we can respond to everyone when they need us the most." 

Recently, paramedics have been pushing for more resources as workloads, pressure and ambulance ramping levels continue to increase across the state. 

As a result, the state government has faced criticism on its plan to build ambulance stations and boost paramedics in the Hunter. 

"This has been a long-time coming," said Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison. 

"I know our paramedics and local people have been asking for this for a long time and finally the Minns Labor Government is delivering. 

"We're very pleased to be doing that as part of a whole range of upgrades to ambulance stations that we're doing across the state." 

Local paramedics and Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison turning the first sod on the Gateshead station. Picture: Ian Crouch. 

Beaumont St CCTV Funding Missed Due To Council Delays

BY NICHOLAS KING

Months of delays and postponing have resulted in the City of Newcastle (CN) missing a vital opportunity to secure funding for the installation of nine CCTV cameras along Beaumont Street.

The NSW Government's Safer Cities grant program opened for applications on January 30 to provide funding to local councils for projects intended to improve public safety, including measures like CCTV in public spaces.

Despite community calls for the surveillance for more than a year, CN failed to endorse the project in time to submit an application.

A formal motion to support a trial for CCTV was tabled for the council's meeting in February, but the vote was repeatedly pushed back to April.

Applications for the grant closed on March 6.

CN submitted an application to the Active Regional Communities Grant program instead, which was not successful. 

Meanwhile, Central Coast Council received $2 million under the Safer Cities program for a similar CCTV rollout. 

Newcastle Liberal Councillor Jenny Barrie has criticised the state government's denial of their application, questioning why the Central Coast Council received the funding. 

However, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp shut down Cr Barrie's comments.

"It [CN's application] probably didn't fit the criteria as well as it would have for the Safer Cities grant," he said. 

"Council had to be dragged kicking and screaming to act on CCTV. 

"They said they would debate it at their first meeting of 2026, then it became the first quarter, then it became the second quarter.

“If we had a cooperative council, including Jenny Barrie, from day dot, we could have CCTV installed already.”

In response to Mr Crakanthorp's comments, CN councillor Callum Pull said the MP is misleading the public.

"When Tim Crakanthorp was a Councillor he not only opposed the installation of CCTV but he and his Labor colleagues made it the formal position of the Council to not support council-run CCTV," said Cr Pull.

"Not only did he close the door but locked it behind him. 

"It was not until 2026 that thanks to the efforts of Councillor Barrie the formal position of Council changed. 

"Council did in fact apply for the grant Mr Crakanthorp refers to and was once again knocked back. 

"The BIA and Council have been identifying strategies to tackle Crime in Beaumont Street through initiatives like the Hamilton Safety Audit, but his Government have been either unsupportive or failed to provide the resources needed to implement them.

"What residents can take away from this is that when Tim Crakanthorp says the NSW Government will fund something, what he really means is that we can send in an application to a grants’ program and we might or might not get it. 

"At no point over the past few months has Tim ever said that there is an asterisk beside the Government’s support for the installation of CCTV. 

"This is yet another lame attempt from Tim Crakanthorp to deflect blame."

$17.2B Anambah To Branxton Infrastructure Plans Revealed

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Plans have been revealed for a $17.2 billion strategy to bring major housing and infrastructure into the Hunter over the next 40 years. 

The draft Structure Plan for the Anambah to Branxton Regionally Significant Growth Area (A2B RSGA) was put on public exhibition earlier this week, following resolutions from Cessnock, Singleton and Maitland councils. 

The area spans around 15,000 hectares across the three local government areas and is positioned along major transport routes, including the New England Highway, Hunter Expressway and Main Northern Rail Line. 

Outlined in the plans are significant infrastructure investments, including $10.32 billion for roads, $3.6 billion for open spaces and $1.2 on public transport. 

Alongside that, the RSGA aims to allow for an additional 61,000 new dwellings to be built in the outlined areas, set to boost the population by 124,000 and create 15,000 new jobs. 

Lochinvar is estimated to see the largest infrastructure investment of $3.1 billion, followed by Huntlee ($2.3 billion), Anvil Creek ($2.2 billion) and Greta ($2 billion). 

Other features of the RSGA include plans for 77 new sports courts, 52 playgrounds, eight primary and four secondary schools, seven libraries and 17 community centres. 

The RSGA is designed to be rolled out over the next 40 years, until 2066, with significant help from both state and federal government investments. 

Maitland mayor Phillip Penfold said they're expected tens of thousands of people to move into the outlined corridor over the next four decades. 

"What's most important to me and to the council is that we're planning for that growth, making sure that there's an appropriate roads network, paths network, schools, libraries, hospitals and train stations for the future growth," he said. 

The draft A2B RSGA is currently on public exhibition, available on the three Council's Have You Say pages until Tuesday 6 October. 

"Once the plan is adopted, there will be an opportunity for prospective developers to discuss with landowners their interest over the coming decades to be able to develop that land over time," said Cr Penfold. 

"It's important that we make sure everything that's necessary is planned appropriately so the road network can cope, ensuring we have the hospitals and schools that are needed. 

"This will take time and it's subject to landowners being interested as time passes." 

Draft Anambah to Branxton Regionally Significant Growth Area structure plan. Picture: Cessnock City Council

Business Hunter Praises State Government Praised for Local Train Manufacturing Plan

BY MARLEY RAE

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes has applauded the NSW Government's pledge to make the Hunter the state's home for train building.

Over the weekend, Premier Chris Minns announced at the NSW Labor Conference they will invest $12 billion to build a new Hunter train manufacturing facility. 

Operated by a private manufacturer, the business would be constructed to provide ongoing support for the region's passenger train fleet, with a former Teralba coal mine and the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot shortlisted as potential locations.

Mr Hawes believes the announcement is a big win for the Hunter.

"This is a huge vote of confidence from the NSW Government in the Hunter's industrial capability and their desire to see that strength upheld", he said.

"We are really pleased to see the government's adopting a 'build them here' approach and recognising that governments have an ability and responsibility to support jobs, skill development and local businesses through the supply chain by manufacturing trains right here in our states industrial heartland."

The local rail manufacturing industry dried up in 2012, with the new facility to refocus train procurement back to the Hunter after more than a decade of major contracts going offshore. 

"The proposal keys into the regions DNA when it comes to manufacturing, building and making things, especially train building," said Mr Hawes. 

"The government is seeking to make an investment on it's own part, but also is really seeking to provoke private sector investment to get the facility up and running, and we think that's very exciting.

"I'm confident we will get a strong response from not only the investment community, but also the workplace community looking to see this sort of facility go ahead." 

Picture: Transport for NSW

Million Dollar Tomaree Lodge Master Plan Released

BY JOHN HEWITT

After years of sitting idle there's now movement on the State Government's plans for the Tomaree Lodge precinct.

The Government has released its long-awaited Masterplan for Tomaree Lodge, outlining its future vision for the precinct with an emphasis on its history, natural beauty and connection to the community.

The release of the Masterplan follows the completion of a number of initial projects for the site, including walkway repairs, refurbishment of recreational areas, building upgrades and new CCTV cameras.

In the next phase of its development the Masterplan will focus on arts and cultural events, educational opportunities and local tourism initiatives.

President of the Tomaree Lodge Headland Heritage Group, Peter Clough, said the Masterplan was based on extensive feedback, and reflects the hopes and wishes of the local community.

"The initiatives outlined in the Masterplan make a lot of sense," he said.

"We are particularly pleased with the inclusion of educational facilities and a museum as initiatives for consideration."

The State Government is investing $4.6 million in the site to ensure the precinct can continue to meet community needs and expectations for generations to come.

The Government is also looking at commercial opportunities for the site, including the potential development of a cafe and information centre.

The Masterplan is available on the Department of Community and Justice web site - www.dcj.nsw.gov.a

Tomaree Headland. Picture: Tomaree Headland and Heritage Group

Hunter Preschool Teachers Take On State Government

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter preschool teachers took to the streets of Sydney today, calling on the state government to provide proposed pay rises. 

Hundreds of educators, parents and supporters, dressed in bright pink, gathered in Martin Place in the lead up to the state government delivering its annual budget in June. 

Earlier this year, the community preschool sector was promised a gender under-valuation increase, with a five per cent pay rise promised for both March and June this year, followed by an additional five per cent in June next year. 

However, members of the Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch  (IEU NSW/ACT) said the state government does not plan to fund the increase, with the onus on service providers to pay the extra wages. 

East Maitland Preschool director Jodie Cox said small businesses cannot afford to keep up with the increase. 

"We're not asking for more at this stage, we're just asking for funding to be able to cover those costs for our preschools," she said. 

"We're finding that preschools are starting to have to cut their budgets and are operating at a deficit. 

"So, they're having to charge families more and more fees as well." 

In February, the Fair Work Commission recommended the state government review and boost funding for community preschools to lift pay and conditions for educators. 

The IEU NSW/ACT reported community preschools earn up to 30 per cent less a year than their counterparts in schools with similar qualifications and roles, and 15 per cent less than their colleagues in long day care centres. 

"Funding for community preschools is derived solely from the NSW Government and parent fees," said an IEU NSW/ACT spokesperson. 

"They do not receive funding from the federal government. 

"In a cost-of-living crisis, it is essential that preschools avoid fee increases." 

Picture: IEU NSW/ACT 

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.

Bus safety campaign

 BY JORDAN REGNIS

A new advertising campaign is reminding Hunter bus passengers to 'Buckle up on the bus'.

The campaign from Transport for NSW will appear on TV, radio, digital media, social media and in regional print newspapers from today.

It's the second part of a program encouraging bus passengers in regional areas to understand that buckling up their seatbelt is mandatory on all buses fitted with seatbelts across NSW.

The campaign was rolled out following recommendations made by the Bus Industry Taskforce.

The taskforce was set up last year in an effort to make recommendations to improve bus services, including ways to improve safety after the Greta wedding bus tragedy.

Singleton Mayor Hits Back At Resources For Regions Cutback

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

The NSW government has announced it will cut the Resources for Regions grant program, a move which has been heavily criticized by Singleton Mayor Sue Moore.

It comes after Singleton Council recently worked closely with the government to deliver positive changes to the program. 

Singleton and Muswellbrook account for a total of 43% of NSW's coal mining output, which amounted to over $18 billion in 2021. Because of this, more than $25 million has been given back to the Singleton local government area.

Cr Moore says Resources for Regions has delivered a fair return to the Singleton community for the unavoidable impacts of mining.

"The changed Resources for Regions program, changed three years ago, was hugely beneficial to Singleton residents and the local government area. We were able to support projects and programs, not just council projects," she said.

Cr Moore said she will continue to advocate for the program to continue, and is devastated to see it cut from Tuesday's budget.

"Projects that we've been able to support for the last three years will no longer be able to receive support... so I'm really concerned for what it's going to mean for those community programs that have no way of getting funding," she said.

However, Cr Moore says she is hopeful the introduction of the new $350 million Regional Development Trust Fund will continue to support communities in rural and regional NSW.

NSW Premier Announces $100,000 in Funding Support for Families of the Greta Bus Crash Victims

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The state government is donating $100,000 to help people affected by the Greta bus crash. 

The injection will provide benevolent relief and support to survivors, victims, and their immediate families. 

A fundraiser set up by the Singleton Roosters AFL Club in support of affected locals has so far raised more than $120,000. 

Visiting the Hunter today, NSW Premier Chris Minns said the funds from the government will be put into a Rotary Australia-led fund which will support those in the community who have been directly impacted by the tragedy. 

"We will leave it up to Rotary and their governance process to distribute the funds, but we anticipate they will be used for funeral expenses for those who have passed," Mr. Minns said.  

Rotary expects the fund will raise more than $1 million in total. 

The Premier also took the time to thank emergency service staff and the Australian public for their outpouring of support for the Hunter community, and gave an update on those victims still in hospital. 

At this stage nine patients are in a stable condition at the John Hunter Hospital, two are in a stable condition at Singleton Hospital, and two are in a stable condition at the Royal Prince Albert in Sydney. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

The Hunter's remaining COVID-19 testing clinics to close

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

The six remaining COVID-19 testing clinics in the Hunter will be closed by the 13th of May, the New South Wales Government has announced.

The Hunter testing sites impacted include Morisset, Wallsend, Warners Bay, Wickham, Raymond Terrace and Telarah. 

High costs and low demand have been cited as the reason for the closures across the state.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park says the clinics have cost the state between $11 and $12 million this year alone.

"It's money we simply don't have... the money needs to be going into health services across New South Wales," said Mr Park.

The 165 walk-in and drive-through clinics across New South Wales will be replaced by a referral system.

High risk patients will be able to get a PCR referral from their GP to be completed at a pathologist.

The cost of this is not yet clear.

NSW Coalition Promises $102 Million to Redevelop Scone Hospital

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The NSW Coalition has made it's largest pre-election funding commitment to date, with $102 million pledged to redevelop the Scott Memorial Hospital at Scone if re-elected on March 25.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole made the announcement this morning in the ultra-marginal seat of Upper Hunter.

Minister for Regional Health, Bonnie Taylor says the redevelopment will deliver a new state-of-the-art hospital building, consolidating services now at different sites across the hospital campus.

The commitment also includes an upgrade to worker accommodation. 

Image: Monument Australia

Edgeworth to Receive New Ambulance Station

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A new ambulance station in Edgeworth is on the way, thanks to the state government's record investment into health.

The new station will feature internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, vehicle wash facilities, logistics and storage spaces, an administration office, staff amenities, and multipurpose spaces to support staff education. 

It comes as part of the government's total 1.76 billion dollar investment, which is set to transform NSW ambulance services over the next 4 years. 

As part of the program, the government has also announced $835 million will be allocated to the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, $111.48 million will be handed-down to redevelop Cessnock Hospital, and 45 million will go towards Muswellbrook Hospital. 

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin, said the site for the Edgeworth station will be determined once further planning is completed with key stakeholders. 

Essential Hunter Workers Call to Scrap the Public Sector Wage Cap

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Essential workers from the Hunter gathered at the John Hunter Hospital this morning, in a bid to address issues surrounding wages and staff shortages. 

Ahead of the event, Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey, launched a new report, detailing how much health and education workers will be out-of-pocket if the wage cap for public sector workers isn't scrapped. 

The research into the impact of the wage cap on the pay packets of essential workers shows it will leave nurses, paramedics and teachers worse-off by between $10,000 and $12,000 dollars when adjusted for inflation over 3 years.

It also details how the 3% wage cap is adding to critical staff shortages, noting vacancies for education professionals in the region have tripled. 

Mark Morey said something needs to be done. 

"We're calling on the NSW Government to get rid of the cap, and to negotiate wage increases for its essential workers," he said. 

He said scrapping the cap is the only way to address mass vacancies across the Hunter. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

$21 Million Needed For Long-Term Stockton Solution

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A funding short-fall is the latest spanner in the works to re-nourish Stockton Beach. 

The Coastal Management Plan estimates at least an extra $21 million is needed before long term sand re-nourishment can occur. 

After announcing on Monday, NSW Public Works would take over the short-term dredging project, Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the body would work with the commonwealth and council to minimise costs. 

While City of Newcastle and The Greens are in support of a break-wall levy to fund the ongoing works, both Labor and the Coalition have ruled it out. 

While council maintains the NSW government should be the one to take key action in relation to the plan, discussions continue over which government agency will take majority responsibility of the project.

Hunter LGA's Added to Live Traffic App

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Hunter motorists will soon have more real-time traffic information, as the state government prepares to add more regional roads to the Live Traffic NSW app. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell was joined by Maitland City Mayor Phillip Penfold and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway in Lorn today for the announcement. 

Singleton, Muswellbrook and Newcastle are set to go live on the app by the end of the month, with plans for the entire state to be added by the end of the year. 

The program, which has already been implemented in Maitland, means councils will be trained to upload road closure and incident information themselves. 

Mayor Phillip Penfold, said it's something vulnerable communities have been calling for. 

"The opportunity for council itself to upload this information, is going to be a game-changer when it comes to emergencies like floods, like fires, like listing our roadworks," he said.  

"The Live Traffic app is fantastic as it is, but we need to make sure the community has confidence that the information that's there is up-to-date and valid and correct."

New Policy to Put Teachers in Classrooms

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The state government has introduced a new pathway, which could see aspiring Hunter teachers walking into the classroom after just twelve months.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said under the new policy, the time to complete a masters degree for post-graduate students will be halved from two years to one, after the length of the course was seen as a deterrent for would-be teachers.

Since 2011 almost 100,000 teachers have joined the force, however the policy comes as part of a continued attempt to combat teaching shortages across the Hunter and the country.

The pathway will be available from 2024, and is expected to help build the teaching force with more mid-career professionals. 

The streamlining of the course will only be available to those studying to become a secondary teacher, with a revamped primary teaching course to be available by 2026.

New Homes Delivered for Residents in Crisis

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A new social housing development has been completed in Newcastle. 

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin announced yesterday, the completion of the $3.9 million project on Stannett Street in Waratah West. 

The development includes three one-bedroom and five two-bedroom units, as well as parking for four cars, sun shades, and easy access to parks, bus stops and essential services. 

It will provide eight homes, helping 14 local residents put a roof over their heads. 

The news comes amid a housing crisis across the Hunter region and the state. 

Recent figures indicate there are more than 50,000 people on the NSW social housing waitlist, with 4,500 of those coming from the Hunter. 

Additionally, rental vacancy in the region sits at just 1%. 

Mr Martin said the Waratah project is just one of ten developments which make up a $47 million pipeline for Newcastle, aiming to provide 138 homes for Novocastrians over three years. 

City and State in Stand-Off Over Stockton Beach Dredge

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle Council and the state government say, they're each on waiting on one another, to get started on a new nourishment program for Stockton Beach.

The federal government announced the project in October, funding most of the $6.2 million, alongside a council contribution. 

But there's now a stand-off as to whether the City or New South Wales is responsible for managing the works and getting the wheels in motion.

The Port of Newcastle has also raised concern, revealing it doesn't have a permit to dredge the harbour for sand nourishment works.

The Port's Chief Commercial Officer Simon Byrnes, told Newcastle Herald, they do not have "necessary provision to provide sand nourishment or perform dredging operations that are not required for maintenance purposes."

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, said the project is proving to be frustrating for both residents and council. 

"This is ridiculous. This grant application was completed by the state government, naming one of their own agencies as playing a part, who are now trying to back-track," Mr Crakanthorp said.   

"The money is there. It should not be this difficult to get this project moving, and I have attempted to discuss this with the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) on a number of occasions." 

HCCDC was identified as the operation's project manager on the original application. 

Mr Crakanthorp said the delays need to stop, and sand needs to be put back on the beach. 

"This project needs to be project-managed from start to finish, and HCCDC are the allocated government agency to do so. They need to start that process immediately." 

John Hunter doctors call on Health Minister to address poor conditions

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Twelve doctors at the John Hunter Hospital have signed a letter, calling on Health Minister Brad Hazzard to address concerns which they say are impacting their ability to deliver adequate healthcare.

The doctors co-signing the letter include vascular surgeons, anaesthetists, and an obstetrician.

They've ranged concern about workload pressures, staff shortages, inadequate equipment, and poor resource allocation at the John Hunter, saying it's having a major impact on staff morale.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says she'll raise the issue in State Parliament next week.

"The letter is a damning indictment on the way this Government is running our State’s health system," she said."The John Hunter Hospital is the largest regional hospital in the state. It needs to be resourced appropriately."

"It is always concerning for me to hear that staff are not having their complaints adequately addressed by HNEH and that there is a culture of silencing and fear implicit in the workplace."

"We are hearing now about a situation where the largest regional hospital in NSW has doctors who are being forced to compromise patient safety because of improper equipment and inadequate resourcing."