Man Who Fled Police Half Naked at Booral Found and Charged

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A 40-year-old man's set to face Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Monday 10 March), who evaded police, fleeing into bush half naked last month.

At about 8am on Thursday February 13, police attempted to stop a blue Ford Falcon on the Bucketts Way at Booral.

Inquiries revealed the vehicle was stolen from Queensland and allegedly contained a firearm- a pursuit was initiated when the vehicle did not stop.

The man then left the car and fled on foot at Twelve Mile Creek without his pants on.

Despite help from the Dog Unit and PolAir, officers couldn't locate him.

Following extensive inquiries, he was arrested at Fassifern railway station late last month.

He's been charged with multiple offences, including possessing an unauthorised firearm and pursuit charges.
 

Credit: Port Stpehens Hunter Police

Men Charged at Port Stephens for Possession of Stolen Firearms

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged two men at Port Stephens for allegedly possessing four stolen firearms.

Last month officers attended an address on Salamander Way in Salamander Bay where they had reportedly been stolen.

Police commenced inquiries, and attempted to stop a black Toyota Hilux on Hillsborough believed to be linked.

A pursuit was initiated- it was found abandoned at a school nearby.

During a search of the surrounding area, police found three of the four firearms, the matter was then referred to Strike Force Blaine.

Following further inquiries, in the early hours of Monday morning (3 March), two 23-year-old men were arrested on a boat at Shoal Bay. They were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, charged with break and enter and the pursuit.

They've appeared in Raymond Terrace Local Court.

 

 

Firearms seized by police as part of the operation. Credit: NSW Police

 

Hunt for Half Naked Man at Booral

BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are on the hunt for a man from Port Stephens who's understood to be last seen half naked.

Officers gave chase to a stolen Ford Falcon on the Bucketts Way at Booral early yesterday morning (Thursday 13 February).

when the chase finished at Twelve Mile Creek, the man fled the vehicle without pants on.

A search was initiated with assistance from police helicopters and the dog unit, but he couldn't be located.

He's described as of Caucasion appearance, of thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who sees him is asked to contact triple zero immediately.

Credit: Port Stephens Hunter Police District

Price of Oysters Set to Soar for Hunter Residents

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

The price of oysters could soon soar, with Hunter oyster farmers concerned about the impact of recent rain and flooding.

The industry has faced restaurant closures, bushfires, and floods. 

A statewide shortage is being forecast after a reported $17 million in lost stock and equipment damage after recent floods.

Many farmers are yet to fully assess the damage.

Now farmers are concerned an inundation of freshwater rainfall will affect how oysters grow and mature.

It takes up to three years for oysters to be ready for sale.

Karuah oyster farmer Dean Cole says prices may increase in that time.

"It basically goes on supply and demand. I definitely think there will be an increase over the next couple of year, or maybe even sooner," he said.

Mr Cole says because the oysters take so long to mature ready for sale, there isn't yet a clear picture of supply.

"Here locally, we still have our oysters for sale but it won't show its true effects for a couple of years based on who's lost what and if we can actually get stock to replace the one's we've lost," he said.

The biggest concern for Hunter farmers is the inundation of fresh water. 

Oysters grow in salt water, a process which can be disturbed by severe rainfall. Dean Cole said juvenile oysters are far less resilient to the elements.

"A lot of them have died for different people," he said.

"A lot of them have washed out to sea in other estuaries, in Karuah here they're dying from the freshwater but up north it's more so the floodwater taking all the oysters and infrastructure with it," Mr Cole said.

A shortage could affect the availability of fresh local oysters in restaurants and shops in the state, leading to more stock being transported from other regions and adding to cost.

Three People Rescued from the Myall River After Boat Sinks at Winda Woppa

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Three people have been rescued from waters in the Myall River after their boat sunk of the boat ramp at Winda Woppa. 

Two Port Stephens marine rescue vessels were training in the area at the time, and were able to quickly respond to the distress call at around 10.10am on Tuesday morning. 

The rescue crews were notified a passing boat has already picked up the trio before they arrived, and were safely transported to shore. 

Man Charged with High Range Drink Driving, Crashes into Parked Car at Port Stephens

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man will appear in court next month after crashing his car into a parked vehicle while allegedly intoxicated on Thursday. 

Police allege around 4.50am , a 35-year-old man was driving his Mazda 6 west along Sandy Point Road, Corlette, when he lost control and crashed into a parked car.

His vehicle rolled and landed on its roof near Foreshore Drive.

Emergency services were called and officers from Port Stephens – Hunter PD attended and spoke with the driver who was not injured.

He was breath tested and provided a positive result. 

He was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station where he submitted an alleged breath analysis reading of 0.176 – in the high-range category.

He was charged with high range PCA, and his licence was suspended.

He is due to appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on January 25. 

Scientists Call on Port Stephens Community to Spot Koalas and Help Save the Species

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

Port Stephens community members are working with scientists to collect information to help save koalas in the region.

The citizen science initiative, led by the University of Newcastle aims to capture a complete picture of the Port Stephens koala population to inform a koala monitoring program that will help protect the species.

For the past 12 months the research team has been surveying for koalas on public land in the Port Stephens area. Researchers are now asking the community to help complete the picture.

The research project invites interested community members to help by reporting sightings or sounds of koalas, discoveries of sick or deceased koalas, koala threats and pests in the area.

The survey launch follows recent approval to expand the Brandy Hill quarry, a decision which the researchers believe bring into sharp focus the importance of conservation plans for Australia’s unique wildlife.

The project is led by conservation scientist Dr Ryan Witt, PhD candidate Lachlan Howell and honours student Shelby Ryan from the University’s School of Environmental and Life Sciences, with funding from FAUNA Research Alliance and the Federal Communities Environment Program.

“In Port Stephens and other coastal regions in NSW, koala populations are declining rapidly due to multiple threats, mostly caused by humans, such as habitat destruction, bushfires, vehicle strikes, dog attacks and disease,” Dr Witt said.

 

“Declining population size and habitat isolation leads to inbreeding, which results in koala populations that are less fertile, more susceptible to disease and less equipped to cope with the threats of climate change." 

 

“There are so many unknowns about koala population levels but if we can piece together an accurate picture of the population, we’ll be able to understand the risks they face and put plans in place to stop their decline.”

“We know the Port Stephens community are passionate about their koalas and saving the population so by working in partnership with the community we are tapping into that passion and their knowledge. 

"We’ll be combining conservation science with citizen science to identify and map areas important to koalas, which will allow us to inform future research and management actions for koalas in Port Stephens,” Dr Witt said.

The Community Survey is available here and is open until April 2021.

Those who complete the survey also go in the running to win  a $500 gift card or a selection of prizes valued up to $100.

Image Credit: Euronews

Unlicensed Motorcyclist Allegedly Caught More than Double the Speed Limit near Nelson Bay

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

An unlicensed motorcyclist has been charged after he was allegedly caught travelling more than double the speed limit near Nelson Bay. 

About 10.40pm on Monday officers on Nelson Bay Road at Bob’s Farm, detected a Yamaha R3 motorcycle travelling 160km/h in an 80km/h zone. 

When police went to pull the rider over, the motorcyclist allegedly increased his speed to 200km/h, before stopping near Cromarty Lane.

The rider, a 19-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station, where he was charged with drive whilst disqualified, driving in a manner dangerous and exceed speed by more than 45km/h.

The Medowie man has been granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on November 30. 

Driver Allegedly Caught "Fishtailing" and 90kms above Speed Limit at Raymond Terrace

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A mans license has been suspended, after he was allegedly caught driving 90 kilometers above the speed limit at Raymond Terrace. 

Around 9.50 pm on Sunday officers detected a green Ford Falcon travelling at 200km/h in a 110km/h zone on the Pacific Highway, Raymond Terrace. 

He was then detected travelling at 125km/h in a 70 km/h zone on Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae.

The 22-year-old driver from Castle Hill, was also seen to ' fishtail ' through the roundabout at the intersection of Pacific Highway and Masonite Road, Heatherbrae.

The drivers licence was confiscated and suspended for a period of six months, he received a Field Court Attendance Notice for ' Drive at a speed dangerous ' and ' Negligent Driving '.

He is due to appear at Raymond Terrace Local court in November. 

Holidaymakers Put Port Stephens at Risk of Coronavirus

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Port Stephens community has expressed concerns regarding an influx of tourists in the Easter period despite Federal Government advice to avoid all non-essential travel due to the threat of COVID-19.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said accommodation providers have been encouraging travelers to self-isolate or avoid the spread of disease in tourist hotspots such as Port Stephens.

"Port Stephens has a beautiful and welcoming community," said Ms Washington. "But we also have a vulnerable community who need to be protected from this virus."

Communities such as Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest are among the oldest in Australia.

Ms Washington said the State Government must outline clear and unambiguous restrictions on movement for the sake of at-risk communities such as hers.

While those diagnosed with coronavirus or returned from overseas face police fines if they breach self-quarantine or public health orders, the distinction between what constitutes essential travel and what doesn't isn't so clear cut.

"The Victorian Government, the Queensland Government - they have made clear directions about caravaning and camping in their states on public land. We have not seen the same from the Premier, nor from the Prime Minister at a federal level."

Without official restrictions on non-essential travel, Ms Washington is urging tourists to make the right decision in the upcoming holiday season.

"In the current circumstances, we have to put lives before livelihood. This call is a very difficult one to make for everyone, but we just can't afford to have the influx of tourists that we usually see at Easter in these areas."

"My message to holidaymakers is very simple: please, protect Port Stephens, and postpone your trip."

There are currently 1219 confirmed cases of coronavirus in NSW, and 103 in the Hunter New England Health District, five of which were located in the Port Stephens LGA.

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

Level 2 Water Restrictions On The Way for Lower Hunter

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Level 2 water restrictions will be introduced across the Lower Hunter as dam levels continue to fall.

Under Level 2 restrictions, showers are limited to 4 minutes in length, outdoor watering is limited to 15 minutes every second day and vehicles and buildings can only be washed with a bucket.

The region has reduced its water usage by 17% since Level 1 restrictions came into force in September but it's not enough to compete with hot and dry conditions forecast to continue until the end of summer.

According to State Water Minister Melinda Pavey the Lower Hunter's dams are declining at a rate of roughly one per cent each week.

Hunter Water reports water storage levels have now reached 57.9%, the lowest they've been since July 1980.

The corporation's Executive Drought Lead Darren Cleary said he's hopeful further restrictions would build on the significant savings made since September.

“We’ve been working closely with our large business customers who use more than 10 million litres of water a year to develop Water Efficiency Management Plans. This will soon be expanded to our smaller business customers as they start preparing their own plans," Mr Cleary said.

“Thank you to everyone in our community for playing their part to save water, because your efforts are helping make a difference.”

Level 2 water restrictions will commence across the Lower Hunter from January 20, 2020.

More information on Level 2 water restrictions can be found at Hunter Water's website.

Image: Hunter Water

Female Employee charged with stealing almost $40,000 from Port Stephens business

By Isabel Everett

A 42 year-old-woman has been charged with stealing almost $40,000 from a Port Stephens business over a two-year period.

Police officers from the Port Stephens Police district began an investigation after the owner of the restaurant on Soldiers Point Road noticed discrepancies in the business' takings. 

Police arrested the woman at approximately 8:15 am on Tuesday in her Nelson Bay home, following their extensive inquires. 

The woman has been charged with 16 counts of steal property and was granted conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday the 9th of December 2019.

Pressure Grows for Marine Park Review

By MEGHAN RICHARDSON

There has been growing pressure from the community and local fishers to review the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park.

There are concerns over the marine park's management and planning.

During the state election, the park became a heavily discussed issue with representatives from both sides of the government pledging to address the problem.

No reviews, however, have been currently planned.

Stan Konstantaras, president of the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, says he's frustrated with the lack of action.

"It was an election promise," says Mr Konstantaras. "We just want to move forward in this and get some certainty on some outcomes."

Recreational fishing in the Port Stephens area injects a considerable contribution to the local and economy and Mr Konstantaras says the current situation is halting this.

"That means that potentially, recreational fishers are staying away from the area... the whole thing is up in the air and potentially affecting people's decision to go to Port Stephens," he said.

A similar inquiry has already begun in Batemans Marine Park, but Mr Konstantaras says the public wants to see the same in the local area.



Source: Port Stephens Examiner

Port Stephens Key Battleground for State Election

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Port Stephens will likely prove to be a key win for whoever is successful at the seat in the state election.

The Liberal-National and Labor parties have fought fierce campaigns to win the marginal seat, with major commitments made by both parties.

In a final message to voters, incumbent Labor MP Kate Washington reinforced her party's clear message that it will prioritise schools and hospitals over stadiums.

"The voters should be sending a very clear message to this government, that they do not want stadiums in Sydney,

That they want to see local hospitals and local schools resources before splurging billions of dollars on wasteful stadiums." said Ms Washington.

Kate Washington's key opponent, Liberal candidate Jaimie Abbott, said voters need to consider the benefits they've seen during the Berejiklian government's term.

"The people of Port Stephens have a choice, they can go back to the same old Labor where sixteen years they ran our budget into the ground,

Or they can choose the Liberals, who've been able to pay back the debt and rebuild the budget to be able to invest in important infrastructure here in Port Stephens." said Ms Abbott.

The duplication of Nelson Bay Road, the reacquisition of the Mambo Wetlands and Tafe funding have proved to be the key issues throughout the campaign.

The Key Issues:

Nelson Bay Road Duplication

Both parties have pledged funds for this long-awaited project.

The Liberal-Nationals have pledged a total of $275 million dollars for the duplication of Nelson Bay Road.

Former Premier Mike Baird announced $70 million dollars in 2015 for duplication of the stretch between Stockton Bridge and Anna Bay, boosted by an additional commitment made by Premier Glady Berejiklian in January this year of $205 million dollars for the duplication of Williamtown to Bobs Farm.

NSW Labor last week announced a commitment of $600-million-dollars to fund the full duplication of the road.

The opposition's commitment would see the project delivered in three stages and is dependent on the party winning office for a second term.


TAFE Funding

TAFE cuts have proved to be an important issue across the state and most of the Hunter, with a number of Labor and Independent candidates from the region drawing attention to recent concerns raised by TAFE staff.

The NSW Liberal-National government announced in February it would fund the construction of a new TAFE campus at Nelson Bay, which Labor criticised at the time for lacking detail.

It was later revealed the Coalition's plan would see a Connected Learning Centre built, similar to the campus opened at Singleton earlier this year.

"This is a really exciting model of service delivery for those communities where there aren't sufficient students for a full-on apprenticeship course," said Duty MLC Catherine Cusack.

"This offers an opportunity to deliver these courses locally, whether it be hairdressing, all of these apprentices who otherwise have to travel into Newcastle, and therefore we're not getting the TAFE participation rates we'd like."


Mambo Wetlands

Both incumbent Labor MP Kate Washington and Liberal Candidate Jaimie Abbott have expressed support for a state government acquisition of the Mambo Wetlands following the Department of Education's sale of the site in 2016.

The Berejiklian Government indicated early last year it would explore its options for purchasing the Wetlands and later claimed the owner would not accept an offer to purchase the site.

NSW Labor promised in March 2018 it will buy back the land through compulsory acquisition if elected.

Berejiklian Government's "reckless" Refusal to Ban Plastic Bags Challenged by Port Stephens MP

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Local Labor members are calling on the State Government to protect marine life by matching their pledge to ban single-use plastic bags in NSW.

Labor has been calling on the Liberal party to 'ban the bag' since 2015, but the party is yet to support any laws being introduced.

Data shows approximately 10 million bags will still be littered in NSW each year under the current system with the Labor party calling for an outright ban.

With many thousands of smaller outlets still allowed to distribute, light-weight, single-use plastic bags, the Labor party believes the current voluntary ban instated by major supermarket chains fails to fix the issue

"We've already seen some of the larger providers having to go back to the use of plastic bags," said Port Stephens MP Kate Washington.

"Unless the Government implements legislation that makes single-use plastic bags illegal in NSW, then we will not see the market addressing the problems that the environment so desperately needs."

NSW remains the only state yet to introduce a bag ban, with many residents of areas like Port Stephens concerned about the effect this has on marine life.

"The risks posed by single-use plastic bags to our environment are enormous and they are well known, the risks to our marine life particularly," said Ms Washington.

"People of Port Stephens really want to see the use of single-use plastic bags banned because we do know the impact this has on marine life, we see it off our shores every day so it is an important issue."

Labor party members believe the marketplace cannot successfully address this issue on its own and the Government must act.

"The Berejiklian Government continues to fail to understand what the priorities should be for our state and that is not stadiums in Sydney," said Kate Washington.

 "Time and again we see their recklessness when it comes to our environment, and quite frankly everyone is fed up with it."

Image: The Advocate

State Government Launches Creative Kids Vouchers

BY CATHERINE ALLEN

Hunter parents can now receive funds towards creative activities for their children, following the state government's announcement they now offer vouchers to help cover the heavy costs of children's extra curriculum activities.

The $100 Creative Kids Voucher is being offered to families for each school-aged child.

Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said the Creative Kids Voucher stems from the success of the Active Kids Voucher that saw half a million kids across the state get involved in sports programs.

"The NSW Government recognises that cost of living is a major issue for families and because of our strong budget position, we are proud to be providing this extra assistance for children to participate in these valuable creative and cultural programs.

"This program complements the hugely popular Active Kids voucher and for a family with two children, Creative and Active Kids combined will save you $400 a year."

The Creative Kids Voucher can be used against the costs involved in a wide variety of creative and cultural programs from music and dance lessons, drama and theatre groups, and language and coding lessons.

Parents in Port Stephens can use their voucher to enrol their kids in a three-day code camp that runs during the school holidays and teaches kids to code and build their own apps.

The hugely popular three-day camp is being held from January 16 at Medowie Christian School, and is just one of a number of local programs accepting the vouchers.

For information about the Creative Kids Voucher visit the Services NSW website 

For further information on Code Camp visit their official website.

Hunter Arts Communities Look Out - Funds Coming Your Way!

BY ARIANA GATTI

Applications are now available to councils, as well as arts, screen and culture organisations around the Hunter to secure a financial share of funding from the NSW Liberal-National Government's Regional Cultural Fund (RCF).

Organisations and councils around the Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Port Stephens areas are being urged to submit their expressions of interest in the available $47-million funding pool, as part of the second round of the RCF.

Applications to enter opened on the 1st of July, and is set to close on the 21st of September, leaving plenty of time for local organisations to get involved.

The second round of funding will go towards infrastructure and re-development projects to improve current conditions of arts and cultural facilities across the Hunter region.

Projects which may receive some of the financial assistance range from new exhibition and performing arts centres and spaces, the refurbishment of libraries, museums and theatres.

Other local initiatives, such as grass-roots community projects and some sporting institutions may be included in the list of areas that need a little boost for the benefit of local communities.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, says how the funds would be distributed across the Hunter region is yet to be decided.

"It really comes down to the merit and worth of the projects, so it's too early at this stage to definitely say what areas will receive funding first", he says.

MacDonald believes the financial support will go a long way in keeping the appreciation of culture alive.

"There's a great history of arts and culture across the Hunter and we want to continue that as we know a diverse culture works best together, and the art's work very well to secure that", he says.

Image Sourced: https://www.theherald.com.au/story/2971517/hunter-school-of-the-performing-arts-7-million/undefined/

Tomaree Coastal Walk Upgrade

BY ARIANA GATTI

Port Stephen's iconic Tomaree Coastal Walk is set to receive a large upgrade, expanding the walkway to allow for 23-kilometres of stretch to be open for all the public to enjoy.

The 2018 NSW State Budget has allocated around $7-million, which is aimed at improving the generation of tourism to the area, incorporating more leisure-based activity to get the community involved in outdoor recreations.

Other upgrades involve the input of whale watching and interpretative facilities, as well as other elements for people to appreciate the Indigenous Australian and World-War-Two history of the area.

The upgrade and future developments will be carried out in stages over a four-year period, with completion set for 2022.

The project is running as a part of a $40-million investment allocation plan generated by the State Government, in order to reinforce NSWs' position as a key tourist destination, staying in the minds of national and international visitors.

Some specific features of what will be involved in the revamp have been released:

• Improved access, visitor amenities and walking tracks around the Tomaree Headland, with selected sites showcasing World-War-Two fortifications including gun emplacements, command post and radar site.
• Another looped walking track with a new access point and elevated vistas at Box and Wreck Headlands
• New links connecting Birubi Point to surround walking tracks and trails

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, is adamant the money being spent on the site's upgrades are worth the allocation.

"We certainly think it's worthwhile investing the $7-million as it's one of the most popular parks in the State and we believe this can be improved even more", he says.

"There is a market now for eco-tourism including these walking experiences, and to get that attraction there has to be a decent length of walkway, which should become very appealing to those of domestic and international markets".

Image Sourced: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/tomaree-head-summit-walk

 

Fake Money Man Could Avoid Gaol After Confessing To Port Stephens Police

BY IAN CROUCH

It's been revealed fake $50 notes which were used to pay for goods around Port Stephens were such excellent forgeries, no-one suspected they were counterfeit.

In a bizarre twist to the story, the 41-year-old man who used the phoney cash could avoid a full time gaol sentence because he confessed to the crime of his own accord to unknowing authorities.

Terry Lee Johns handed himself in at Raymond Terrace Police Station on Monday after using the fake 50's to buy alcohol, soft drink and t-shirts the day before - he also admitted to handing over 6 notes at the Maitland Show.

Despite pleading guilty to the crime, being on bail and a good behaviour bond, he may avoid gaol time because owned up before police knew anything about it.

John's solicitor told Raymond Terrace Local Court his client could be entitled to the so-called Ellis Discount, which can lead to a significant sentencing reduction when an offender voluntarily discloses a crime to unknowing authorities.