Wanted Man Charged at Mayfield Over Public Place Shooting in Stockton

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man has been charged with outstanding warrants and firearm offences after a public-place shooting in Stockton earlier this month.  

On Tuesday June 16th, Police attended a licenced premises on Maitland Road, Mayfield, and arrested a 31-year-old man at about 8.30pm.  

The alleged shooting occurred just after 7pm on Tuesday June 9th, on Fullerton Street, Stockton.  

Police have been told two vehicles – a blue SUV and a utility – were involved in a driving incident before the SUV driver allegedly produced a firearm and discharged it towards the utility.  

The SUV was driven away, last seen turning onto King Street.  

During a search of man, police located a sawn-off firearm and several rounds of ammunition.  

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm, possess shortened firearm (not pistol) w/o authority, not keep firearm safely - prohibited firearm, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority and for two outstanding warrants.  

The man has been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday June 17th.

Road Rage Incident Leads to Public Place Shooting in Stockton

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police are appealing for public assistance following a public place shooting in Stockton last night.

Just after 7pm on Tuesday June 9th,  police responded to reports of an alleged road rage incident on Fullerton Street, Stockton.

Police have been told two vehicles – a blue Mitsubishi ASX and a Toyota Hilux utility – were involved in a driving incident before the Mitsubishi driver produced a firearm and discharged it at the Toyota.

The Mitsubishi drove away and was last seen turning onto King Street.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and have commenced an investigation.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard any of the above incident, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Newcastle Police Station on 4929 0999 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Council Adopts Fern Bay and North Stockton Vision, Includes New Ferry Terminal and Coastal Walk

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A planning strategy adopted by Newcastle and Port Stephens Councils will see a new town centre and ferry terminal built in North Stockton and a coastal walk installed from Stockton to the Tomaree Headland. 

The  Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy  is a 20-year blueprint for the rapidly growing area between the Hunter River and Stockton Beach and was guided by early engagement with the Fern Bay community and a workshop with Councillors from both Newcastle and Port Stephens.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the strategy will see Newcastle and Port Stephens work together to develop diverse housing opportunities, public spaces and community amenities.

“Developed by both Newcastle and Port Stephens councils, the joint strategy is a fantastic outcome after a great deal of work and forms a strategic planning basis to follow along with landowners and the broader Stockton community,” Cr Nelmes said.

In addition to the overarching changes, the strategy will see the development of a new supermarket, new accommodation services, and the revitalization of roads, paths, and bus stops, including a duplication of Nelson Bay Road with traffic lights at the intersection of Vardon Road. 

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said the collaboration between the two councils and their consultation with local residents would result in a "great outcome for these communities".

“The creation of more housing, access to better facilities and more transport options will ensure this town truly thrives," said Mayor Palmer.

“It’s been a wonderfully successful collaboration between our Port Stephens Council and City of Newcastle teams, and we’ll continue to work together on the best outcomes for the Fern Bay North Stockton communities into the future.” 

Port of Newcastle Included in Stockton Erosion Discussion

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

The Port of Newcastle is being asked to bring more to the table in addressing beach erosion at Stockton.

The Port has been included in calls from some residents for a joint-effort approach addressing the causes of Stockton beach erosion as the replenishment effort continues.

Stage Two of Newcastle Council's beach nourishment project is set to be completed this year with most of the sand from Stage One having now settled away from the beach.

Experts say there isn't cause for concern after most of the 5,500 tonnes of sand replaced at Stockton beach washed out to sea in the space of a month.

The first stage of Newcastle Council's beach nourishment project was completed in December, but almost all of the sand has now moved away from the beach itself.

Earth Sciences Conjoint Professor with the University of Newcastle, Doctor Ron Boyd, says although it appears the sand has been lost, it's actually been redistributed.

He says this redistribution will help combat the beach erosion crisis.

"It's actually very good to have a wide surf zone, because the waves then break further from the shore, and they dissipate their energy before they get right up close to the shore," he said.

"If you don't have any new shore sand, then the waves break very close to the beach and dune lines and then they can exacerbate further erosion."

A spokesperson from Newcastle Council says the movement of sand was expected, and more sand will be added this year.

"A second stage involving placement of sand north of the Lexie’s Café accessway, adjacent to the Surf Club, is expected to be undertaken in 2020 subject to further approvals," the Newcastle Council Spokesperson said.

The Port of Newcastle this week became the first in Australia to be certified by EcoPorts for its environmental management, but is facing some criticism over its level of involvement in addressing the causes of beach erosion.

Dr Boyd says the Port's role in causing beach erosion isn't being addressed enough.

"The amount of money that's required to solve the beach erosion problem at Stockton that arise from the port infrastructure is a real drop in the ocean compared to the billions of dollars each year that is made through the port. So I really think that there should be a much more active role"

But, a Port of Newcastle spokesperson says it's been working cooperatively with Council and the State Government to find a solution to the erosion issues, and provides around 25,000 cubic-metres of sand dredged from the shipping channel entrance to Stockton annually.

"While Stockton Beach is outside the port lease, Port of Newcastle has been following the erosion issue and recognises it as a matter of concern for the Stockton community as well as the broader community," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also says the port contributes technical knowledge to the NSW Government's efforts to address the erosion.

"Port of Newcastle shares the community’s interest in finding an appropriate solution.

"To that end, Port of Newcastle has been working cooperatively with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and the City of Newcastle – the government agencies that have responsibility and oversight for Stockton Beach – since the port lease commenced in 2014," the spokesperson said.

President of Stockton's Northside Boardriders Club, Simon Jones, says sand dumps are only a temporary fix and a thorough look at the causes is needed.

He suggests a stronger joint effort between the Port of Newcastle, the State Government, and Newcastle Council is needed to address erosion long term.

"I think if we're going to get a resolution, that's certainly the pathway we need to take," he said.

Mr Jones says while the infrastructure is government-owned, there is concern over the impact of the operations of the port on Stockton sands. But he says all the stakeholders need to make sure the issue is addressed correctly.

"I know it's quite frustrating to a lot of people to see more meetings and more studies, and think, 'Why isn't anybody doing anything now?'. But if we want to get something done and we want it to work, I think it needs to be done the first time and that does, I guess, take time," Mr Jones said.

The Port of Newcastle spokesperson says it already actively contributes to address the issue.

"While Port of Newcastle is not a government agency, we are committed to continuing to share our technical knowledge.

"It is important to note that the breakwaters are a NSW Government asset with construction dating back to the late 1800s. Similarly, the construction of Macquarie Pier to link Nobbys to the mainland dates back to the early 1800s," the spokesperson said.

The Port of Newcastle says it is actively involved in addressing the erosion of Stockton Beach. Image: Port of Newcastle

Community Rallies for Stockton With 10,000 Signatures

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Stockton residents are today marking the collection of 10,000 signatures on a petition campaigning for an end to the coastal suburb's erosion crisis.

The milestone means Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp will have the opportunity to debate with the Environment Minister in state parliament for the second time.

It comes after $1 million in emergency money was granted by the NSW Government for Crown Lands to clean up the recently re-exposed former Stockton Tip site, however, the residents want to see a long-term solution.

Tim Crakanthorp says this issue has been dragging on for years and it's crucial the government acts now.

"It's so important now because this community is being threatened," he said, "we've got the Surf Club here in danger from storms and east coast lows, we've got Lexi's, we've got the Caravan Park, the Childcare Centre, a rubbish tip that's been unearthed...

"Crown Lands are finally coming to the party there - well they've missed the party," Mr Crakanthorp asserted, "this coast is under threat and people's houses will soon be under threat."

Cathy from the Stockton Community Action Group said everyone wants to see the beach saved, as many families have generations of history there.

"The whole community has been united in expressing their concern about the erosion and the damage to the beach, and there's quite a sense of urgency that something needs to be done soon before it disappears," she said.

"We're looking to the government to know what our concerns are and to commit funding, urgently, to save the beach," Cathy said.

Making Progress: Stockton activists Barbara, Simon and Cathy. 

Someone who understands that personal connection to Stockton is local activist Simon Jones.

"I grew up surfing here my whole life, and it hurts to see the beach the way it is now," he said.

Chair of the Stockton Community Liasion group, Barbara, said she's witnessed the beach's drastic decline.

"People like myself who've lived here for more than 60 years remember when we would come to the beach and walk way out," she said.

"We would walk through all kinds of scrub to get to the beach, which seemed to stretch endlessly - now it's disappearing."

Barbara said the Liaison group wants to see millions of tonnes of sand replenishment, possibly with a headland to be constructed in the future.

Tim Crakanthorp receives the final signatures to reach a 10,000 person milestone.