What Were You Wearing Petition Tabled in Parliament

BY DANEIE GEDDES

Yesterday, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp tabled a petition in Parliament calling on the government to mandate drink spiking and sexual violence training for all licensed venue staff in NSW. 

Last financial year, Newcastle accounted for the second highest number of spiking reports in NSW. 

The petition was created by Hunter-based advocacy group What Were You Wearing, targeting the growing number of drink spiking cases in the region. 

The petition garnered a mass of support from the local community, reaching over 20,000 signatures.

Tim Crakanthorp said the issue needs to properly be addressed. 

"The petition calls for spiking prevention kits, educational resources, and posters in venues to promote patron safety and awareness," he said. 

"The whole idea of What Were You Wearing is aimed at reducing the stigma put on victims."

What Were You Wearing Media Vice President Marcie Cheers said they've reached some remarkable milestones but there's still more to be done. 

"It's the first step in a very long battle, we've definitely hit some amazing goals, but its not over yet; it's over to the politicians now to decide the fate of drink spiking and sexual assault training," she said. 

Tim Crakanthorp says the matter should be debated in the next month. 

New Department to Take Over Stockton Beach Project

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Department for Regional NSW will take over the Stockton Beach re-nourishment project. 

The Department will keep NSW Public Works on as the project manager, so it may carry out initial dredging and sand placement, as well as investigations into long-term erosion solutions. 

Minster for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty will become the Chair of the Stockton Beach Taskforce as part of the shake-up, and says a lack of clarity about who was in charge of the project was holding it back. 

The Taskforce will meet next month for the first time since June last year. 

Newcastle MP and Minister for the Hunter Tim Crakanthorp, says he looks forward to seeing the works finally go ahead. 

"First of all, we've got the $6.2 million Commonwealth and City of Newcastle project to get 300,000 cubic meters of sand onto the beach; that's a bit of a stop-gap solution."

"Then, we've got the $21 million that I've committed through the Minns Labor government to come on and do the larger offshore dredging and get a whole lot of sand onto that beach," he said. 

Mr Crakanthorp said it's about time there was an update on the progress of the project. 

"The Taskforce hasn't met for some time; I'd been pushing and pushing the former government to meet which they refused to do." 

"Now we're in government, I've directed that we have a meeting so we're getting it organised for June, and we'll start progressing that federal government grant in the initial sense and once that's expended, we'll get on to the larger $21 million in funding to get large volumes of sand onto that beach." 

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp Comments on Light Rail Plans

BY JACQUELYN RICHARDS

A proposal to build a new seven-storey car park in Newcastle West could threaten future light rail route preparations. 

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp was a strong advocate for preserving the corridor on Tighe Street whilst in opposition and previously hoisted criticism at the former government for their inaction on the issue.

However, following a recent court appeal related to the proposed car park, the MP's promises have been brought into question. 

Mr Crakanthorp agrees the car park plan does appear to go over one of the future light rail routes.

In response to the concern, he assures the light rail extension and preserving the corridor are still his priority which he said is why he requested a urgent briefing on the issue. 

"As soon as I was alerted to this yesterday, I requested a brief with the Minister," Mr Crakanthorp said. 

"What we need is certainty about what our light rail system will look like in the future and this is part of it." 

"I've always advocated very strongly to get light rail routes out of the interchange so we can one day look to expand the light rail."   

"We need routes out of the interchange and over to Broadmeadow or Hunter Park, that's the priority," he said. 

Mr Crakanthorp has been critical of the former government's efforts and says a number of unresolved problems are to blame for the delays. 

"The other government's done very little if nothing when they were in," he said. 

"It's clear that as a new government, we've inherited a lot of unresolved problems and this is one of them." 

The timing on when the light rail extension will come into effect is still unclear.

"We need to clarify exactly what's been spent and what needs to be done to get the job finished," Mr Crakanthorp said.  

Labor's Takeover in Full Swing

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The weekend saw Labor comfortably retain all seven of its existing Hunter seats, in line with a state-wide swing in the party's direction. 

It comes after the Liberals failed to name a host of candidates until the last minute, adding to what's being described as a lacklustre campaign performance across the Hunter and the state.

One of the Labor's biggest results could be seen in Port Stephens, where Kate Washington enjoyed a two-party preferred swing of 16.5%. 

There's now pressure on the incoming MPs and state government to get moving on a number of promised and pressing commitments. 

Namely, the proposed privatisaiton of Hunter Water has been a regionally-contentious issue for some time. 

In the lead-up to the election, Chris Minns and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, said the first thing they would do is ensure Hunter Water stays in the public hands. 

"We'll get moving very quickly on stopping privatisation of Hunter Water in particular; we hope to legislate that way in fact," Mr Crakanthorp said. 

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, who easily retained her long-held seat, agrees it's the first thing on the agenda, but said the corporation needs to do better in working alongside the new state government. 

"They've kept the people at arms length deliberately and played politics over the last 12 years, and they need to start getting in-touch with the wants and needs of people in Wallsend," she said. 

Ms Hornery says the key issue in many Hunter electorates moving forward, will be the region's housing affordability crisis. 

Vote-counting for the election continues today. 

Tim Crakanthorp pledges to never privatise Hunter Water in a social media post.

State Labor Commits to Open Access to Wickham Park

BY OLIVIA DILLON

State Labor says it will help give residents better access to Wickham Park if it wins next month's election. 

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp joined Shadow Minister for Transport Jo Haylen, and Great Lifestyle of Wickham spokesperson Lyn Kilby for the announcement this morning.

It says it will see the installation of gates and a path between the park and the end of Holland Street. 

Currently blocked-off by a fence, some residents wanting to access the park have to walk over a kilometre. 

Jo Haylen, said it's a common sense move. 

"It shouldn't be that hard to put in a gate and a fence, so that families and community can come together to walk their dogs and to be active. That's the kind of city we want in the future, and that's what Labor will deliver if we're elected next month," she said. 

Lyn Kilby says the area's growing population needs to be catered for. 

"The public domain is supposed to set up for pedestrians to have the lifestyle that's been promised by NSW planning and local government planning. At the moment, the planning is not accessible for all the people who have come here and bought all this real estate to make a life." 

 

NSW Labor Promises $21 Million for Stockton Renourishment

BY OLIVIA DILLON

NSW Labor has promised to put $21 million towards mass sand nourishment of Stockton Beach if they win the election next month. 

Shadow Local Government Minister Greg Warren visited the town today, to make the pledge for a long-term solution to the decades-long issue. 

The coastal town has lost more than 10 million cubic metres of sand off it's beach, and it's estimated up to 2.5 million cubic metres is needed to re-nourish and maintain it.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said it's about time action was taken. 

"Chris Minns and I promised the people of Stockton we'd present our commitment prior to the election day, and today we deliver on that promise," Mr Crakanthorp said. 

"For too long, this project has been caught up in bureaucracy, but a NSW Labor Government will see the talk stop, and the work begin." 

Labor's commitment would see a memorandum of understanding between them, City of Newcastle, and NSW Public Works, to ensure the government agency holds the dredging license. 

The party plans to seek help from the Port of Newcastle for a long-term solution, and will work closely with the Stockton Beach Taskforce throughout the process.

 

Tim Crakanthorp, said the community has waited long enough already. 

"Getting sand back on Stockton Beach has been a long-time focus of mine. We brought a 10,000-signature petition to Parliament, we've had representations, Notices of Motions, and finally we're here today," he said. 

"I'm really excited that we can say a Labor government will fix this."

"The Stockton community has waited long enough under this Liberal government. Only NSW Labor will get this done." 

Lockout and Other Liquor Laws Under Review in Newcastle

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Lifting lockout laws and other strict restrictions imposed on venues across Newcastle was the topic of discussion at a meeting between politicians and stake holders held in Newcastle on Wednesday. 

Newcastle MP, Tim Crackanthorp met with the Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello and Member of the Joint Select Commitee on Sydney's Night Time Economy, MLC Mark Latham to discuss Newcastle’s night time economy and post Covid-19 recovery.

Newcastle MP, Tim Crackanthrop said today was about consultation with local stake holders.

"Today is about seeing what the government can do to ease restrictions particularly post Covid when we have high unemployment."

"It's not just about the lock out laws, but laws that affect small bars as well. I mean you can't get a cocktail in Newcastle after 10pm, its ludicrous. So we need to change the rules around cocktails, we need to let small bars open up later."

"The Upper House inquiry into the night time economy and lock out laws decided to review them after 12 months, that will come up in January after Sydney's have come off. The Minister is here to see what he can do in the interim before that review in undertaken."

Owner of ‘Koutetsu’ a small bar operating on Hunter Street, Christopher Wilson, said extended hours would greatly benefit his business. 

"We have to close our bar at midnight, where as you'll find at most other areas in the State it's 2am."

"There weren't any small bars in Newcastle at the time the lockout laws were introduced, so the laws weren't in place for small bars. Newcastle has evolved, with the smaller venues now opening up more and more I think the laws definitely need to be adjusted."

Mr Crackanthorp agreed the laws need to be adjusted, as the City changes.

"These rules were introduced 12 years ago, we've had $1 billion worth of government investment and $2 billion worth of public investment, we've got a vastly different city and the rules and regulations have not changed since them."

"We had a lot of derelict shops before 'Renew Newcastle' came in, and the city was quite violent, things are very different now and the laws need to change as the city changes."

"You don't want to punish all venues for the action of some, we do need to take a staged a approach and take consultation and talk to the community."

Mr Crackanthorp said a review is needed to ensure Newcastle is recognized as a global city. 

"I mean we want to be a global city, we're the second largest city in the state and the sixth largest in Australia, we really do need to be able to get people to our city and show them a great night."

"Today's about consulting and seeing what the community thinks."

Mr Wilson says relaxed restrictions would allow him to give more hours to his staff, after having to stand down four workers during the pandemic. 

"If we could trade just a couple more hours a night, that would be massive to give my staff back their hours and gives businesses a fighting change during these hard times," Mr Wilson said.

"Clearly they've got to go through their processes but I do feel positive about us being able to trade until 2am."

Koutetsu Bar

Hunter Victims Of Crime Lose Out Under Changes

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp is calling on the Berejiklian government to put a stop to changes which place the onus of gathering evidence for compensation claims on the victims of crime.

Victims used to be able to lodge an online form detailing their circumstances, and the government would collect the documentary evidence from various departments and agencies.

The government announced on April 20 that it would now be up to victims to collect all this evidence for themselves, with the changes to come into force a week later. The government is now under fire for failing to consult with peak bodies or support services.

Following representations for more than 40 victim support service providers, the government agreed to put the changes on hold for two weeks.

Tim Crackanthorp says that's not good enough.

"The Government has tried to sneak this through while everyone was distracted by COVID-19. It's opportunistic and heartless. The Minister needs to halt these changes for longer than two weeks and instigate a genuine consultation process that allows for participation from everyone who will be affected," he said.

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crackanthorp

Council Forced to Close Stockton Cafe Lexie's on the Beach

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Beloved Stockton cafe, Lexie's on the Beach will remain closed following advice from coastal engineers.

Newcastle Council extended the closure, as they were advised the erosion impact on the building had created an "imminent risk to public safety" and as a result, the building cannot be occupied. 

25 staff members of the cafe will now be left without a job, with owners hoping the closure would be a temporary measure. 

City of Newcastle Infrastructure and Property Director, Ken Liddell, said the decision was made because of the unacceptable risk. 

“We understand the direct impact this will have for the operators of the Café, staff and its patrons as Lexie’s is a much-loved and valuable part of the community," he said. 

"We will be working closely with the business owner to transition out of the premises to make this difficult process as smooth as possible."

The independent report following further severe erosion in recent weeks stated the building is within a hazardous zone of wave impact and is at immediate risk of significant damage or failure in a one-in-two-year storm event.

“The erosion of Stockton Beach has been recognized as a natural disaster and the City must keep public safety a priority as the ongoing issues are managed and we work with the NSW Government on sustainable long-term solutions," Mr Liddell said. 

                                        NSW Labor Leader, Jodi Mckay, Speaks to Nick, Owner of Lexies on the Beach 

Questions Over Asbestos At Newcastle East Public School Go Unanswered

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle MP, Tim Crackanthorp says the Department of Education has failed to respond to all the questions put by parents over the asbestos contamination crisis at Newcastle East Public School.

The department responded to more than 50 questions as promised by Wednesday night but Tim Crackanthorp says many questions were not answered at all.

In particular, the department was asked if former students, parents, staff and volunteers had been notified of the asbestos discovery, however the questions were not answered.

Tim Crackanthorp says as there was no historic sampling, it's not possible to know how long former pupils and staff had been exposed to friable asbestos.

Questions over asbestos at Newcastle East Public School go unanswered

School Zone Speeding Fines Prompt Newcastle Safety Survey

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

Local MPs have launched school safety surveys to mitigate the risks to children after recent Revenue NSW data was released.

Last financial year (2018/2019), 203 fines were issued to drivers for speeding in school zones. 162 school zone speeding fines have already been issued this financial year and local members are calling upon parents to respond and help make changes.

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, says he's astounded at the number of drivers who are willing to break the law in school zones and risk the lives of children.

He says, "there are many other ways we can make the journey to and from school safer for our kids and this survey will identify what can be done."

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison have also lent their voices to the cause and asked parents to participate.

Ms Aitchison says, "some feel even a walk to a bus stop is fraught with danger and they feel they have no alternative than a daily drop-off. this is all made more complicated due to inadequate parking and people disobeying signage."

Parents, carers, teachers and residents can complete the survey by visiting the websites below.

Newcastle:            https://www.nswschoolsafety.com/newcastle
Wallsend:              https://www.nswschoolsafety.com/wallsend
Maitland:              https://www.nswschoolsafety.com/maitland

      Photo Credit: NRMA 

Safety Report Bans Cyclists from Scott Street

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Cyclists have been banned from riding on the 350 meter mixed running section of the Newcastle light rail track on Scott Street, following a safety review released by Transport New South Wales.

The review has raised the risk-rating of cyclists tyres getting caught in the tracks to "intolerable", an upgrade from the findings of initial safety audits which deemed the risk as "medium or high".

The report recommends eight actions to be completed within the next twelve months to improve safety including,"installing appropriate signage to warn cyclists of the risk" and for "Transport NSW to work with the City of Newcastle to provide alternate routes."

Transport NSW has said they will additionally investigate emerging technologies which could be trialed to increase safety.

Following the death of cyclist, Danny Egan in July this year, calls have been made to rapidly improve safety for cyclists in Newcastle's CBD.

Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp is calling on the Liberal Government to prioritize the funding and building of a safe east-west route for cyclists.

"In the immediate sense getting people off that cycle way is legitimate, however they need to put the resources and the time into working with council to get a solution as soon as possible for the East-West cycle way," Mr Crakanthorp said.

"It simply not good enough to take them off then not provide money and fund the East-West cycle way."

Mr Crakanthorp says the State Government failed to consider cyclists in their revitalization of the CBD.

"They made a public image of lots of cycle ways, but they didn't put any money into any. We don't have any effectively, and tragically people are getting injured and we've even had someone die," Mr Crakanthorp said.

"People were breaking their bones and people were falling of bikes, according to the report they weren't registered however it was certainly in the public sphere and the Government have acted too little too late."

    Image Source: Lakes Mail

Newcastle's Historic Victoria Theatre "Not Eligible" For State Arts Funding

BY IAN CROUCH

The owner of Newcastle's historic Victoria Theatre in Perkins Street has been told the venue's revitalisation is not eligible for state arts funding.

Century Group, which owns Sydney's Enmore Theatre, purchased the dilapidated building in 2015 in the hope of seeing it restored to its former glory as a live performance space.

The company's Executive Director, Greg Khoury wrote to Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Arts Minister, Don Harwin in January seeking funding for the revitalisation and redevelopment of the iconic theatre with a view to placing it in a trust to enable its long term operation.

In a letter to Mr Khoury dated 6 March, Don Harwin advised that the theatre's revitalisation plan would not qualify for funding under any of the established categories through the Arts and Cultural Development Program. However, Mr Harwin went on to say that the 1000 seat theatre may be eligible for funding under he Program  once it becomes a functioning venue.

State member for Newcastle, Tim Crackanthorp has slammed the Berejiklian Government for its failure to match Labor's promise to provide $3 million towards reviving the theatre if it wins government on Saturday.

" The Berejiklian Government has the wrong priorities - preferring to splurge billions on Sydney stadiums while Newcastle misses out once again. Labor's decision to invest in Victoria Theatre will help promote Newcastle as an arts and culture hub for domestic and international visitors." he said.

The Victoria Theatre picture: victoriatheatre.com.au

Labor Pledges More Vaccinations In Hunter Pharmacies

BY JOSH SIM

The NSW Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord and Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp have visited a Hamilton pharmacy today to make a Labor election pledge for Hunter Pharmacies.

The party is promising under the plan, that from September 1, 2019, it will expand in-pharmacy vaccinations, currently available for the flu, to cover Diptheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough and a second Measles vaccine.

The age limit for the pharmacy vaccinations would remain at 18.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp believes the benefit of the vaccines being readily available at pharmacies are two-fold, with both the expense of a GP visit and the timeliness being an added factor behind the party's proposal.

"It will enable [Newcastle Residents] to pop into the chemist and get vaccinated, it will be hugely beneficial in that manner," Mr Crackanthorp said.

The party also believes the proposal will have a flow-on effect in helping to raise the State's lower than acceptable vaccination rates.

Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord pointed out the Hunter had one of its worst years on record in 2017, with more than two-thousand confirmed cases of Influenza, while Pertussis (Whooping Cough) was also on the rise.

"The worrying thing this year is that we've already had 62 cases of Pertussis [in the Hunter]... while another worrying trend is the 3 people diagnosed with Mumps," Mr Secord said.

Labor believe by putting this proposal in place, it would complement the current vaccination programs, and reach out to those who normally don't get vaccinated.

Tim Crackanthorp, Pharmacy-Owner Anthony Piggott and Walt Secord discuss the proposal.