Second Man Charged Over Council Building Fire

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A second man's been charged following investigations into the alleged arson of Lake Macquarie Council Chambers in November last year.

The fire has forced Council to hold meetings offsite after damage in excess of $12 million was sustained, with Council still convening at Windale while repair work is underway.

Following the blaze, police established Strike Force Komiatum, which issued public appeals for information last month.

Late yesterday afternoon, detectives arrested a 43-year-old man at Newcastle. He was charged with destroying property in company with use of fire, and was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today.

It comes as a 53-year-old Maitland man remains before the courts, also charged over the fire.

Police say inquiries are ongoing.

Council chambers after fire in November. Credit: LMCC

Council's decision could cost Lake Macquarie residents thousands

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

A recent decision by Lake Macquarie council to scrap their long-standing contract with waste management service Remondis has left residents to fend for themselves. 

Nearly 200 households have been given four months to find alternative sewer pumping options. 

With private suppliers quoting up to $12,000 per household, many families have had to make the decision between mortgage payments and waste disposal. 

Lake Macquarie councilor Jason Pauling says they agree the situation has put severe strain on residents. 

"It's been quite horrendous. Council's communication has created confusion."

He says they are working toward a solution. 

"We are a council that likes to engage with residents, hear their views and do what we can to assist. 

I think we are heading back on track with this matter, I don't think it's over and I don't think we'll satisfy everyone just yet, but we have a few months to get it right."

 

Wallsend MP Calls for Newcastle Council to Get Moving on Minmi Road Duplication

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The member for Wallsend has moved a Notice of Motion in state parliament, calling on Newcastle Council to commence the duplication of Minmi Road. 

The project aims to alleviate notorious traffic pinch points along Minmi Rd by duplicating large sections of the arterial western corridor from one lane of traffic in each direction to two lanes each way. 

Council committed $26 million to the project back in 2021, and the state government allocated an extra $7.6 million for the duplication just this year. 

Sonia Hornery says she wants to see council take responsibility for the project and get it off the ground. 

"It’s a shame that Councillors are so committed to silly vanity projects in the inner city like the failed skate park on the beach or the unpopular “black box” proposal on Newcastle Ocean Baths but won’t commence a project that they have funding for and have near unanimous support from the community to complete." 

Image: Newcastle Herald

Port Stephens Council Rejects Application for Transitional Group Home at Swan Bay Tourist Facility

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens Council has rejected an application for a popular rehabilitation centre at Swan Bay to include a transitional group home. 

Connect Global has been operating a community outreach program at the tourist facility known as Fisherman's Village for nearly 10 years. 

In that time it's served clientele including former Channel 7 presenter Andrew O'Keefe.  

An application to change the use of the facility to a transitional group home was rejected by the majority of Council Members at their last meeting, amid concerns antisocial behaviour and unease in the community would disrupt residents and tourists.

 
The decision has prompted an appeal to the NWS Land and Environment Court. 

Image: Daily Telegraph

Summer patrol hours extended on Lake Macquarie beaches

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Lifeguards will patrol Lake Macquarie beaches for an extra two hours every day through Summer, after new data revealed people are showing up later for a dip.

The flags will be up at Redhead, Blacksmiths, Caves, and Catherine Hill Bay beaches from 8am to 6pm, instead of 9am to 5pm, until Sunday 29 January.

Council's Smart Beaches monitoring program is showing more people are heading to the beach before and after work, especially from 5pm to 6pm on weekdays.

It's hoped the extended hours will also ease pressure on the 9am to 10am peak on weekends.

More than one million people are expected to visit the city's beaches over the season.

Senior Lifeguard Byron Howarth at Redhead Beach.

Singleton calling for more cash as road repair bill blows out

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Singleton Council is calling for more funding from the State and Federal Governments, as its road repair bill blows out to $15 million.

Following a resolution on Tuesday, Council will join with Local Government NSW and the Country Mayors Association of NSW to declare a Statewide Road Emergency in the wake of floods throughout the year.

The toll on the local and regional road network is now estimated at $2.5 billion.

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore says Council's willing to put in $5 million, if the State and Federal Governments each do the same.

The town has already received $250,000 from a NSW pothole fixing fund.

Broke Road at Broke after the floods in July.

Cessnock Council set to clear buildings for community space

BY DARCY MCGAVIN

Cessnock Council is planning for two buildings on the northern edge of Civic Park to be demolished as part of readiness plans made in September.

The plans have been made to keep the space open for future considerations on how the space can be better used by the community. 

While one of the buildings currently has a tenant on a short term lease, the other is a former community centre that has been vacant for several years.

Council will consult the community on how the space should be used.

Hunter ratepayers poised to pay more as population booms

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter residents are facing a significant hike to their council rates next financial year.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has pegged the 2023-24 base rate for NSW councils at 3.7 percent, a stark increase on this year's 0.7 percent.

While Newcastle and Lake Macquarie will stick to the base rate, the potential peg's been set as high as 4.4 percent in Port Stephens, and 5.9 percent in Maitland, the second-highest in the state.

IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly says it's a mechanism for regions experiencing population growth, however, and not all ratepayers will see the same rate hike in the same council area.

"The amount that's for a population factor is just about recognising that there needs to be, if you like, a bigger bucket because there's a bigger population," she said.

"It's shared amongst more people."

Higher inflation has also meant councils are facing bigger costs to deliver services, though the upcoming base rate is still below Australia's current rate of inflation.

Port Stephens Council is already seeking input from the community on a potential special variation to help alleviate the city's financial woes - either a one-off 26 percent hike, or 10.5 percent each year for three years.

Port Stephens, as well as Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, and Muswellbrook have also been granted special rate increases for the current year, from 0.7 percent to 2.5 percent.

Maitland residents could be in for a bigger shock when it comes to costs, however, the council previously choosing to stick with the 0.7 percent peg.

Maitland Council General Manager David Evans says there's a lot to consider, and ratepayers shouldn't jump to conclusions ahead of the next financial year.

"It's important to stress, that one, it's a maximum," he said. "It's not an obligation on council to take up the full amount of that rate peg."

"The decision truly is a decision that can only be made once we start to move through our budgeting processes."

"The other important point is that it's a percentage increase that applies to Council's total rate yield. It's across the whole of the local government area. It's not a percentage that applies to any one individual rate notice."

Taking into account the population factor, here's what the base rate peg will look like in your council area.

• Cessnock - 3.8 percent
• Dungog - 4.4 percent
• Lake Macquarie - 3.7 percent
• Maitland - 5.9 percent
• Muswellbrook - 3.7 percent
• Newcastle - 3.7 percent
• Port Stephens - 4.4 percent
• Singleton - 3.9 percent
• Upper Hunter - 3.7 percent

East Maitland Aquatic Centre to remain closed this year after structural damage

BY DAKOTA TAIT

East Maitland Aquatic Centre won't reopen in 2022 because of major structural damage to the facility's main pool.

The pool's tile bed began to lift in January, with engineering investigations finding significant water loss into the ground and several compliance defects.

Maitland Council is set to consider a report next Tuesday with details on repairs, costs, and a timeframe.

It's hoped the pool will reopen in early 2023 for the second half of summer.

Port Stephens residents to pick from pair of rate rise options

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A rate rise could be on the cards for Port Stephens residents, as part of efforts to ease the financial pressure on Council.

After a period of community engagement, Council's narrowed the rate rise options down from five to just two options.

Both the options are permanent and would come into effect on 1 July 2023.

Under the Single Year Scenario, ratepayers would see a 26 percent increase in a single year, and Council would reach its budget target in just one year.

The alternative Independent Recommendation Scenario would instead see a rate rise of 10.5 percent each year, for three years, coming to a cumulative rate rise of 34.92 percent.

In the second scenario, Council would meet its budget target by the end of the three years, and services would be gradually enhanced.

Both options eliminate the predicted budget shortfall, as well as supply funding for additional services.

A number of drop-in sessions will be held in late September and early October to consult the community on their preferred option.

Residents can have their say at their local library, the Council administration building, or online at https://portstephens.nsw.gov.au/rate-rise-options.

Giacomo Arnott elected as Port Stephens Deputy Mayor

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Giacomo Arnott has been elected as Port Stephens' new Deputy Mayor.

He'll serve in the role for a year, after being sworn in at Tuesday's night Council meeting.

Councillors voted unanimously for Cr Arnott to take up the job, who was the youngest person ever elected to Port Stephens Council, just 23 years old in 2017.

Cr Arnott says he's looking forward to continue to deliver services to the community and improve transparency on Council.

He hopes his election is proof to young people across Raymond Terrace and other parts of the city, they can achieve anything.

Image credit: Giacomo Arnott.

Back to business for Singleton Council as Deputy Mayor re-elected

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Councillor Tony Jarrett has been re-elected as Deputy Mayor, as Singleton Council returns after its by-election hiccup.

The local government elections in December had to be overturned because of a glitch in online voting which locked some residents out.

It's Cr Jarrett's third time in the role, though the Council's current term will be cut short to line up with the next election period in 2024.

The nine councillors saw their Oath and Affirmation of Office on Tuesday evening.

The only change to the roster was Labor's Sarah Johnstone seizing a spot from Independent Belinda Charlton.

Ms Charlton was recognised at the meeting for her contributions since December.

Deputy Mayor Tony Jarrett and Outgoing Councillor Belinda Charlton.

Port Stephens Council Looking For Community Feedback

BY DARCY MCGAVIN

Port Stephens Council is encouraging residents to have their say in its 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey to collect feedback on their community services. 

It's asking for responses on how to best shape the community and make key areas of improvement identified by residents a continuing priority of the Council's focus.

Acting Corporate Services Group Manager Zoe Pattison says it's open to everyone.

"We are hoping for a realistic response in terms of how people are generally feeling about council," she said. "Whether they have used our community facilities and how they are feeling about our amenities."

Ms Pattison says it is important that as many people as possible in the Port Stephens area complete the survey, because it is the best way for residents to give feedback and let them know how they are going.

"The community is at the heart of everything that we do, and [the survey] helps us to shape our services and deliver the broad range of services that we have," she said.

You can access the survey online at www.pscouncil.info/CommunitySatisfactionSurvey or phone 49880255 to learn more.

Cessnock MP at loggerheads with Council over barbeque stoush

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Cessnock MP Clayton Barr is in a stoush with Cessnock Council, after facing fines for using public spaces to hold community barbeques.

He's taken to social media to complain, arguing he's just trying to do his job and reach out to his constituents. 

Mr Barr has since cancelled all his barbeque events in the Cessnock Local Government Area, though they'll still go ahead in Lake Macquarie and Singleton.

"I want to keep on doing that," he said. "I'm happy to provide the sausages, I'm happy to provide the barbeque, I'm happy to provide the sauce."

"All I want is for Cessnock Council to provide a little bit of grass for me to set up on without a fee or a charge, because that's just another barrier and another problem."

Cessnock Council charges $11 an hour for the use of open spaces and parks for publicised community events to help staff cover the costs of availability, cleaning and maintenance. 

Mr Barr says it would have set him back thousands of dollars if he'd been charged over the past 13 years.

While not-for-profits and community groups can apply for a community sponsorship and fee waiver, the use of facilities for a mobile electorate office for political purposes doesn't fall under the eligibility criteria. 

Mayor Jay Suvaal said on social media he was "surprised" by Mr Barr's request.

"It would be inappropriate for Council to waive this fee for politicians," he wrote. "During previous Council elections, my team has also paid the small fee to hold similar events."

"I understand the Member for Cessnock receives a $92,000 electoral allowance on top of his salary to allow him to pay for community events like this, so I was quite shocked to hear of his concern on Facebook about the $11 fee."

"I’m really disappointed by his commentary attacking the council and our staff, and I regret he’s chosen to do it so publicly. Moving forward, I hope we can continue working together positively to address the real issues facing our local community."

Council backs plans to rezone remediated Boolaroo smelter site

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The former Pasminco smelter site at Boolaroo could soon be home to commercial developments, new parks, or even a school.

Lake Macquarie Council endorsed a planning proposal on Tuesday night, which would see the now-remediated site rezoned and building heights boosted to 18 metres.

Mayor Kay Fraser says the site's past is behind it.

"The land is probably the cleanest land in the Hunter Region," she said. "It's been cleaned down to bedrock."

"There's no contamination there at all."

Though the State Government is yet to sign off on the planning proposal, it's understood there has already been interest in the site.

The proposal allows for rezoning the land south of Cressy Road to mixed use, while north of the road would be zoned for public recreation and possibly public facilities.

"This site will be a city landmark that will promote Lake Macquarie's leading role in the region," she said. 

"We want to generate excitement. We want to attract visitors, workers and customers from our side of the city."     

Port Stephens spruiking the city's solar future with panel program

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Port Stephens Council is set to install new solar panels on 14 community buildings as part of its effort to become carbon neutral by 2025.

The solar photovoltatic systems are expected to slash Council's energy bills by $91,920 each year and cut energy usage by 25 percent.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says it'll make a huge difference to the city's environmental footprint.

"The installation of these solar photovoltaic systems on community buildings across Port Stephens is part of our broader commitment to driving sustainability through investment in renewable energy options," he said.

"We aren’t immune to the impacts of climate change. Increased sea level rise, intensity and frequency of storms, plus bushfire and rainfall patterns, are challenging the way we manage our environment."

"We recognise the role we have as a community leader in environmental sustainability and minimising the environmental impacts of our facilities - with these small changes, we hope to start making a big difference."

The buildings to benefit include four sports complexes, all three aquatic centres, the Visitor Information Centre, the Nelson Bay Depot, and Fingal Bay Surf Club. 

Council already has solar systems set up at its Administration Building, Raymond Terrace library, Tomaree library, community centres linked to Rural Fire Service stations, and the Salamander Waste Transfer Station.

The panels are expected to be up and running by mid-August.

Cessnock to launch new tourism grants fund

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Cessnock Council is set to launch a new Visitor Economy Grants and Sponsorship Program in the hopes of boosting tourism in the town.

According to Council data, visitation from Monday to Thursday is about 40 percent less than weekends - it's hoped supporting projects and events could boost that mid-week visitation and the length of people's stays, as well as grow jobs in the area.

The $50,000 funding pool opens up in August, but applications can be made for amounts from $5,000 to $25,000.

Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal says attracting 10 percent more midweek visitors would result in an estimated 35,000 additional annual visitors to the city, as well as $15 million in additional output, and 103 new jobs.

Port Stephens Council to discuss mandate for lighter-coloured residential roofs

BY DAKOTA TAIT

New developments across Port Stephens could be required to use a lighter-coloured roof, with Council set to discuss a proposal to mandate the idea at Tuesday night's meeting.

Lighter-coloured roofs are understood to better reflect the heat and light, meaning they're generally better insulators and create lower temperatures in homes. 

Residential developments often already opt for a lighter-coloured roof, to meet statewide policy on energy efficiency.

Councillor Giacomo Arnott put the motion forward, saying it's a simple way to cut both bills and energy consumption in summer.

"I think it's a no-brainer to at the very least consider and put some thought into," he said.

"There's always going to be some work to do to make sure that we can get the planning principles correct and to make sure that we're not unnecessarily adding to the cost of new homes."

If the motion's successful, staff are set to create a report exploring the proposal.

They'll consider how the rule might conflict with other development standards, as well as resident complaints about the glare and reflectivity of lighter-coloured roofing.

"Most people probably don't look too much at the colour of their roof," Cr Arnott said. "I know I certainly don't look at the colour of my roof too often."

"I can't imagine there would be any real opposition to something like this, if it means lower energy costs and it means a better future for local families and their children."

Lake Macquarie Council opens opportunities for adventure tourism operators

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Expressions of interest have opened across Lake Macquarie to launch new adventure tourism sites across the region.

Council is offering a long-term lease at three council-owned sites, including a waterfront parcel near the Museum of Art and Culture at Booragul, a former quarry at Glendale, and another site at Teralba.

Each site is classed as operational land and are considered to be close to transport connections and commercial centres.

Leases as long as 30 years or even longer are being considered, depending on the nature of the project, but it's understood the city's looking for venues such as a water park, a bike or skate park, or a climbing and zip-lining attraction.

Interested operators or investors need to be financed and development-ready, and can apply for all three locations or just the one.

The waterfront site at Booragul.

Cathedral Park excavation to unearth rich Newcastle history

BY ALEXANDRA REES

Archaeological excavation have launched at Newcastle's Cathedral Park this week, ahead of a planned revitalization.

The site behind Christ Church Cathedral is the resting place for more than 3,000 European settlers, as well as an Aboriginal camping ground prior to settlement. 

It's considered a real possibility the excavation could unearth objects of Indigenous history including burial cuts and tombstone fragments.

Newcastle Council Regulatory Planning and Assessment Manager Michelle Bisson says the heritage of the site is absolutely essential to both protect and conserve.

"The site is being managed to work through the Aboriginal and historical archeological test excavations with regard to the history of the site," she said.

"It was one of our oldest cemeteries and prior to that it was an Aboriginal camp ground for thousands of years."

Council has been carrying out a number of improvement projects, as part of a masterplan to transform Cathedral Park into a showpiece destination for the city. 

Ms Bisson says she's looking forward to the final product.

"It's an iconic part of Newcastle," she said.

"It will be amazing when it's finished for people to be able to appreciate the site and the extensive heritage Newcastle has."