Three public schools in the Hunter electorate receive extra infrastructure funding

BY JORDAN REGNIS

$68 million in infrastructure projects will be delivered to public schools across New South Wales, including three in the Hunter electorate.

$5.8 million will be distributed amongst three public schools, including Cessnock East Public School, Wakefield Public School and Cessnock High School.

In the second round of the Albanese Governments Schools Upgrade Fund public schools with the greatest need have been made a priority.

This includes those containing a high number of students from low-socio economic backgrounds, and First Nations Students.

Wakefield Public School has received $4 million to upgrade classrooms, school buildings and facilities.

Cessnock East Public School has been handed $1.2 million for a playground upgrade. 

Cessnock High School has been given $600,000 for a sports precinct upgrade.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi says "students and teachers will now have better facilities, and better quality education from these".

Applications for the second round of funds closed in February and were open to all public schools.

                                            

                                             

Federal Infrastructure Pipeline Review Yields Mixed Results For The Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The release of the federal government's report on it's infrastructure pipeline review has yielded mixed outcomes for projects in the Hunter. 

In good news for commuters, the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, The Newcastle Inner City Bypass, and upgrades to Mandalong Road will all go ahead as planned. 

Funding has been reserved for the planning of the Muswellbrook Bypass, however no additional commitment has been made for the construction phase of the project. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, says he believes the government is delaying the project, and it won't be delivered until after the Singleton Bypass is completed. 

"As we found out in budget estimates just a few weeks ago, NSW Transport will not proceed with the project until they receive a deed from the Federal Government with the construction money," he said. 

Meanwhile, work on the first phase of the government's proposed high speed rail network is set to grind to a halt, after today's report revealed it will no longer be funding upgrades to tracks and platforms at Tuggerah and Wyong. 

The federal and state governments committed a combined $1.5 billion last year to the improvements, as part of plans to cut 35 minutes off the journey from Newcastle to Sydney.

Although the report indicates $500 million has been allocated to "High Speed Rail Priorities", it also reveals the Central Coast upgrade works will no longer be funded by the Commonwealth. 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon says the city will still have "a very lead role in the development of this exciting new chapter in Australian rail history." 

"We will be shaping what high speed rail looks like in Australia with the priority that's been given for the Newcastle to Sydney leg," she said. 

In addition, Dave Layzell says while he's pleased the government has allocated more funding for the replacement of the Brig O'Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town, it's not enough to fully fund the project. 

$781,000 in additional funding has been handed down by the Commonwealth for the replacement works. 

However, Dave Layzell, says it's only 20% of what's needed to get the job done. 

The release of today's report comes after Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King earlier this week announced changes to the way the government would fund projects, returning to a preference of 50:50 funding with the states and territories for future investments. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, says the government should be able to provide more clarity about the projects it is funding, now it's scope has been reduced. 

"A significant reduction in the scope of projects should hopefully see those on the list move through without delay. Ideally, we’ll also receive some clarity from the state government to confirm all these projects are in frame, given this clarity at a federal level," said Mr Hawes.

Hunter projects make the cut in budget overhaul

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Labor says its new budget is a show of confidence in the Hunter, with key infrastructure projects here to stay despite the Treasurer's financial overhaul.

Jim Chalmers told Parliament on Tuesday night, the Federal Government's latest blueprint is carefully designed to make savings, while addressing cost-of-living concerns and boosting the country's productivity.

$100 million in funding for hydrogen projects at the Port of Newcastle, $55 million for a new terminal at Newcastle Airport, and $500 million to investigate high-speed rail from Sydney to Newcastle have all made the cut.

At the University of Newcastle, $16 million is being spent on a new clean energy research centre, as well as funding for 967 more university places for teachers, nurses, and engineers over the next two years.

$28.7 million has been allocated to revive GP Access After Hours services across the region, and money's also been put aside for an election commitment to develop Urgent Care clinics to help ease the pressure on the Hunter's hospitals.

The price of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme has been slashed, meaning savings as much as $12.50 a script for more than 3.5 million people by January.

Works are set to go ahead on the New England Highway bypass at Muswellbrook, and $10 million's also been allocated to upgrade the Muswellbrook town centre.

Labor's also set to follow through with a commitment to upgrade Mandalong Road at Morisset, and there's $10 million each toward a mine grouting fund for Lake Macquarie and to dredge the Swansea Channel.

Energy prices are expected to surge by 50 percent over the next two years, but there's no immediate relief on that front outside of investment in renewable and clean energy projects.

The Federal Government is also pledging to work with industry to build a million homes over the next ten years, with a focus on shortages in the regions.

Awaba bridge works hit major milestone

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Lake Macquarie Council says works on the Wilton Road Bridge in Awaba are on track, after hitting a major milestone.

A ten-day closure turned into just a week, reopening ahead of schedule last month after the ageing timber structure was replaced completely with reinforced concrete.

Works to complete the upgrade will continue later into the year, but Council says it's a major step forward in delivering safer travel for motorists and pedestrians crossing the bridge.

MP reignites pleas for Wallsend flood fix

BY BILLIE KAAL 

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has hosted Shadow Minister for Water Rose Jackson on Tuesday morning to discuss the area's flood infrastructure problems. 

The pair walked along Ironbark Creek in hopes to raise awareness for improvement of Wallsend's stormwater assets. 

The area is prone to significant flooding roughly every 12 years, but Ms Hornery believes the community is not equipped for future events. 

She says she's disappointed at the lack of response she is receiving on the matter, especially from Hunter Water. 

"We in Wallsend get nothing back from Hunter Water," she said. 

"A succession of Liberal ministers have refused to acknowledge or take responsibility for the future of flooding and need for flooding mitigation in the Wallsend area."  

While Hunter Water owns and operates the infrastructure, it's understood, the Water Minister argues it's up to the City of Newcastle to address the issue.

Ms Hornery says she remains hopeful the meeting with Ms Jackson will spark awareness on the issue and ultimately provide the best outcomes for the community. 

Wallsend was inundated in the 2007 floods. Image credit: ABC.

New Anvil Creek Bridge Opens in Greta

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Cessnock City Council have announced the official opening of the new Anvil Creek Bridge on Nelson Street in Greta. 

The project has been funded by a $690,800 contribution from the Australian Government under its Bridges Renewal Program, as well as a $1.3 million injection from Cessnock City Council. 

The old structure has now been replaced with a new, 24-metre-long, two-lane concrete bridge. 

200-metres of upgraded pavement on both sides, and a new pedestrian pathway have also been added to allow better access to the Greta Train Station at the western end of Nelson Street. 

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, said the project reflects an exciting step forward for the regional community. 

"Nothing is more important than ensuring people get home safe and sound at the end of each road trip, whether it's just a quick run to the local shops or an interstate freight haul," he said. 

"That's why our Government is committed to building a better future for the Hunter Region and for all Australians by delivering infrastructure like this new Anvil Creek Bridge." 

The upgrade comes after safety concerns for the previous single-lane, timber bridge were raised by local residents. 

Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal, hopes the bridge will prove to be an important asset for Greta, both in terms of transport and safety. 

"The new Anvil Creek Bridge has a life expectancy of 100 years and has removed all the safety risks that were associated with the old timber bridge, which is just fantastic," Mayor Suvaal said. 

"With an increased clearance above the Anvil Creek waterway, the new bridge will also decrease the prevalence of flooding upstream and allow a less restricted flow of water downstream." 

The new Anvil Creek Bridge in Greta is officially open. 

State budget continues spend on Hunter infrastructure

BY DAKOTA TAIT

There's hope the Hunter economy could be bolstered by a swathe of commitments on infrastructure projects in the state's latest budget.

Matt Kean's handed down the spending on Tuesday, highlighting a $95 million spend on planning a fast rail link from Sydney to Newcastle, the first in a $274.5 million spend over four years on the initiative.

$37.8 million's been promised for the final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, as well as $19.8 for the Singleton Bypass and another $14.2 on the Muswellbrook Bypass.

$1.4 billion will be spent over the next four years to continue planning the M1 Extension to Raymond Terrace, with $117.9 million set aside to get construction started.

Health assets will also get a slice of the cash splash, with $89.4 million allocated to the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, and another almost $40 million on Maitland Hospital.

The Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone is also in line for a leg-up, with a $1.2 billion spend on a Transmission Acceleration Facility to link up the energy grid and spur investment in the sector.

More than $700 million spent on developing high-value future industries such as medical technology and the green economy is also expected to have positive repercussions locally. 

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean delivered his budget on Tuesday.

Speers Point to Glendale shared pathway on track for commuters

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Works on the Speers Point to Glendale shared pathway have wrapped up.

The track runs parallel with Cockle Creek, past Waratah Golf Club, and links at Glendale with the existing Tramway Track to Wallsend.

The completion of the leg means cyclists and commuters have a continuous, mostly off-road 18 kilometre route to the University of Newcastle and beyond.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says it's great for commuting, exercise, or just sightseeing.

"It's known throughout New South Wales and Australia about our Fernleigh Shared Track, about our Richmond Vale Trail, the beautiful shared paths around our city and the other local government areas," Cr Fraser said.

"Adding this to that will mean that people will be able to actually use it as a tourist destination, but also, a means of getting to work as well."

Image credit: www.lakemac.com.au

Hunter community to see the profit from mining royalties

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's set to see the profit from local mining thanks to the latest round of Resources for Regions funding.

More than $5.6 million will be reinvested by the State Government to deliver infrastructure projects for local communities. 

Newcastle's set to receive over a million dollars for works on cycleways and a new café and community facility at Blackbutt Reserve.

Maitland will get almost a million dollars for a pathway between Morpeth and Walka Water Works, while Lake Macquarie will see cash focused on sports and youth facilities.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says she's looking forward to see the projects unfold over her next term in council.

"These are the projects we love to deliver around our city," Ms Fraser said. "We have a real focus on our community, our residents and families."

"This fits in very nicely with that, so very exciting to have that funding on day one."

Here's a full list of the funded projects.

Newcastle City Council:

• $879,828 for Blackbutt Reserve Café and Community Facility
• $300,000 for the University to City Centre Cycleway (Maud Street Mid-block Signals)

Lake Macquarie City Council:

• $120,000 for a Lake Macquarie Centre of Excellence
• $80,000 for a Learn to Swim Pools Business Case
• $250,000 for a new Multi Court at Killingworth
• $595,299 for floodlighting at Douglass Street Field and Finnan Oval
• $350,000 for a car park at the Rathmines Youth Hub (the Youth Hub is being partially funded through funding received from Resources for Regions Round 7)

Cessnock Council:

• $314,688 for Millfield Skatepark Extension
• $95,000 for a business case for Weston Bears Park
• $250,000 for upgrades to Carmichael Park BMX Track
• $847,701 for Phase 2 of Rotary Park Kurri Kurri Concept Plan, Accessibility and Amenities Upgrades
• $105,000 for the Business Case for Booth Park Netball Facility

Maitland City Council:

• $956,480 for Morpeth to Walka Water Works Shared Pathway – Stage 2
• $306,862 for Lochinvar Sports Complex and Rural Fire Station – Sewer connection and site improvements
• $200,000 for a Business Case to upgrade the Thornton Road/Glenwood Drive intersection

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin.

Draft plan to set the stage for the Hunter's next twenty years

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A new NSW Government plan to shape the Hunter's future over the next 20 years is being welcomed by local community and industry.

The Draft Hunter Regional Plan 2041 is promising to push the region towards healthier, cleaner, and greener living for locals. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes says it's great to see this sort of interest and investment from the Government. 

"We're pleased that they're keeping to the program of reviewing this plan every five years, because that's what needs to happen," Mr Hawes said.

"There's a lot that's changed in the region in the last five years, since that plan was first drafted in 2015 and 2016."

"We're keen to make sure that it's picking up on the ambitions and the trends that we're seeing in this region about diversification."

The latest plan has added targets for net zero emissions and aims to establish "fifteen-minute regions" across the entire Hunter, where services are accessible to community members in a fifteen minute walk or drive.

Mr Hawes says it'll be interesting to see how the ideas are implemented.

"Down towards the coast, where the urban form is far more dense, and services are already closer together it's going to be a lot easier to achieve," Mr Hawes said.

"But we'd we questioning the relevance when we get to the other areas, where we get vast, spread out areas of industrial development and so on and so forth, and relatively longer distances in communities."

It's hoped consultation with locals and residents will continue as the plan moves forward and 2041 comes closer.

"There's quite a few areas where this appears to be broaching across into areas that go beyond planning and really go to the heart of what community's going to look like and how they should form in years to come," Mr Hawes said.

"Things like bringing in the net zero and other implications that have considerable ramifications to what our communities look like."

The Draft Hunter Regional Plan 2041 is on Public Exhibition until March 4.

You can find out more about how to have your say at https://dpie.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/hunter-2041.

Image credit: dpie.mysocialpinpoint.com.au

New primary school put on the backburner for Newcastle Education Campus

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A new primary school is set to be included in planning for the upcoming Newcastle Education Campus, but construction could be on the backburner.

The project is slated to include a new high school in addition to the primary school, but a timeline, budget, and other specifics are currently unclear.

Department of Education School Infrastructure NSW Chief Executive Anthony Manning told budget estimates on Tuesday the school was not needed "immediately".

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says it needs to happen "sooner rather than later".

"The numbers that are projected for primary schools in the city, as you can see with all the apartments being built, are going to go sky high," Mr Crakanthorp said.

"It's better to build it now, rather than say oop, we've hit the number threshold, now let's build it, and that'll take some years."

Budget estimates heard from Mr Manning, the school would be able to happen quickly when the need crystallised. 

But Mr Crakanthorp said there needs to be a commitment now.

"I'll keep pushing it, so it will happen," Mr Crakanthorp said.

"But you know, the fact that they're saying they're going to put the primary school off and just do a few repairs initially in the first stages, simply is not good enough."

Hunter Street Turns Single Lane For Bike Lane Trial

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter Street will rely on just one lane in each direction to make way for a trial of brand new bike lanes in the city's west.

Single direction bike lanes are currently being installed on both sides of the road between National Park Street and Worth Place.

A number of on-street parks and bus stops are also set to be moved, and the speed limit reduced to 40 kilometres an hour as part of the project.

No parking spaces will be lost, despite major changes to the road.

Newcastle Cycleways President Sam Reich says he hopes "world standard" bike lane options will go a long way to encouraging more people to get out of their cars and into the saddle.

"The main barriers to more people riding their bikes is not the weather, it's not the terrain, it's not people's fitness," Mr Reich said.

"The factor preventing it is this perception of lack of safety on bicycles, when bicycles mix with traffic."

It's hoped, if the trial is successful, the cycleway could be extended to Islington Park and all the way to Mayfield.

The works are expected to be wrapped up by September.

Image credit: https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

Newcastle Container Terminal Hopes Quashed by Federal Court Call

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A Federal Court decision which quashed the possibility of a container terminal at the Port of Newcastle is being met with backlash.

The port has been pushing to diversify into freight and establish a larger terminal on the former BHP site at Mayfield for years, but is currently limited by laws which restrict container movements and make the project financially unfeasible. 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is now deciding whether to proceed with an appeal against the call, after their claims the restrictions were anti-competitive and only put in place to favour Port Kembla and Port Botany, were rejected.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said the Government needed to step in for the sake of the Hunter economy and its sustainability into the future.

"It is outrageous that the NSW Government has subjected us to a dodgy deal they made in order to sell and privatize the ports in NSW," Ms Claydon said. 

"It's effectively a massive constraint on Newcastle." 

The court also rejected arguments the Government lost Crown immunity from anti-competitive practice in privatizing the ports, stating the Government was not acting as a business, but only in the interest of a policy decision. 

"All pressure should be put to the NSW Liberal Government," Ms Claydon said. "This is a problem of their making, and the solution also lies with them."

"Why should we be penalised and not be in a position to develop and grow this port, help create jobs in our region, and continue to drive great economic activity in Newcastle?"

Image credit: https://www.portofnewcastle.com.au/

Barrington Tops Road Closure A Snag for Snow Chasers

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Snow chasers could have their dreams dashed this winter, with a major road closure at Gloucester blocking access to the Barrington Tops.

Barrington Tops Forest Road was shut for structural damage suffered in the March floods earlier this year, and there's concern the road could collapse at any moment.

Accomodation Gloucester owner Trudy Schultz said the road is likely to remain out of action for the whole season.

"We are going to have quite a lot of snow this weekend, I would say," Ms Schultz said.

"You can access the snow via Gloucester Tops, because apparently it's going to be snowing down to six hundred metres, but please don't access the Barrington Tops via Gloucester side and don't try and take backroads because you're going put people's lives at risk." 

While local businesses are usually preparing for peak tourism season, Ms Schultz said accommodation properties like hers are coming in under capacity.

Ms Schultz said the Forestry Corporation needs to sort the road out sooner rather than later.

"We've been through a drought, where Gloucester ran put of water, we were trucking in water," Ms Schultz said.

"We've had the bushfires, we've had major flood back in March and now we have a road that can't access the Barrington Tops."

"I know it's going to take a lot to do, but instead of just talking about it, we really need to start, because it's going to effect the whole Gloucester district, right down to Stroud, the whole area."

Image credit: https://barringtoncoast.com.au/

Concerns New Suburb Could Put Pressure on Hunter Infrastructure

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Plans for a new suburb north of Glendale are facing concerns that residents might be left playing catch up for infrastructure.

The rezoning is set to deliver between three and four thousand new homes, almost one thousand of which will be inside the Lake Macquarie area.

But Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says local infrastructure issues need to be dealt with now for the development to work out.

"What we need to consider for the future too of course is how aspects of infrastructure are working so that the people who live and are going to live in that area in the future have future schools, have public transport, have easy access to hospitals and other facilities," Ms Hornery said.

The 592 hectare site, owned by Eden Estates, straddles both Newcastle and Lake Macquarie councils along the Newcastle Link Road.

Ms Hornery says while the development will help alleviate the Hunter's housing crisis, existing problems are likely to only get worse as long as schools and roads remain crowded. 

"What we know of particularly around the Blue Gum Hills area is that students are crossing dangerous roads and that schools are over capacity," Ms Hornery said.

"What the department need to start doing is to start building schools ahead of capacity rather than behind it."

"Those factors all need to be considered and they need to be considered deeply with council as well, so that we can ensure that people aren't stuck in areas that they can't get out of or that we have increased traffic jams and problems in the area because traffic already is at capacity." 

Image credit: Eden Estates

Lake Macquarie Council Calling On Tenders for Cockle Creek Bridge

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Lake Macquarie Council is calling on tenders for construction of a bridge across Cockle Creek on Barnsley's The Weir Road.

The long-awaited bridge would provide a more reliable route for more than 2000 vehicles which travel between Barnsley and Teralba every day.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tony Farrell says a new bridge will be a significant benefit for the local community.

"The existing weir experiences flooding multiple times a year, and is often closed to traffic during rainfall events," Mr Farrell said. 

"Construction of a bridge over Cockle Creek will ensure there is unrestricted access between Barnsley, Teralba and northern Lake Macquarie."

The project will see a new dual-lane bridge built, as well as realignment of The Weir Road to improve and construction of a 2.5m-wide shared pathway on the northern side of the bridge.

Works on the new bridge are expected to start mid-2021 and conclude mid-2022.

Tenders may be submitted until 2pm on Tuesday 25 May at http://tenderlink.com/lakemac.

Image credit: https://www.lakemac.com.au/

State Government Facing Calls for Further Works on Pacific Highway to Improve Road Safety

BY DAKOTA TAIT

While the Pacific Highway's four lane upgrade has been completed, the NSW Government is now facing calls to invest in further works to help improve the road's safety. 

Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie told Parliament on Tuesday the Pacific Highway needed overpasses and interchanges at vital intersections where there had been accidents and high traffic flows in the past.

“Population growth along the Pacific Highway corridor, combined with increasing tourism traffic has made many of these major intersections busy at peak times, raising further safety concerns,” Dr Gillespie said. 

“In recent times, we have seen fatal accidents at these busy intersections and it’s now time for them all to be upgraded.”

Dr Gillespie identified the Medowie Road, Italia Road and Buckets Way intersections north of Raymond Terrace as in particular need of an interchange or overpass following various fatal crashes in recent years.

"All of these intersections are a priority and need to be upgraded sooner rather than later. It is something we must put on the agenda now so that further investment can be made by the State and Federal Governments," Dr Gillespie said.

“The community at all of these locations are seeking interchanges and overpasses at these intersections and I believe they deserve nothing less."

Dr Gillespie said he would be pursuing the issue with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport.

Hunter Businesses to Benefit From Speed Boosts to Local Broadband

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter is set to benefit from plans for five new Business Fibre Zones, which will bring local Internet speeds up to date with the best in the country.

The plan allows businesses to tap into high capacity broadband at affordable prices, similar to those offered in major metropolitan centres.

Almost 50,000 businesses will have the chance to see a speed boost in areas such as Maitland, Williamtown, and the CBD.

Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes says the upgrades would help Newcastle stay on top of its connectivity issues amidst record migration from Sydney to regional areas.

"They've identified areas in the region where there's a high concentration of business and industry that are using Internet and relying on broadband," Mr Hawes said.

"The arrangements that will apply within these zones we understand will allow businesses to apply and secure connections starting at 100mB upload and download speeds through to almost 1gB, at prices that are going to be comparable with those offered in the Sydney area." 

Minister for Regional Communications, Regional Health and Local Government, Mark Coulton, says the changes set out by the National Broadband Network Company garnered a lot of interest in a Hunter Business Chamber meeting on Thursday morning.

"We're on the verge of one of the biggest migrations out of capital cities that we've ever seen, probably for a long, long time, if not ever," Mr Coulton said.

"The benefits of living in a regional city like Newcastle are where you've got lifestyle benefits, cheaper housing than probably the middle of Sydney, but still being able to operate at the top of your capacity as a business, has certainly got a lot of people thinking about making that move."

Mr Hawes says the project is an exciting opportunity for regional development.

"Businesses have been forced to make decisions to locate where there's a richness of broadband and Internet services, and that at times has put regional and rural areas at a disadvantage," Mr Hawes said.

"If this plan comes to pass, and rolls out the way they're intending it to, that will take away or evaporate a lot of that disadvantage that we've experienced over the years."

Federal Government Announces Inland Rail Link for Port of Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Federal Government announced on Thursday a $44.7 million rail link between the Hunter coal line and the Inland Rail at Narrabri. 

Through the Australian Rail Track Corporation, the thirty-five kilometre connection will allow greater capacity grain trains to come into the Port of Newcastle from western and north-western NSW.

Minister for Regional Communications, Regional Health and Local Government, Mark Coulton, said the project would be beneficial for agriculture amidst current trade tensions with China.

"Not only will this save farmers' money, but it will also make Newcastle Port a favoured destination for export markets for farmers across a large part of New South Wales," Mr Coulton said.

"That project will be well received, not only here in Newcastle, but right across the regions as well."

Image credit: https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/

City of Newcastle Set to Boost Economy by $275 Million with Coronavirus Relief Program

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The City of Newcastle's record $116 million capital works program is set to create 700 new local jobs and boost economic output by $275 million in an attempt to revitalize the local economy as it moves on from the COVID-19 pandemic.

While more than 41,000 people have lost their job or left the local labour force since February, the Council is confident their stimulus will breathe new life into the struggling community.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with the national economy in recession, it was more important than ever to "accelerate investment" and "uplift economic activity".

The city's infrastructure plan will deliver several programs over the next 12 months:

• $22.9 million for upgrades to local roads and footpaths 
• $17 million for waste management, with $9 million going towards an organics recycling facility at Summerhill and divert around 900,000 tonnes of food and garden organics from landfill 
• $14.2 million for suburban and city centre renewal, such as thee Hunter Street Mall works and local centres in Wallsend, Kotara, Merewether, Shortland, and Stockton
• $9.3 million for environmental sustainability projects, with $1.4 million going towards the rehabilitation of Ironbark Creek 
• $8.2 million for new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities 
• $7.3 million on storm water upgrades to address localised flooding
• $5 million to implement the city's Climate Action Plan 
• $5 million for new and improved cycleways
• $4.6 million for bridge reconstruction works, including Cowper Street and Nelson Street, Wallsend
• $1.5 million to plant new street and park trees

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said a $12 million loss in income would not affect their ability to deliver the program.

“The prudent financial management of City of Newcastle means we have the capacity to fund this COVID-19 stimulus budget, without borrowing," said Mr Bath. "Instead the $336 million budget will be funded from forecast income with a $23 million shortfall funded from existing reserves.”

Cr Nelmes said the program would continue the Council's track record of delivering great results for the local economy.

“Independent economic analysis shows that our investment in local infrastructure has sustained over 3,500 local jobs and increased economic output across Newcastle by more than $1.27 billion since 2015."

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