Port Stephens Mayor Calls for Protection Against Shoal Bay Erosion

BY CAMERON TARAGEL

Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson is calling for the state government to step in and provide much-needed assistance for erosion along Shoal Bay Road. 

State legislation only allows sandbags to be in place for up to 90 days, but Cr Anderson believes an extension would be beneficial to allow for long-term solutions to begin. 

Currently, no sand bags are in place along the deteriorating foreshore due to the restrictions, with recent harsh weather removing large chunks of sand. 

Cr Anderson said sand management is only a short-term fix. 

"We're trying to do all the studies that we need to do to actually look at what we need to do," she said.

"We need to do something to stabilize the area until we can work out that long-term solution." 

The mayor recent wrote to the NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to advocate for a 12 month extension to sand bag limits. 

Additionally, she said with the state government's financial support, a stronger long-term solution can be found.

"We don't have a lot of funding for the works that we need to do," she said.

"We need to apply for state government grants to be able to co-fund long-term solutions." 

Council is seeking the state approval to secure the beachfront as they continue delivering their long-term Coastal Management Program. 

Erosion along Shoal Bay Road in April this year. Picture: Port Stephens Council 

Million Dollar Tomaree Lodge Master Plan Released

BY JOHN HEWITT

After years of sitting idle there's now movement on the State Government's plans for the Tomaree Lodge precinct.

The Government has released its long-awaited Masterplan for Tomaree Lodge, outlining its future vision for the precinct with an emphasis on its history, natural beauty and connection to the community.

The release of the Masterplan follows the completion of a number of initial projects for the site, including walkway repairs, refurbishment of recreational areas, building upgrades and new CCTV cameras.

In the next phase of its development the Masterplan will focus on arts and cultural events, educational opportunities and local tourism initiatives.

President of the Tomaree Lodge Headland Heritage Group, Peter Clough, said the Masterplan was based on extensive feedback, and reflects the hopes and wishes of the local community.

"The initiatives outlined in the Masterplan make a lot of sense," he said.

"We are particularly pleased with the inclusion of educational facilities and a museum as initiatives for consideration."

The State Government is investing $4.6 million in the site to ensure the precinct can continue to meet community needs and expectations for generations to come.

The Government is also looking at commercial opportunities for the site, including the potential development of a cafe and information centre.

The Masterplan is available on the Department of Community and Justice web site - www.dcj.nsw.gov.a

Tomaree Headland. Picture: Tomaree Headland and Heritage Group

Port Stephens Powered Vessel Free Zone Deemed Success

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Officials are deeming the recent trial of Port Stephen's powered vessel free zones a success for the community. 

The trial, held between 24 December and 26 January, saw a series of exclusion zones put in places along popular beaches within the Port Stephens area. 

Any powered vessel, including jet skis, were prohibited from entering the zones in order to protect swimmer safety. 

Transport for NSW (TfNSWM) Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said early feedback indicated a positive response from beach goers. 

"I can happily tell you that in those zones during that trial, everyone was really enjoying the interaction with the water and we were getting few complaints," he said.

"This is opposed to what we saw last year and the year before." 

During the trial, TfNSWM conducted more than 500 consultations with residents, visitors and powered vessel users as part of the independent evaluation process. 

"As we promised, we have independently evaluated this trial so that there can be no bias around the results," he added. 

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said it was a win for the community. 

"Year on year we had been getting increasing numbers of complaints," she said. 

"But this year I've had none. 

"Instead, I've had a positive response to the zones that we've stood up. 

"So, it's really positive and pleasing to say that on Port Stephens waterways this year it's been calm waters." 

The results of the trial will become available in March. 

Picture: Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and TfNSWM Executive Director Mark Hutchings. 

Domestic Violence Refuge To Open in Port Stephens

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A new safety refuge is set to be opened in Port Stephens, providing support for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. 

The facility will feature six independent units for women, both single and with children, alongside core areas for counselling, group programs, a children's playroom and separate youth space. 

Construction is currently underway, with the build set to be complete later this year. 

Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services (PSFaNS) Assistant Manager Ann Fletcher said women and children previously didn't have the option of a local refuge in Port Stephens. 

"In the past, if we needed to have a women and/or her children go into a refuge, they would have to leave the area," she said. 

"So, having one locally means women can still stay in their community, the children can still stay in school, and it's not uprooting the entirety of their life." 

The refuge is a partnership between Hume Community Housing and PSFaNS, and is developed under their Core and Cluster model. 

The organisation will open an online donation registry at the end of the month, with the community encouraged to gift whatever they can. 

"The Port Stephens community has always been marvelous at supporting us," said Ms Fletcher. 

"They have always rallied around us and we're very grateful to have such a generous community. 

"So, I know that they will be keen to support us in this activity as well." 

Teenage girl missing from Port Stephens

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from Port Stephens.

Jasmine Anderson, aged 14, was last seen at a bus stop on Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay, about 11:30am Sunday (18 August 2024).

Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Jasmine is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of thin build and with brown hair and blue eyes.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle Interchange, Dora Creek and Nowra areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Jasmine Anderson

BREAKING! Missing Port Stephens Girls Found Safe And Well At Telarah

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two young girls reported missing from the Port Stephens area earlier this week have been found safe and well overnight.

12-year-old Ellah White was last seen leaving Tomaree High School on Tuesday morning and 13-year-old Sophie Fletcher hadn't been seen since leaving a Nelson Bay home on Monday morning.

Police say they received a call from staff at Telarah Railway Station at about 11 o'clock on Wednesday night reporting both girls were together on the platform.

They were picked up a short time later and safely returned to their families.

Car chase involving two vehicles spans across multiple suburbs

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

Two separate police pursuits were launched in the Hunter this morning.

A Lexus and a Jeep Patriot were spotted by police during a patrol in the Fern Bay Area around 2:10am.

When the drivers failed to stop Two pursuits were initiated.  

The pursuit of the Jeep was terminated due to safety concerns. 

The Lexus which had been reported stolen reached Waratah before the pursuit was also terminated. 

Anyone with dashcam footage of the incident or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Image courtesy of Newcastle Herald

BREAKING! Major Search Under Way Around Port Stephens For Missing Helicopter

 BY IAN CROUCH

A major land and sea search is under way around the Port Stephens area for a helicopter which has been reported overdue.

In a statement, police say the helicopter took off from Cessnock at about 8.50am on Thursday bound for Wallis Island, near Kempsey.

The chopper failed to arrive as planned and police were notified.

It's understood a 54-year-old man an a dog were on board at the time.

Water Police are also involved in the search.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Water Police are involved in the search for a missing helicopter

Port Stephens Man Missing Since Saturday

BY OLIVIA DILLON

 

Police have launched an appeal for assistance to locate a man missing from Port Stephens. 

Andrew Collins, aged 63, hasn't been seen since Saturday evening (5th August 2023), when he left a home on Waropara Road at Medowie.

Andrew is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 175cm tall, of a medium build, with black hair and brown eyes,

Police have reason to believe he's travelling in a white Toyota Tarago with NSW registration BQ2-0PV

If you've seen Andrew or know where he is, please contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

 

Changes Announced For Hunter Offshore Wind Zone

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister has announced changes to the offshore wind zone declared for the Hunter's coast.

Chris Bowen is expected to announce a zone 1000 square metres smaller than the one originally proposed, which will run from Port Stephens to Swansea. 

It's also been moved about 9 kilometres further offshore.

The Central Coast section of the zone slated to go 10 kilometres off the shore at Norah Head has been removed from the proposal, after Shadow Minister Ted O'Brien last week heard concerns from the community about its potential to have visual, economic and environmental impacts on the area. 

The height of the turbines will be capped at 260 metres to address aviation concerns.

The changes mean the zone's energy-generating potential has shrunk from 8 gigawatts to 5. 

Mr. Bowen said the offshore wind industry has the potential to create over 3,000 construction jobs in the Hunter and 1,560 ongoing jobs. 

The government estimates the declared zone will generate enough electricity to power 4.2 million homes once fully developed. 

Appeal Launched for Missing Rutherford Teen

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Port Stephens Police are asking for our help to locate a missing teenager. 

17-year-old Zeke Zielinski was last seen in Rutherford at about 9:30 yesterday morning. 

He was wearing a black hooded jumper, black jeans, and black and white Nike shoes. 

He was also carrying a guitar case.

Police say he's not in trouble but his family are concerned and want to make sure he is safe and well. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is being urged to contact Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

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

17th Fingal Bay Drowning Prompts Calls for Increased Safety Measures

BY JORDANN LAVERS

A 71-year old man died at Fingal Bay in Port Stephens on Easter Sunday just after 10:00am on a family beach visit. 

Lifeguards were quick to respond to calls for help, with the man found floating in water near the infamous sand spit.

His young female relative was able to make it to safety.

Emergency services were called to reports a man was unresponsive in the water.

NSW Ambulance paramedics administered CPR however, the man was unable to be revived. 

This incident follows at least 16 other fatalities at the dangerous northern end of Fingal Bay, prompting immediate calls for an increase in basic safety measures. 

President of the Hunter Branch of NSW Surf Life Saving Henry Scruton is hoping additional signage and portable location beacons with a direct radio link to the surf club will be implemented at the popular holiday destination.

Mr Scruton says visitors should be vigilant when using the Bay's waterways.

"It is safe to swim in as long as you have the ability to swim but if you are not a good swimmer don't go over to that island especially when the tides are changing," he said.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reviewing the incident to identify any further measures which need to be implemented to increase visitor awareness in future. 

A spokesperson said "visitor safety is a priority." 

Image: Marine Rescue Port Stephens

 

 

Calls to Locate Missing Port Stephens Teen

BY OLIVIA DILLON  

Port Stephens Hunter Police are seeking assistance from the public to locate a missing teenager.

15-year-old Bailey was last seen in Corlette at about 3:30 on Saturday afternoon. 

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build, with a fair complexion and brown hair.

Bailey is know to frequent the Nelson Bay area.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers. 

 

 

BREAKING! Air And Sea Search Under Way After Flare Sighting Off Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search is under way after reports of a flare being sighted off Port Stephens early Wednesday morning.

Police say a member of the public reported seeing what's now believed to be two high powered spot lights about 40 kilometres offshore from Fishermans's Beach at about 3.40am .

A Marine Rescue crew is searching the area along with a helicopter.

Police say no emergency beacon has been activated in the area.

Hunter Man Charged With Grooming

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Detectives from the State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad have charged a man following an investigation into online grooming in the Hunter region. 

Officers have spent the last month connecting online with a 47-year-old man in Port Stephens, posing as a woman and her daughter, aged under ten years. 

The man reportedly engaged in highly-sexualised conversations, sent child abuse material, and arranged to meet the pair for sexual activity. 

He was arrested at a home in Tanilba Bay yesterday at about 7:30am. 

Police also seized several electronic storage devices and other items, which will undergo examination. 

He was formally refused bail, and will appear before Newcastle Local Court next Wednesday. 

Community calling for more time to consider Raymond Terrace development

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter and Central Coast Planning Panel is facing calls to extend the deadline for submissions on the proposed Kings Hill development north of Raymond Terrace.

There's concern, residents have had just a month to respond, especially in the leadup to the Christmas period.

Submissions close on Friday 9 December, but Greens MP Cate Faehrmann has written to the Planning Panel, calling for an extra month to Friday 20 January in the new year.

Environmental groups and locals have raised the alarm, the project could result in the destruction of 152 hectares of koala habitat.

Ms Faehrmann says she's worried the project is "being rushed through the planning system", and the community needs more time to digest and evaluate the development applications.

Firefighters responding to Fingal Bay bushfire

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Firefighters responded to a bushfire at Barry Park in Fingal Bay on Wednesday morning.

The fire was believed to be around 50 metres long, across the treetops. 

Crews were able to get the blaze under control within a couple of hours.

No properties were in danger.

Nelson Bay pedestrian bridge to be permanently removed

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Nelson Bay pedestrian bridge will be removed permanently after a specialist engineering report discovered serious and long-term structural issues.

The bridge was removed in April after initial concerns raised during routine maintenance.

Port Stephens Council says the cost of repairing, replacing, and maintaining the structure is too high to justify the project.

The bridge was already slated to be removed as part of the Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan, expanding the amount of space available to pedestrians.

It's hoped the northern side of the support structure will be demolished before Christmas.

Community consultation to begin on Tomaree Lodge after court ruling

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The State Government says it's committed to using the Tomaree Lodge for a community purpose, after the Land and Environment Court ruled the Minister must retain the site.

Community consultation is set to begin at the end of October to decide on the site's future.

The State Government is set to consult with Port Stephens Council, the Worimi Aboriginal Land Council, and community groups and residents.

There have also been calls from the community and local MPs to repurpose the site for temporary accommodation in the region's housing and homelessness crisis.