Windella community members oppose planned home-estate

 BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Members of the Windella Residents Community Group are concerned a manufactured home-estate planned for Windella violates planning laws.

Group leader Warren Baldacchino, argues the planned 282 home-estate will be too close to Maitland airport, and is concerned the airport could seek to develop the nearby land later on.

Mr Baldacchino also flagged the potential traffic increases, saying the additional units will bring 400 people to Windella, and will double the number of cars on the road.

Chris Speek from developer Mavid Group, says plans submitted to Maitland City Council are generally compliant with relevant laws. 

He also argues the group have considered the existing neighboring properties and airport when designing the estate.

Maitland City Council has called for public comment on the plan, and will accept submissions until March 4.

Police car in flames after crash

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

An unmarked police car caught fire on Tuesday morning, after crashing into a Holden Rodeo in Mayfield.

Emergency services were called to the intersection between Vine Street and Crebert Street at around 7:30am, after reports the two cars had collided. 

Firefighters arrived to see the vehicle engulfed in flames, but were quickly able to extinguish the blaze. 

Paramedics treated two police officers, who received minor injuries.

The driver of the Holden Rodeo was also assessed but did not report any injuries. 

Photo courtesy of Luke Priestly

Hunter LGA's Added to Live Traffic App

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Hunter motorists will soon have more real-time traffic information, as the state government prepares to add more regional roads to the Live Traffic NSW app. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell was joined by Maitland City Mayor Phillip Penfold and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway in Lorn today for the announcement. 

Singleton, Muswellbrook and Newcastle are set to go live on the app by the end of the month, with plans for the entire state to be added by the end of the year. 

The program, which has already been implemented in Maitland, means councils will be trained to upload road closure and incident information themselves. 

Mayor Phillip Penfold, said it's something vulnerable communities have been calling for. 

"The opportunity for council itself to upload this information, is going to be a game-changer when it comes to emergencies like floods, like fires, like listing our roadworks," he said.  

"The Live Traffic app is fantastic as it is, but we need to make sure the community has confidence that the information that's there is up-to-date and valid and correct."

Grass fire impacting traffic on the M1 near Holmesville

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Fire crews have responded to a grass fire on the M1 near Holmesville on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services received more than 80 phone calls regarding the blaze from 12:30pm.

The fire was on the median strip, and traffic was being impacted near the O'Donnelltown Road bridge.

One southbound lane remains closed.

Truck ablaze on Pacific Motorway near Morisset

BY DAKOTA TAIT 

A truck is on fire at Morisset, on the Pacific Motorway approaching Mandalong Road.

Fire crews say the vehicle is well alight, and it's believed the driver has already escaped the vehicle.

Reduced Speed Limit on Newcastle Road Rakes in $6 Million in Fines, but has it reduced Crashes?

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The State Government is facing calls to release data on how and if speed limit reductions on Thomas St, Newcastle Rd, and Griffiths Rd have improved road safety.

The speed limits on the popular stretch were reduced from 70km/h to 60km/h three years ago.

Transport for NSW stated then that the reduction was as a result of high residential and commercial density and a significant crash history, and would improve safety for motorists.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says despite the change, the Government has collected $6 million in speeding fines along the road and accidents continue at the same rate.

"Many of us suspect that the crash statistics are higher because it's a built-up road and at peak hour there's bumper to bumper accidents because the road is too clogged," Ms Hornery said.

"So after three years and $6 million worth of revenue from speeding fines, we're still wondering and shaking our heads as to why the government reduced the speed limit."

Ms Hornery has requested the data and reports to become available to assess whether the change was justified.

The Minister for Roads has been contacted for comment.

Maitland Council Proposes New Plan to Solve City Centre Parking Dilemma

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Maitland Council has put forward a new plan to tackle parking issues in the city centre, allowing workers to use off-street parking and saving popular spots for short-term visitors.

The report comes following a survey in which respondents complained works in the Levee redevelopment had led to a loss of spaces and that parking restrictions were not strongly enforced.

The Central Maitland Parking Study Draft Report was released on Thursday, encouraging council to emphasise short-term parking spaces to increase visitor turnover in the city.

The plan also suggested reducing the amount of paid parking while keeping fees at the same rate, as well as forcing new developments to provide adequate parking for their own demand.

The public have until the 11th of April to add their thoughts at https://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/maitland-your-say/engagements/central-maitland-parking-study.

Image credit: Maitland City Council

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.

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 

Head-on Crash South of Singleton

BY LILLY HAINES

Five people including three children have been injured at a serious crash at Whittingham near Singleton this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene north of Range Road on the New England Highway with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter arriving just after midday.

The Westpac Helicopter is transporting a 6 year old boy in a serious condition to the John Hunter Hospital suffering multiple injuries sustained in the head on crash.

The female driver is reportedly in a critical condition.

Two other children who were in the car are being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The male driver and sole occupant of the 4WD has also been taken to the John Hunter with non-life threatening injuries.

At the scene an Isuzu ute was seen tipped on its side while a white sedan was crushed.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have established a crime scene as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Authorities are urging to drivers allow additional travel time and follow detour routes if heading through the area.

Heavy vehicles are advised to look at alternative routes.

Emergency services attending scene of crash at Whittingham on New England Highway. Picture: NBN News.

Changes continue to Foreshore with Supercars race day fast approaching

BY ISABEL EVERETT



Organisers of the Newcastle 500 Supercars event are reminding Novocastrians to expect continuing changes around Nobby's Beach and The Foreshore area as preparation ramps up for the event next Friday.

Installation of concrete barriers on either side of the track is continuing, with new sections to be put in place this week on the corner of Watt Street and Wharf Road near Customs House.

Event Manager Kurt Saczewski says that major changes in traffic conditions such as one-way traffic flow will occur as the event draws closer.

"The big thing for everyone to take note of is that on Sunday the 18th of November, that's when we're going to have the whole race circuit of the roads that make up the race track itself,  they'll all go one way on Sunday morning," Mr. Saczewski said.

"So from that time on anyone going into the East end...and then when they're coming out of the East end, we direct them to come out via Scott Street."

"The idea behind the circuit going one way on Sunday is just to have it all going in one direction and it just makes it a little bit easier...and we reduce the chances of people getting caught up."

Construction of grand-stand seating facilities and corporate areas are almost complete, just in time for the huge crowds expected to attend the event over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Supercars championship leader Scot Mclaughlin and teammate Fabian Coulthard will pay a visit to Newcastle tomorrow in the lead up to the race.

Mr Saczewski says provisions will be in place to assist those driving through the area to avoid confusion and accidents.

"Now until the event, we'll have a team of traffic controllers around the circuit so any time there is a need to change the traffic system or manage control in certain areas there'll be the traffic controllers out there to make sure everyone understands which way to go."

Hillsborough Road Upgrades

BY ARIANA GATTI

Work currently underway along Hillsborough Road in Warner's Bay now has a date set to be completed, by late June.

Around $4 million has been allocated to complete the upgrades over the next few months, with the aim to improve pedestrian safety around the area.

The changes are long overdue after the fatal accident involving young school-girl, Jade Frith, in 2016 resulting in her death.

Suspected plans will see a new set of traffic lights near the current main round-about along the road, with the induction of wider footpaths and installation of extra traffic lanes.

Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison, is expressing her concern for traffic congestion through each connecting road of the main round-about, causing driver frustration.

"There's also the issue of traffic congestion along Hillsborough Road. This pedestrian safety measure does not account for traffic build-up", she says.

"I'm really hoping, that in the future, there will be a set of traffic lights replacing what is currently the round-about".

The work will provide safer crossing measures for the general public, to prevent accidents of all calibres around the busy area.

Image sourced: https://www.theherald.com.au/story/3877856/tributes-flow-for-teenage-swimming-champion-jade-frith/