FLIGHTS TO BALI – Newcastle Airport to Take Passengers from October

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Newcastle Airport says it will welcome travelers to Bali come October 21.

A Jetstar service will operate three times a week from October 21 from Williamtown to Denpasar.

Airport Chief Executive Linc Horton says more destinations are to come, but there needs to be evidence Hunter patrons are interested in global travel.

“To give the airlines trust and belief in the region and people to then move to those longer destinations.

“When we think about both Perth and Bali, we’re giving the Hunter region that one stop to the rest of the world,” he said.

Jetstar Head of Network Ted Knight says it’s taken much planning to organise.

“To us, it doesn’t feel like it’s happened quickly because this has been years in the making and many discussions.

“It does take a long time to develop a new service,” he said.

Balinese Dancers at Newcastle Airport on Tuesday June 3

WILLIAMTOWN – Students Road-Test Hydrogen Model Cars Ahead of Germany Race

 BY IAN CROUCH

Dozens of High School students have converged on the Newcastle Onroad Remote Car Club at Williamtown today (Friday 30 May) as they fine tune their hydrogen-powered remote control cars for a big race in August.

The students from eight local schools have built the kit cars from scratch over the past few months with guidance and mentoring from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Newcastle.

Horizon Educational Programs Manager Kieran Curry says the cars will need to be able to cope with a four- hour endurance race against other schools in the hope of representing the region and the country in Germany.

“It’s about students thinking outside the box with the modifications, are they going to reduce weight, use different batteries, configure the fuel cells to give them a bit more energy.

“The race is just a celebration of all their work,” he said.

Horizon Educational Programs Manager Kieran Curry

Year 10 Irrawang High School Student Josh Moxie says modifications helped them achieve the fastest lap time in practice.

“[We’ve] got a nice more race-designed body.

“The original one wasn’t as good, it seemed quite an important thing to change so we did,” he said.

Students with Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley

BREAKING! Major Aircraft Emergency At RAAF Base Williamtown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to reports of a defence aircraft in distress circling the Williamtown RAAF Base.

Police say an E-7A Wedgetail with ten crew on board lost cabin pressure at about 12.30pm on Wednesday.

It's understood oxygen masks were deployed and the aircraft circled the RAAF base for about 25 minutes until it was deemed safe to land.

The aircraft touched down just before one o'clock.

It is not clear if any of the crew have been injured.

Police say ambulance paramedics are assessing ten people at the scene.

The E-7A Wedgetail made a safe landing at Williamtown

 

BREAKING! Car Fire Closes Southbound Lanes Of Nelson Bay Road At Williamtown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Diversions are in place on Nelson Bay Road at Williamtown where a car has burst into flames after crashing into a power pole.

RFS crews were called to the scene just south of Cabbage Tree Road at about 4.30am on Wednesday to find the car well alight and the power pole also on fire.

The force of the crash has split the power pole at the base and Ausgrid has also been alerted.

Crews say the driver of the car was not with the vehicle when they arrived.

Police are also at the scene.

 

The car fire has closed the southbound lanes of Nelson Bay Road. Picture: Williamtown/Salt Ash RFS

 

BREAKING! Fire Crews Called To Major Hazmat Incident At Williamtown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to reports of a Hazmat incident at the Newcastle Airport precinct.

A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW says crews were called to BAE Systems off Williamtown Drive just before midnight on Monday.

It's understood there was an uncontrolled release of firefighting foam in a hangar.

Police say the foam is not toxic but crews will be busy for several hours cleaning up the mess.

Flights into and out of Newcastle Airport have not been impacted by the incident.

Port Stephens Teen Banned From Driving For Hurrying Home To Use The Toilet

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Port Stephens teenager has copped a hefty fine and has been suspended from driving because he was in a hurry to get home to use the toilet.

Highway Patrol officers say they spotted a Toyota Hilux on Cabbage Tree Road at Williamtown on Friday night travelling at 145km/hr in an 80 zone.

The vehicle was stopped and the 17-year-old male driver produced a P1 Provisional Licence - he also had  two mates in the car with him.

When asked why he was travelling so fast he told police "I'm in a hurry to get home, I've gotta go to the toilet".

Police say the man had just left McDonalds less than 4kms away and was dropping off his mates before driving home.

He's been fined $2794 and has been banned from driving for 9 months.

Police pulled the car over on Cabbage Tree Road at Williamtown. Picture Traffic and Highway Patrol Facebook page

BREAKING! Emergency Services Called To Head-On Crash at Williamtown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to a head-on crash at Williamtown.

A car and a truck collided on Nelson Bay Road near the Murrook Cultural Centre just after 4.00am on Monday.

Early reports say there is a lot of debris and fluids on the road and one person is being treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics.

The eastbound lane of Nelson Bay Road is closed and police are directing traffic into the westbound lane.

Critical Incident Investigation Launched Following Death Of Man On Stockton Beach

 Police have launched a critical incident investigation after a man died following a pursuit in the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District.

Officers were called to a Thornton home just after 9pm on Sunday over concerns for a man's welfare.

They say a 36-year-old man left the home in a car armed with a gun.

Police spotted the car on Newline Road at Seaham a short time later and a pursuit was initiated when the vehicle failed to stop.

The car stopped near Stockton Beach at Williamtown and the man ran onto the sand - Police say he was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police from Tuggerah Lakes are investigating the incident.

If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14

Lockheed Martin to establish $74 million defence facility at Williamtown

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Lockheed Martin Australia has announced plans to spend $74 million on a National Integrated Air and Missile Defence Ecosystem facility, based at Williamtown. 

The new facility is expected to be developed at the Special Activation Precinct, and foster collaboration with other defence and aerospace projects locally.

Newcastle Airport is welcoming the development and says it will work with the company to bring the project to fruition. 

Hunter aerospace industry to benefit in State Government jobs spend

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Defence and aerospace contractor BAE Systems is set to get a share in the NSW Government's new $250 million Jobs Plus Program. 

The company says it will expand its workforce, with an expectation to create 55 new jobs.

60 percent of its current team is based in STEM fields.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin says it's about preparing the region for the future.

"As we move, as a wider Hunter area, from being the steel city that we once were decades ago, to being the smart city we are now and that we're going to continue to be into the future," Mr Martin said.

The money comes on top of Commonwealth spending at the base, totalling around $140 million.

BAE Managing Director for Defence Delivery Andrew Gresham says it's a great investment in industry.

"A hub here is the centre of aerospace skills for the Hunter, and this program allows us to expand the number of jobs, the contribution we make to the supply chain and the community," Mr Gresham said.

"What will be based here is really aircraft technicians, so really highly skilled technicians undertaking repairs on the F-35.

"This investment enables regional aircraft, so F-35's based in the Southern Pacific region, to be undertaking maintenance here at Williamtown."

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin made the announcement at Williamtown on Tuesday morning.

Massive Increase In Defence Personnel Expected To Benefit The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

It's hoped a major increase in defence personnel will bring jobs and economic benefits to the Hunter.

The Federal Government has announced plans to grow the Defence Force by around 30 per cent, with number the total workforce expected to reach more than 100,000 by 2040.

It's the biggest increase for the ADF in 40 years.

Liberal candidate for Paterson, Brooke Vitnell says it should also see a big boost to the Hunter's defence industries and our capacity to supply parts to the promised nuclear submarine fleet.

"We've got Farley, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Thales. We are a strategic and vital cog and the associated industry around here one would imagine would also grow as a result", she said.

The Lone Pine Army Barracks at Singleton could see a major boost in personnel

$1.5 Billion Defence Contract For Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hundreds of jobs are expected to be created with a major defence contract being announced on Monday.

Defence Minister Peter Dutoon will be in Newcastle on Monday afternoon to announce the $1.5 billion dollar contract to update the performance of the Hawk Lead-In Fighter combat training aircraft.

Liberal candidate for Paterson, Brooke Vitnell says its a decade-long investment in the Hunter's defence industry.

"The is a 10 year contract with BAE Systems and this will create 350 direct jobs and support opportunities for 900 direct and indirect jobs going forward," she said.

Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter Picture defence.gov.au

Deputy Premier Unveils Stage One of Williamtown's Astra Aerolab

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Deputy Premier John Barilaro unveiled stage 1 of Newcastle Airport's Astra Aerolab on Tuesday. 

John Barilaro was joined by Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock to announce construction is now complete, including an access road, power, water, gas, sewer and data connections.

“I turned the first sod on this project 18 months ago, and this site has already been transformed to pave the way for a world-leading defence and aerospace technology park,” Mr Barilaro said.

Newcastle Airport and the Williamtown Special Activation Precinct (SAP) are set to be the epicentre of the region’s push into international defence and aerospace industries after the major unveiling today at Williamtown.

Two organisations who have signed key agreements with Astra Aerolab are major defence contractor BAE Systems Australia and Leading Edge Data Centres.

The NSW Government has invested $11.7 million in the $18 point.7 million project. 

The total project is expected to create 4,300 jobs. 

“Astra Aerolab is a place where world leading defence, research, aerospace and industry partners will converge to push boundaries, embrace new technologies and develop the jobs for the future," Dr Cock said. 

“We are determined that it will connect a global workforce with the RAAF Base Williamtown and Newcastle Airport."

“Stage one has employed 70 fulltime staff through the depths of the pandemic when economic activity was so vital to regions."

"We have developed the site sustainably from the outset, including establishing over 200,000 plants and retention of a historically significant Aboriginal keeping place.”

BAE Systems Australia Managing Direct Defence Delivery, Andrew Gresham said the company saw huge potential in Astra Aerolab.

“BAE Systems has secured significant contracts to support Australia’s F-35 fleet, which offer never-before-seen opportunities for Australian industry.

“Astra Aerolab will facilitate the continued investment in our Williamtown site ahead of work supporting the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in Australia.

Leasing opportunities are available now at Astra Aerolab. 

Later in the afternoon Mr Barilaro will chair the first face to face Stockton Beach Taskforce meeting at Newcastle Council Chambers to discuss latest developments in beach replenishment.

Two Men Charged, Accused of Physically and Sexually Assaulting Teenage Girls on Glendale Street

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Detectives have charged two men over the alleged sexual assaults of two teenage girls at Glendale earlier this month.

The two girls, aged 14 and 17, were allegedly assaulted by two unknown men on October 2nd. 

Investigators were told the girls were walking along Frederick Street with two other friends when they were approached by the men, who made threats toward the group before allegedly sexually touching the girls and then allegedly sexually assaulting them.

The girl’s friends went to get help before the 17-year-old girl was able to run to a nearby shop and returned with staff members who assisted the younger girl.

Emergency services were contacted, and the men fled the scene.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed two search warrants at homes at Argenton and Williamtown about 6am on Tuesday.

During the searches, police seized a number of items relevant to the investigation, as well as cannabis and a cannabis plant, which was located at the Williamtown property.

Two men – aged 19 and 24 – were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

The 24-year-old Williamtown man was charged with;

• Sexual intercourse without consent
• Aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years
• Aggravated sexual intercourse child aged 14-16 years
• Assault child aged 14-16 with intent to commit sexual offence
• Intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16
• Aggravated intentionally do sexual act with child aged 10-16
• Two counts of incite another to sexually touch them without consent
• Cultivate prohibited plant and possess prohibited drug

The 19-year-old Argenton man was charged with;

• Aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years
• Assault child aged 14-16 with intent to commit sexual offence
• Three counts of intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday. 

60-Year-old Lake Macquarie Man, Charged Over Suspicious Item Found at Hunter Defence Base

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man has been charged and will face court, after a suspicious item was located in the Hunter on Wednesday. 

About 1.40pm, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to Williamtown defence base, after a suspicious item was located.

An exclusion zone was established and with the assistance of specialist resources, the scene was declared safe about 4pm.

Officers launched an investigation into the incident and following extensive inquiries, a 60-year-old man was arrested at a Lake Macquarie home later that afternoon.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with leave/send substance/article create false belief of danger.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 19 October 2020.

Investigations are ongoing.

Hundreds of Jetstar Job Losses At Williamtown as Airport Maintenance Base Closes

ISABEL EVERETT

Jetstar has revealed they will cut 112 staff from it's Newcastle maintenance base , following parent company Qantas's announcement 6000 jobs are set go from the entire company. 

The maintenance base will be moved to Melbourne with 38 apprentices, aircraft engineers and support staff losing their jobs at the Newcastle hangar. 

Jetstar says the company will guarantee the apprentices positions if they are prepared to move to Melbourne.

It is still unclear how many other staff will be given the chance to be re-deployed, with Jetstar to also close it Newcastle pilot and cabin crew base. 

Qantas boss, Alan Joyce said on Thursday, 6 thousand jobs would be cut from Quantas, with a further 15,000 workers stood down, with around half of those expected to be back at work by the end of the year.

The airline also announced it will ground at least 100 aircraft for up to 12 months aiming to cut $15 billion in costs as part of a 3 year recovery plan from Covid-19. 

"We have to position ourselves for several years where revenue will be much lower. And that means becoming a smaller airline in the short term," Mr Joyce said.

"Most airlines will have to restructure in order to survive, which also means they'll come through this leaner and more competitive. For all these reasons, we have to take action now."

Paterson MP, Merly Swanson and Shortland MP, Pat Conroy visited the airport on Thursday to discuss the job cuts. 

Image Credit: Engineers Australia

Residents Living Near Williamtown PFAS Red Zone Urged To Accept Settlement

BY IAN CROUCH

A Federal Court Justice considering whether the proposed settlement to PFAS-affected residents at Williamtown is fair and reasonable is urging them to accept the offer.

Some residents in the PFAS Red Zone are unhappy with the proposed $86 million settlement, saying the expected $175,000 each is not enough to compensate for their contaminated properties, writing to Justice Michael Lee outlining their concerns.

In a video conference with residents on Thursday, Justice Lee said he was unable to order the government to increase it's offer and it would be in their best interests to accept it, given the high cost and uncertainty of further litigation.

President of the Fulleterton Cove Residents Action Group, Lindsay Clout believes accepting the settlement is the best way forward, and only a small number of residents are agitating for more.

"The concern with most of the residents are, and certainly I am one of those, is that the risk of sending it to court is too great to not accept what's being offered to us at the moment,"he said.

"Going to court could mean many more years of litigation and hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs, and the final settlement  - if we won the case, may not very well yield anywhere near the returns that we've been offered right at the moment," Mr Clout said.

Fullerton Cove Residents Action Group President Lindsay Clout Picture: Port Stephens Examiner

 

BREAKING! Police Called To Armed Robbery At Williamtown Service Station

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have been called to reports of an armed robbery on a service station at Williamtown.

Officers were called to the Metro outlet on Nelson Bay Road near Cabbage Tree Road at 3.45am on Tuesday.

It's believed police are looking at possible links to an armed robbery last Friday morning at the Metro service station at Sandgate.

Police say two men entered the Williamtown business just after 3.30am armed with a baseball bat and a machete and threatened the 32-year-old male console operator before one of them hit the attendant with the baseball bat and removed money from the cash drawer

A 38-year-old male customer then entered the store and was chased by the pair into a corner before the pair ran off. They were last seen heading north towards Nelson Bay Road.

Anyone who who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the nearby area between 3.00am and 4.00am on Tuesday or who may have seen or heard anything suspicious is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Government Agrees To Settle Class Action Claims Over PFAS Contamination At Williamtown

BY IAN CROUCH

It's the beginning of the end of a five year battle by residents living near the Williamtown RAAF base to address the health and environmental impacts from chemicals which leeched into groundwater from firefighting foam used for many years at the defence facility.

Late on Wednesday night an in-principal agreement was reached and a confidential settlement was being finalised for three Federal Court class actions involving residents from Williamtown in NSW, Oakey in Queensland and Katherine in the Northern Territory. It comes after their properties were rendered worthless and unproductive by the contamination.

The breakthrough followed two days of intense negotiations during mediation talks between legal counsel for the residents and the Defence Department.

The talks were being viewed as the last opportunity to reach a settlement before the class actions were to be heard in the Federal Court in April and follows previous unsuccessful attempts where the parties could not reach agreement.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Personnel Minister Darren Chester released a joint statement on Wednesday night say the Government remains committed to engaging with those impacted by PFAS contamination.

"Reaching a settlement is not the end of Defence's engagement in these communities, however, it does represent an important milestone on what has been a difficult journey for many people over the past few years." they said.

Paterson Mp Meryl Swanson has also welcomed the breakthrough, congratulating the community after their hard-fought battle for compensation.

"I just felt so proud of my community and what they've been through. They've been to hell and back - they've been so courageous, they've been smart, and this agreement last night is the first step in what has been a terrible journey for them." she said.

One of many signs erected by frustrated residents impacted by the PFAS contamination 

Labor Promise For Williamtown Red Zone Residents Expected To Fall Short

BY IAN CROUCH

Residents living in the Williamtown red zone are being warned not to expect too much from today's announcement by federal Labor.

Shadow defence minister, Richard Marles is expected to commit a future Shorten government to further and quicker research and testing on the impact of PFAS chemicals as well as a nationwide ban on the substance.

He's also expected to announce federal Labor will pick up the $10 million commitment promised by the their state counterparts if they won the March election,  to clean local drains.

But no money will be promised to compensate residents for having their land contaminated.

The Morrison government has also refused to commit funding towards compensation and property buybacks.

However, federal Paterson candidates representing the Greens, One Nation and the United Australia Parties have committed to fight for compensation if elected on Saturday.

Shadow Defence Minister Richard Marles