Skill Shortages Puts Hunter Businesses At Risk

BY MARLEY RAE

New research conducted by Business NSW shows three in four businesses in the Hunter are struggling to find skilled workers.

This year's biennial State of Skills report, which was based on survey responses by more than 500 businesses across NSW and the Hunter, found over 75 per cent of respondents reported skills shortages, 

It's slightly higher than the state average of 73.6 per cent. 

While the regional figure is below the post-COVID high of 2022 (89.1 per cent), it is markedly higher than shortages reported in 2019 (54.3 per cent) and 2017 (33.3 per cent). 

The report also found half of the respondents expect the shortage to cost them customer and commercial opportunities, with some warning their businesses may not survive if conditions persist.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said the figures highlighted a concerning trend as skill shortages become entrenched with the local work force.

"These findings are consistent with what businesses across the Hunter have been telling us for some time," he said.

"The Hunter is not unusual and we've got a bit of a task to address a number of factors to try and address it."

However, the report also reveals competition for talent in the regional workforce are keen in the face of skills shortages, with 37.2 per cent of Hunter respondents noting the loss of suitable applicants to other employers during recruitment as a major challenge.

The shortages have prompted calls from Business NSW for a $200 million investment in apprenticeships, a comprehensive overhaul of regional, employer led skills compacts and income concessions for pensioners.

Mr Hawes believes workforce training, planning and skill development are essential amongst the Hunter's economic structural change.

"It's particularly critical in the Hunter if we're to get to these points of transformation in servicing new energy economy and growth in advanced manufacturing," he said.

"If we can get this right an get people who want to work back in the workforce, it's going help the region achieve it's transformation and goals it's setting itself.

"But if we don't, we've got a situation where people who are filling some of these skilled jobs are being tapped on the shoulder and not coming through the application process." 

Picture: Pexels

MP Says More Can Be Done As Muswellbrook Hospital Expansion Continues

BY RUBY VAN DE WIJGAART

Construction on Muswellbrook Hospital's community health space is now complete. 

This $45 million upgrade is the third stage in the hospital's redevelopment, providing a range of services, including nursing care, childcare and allied health services.

Previous stages of development have seen the construction of a new emergency department, renal and infusion unit services, with the next stage to see the development of a new sterilisation department. 

The third stage of development aims to relieve pressure off other medical centers, giving Muswellbrook and surrounding areas access to more resources. 

However, Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says more still needs to be done, including the installation of a 24-hour CT imaging service. 

"Having a 24-hour one [CT machine] would actually enable the hospital to be able to use that facility all the time," he said. 

"There is a lot of money going to Western Sydney, but we need to see regional health and those big investments here as well." 

According to the MP, Muswellbrook only has a private CT imaging services, only operational during normal business hours. 

He said patients requiring scans at hospital have to be transported via ambulance to Maitland, or are asked to have a relative or themselves drive instead, creating further pressure on the town's paramedic services. 

Muswellbrook Hospital. Picture: NSW Government

New Belmont Wharf Boosts Safety and Access to Lake Macquarie

 BY OLIVIA HADWEN

A new 71-metre public wharf has opened at Belmont, giving boaties a safer and more accessible way to enjoy Lake Macquarie.

The wharf is 10 metres longer and 2.4 metres wider than the previous structure, which served the community for around 50 years. 

This upgrade will allow more space for recreational vessels to pull alongside and access the foreshore safely. 

The development is part of a $1.6 million state government investment through the Boating Infrastructure for Communities program in partnership with Lake Macquarie Council.

Minister for Hunter and Swansea MP Yasmin Catley said modern and reliable boating infrastructure is essential for locals, businesses and visitors.   

"We have more than 20,000 boats registered locally, meaning this is infrastructure our communities use everyday," she said. 

"This isn't just a nice-to-have, it's infrastructure that locals use and rely on. 

"It's part of our lifestyle to be on the lake, and it's important that we make sure that we've got the infrastructure there for us to enjoy it as well."

The new wharf features steel piles, stronger concrete supports, durable decking, marine-grade fixings and protective vessel fenders. 

It has been built with the purpose to withstand busy marine environments. 

Another improvement is a new marine water pump-out facility, which will give boat owners a safer and more responsible way to dispose of waste while also helping to protect the health of Lake Macquarie.

Minster for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the state government is invested in improving local waterways.

"The new pump-out facility will also help protect this beautiful waterway so it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come," she said. 

New Belmont Wharf. Picture: Lake Macquarie City Council

 

HVO Continuation Project Divides Hunter At IPC Hearing

 BY SARAH BOTRILL

The future of one of the Hunter’s largest coal mines is now in the hands of the Independent Planning Commission (IPC), with supporters and opposition presenting arguments this week over the proposed Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) Continuation Project. 

The project, jointly owned by Yancoal and Glencore, would extend the life of the existing open-cut operation near Singleton to 2045 at its northern site, and 2042 at HVO South. 

The NSW Department of Planning referred the project to the IPC after receiving more than 50 objections. 

Supporters argue that the extension is crucial for protecting jobs and regional communities, while environmental groups contend it would undermine New South Wales’ legislated climate targets. 

Mining and Energy Union (MEU) Northern District President Robin Williams said the mine is one of the Hunter's final chances to remain a float while heading into the renewable energy transition. 

"We're supporting the expansion of the Hunter Valley Operations mine… It's about protecting 1,500 direct jobs at that mine," Mr Williams said.

"Then there's a large group of supporting contractors, suppliers. 

"Thousands of families will be impacted if this extension doesn't go ahead for that mine.

"We need this operation to continue so that we can have some form of rational transition from where we are today to where we might need to be in the future."

Environmental advocacy group Lock the Gate Alliance urged the Commission to reject the proposal, arguing the project is incompatible with the state's climate commitments.

NSW Coordinator Nic Clyde said climate change was already affecting communities and that extending coal mining would increase greenhouse gas emissions.

"It's very clear that we need to transition away from coal mining and that our entire planet and our community are suffering as a result of unmitigated climate change," Mr Clyde said. 

Mr Clyde said the Hunter's economy was already beginning to diversify through industries such as green steel manufacturing, pumped hydro energy storage and train manufacturing.

"The challenge ahead is to plan for the future, look after workers and have an orderly closure of these mines as coal demand inevitably reduces," he said.

The Department of Planning has identified key issues including greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, water resources, air quality, noise, social and economic impacts, Aboriginal cultural heritage and mine rehabilitation.

The Independent Planning Commission will consider evidence presented during the hearings, along with written submissions from the public, before making its determination later this year.

Picture: Lock The Gate Alliance

Port of Newcastle Gains Approval For Battery Storage

BY RUBY VAN DE WIJGAART

The Port of Newcastle is the first in the state approved to store grid-scale lithium-ion batteries. 

Approval was granted by the NSW Government in late 2025, enabling the port to receive and store the devices for three of the state's largest battery projects -- Origin Energy's Eraring Battery, AGL's Tomago Battery, and Bellambi Heights Battery Energy Storage System.

The projects will gather roughly 1.7 gigawatts of controllable capacity along with 6.8 gigawatts of energy storage, enough to power millions of homes in times of demand. 

The complexity of the cargo requires specialist handling and purposely build infrastructure in order to ensure the safety of the product and those tasked to handle the batteries. 

CEO Craig Carmody says this approval opens up a pipeline for number of renewable opportunities. 

"This is not just important for the port and our diversification strategy," he said. 

"This is another way of firming up the energy supply in NSW, it allows these big industrial projects to push ahead." 

The port is investing in expanded infrastructure at its Multi Purpose Terminal in Mayfield, actively executing a $36 million waterside berth extension to accommodate larger multipurpose vessels.

Picture supplied. 

New Industry Opportunities Sparked by Rezoning Hunter Mining Sites

BY OLIVIA HADWEN

Two mining sites in the Hunter are set to be rezoned for new industry opportunities in renewable energy, warehousing and manufacturing.

Following the closure of Muswellbrook's Mount Arthur Coal Mine in 2030, around 5,400 hectares of the site will be rezoned for the new developments, set to host nearly 6,000 new jobs. 

Meanwhile, the former Macquarie Coal Complex in West Wallsend is ideally positioned to become a major employment precinct as well, featuring at least 500 hectares of developable land. 

The proposed operation will create up to 1,130 new jobs, with direct links to the M1 and Main Northern Railway. 

These are the first major post-mining land transformation plans underneath the Commonwealth Government's $5 million investment alongside state funding. 

The redevelopment of land is set to drive economic growth across the Hunter region and provide job opportunities to local workers. 

NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the state government is acting now to plan for the region's future. 

"These proposals provide a clear pathway for former mining land to support new industries, investment and jobs for decades to come," he said. 

The draft master plans and rezoning proposals are on public exhibition until August 11. 

The community can speak directly with the project team through in-person drop-in sessions set to be held in both Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie. 

"These plans will help create thousands of local jobs, attract new investment and give Hunter communities confidence that the region will remain one of the state's economic powerhouses," Hunter Minister Yasmin Catley added. 

Business Hunter Praises State Government Praised for Local Train Manufacturing Plan

BY MARLEY RAE

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes has applauded the NSW Government's pledge to make the Hunter the state's home for train building.

Over the weekend, Premier Chris Minns announced at the NSW Labor Conference they will invest $12 billion to build a new Hunter train manufacturing facility. 

Operated by a private manufacturer, the business would be constructed to provide ongoing support for the region's passenger train fleet, with a former Teralba coal mine and the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot shortlisted as potential locations.

Mr Hawes believes the announcement is a big win for the Hunter.

"This is a huge vote of confidence from the NSW Government in the Hunter's industrial capability and their desire to see that strength upheld", he said.

"We are really pleased to see the government's adopting a 'build them here' approach and recognising that governments have an ability and responsibility to support jobs, skill development and local businesses through the supply chain by manufacturing trains right here in our states industrial heartland."

The local rail manufacturing industry dried up in 2012, with the new facility to refocus train procurement back to the Hunter after more than a decade of major contracts going offshore. 

"The proposal keys into the regions DNA when it comes to manufacturing, building and making things, especially train building," said Mr Hawes. 

"The government is seeking to make an investment on it's own part, but also is really seeking to provoke private sector investment to get the facility up and running, and we think that's very exciting.

"I'm confident we will get a strong response from not only the investment community, but also the workplace community looking to see this sort of facility go ahead." 

Picture: Transport for NSW

MISSING: Police Search For Two Young People From Hunter Region

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Police are appealing for information to locate two young adults missing from the Hunter. 

12-year-old Jacinta Horder was last seen at an address on Ibis Parade at Woodberry, at about 1.30pm on Tuesday 16 June. 

It's believed she may have travelled by train to the Newcastle Area. 

Police ad family hold concerns for Jacinta's welfare due to her young age. 

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150 cm tall with a medium build and long wavy/curly hair dyed dark red. 

She's known to frequent the Woodberry, Beresfield and Newcastle Areas. 

Jacinta Horder. Picture: NSW Police 

Police are also searching for 16-year-old Zephyr Cammarata, who was last seen on Rockmaster Street in Chisholm at 9.30am Friday 5 June. 

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare due to his age and as he requires regular medication. 

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall, of thin build with dark brown hair -- last seen wearing a grey track suit.

Zephyr's known to frequent the Port Stephens, Hunter Valley and Orange areas. 

Following inquiries, police believe he may be in the Orange area. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Zephyr Cammarata, Picture: Facebook 

 

 

Police Investigating As Council Look To Charge Mayfield Chaos Organisers

BY OLI GOELDNER    

Police are ramping up investigations into a rowdy mass gathering at Mayfield Skate Park on Sunday. 

At about 2pm Sunday, a crowd of more than 200 gathered at the corner of Ingall Street and Maitland Road for an event advertised by a clothing company. 

The organisation promised more than $5000 in cash giveaways, as well as over 750 free items and 300 free t-shirts. 

Newcastle police district commander Superintendent Kylie Endemi said they were aware of the event prior to Sunday. 

"Police responded to that situation in the form of this operation, in response to intelligence gathering that we had conducted leading up to this event and some identified risks in relation to potentially what might transpire at that event," she said. 

The organisation held a similar event around 24 May at Logan City in Queensland, which saw similar incidents occur. 

In addition to the 150 to 200 attendees, a further 30 to 40 people were riding trail bikes on parklands and surrounding streets, many of which being unregistered. 

"Their behaviour in the park and on our public streets was nothing short of dangerous," said Superintendent Endemi. 

"It put people's lives at risk.

"Police who were on scene were forced to closed roads, there was a police car damaged and there was a civilian car damaged."

Police breaking up a brawl at the event. Picture: Scraxx Cantbestopped (Facebook). 

The only arrest was a woman involved in a alleged assault, who has since been released pending further investigations. 

"There are significant investigations occurring at the moment in relation to everything that happened in this disorderly event yesterday," Superintendent Endemi explained. 

"I want to make it clear to all those who behave in that unlawful manner that you might not have been arrested yesterday, but that does not mean police will not come knocking on your door." 

Police are currently trawling through footage of the event, obtained through body-worn video, in-car video and Pol Air, to help assist in further inquiries. 

Superintendent Endemi added they made an attempt to liaise with the organisers at the event. 

"The Police Forward Commander tried to engage with the event organiser to seek their cooperation in terms of helping us to restore order and ensure that this event was conducted in a safe manner," she said. 

"They did not assist police in that regard." 

Ward 2 councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said Council plans to launch further action to remediate costs for damage caused. 

"There's obvious trail bike markings all through the parkland around the sporting oval at Dangar Park in Mayfield," she said. 

"That is damage to a park that we all own together, collectively, and all of our funds, our rates, care for that park.

"So, for a company that makes a profit to use our park in that way and to damage it, they are responsible and they should be paying.

"It's not fair for those costs to have to be covered by rate payers. 

"My understanding is that the council will be contacting this company and seeking payment for fixing our park." 

Large crowds gathering on Ingall Street. Picture: Tony Druce (Facebook). 

Hope for Merriwa Post Office As EOIs Flood In

BY SARAH BOTTRILL

Since 1888, Betting Street Post Office has served as a meeting point and place of community for Merriwa locals. 

Australia Post announced earlier this year the facility would cease operation on July 23, unless a suitable operator could be found. 

The announcement sparked widespread concern throughout the Upper Hunter community, where the post office has long served as a vital local service. 

Several small businesses lodged Expressions of Interest seeking (EOI) to stop it's doors from closing. 

Upper Hunter Shire councilor Troy Stolz, who has been advocating for the service to remain open, said the strong response demonstrates how important the post office is to local residents.

"The message has gotten out to the community, and businesses are lining up to fill that void that Australia Post has left," he said. 

Residents argue losing the facility would force some people to travel up to 45-minutes to access postal services, creating significant challenges for older residents, businesses and those without reliable transport.

The Merriwa Post Office has been in the community for generations and remains an important hub for mail services, parcel collection, banking transactions and community connection. 

"Chatting on the steps of Betting Street House is a tradition that is decades long," Cr Stolz added. 

While Australia Post has not yet announced a successful applicant, the level of interest has raised hopes that a transition to a new operator could be secured before the July deadline.

Residents are now awaiting further updates as Australia Post asses the applications and determines the future of the service. 

If a suitable operator is determined, the outcome would allow the facility to continue serving the people of Merriwa and surrounds without interruption. 

Picture: Merriwa Community Portal

Shortland MP Remains Vigilant Amidst Abbott Interest

BY LIAM COLLINS

Shortland MP Pat Conroy says nothing beats local expertise as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott eyes his federal seat.

Over the weekend, the Newcastle Herald revealed Tony Abbott's reported interest in running for seats along the Central Coast, including Shortland. 

Mr Abbott himself is yet to formally announce any interest in nominating for the local electorate. 

His former seat of Warringah saw incumbent independent Zali Steggall retain her position in the 2025 federal election, seven years after defeating Mr Abbott himself.

Pat Conroy, also Defence Industries Minister, said the public would have no reason to elect Mr Abbott into the Shortland seat.

"Why they would choose someone from the affluent Northern Beaches, who cut $50 billion from hospitals and $30 billion from schools, and attacked workers' rights - including coal miners' rights - is beyond me, but that's their decision ultimately," Minister Conroy explained.  

"I generally don't understand how they can represent our community if they don't live in or have a history in our community."

The Labor MP has held the local electorate since 2016, and has no current plans to retire.

Shortland has been under Labor leadership since 1949, with four members across its 77-year history. 

The Herald also reported local Liberal party members believe the current candidate Emma King is a better fit than Mr Abbott.

Ms King lost in her first federal election last year, with Minister Conroy landing a 5.5 per cent swing, but is still deemed as a worthy long-term prospect for the party.

"I'm prepared to run against whoever the Liberal Party put up," said Minister Conroy. 

"That's the beauty of democracy - anyone can stick their hand up and say 'I want to represent our community'. 

"And that's something that people have fought and died for."

When asked about his thoughts on the added pressure of One Nation's rising popularity, Minister Conroy said he's willing to go up against any opposition coming his way. 

"I expect [One Nation] will run, and I'll run on my record," he said.

"I'll also point out that One Nation has consistently voted against workers' rights. 

"They voted against Same Job, Same Pay that's delivering tens of thousands of dollars of pay rises to coal miners, to transport workers right now."

He said the importance of local governance and community cannot be overstated.

"I'm proud to be a local, raising my family in the electorate, and we'll see what comes around in 2028," he said.

"But the important thing is I'm working every day to represent the people of Shortland -- delivering records, spending on Medicare, and delivering manufacturing jobs for our community."

Federal Shortland MP and Defence Industries Minister Pat Conroy. Picture: Australian Labor Party

State Government Cracks Down On Local Fuel Price Gouging

BY CAMERON TARAGEL

New legislation has been passed by the state government ensuring Hunter motorists aren't being ripped off at the bowser.

The Fair Trading Amendment Bill 2026 will extend NSW Fair Trading's prosecution power by making it illegal for service stations or fuel retailers to incorrectly report prices. 

It also will make it illegal if retailers fail to notify customers if a type of fuel becomes unavailable.

Service stations which fail to uphold the new guidelines could receive on-the-spot penalties up to $3,300 with the fine rising to $11,000 if caught re-offending within 12 months.

The courts have also been given the power to impose stronger penalties of up to $110,000.

Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said current fuel price gouging is not acceptable. 

"The compliance rate is about 95 per cent, but I say clearly to the remaining five per cent if you're thinking of doing the wrong thing by price gouging, my message is: don't," he said. 

"Motorists should never accept a situation where they're being ripped off or where the price at the bowser is different to the one on FuelCheck." 

NSW Fair Trading has now conducted nearly 5,000 inspections with over 290 fines being issued at a total value of more than $315,000. 

Minister Chanthivong added the new power allows NSW Fair Trading to leave no stone unturned. 

"You'll be caught and you will be fined, and we'll continue to crack down on servos doing the wrong thing," he said. 

Hunter residents can find accurate fuel prices and report price mismatches by visiting FuelCheck. 

Grieving Father Wants Greater Penalties For Hit And Run Incidents

 BY JOHN HEWITT

A Newcastle father who lost his 14-year-old son to a hit and run incident is calling for greater penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident.

In 2023, Bryson Dimovski was riding an e-scooter in Warner's Bay when he was hit by a vehicle which failed to stop and provide assistance, leaving him to die in a ditch alongside the roadway.

His father Andrew Dimovski has launched an e-petition calling for harsher penalties for failing to stop after an incident, and for closing loopholes which allow offenders to avoid alcohol and drug testing.

The driver, 21-year-old Jaycob Gemza, was driving a ute when he struck Bryson after drifting about a metre into the fog lane.

Gemza pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death and failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death. 

He was recently sentenced to a maximum five years in jail, with a minimum of three years and three months.

Before handing down the sentence the judge noted Gemza was reading and typing on his phone before the crash, and that he later concealed his car in a back street because of concerns he was over the alcohol limit.

Mr Dimovski said the e-petition is not just about the case of his son's death, but aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure no family has to endure what his family has experienced.

"We need meaningful legal reform which can deliver appropriate penalties for drivers who leave the scene of a hit-and-run, and we need stronger enforcement of alcohol and drug testing for those drivers," he said.

Mr Dimovski said the e-petition has attracted significant support from the wider community.

"We're trying to reach as many ;people as possible," he said. 

"We need 20,000 signatures to have this issue debated in state parliament and so far we have more than 14,000 signatures."

The e-petition is titled In Honour of Bryson Dimovski and can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.

Bryson Dimovski and Andrew Dimovski. Picture: Facebook

 

New Leads Found In Carrington Double Murder Investigation

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A forensic review of the unsolved murders of Susan Kay and Joanne Teterin has led to new leads in the 26-year-old investigation. 

Today, NSW Police announced a $1 million reward relating to the deaths of the two women, aged 32 and 37. 

Their bodies were found at a home on Doran Street in Carrington on Wednesday 17 May 2000.

It was established the women were last known to be alive on Thursday 11 May 2000, before they were allegedly bludgeoned to death and discovered a week later. 

At the time, homicide and serious crime detectives assisted Newcastle Police with the investigation; however, there were no arrests or charges laid over the murders. 

Following a 2003 coronial inquest, the matter was referred to the Homicide Squad's Unsolved Homicide Unit for review and assessment. 

In 2025, the review was finalised and unearthed fresh forensic opportunities which have since become the focus of police inquiries. 

Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi said they are particularly interested in information regarding a phone call on the morning of 11 May 2000. 

"We know that Joanne was involved in some street level drug supply ... and she had a system in place where anyone that would attend the location to purchase drugs were required they contact he either on the landline or on a mobile phone before they attend," he said. 

"We believe that was the purpose of the the call that morning." 

It's reported the call was made to the Doran Street home at 7.55am from a payphone within 200 metres. 

Police believe the person who made the call can assist them with their inquiries and has information which may help progress the investigation. 

"We are almost there," said Detective Doueihi. 

"We just need that little bit of information that puts this whole jigsaw puzzle together." 

In addition to the phone call, police are also following up leads gained from renewed forensic testing on more than 150 items. 

"As a result of the development of DNA technology ... we have yielded some positive results which have progressed the investigation and are very positive to the investigation," said Detective Doueihi. 

Detective Doueihi finalised they have come to the conclusion a male person had attended the Doran Street home to purchase drugs where an altercation ensued which resulted in the death of both women. 

Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi. Picture: Ian Crouch

New Lambton Landslip Anniversary Brings New Hope For Residents

BY LIAM COLLINS

Newcastle council are currently working with the state's reconstruction authority to support those affected by the New Lambton landslip. 

Council members and representatives from the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) met with affected residents yesterday, hoping to outline the recovery process and provide transparent communication between all parties.

Impacted resident Laura Jackal said the meeting provided them with some hope towards reaching a solution.

"It didn't provide us with any sort of exact direction; what they have said to us is that they're working really closely together to come up with a solution," she said. 

"What happens next is what they're deciding currently; basically how they're going to rectify the land, how they will compensate us for our land, and when and how they'll demolish the 16 homes."

Pending approval, the complexity of the funding arrangements estimate demolitions are unlikely to commence until 2027.

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the landslip which affected 16 New Lambton properties and caused evacuations of more than 40 residents.

Ms Jackal praised the continued support towards the affected families, including emergency accommodation and continued insurance.

"We have been very fortunate in our case; I can't speak for every resident, but we've received the 12 months worth of accommodation support," she said.

"The compensation from insurance companies only lasts 12 months in this case, so the government and stepped in and given us a further 12 months, which is obviously a huge relief for us."

Ms Jackal added the natural disaster has had a significant impact on her and her family.

"I think the predominant feeling is just one of grief for our beautiful home," she said. 

"A year ago it was fine, we were living in it.

"I walked past it this morning and it's so overgrown and boarded up."

New Lambton home impacted by landslip. Picture: Caroline Garred

Indoor Sports Centre Plans Changed After Strong Feedback

BY OLI GOELDNER 

Newcastle Basketball has amended the final proposal for the controversial Hunter Indoor Sports Centre, after strong community feedback. 

The project will look to replace the ageing Newcastle Basketball Centre and provide a long-term home for a wide range of indoor sports. 

In 2024, a public exhibition of the original plans saw more than 70 per cent of submissions oppose the project, leading to additional amendments. 

Public exhibition on the amended plans wrapped up in September last year. 

A total of 1,278 community submissions were received during the exhibition period, with 69 per cent of submissions supporting the project. 

Newcastle Basketball also held two community drop-in sessions where residents and stakeholders were able to speak directly with technical specialists across flooding, traffic, planning, urban design and open space. 

Further consultation was also undertaken with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), Newcastle council, Transport for NSW, NSW SES, Venues NSW and Lambton High School. 

In response to feedback, the project has been refined to improve traffic, flood management, landscaping, pedestrian movement and community impacts. 

"The Hunter currently doesn't have enough indoor space to meet demand," said Simon Haire, Project Consultant for Newcastle Basketball. 

"The centre will address the region's shortage of indoor courts and support health, participation, inclusion and active lifestyles for decades to come. 

"We've listened to carefully to community feedback and made meaningful changes to ensure the project works for both users and the local community." 

Now, Newcastle Basketball will submit its updated Response to Submissions and supporting technical reports, marking a milestone in the project as it progresses towards final determination and future funding decisions. 

The project will now proceed to the next phase of the SSD's assessment process, which includes further assessment by DPHI, consultation with relevant government agencies and consideration by the Independent Planning Commission.

'HIGH RISK': Hunter Businesses Slam Proposed NDIS Cuts

BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter disability service providers are warning the federal government's proposed changes to the NDIS are putting participants and the economy at "high risk". 

The federal health minister has revealed around 160,000 people are expected to be cut from the disability insurance scheme. 

The NDIS is estimated to cost the Albanese Government around $50 billion, with new eligibility rules set to slash the overall price tag. 

With the changes, all NDIS providers will have to be registered, with digital tracking of their services to be put in place. 

However, the CEO of Hunter-based organisation Connectability Australia, David Carey, said the plan was developed with little to no consultation in the sector. 

"It's not a well thought through plan," he said. 

"They didn't consult about why the reforms are needed and how best to do it to minimise the impact on people with a disability."  

Data from the National Disability Services has revealed 73 per cent of providers are operating at a loss or barely breaking even. 

Mr Carey said the changes will compound financial pressures further. 

"We're going to see the job losses in other sectors as well," he added. 

"It's almost recession-causing in the way its been thought out.

"There's no transition plan and justification for this as far as economic sense, as well as social sense to the community." 

Alongside the planned cuts, the first payment of the Portable Long Service Leave levy is due this month, after being launched in July last year. 

Under the levy, providers are required to absorb a 1.7 per cent additional cost without an increase in funding. 

Contributions from employers are collected by the Long Service Corporation, who use the pooled money to pay long service leave to workers, even if they change employers. 

Mr Carey reported his business, which employs around 500 staff, will have to come up with an extra $600,000 each year to pay the levy.  

He said the levy, in conjunction with the cuts, is going to significantly impact families ability to afford proper care. 

"What's happening now is you're going to see people that are virtual prisoners in their own home," he explained. 

"Families will have to cease work or cut back work to look after their kids because we won't be able to do it on their behalf and have the time to enhance their lives, build skills and go out into the community."

 

 

 

 

 

Senator Says Hunter Businesses Will Pay Following EU Deal

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter-based senator Ross Cadell said Hunter businesses will face unprecedented costs with the new Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement. 

Signed yesterday, the deal will see European goods, including food, wine and cars, become cheaper for Australian buyers. 

Under the agreement, the federal government will remove the five percent tariff places on European goods. 

Additionally, EU tariffs will be taken off Australian imports, including critical minerals, manufactured items and many dairy products. 

However, the deal poses infringements on the classification of multiple Australian produced food and wine products. 

It's reported Australian producers will be allowed to keep using the term "prosecco" for domestic sales, but they will have to be phase out the term over the next decade for exports. 

Domestic manufacturers will also keep the rights to describe their wares as parmesan and kransky, but other cheese names such as feta, romano and gruyere will eventually be phased out as well. 

Ross Cadell said it could have serious implications for several Hunter Valley businesses, including vineyards, abattoirs and dairy producers. 

"What they'll do is they'll have to shrink their markets again," he explained. 

"They'll have to find new markets by going out and spend their own money to try and find different places to sell things. 

"They'll have to look at repackaging things and renaming things, there's costs involved with that." 

He said he fears it may be the beginning of a hoard of new legislation adopted from European nations. 

"If the EU legislation on deforestation on these things comes in, are we going to lose our grazing land," he said. 

"Are we going to lose our farming land up in the valley?

"It's a real problem for us. 

"I just want our farmers to be able to farm, vineyards to be able to make wine, miners to be able to mine and make Australia stronger." 

Hunter-based Nationals senator Ross Cadell. Picture: NSW Nationals

E Bikes Banned At Local High School

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A Newcastle high school has made the call to ban all e-bikes on school grounds following a string of accidents. 

Parents of Kotara High School students received a letter last week stating the vehicles would be banned from the first day of Term 2, Wednesday April 22. 

Traffic around the school, which backs onto Lexington Parade, is known to be extremely busy during peak hours, with several incidents reported between e-bikes and vehicles in 2025 and 2026. 

Principal Mark Snedden said they've seen a rapid increase in students using the bikes. 

"We're in a very congested area of Newcastle here in the morning at drop off and pick up time with all the buses," he said. 

"There have been concerns raised by community members, as well as staff and parents, around the use of e-bikes and the safety of them with regard to other road users." 

He noted while the bikes are a useful form of transport for students, the safety risks are too large to ignore. 

"Under the Department of Education policy around to and from school, it's still a parent's priority to make a decision on how a student does get to and from school," he explained. 

"But, what I am able to do within the policy is make a decision on what things can be brought into school grounds.

"So the decision has been made to no longer house e-bikes on school." 

Principal Snedden also argued they don't have the proper storage facilities for the e-bikes as they are much larger than ordinary push bikes, whilst also featuring lithium batteries which can pose a fire risk. 

The ban comes alongside new state-wide laws giving NSW Police and Transport for NSW the power to seize and crush illegal e-bikes. 

The new legislation targets the growing number of throttle-only, high-powered e-bikes, which are said to fuel anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries. 

Picture: Department of Education

Calls For New Nature Reserves As Part Of Hunter Transmission Project

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW is calling on the state government to re-think the Hunter Transmission Project.

The major initiative is set to incur a sweep of deforestation across a large portion of the Hunter's bushland, with the Conservation Council asking for additional nature reserves to offset it's predicted impact. 

It follows submissions from fellow environmental groups slamming the planned deforestation which will take place during to the project's construction, including at Olney, Watagan and Pokolbin state forests. 

In an effort to combat the impacts, the Conservation Council has released a report identifying 11 new strategic reserves to be added in conjunction with the major project, set to strengthen ecological connectivity across the region.

The listed reserves include 700 hectares of former BHP land at West Wallsend, 580 hectares adjacent to Newcastle Link Road, and about 3,000 hectares of land in the Hunter Economic Zone at Tomalpin. 

The Conservation Council's Policy and Advocacy Director Brad Smith said their main goal is to stop the decline in some of the State's most critically endangered species.

"The [Hunter Transmission] Project itself is about 100 kilometres long and the area it will disturb is about 1,000 hectares," he said.

"Of the 1,000 hectares, around 200 is endangered bushland.

"We're saying to just give those State forests back to National Parks.

"At the moment, they're being logged, and by removing the logging threat from those State forests, it would have a great impact for nature in the region."

Mr Smith went further to call on Newcastle Council to back them in their push for renewed ecological health in the region.

"We hope everyone would be on our side, because this is a good outcome for nature," he said.

"We know we need to get ahead with this transmission line and bring the solar, wind power to the businesses and home who need it, but we don't want to see nature sidelined in the process.

"This is really a once-in-a-generation opportunity to really take hold of some of these beautiful natural areas in the Hunter and protect them for everyone into the future."

Currently, project refinements are continuing to be made following field surveys, agency consultation and community feedback.

Picture: NSW Government.