Total Fire Ban Across the Hunter Region

BY MARISSA ALEXIOU

A Total Fire Ban has been put in place across the Greater Hunter Region today as a result of hot and windy conditions.

Areas affected include Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and the Upper Hunter.

The severe fire conditions prohibit open fires being lit and the suspension of fire permits across the Hunter. Gas and electric barbeques may be used as long as they meet necessary requirements.

NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector Ben Shepard said that breach of the Total Fire Ban conditions will be taken very seriously.

Lighting an open fire today will result in on the spot fines of up to $2200. The fine for tossing a lit cigarette will also double.

Residents are encouraged to be prepared if a fire occurs and follow their Bush Fire Survival Plan. Inspector Ben Shepard said it is important that residents stay updated on fires and the conditions in their local area. 

Residents can use smart-phone apps such as Fires Near Me to stay updated as well as local radio and television stations. 

The community are advised to call Triple 000 if they see fire. Total Fire Ban rules and a map of current Total Fire Ban areas can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. 

Source: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

Newcastle's iconic Bogey Hole open in time for Christmas

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle's iconic Bogey Hole has been officially reopened at a ceremony today after being closed for over a year for construction works.

The heritage listed site was closed last year due to fears of cliff instability posing a threat to swimmers.

The works which have been completed cost $490,000 and is the first stage to be completed, with more work expected to be undertaken during the 2017 low season on the eastern retaining wall and access road.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the safety assessment and geotechnical work has been a lengthy but a worthy process.

“Stage 1 works have focused on stabilising the overhanging cliffs and mitigating rock falls with the installation of rock-catch fencing above the viewing platform. Other safety measures include new fencing to prevent access to dangerous sections of the site and additional work on the stanchions and chains, stairs and ladders.

"This is obviously a popular spot for beachgoers and the people of Newcastle," Mr MacDonald said.

The length of time taken to complete construction has been a point of contention between local and state MP's with Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp putting pressure on the Baird Government over the length of the closure.

"I've been happy to champion this issue with nearly 6000 people signing a petition to have the Bogey Hole reopened.

"It's taken too long but it has been a real victory for people power," Mr Crakanthorp said.

Mr MacDonald rejected these claims saying the reopening had nothing to do with local MP's as it is a state issue.

"Tim would claim credit for anything, he's probably looking for credit for the sun coming up this morning.

"These are safety issues and they should remain out of the political domain.

"I'm not an expert, Tim is not an expert, we rely on the experts, the engineers to make those risk assessments, it should never be a political campaign to decide whether something is open or not," he said.

Although works have been undertaken to improve the safety of the area, swimmers are still advised to stay safe.

Mr MacDonald said the government would not let people back in unless they were satisfied that the area was safe.

"Just take care around those coastal environments, they are natural environments so they are not perfectly formed pools."

Tim Crakanthorp

Scot Macdonald

Newcastle's Bogey Hole.
Courtesy of Tripadvisor. 

Police hunt driver who fled fatal crash

BY JARROD MELMETH

Police are currently on the hunt for a male driver who fled the scene of a crash in Wickham resulting in the death of a 36-year-old woman.

The crash occurred just after 9am this morning when a white Ute lost control on the roundabout at Branch Street.

The vehicle crashed into the victims motorised scooter before mounting the kerb and smashing into a fence.

The woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition with a head injury and multiple fractures but died.

The male driver is described as wearing high visibility clothing with blood on his face, about 175-180cm tall with short brown hair.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the whereabouts of the man police are seeking should call Newcastle City Local Area Command or Crime Stoppers of 1800 333 000.

Update 3:30pm

Police have confirmed a 31-year-old man has handed himself into police.

Strata law changes set to benefit investors in the Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

More than 90 of the proposed changes to strata laws by the State Government come into full force throughout the State including the Hunter today, with investors set to benefit.

Strata title or Strata laws is the system for owning units and townhouses, which generally have a combination of private residences as well as communal spaces

Under the new laws, cigarette smoking will now be considered a 'nuisance', meaning people who only smoke inside their own units can be ordered to stop if it affects other residents. 

A limit to the number of adults who can live in an apartment will now be in place, with fines for overcrowding to be raised to $5500.

Owners corporations will also have the power to invite local council parking inspectors into their car parks, in an effort to penalize "parking thieves."

The most controversial of the changes means that 75 per cent of owners in older residences will have the power to dictate the selling of the entire building to developers, regardless of objections from the 25 percent minority.

Minister for Innovation and Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says the changes are a direct attack on people's property rights.

"The fact that somebody can come in and compulsory acquire another persons home reducing their property rights is just fundamentally wrong.

"The fact that the government is enabling developers to do that shows very poor judgment on their behalf and it shows that they are not in touch with the people of NSW and people living in strata.

"As of today, developers in New South Wales got their early Christmas present thanks to Premier Mike Baird, and I've no doubt they'll all be popping champagne corks." Ms. Catley said.

Police out in force for Operation Saturation

BY JARROD MELMETH

Hunter Traffic and Highway patrol officers will commence a state-wide operation tomorrow to target road users putting themselves and others at risk.

Operation Saturation - part of Operation Towards Zero - begins tomorrow and concludes on 27 November 2016 and comes at a time when the states road toll has reached 342 deaths so far this year.

The high visibility crack down will be focusing on speeding, illegal mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet compliance, driver fatigue and drink and drug driving, with officers engaging with road users to raise their awareness and educate them on the risks of irresponsible road use.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Acting Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy says the responsibility of reducing road trauma lies with every person using the road.

"Drivers, riders, cyclists, passengers and pedestrians all have to play a part in assisting us to bring this tragic and avoidable loss of life to an end." he said.

"We will ensure that anyone caught taking risks, or risking the lives of others, will be stopped and dealt with according to the law."

So far this year, 342 people have died on NSW roads, 32 more than the same time last year.

Photo source: NSW Police

McCaffrey Drive residents bypassed

BY DECLAN PAYNE

The Roads and Maritime Services today announced the environmental impact statement (EIS) and concept design for the proposed fifth section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, but not all residents are satisfied.

Residents of McCaffery Drive had demanded the bypass include on and off ramps but the proposal lacks the much sought after ramps.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said there was feedback from the community on the ramps.

"People had their say there...RMS do take on board feedback, but you can't satisfy everybody on such a major project."

The $280 million design stretches 3.4 kilometres and will link Rankin Park and Jesmond, interchanging north with Newcastle Road, south at Lookout Road, and a half interchange giving traffic access to the John Hunter Hospital.

Mr MacDonald said the public is being urged to have their say on the proposal.

"The community is invited to have a say on the EIS and the concept design which outlines key features of the project and assesses potential environmental, social and economic impacts throughout the project life cycle," MacDonald said.

"Roads and Maritime has prepared an overview booklet which summarises the assessment of key issues, design features, project benefits and how to make a submission during the EIS display."

The public can have their say at drop in sessions at Silver Ridge Community Cottage in Wallsend on Saturday 26th of November, and Thursday 1st of December.

Alternatively, submissions can be made online.

The proposed fifth section to the Newcastle Inner City Bypass. Source: rms.nsw.gov.au

Brisbane bus driver attack raises concerns for Hunter drivers

BY JARROD MELMETH

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery, is calling on the Transport Minster to address safety concerns raised by Newcastle bus drivers following the death of Manmeet Alisher, a Brisbane bus driver who died after being set alight when a boarding passenger launched an "incendiary device" at him. 

Drivers across the Hunter have been calling for improved safety conditions for a number of years following a string of incidents including a bus driver who was violently assaulted after ordering a 28-year-old man off the bus in Raymond Terrace for drinking alcohol on board in 2014.

The number of assaults on Hunter bus drivers has increased in recent years with reports of drivers being verbally assaulted, spat on or physically attacked. 

Sonia Hornery says everyone deserves a safe working environment and bus drivers have been subjected to increasing levels of violence.

"The Government need to be protecting our drivers much better than they are. Our bus drivers, particularly at night, are saying it's not safe for them, they're on their own and are at the whim of the best behaviour of commuters." 

Ms Hornery also believes with the privatisation of public transport in the Hunter pending, the Government needs to ensure safety is given priority as private bus fleets have been shown to have even fewer safety measures in place in their vehicles.

"The Government is just about to privatise and sell off Newcastle Buses so they need to make sure that our fleet is as safe as possible."

Richard Allsop from The Institute of Public Affairs wrote in the Assessing the results of privatisation report which assesses Victoria's Privatisation of public transport "Safety improved faster after privatisation than before privatisation for all classes of accidents."

Ms Hornery will be taking the issue with her to Parliament next week and will be writing to the Minister for Transport to seek a commitment to improving the safety of Hunter bus drivers.

Newcastle buses. 

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery.

State Government Not Prioritising Bypass

By: ARIANA GATTI

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery is calling on the State Government to speed up the planning and construction process for the Newcastle Inner-City Bypass.

The Bypass now in its fifth and final stage of planning, has still not had its final plan out on public exhibition.

The Government revealed the concept design and environmental impact assessment in 2014, and is now lacking the gusto to finish for this year.

The Bypass project set to run over a 3.4km section of road near Jesmond and Wallsend, will cost around $280 million.

The Government had promised that construction would begin in early 2017, however there are fears in the Wallsend electorate that the State Government are not prioritising key infrastructure projects that need attention.

“There has been delay after delay on this project with the Government showing more interest in the CBD of Newcastle than the Western suburbs”, says Sonia.

She also says, “The Government needs to prioritise this important missing link in the Hunter’s road network”.

                              [Image sourced: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/hunter/newcastle-inner-city-bypass/]

Joint Venture Between Glencore and Peabody Proposed near Singleton

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT AND ARIANA GATTI

The proposal for a new open-cut mine around the Singleton and Hunter Valley around has caused a fluster with environmental activist group, Lock the Gate Alliance.

The much debated benefit of the proposed Wambo-United coal mine, a joint venture between Glencore and Peabody, includes the removal of more than 200 hectares of land in preparation to be mined.

The mine's proposed boundaries

The mine is said to open up at least 250 jobs, as well as keep the Wambo open-cut mine running far beyond the current closing date of 2020.

Lock the Gate Alliance is accusing Glencore Mining of using an un-known and unpublished biodiversity document in order to push the approval for the mine ahead faster.

Lock the Gate Alliance NSW Coordinator Georgina Woods says keeping the documents secret shows fowl play between the mine and the Government.

"The public is being kept in the dark while the mining industry is at the table, stitching up a plan with the Government to get approval for this mine regardless of the cost that it's going to place on our wildlife and our vanishing forest," she said

There is no definite answer on whether the new open-cut mine will be going ahead.

For Woods, the idea of losing more bushland proves the State Government has failed to protect the local environment.

"This new mine is the epitome of NSW's failed planning and mining laws," she says.

"They're going to allow a nationally unique bushland to be destroyed.  They're going to push the central Hunter Valley forest to the brink of local extinction. It occurs no where but in this region.

"So much has already been lost to coal mines and we simply can't afford to keep pushing over this critically endangered woodland any longer."

[Image Source: The Newcastle Herald].

Hunter Economic Breakfast

BY ARIANA GATTI

The Hunter Research Foundation will be holding an Economic Breakfast tomorrow morning in NEWCASTLE, in celebration of its 60^th birthday.

The Celebration Breakfast will be looking at past and future prospects for the organisation, as well as promoting its launch of three new research publications.

The research will include the analysis on the state of the Hunter economy, as well as business engagement and the community’s level of well-being.

The publications will be delivered by Dr Anthea Bill, Dr Brent Jenkins and Michael Blythe on the day.

[Image courtesy of: http://www.hrf.com.au/]

Talks On Greater University CBD Presence

BY MICHAEL LANGHAM

Proposed Development areas. Photo Courtesy Newcastle Herald

Direct negotiations between the University of Newcastle, Hunter Development, UrbanGrowth NSW and the NSW Government have begun to assess opportunities to expand the Universities presence in Newcastle's CBD.

The focus of development negotiations are parcels of land in the Honeysuckle area and a section of the heavy rail corridor in the Civic precinct.

The direct dealing builds upon the relationship established under the Memorandum of Understanding, agreed in 2015.

Planning Minister ROB STOKES says"the NSW Government sees compelling benefit in having a greater university presence in the city centre as a key influencer in the city's renewal."

Hunter greyhound racers concerned following passing of ban

BY JARROD MELMETH

Hunter greyhound trainers are considering their futures after legislation banning the practice was passed in parliament in the early hours of this morning.

Debate in parliament went for almost 12 hours with three National Party MPs crossing the floor in protest. The Baird Government eventually passed this bill 49 votes 30 at around 4am this morning.

The bill had previously been passed in the Upper House following a similar lengthy debate.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald said it was a difficult decision but the outcome is favourable.

"We've got a responsibility to look at it on a statewide basis and the industry had been given many opportunities to reform itself." 

"But, it was proven time and time again that the element in the industry that was leading the industry was determined to deceive the government, the regulators, the RSPCA and even their members."

Member for Wallsend Sonia Horney who earlier in August presented a petition of 37,000 signatures opposing the ban said, the economic impacts that will follow the closure of The Gardens racetrack in Wallsend is concerning.

"The economy of Wallsend is going to loose about 17.6 million dollars a year once The Gardens is taken away from our community."

Kevin Gordon from the Alliance of Greyhound Racing said, the impacts of the ban go much deeper than just the trainers.

"We are saying that the impacts will go so deep potentially tens of thousands of jobs will be lost in New South Wales at a time where unemployment is getting higher."

The greyhound racing prohibition Bill carries penalties of up to a years jail for those who participate in the practice in New South Wales after July 1, 2017.

Photo courtesy of the ABC.

Aboriginal Land Council Lodge Claim to Marina

Source: Newcastle Herald

BY MICHAEL LANGHAM

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council has lodged a claim over the the site where the Pelican Marina once stood in Lake Macquarie.

The Crown land has been left vacant following part of the marina's structure collapsing in February.  

The claim is currently being considered by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, with the Aboriginal Land Council intending to transfer the site to Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Bahtabah CEO Michael Green says a successful claim would benefit the community and future generations.

"It became vacant crown land, so that's why we put a claim over it; and what happens with that is for future generations," he says.

Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, land councils are entitled to lodge claims over unused or unneeded Crown Land.

Bulga Road protest against Warkworth coal mine

BY JARROD MELMETH

Bulga residents are hopeful of a strong show of public support for their daily protest vigil at the Warkworth coal mine.

Residents have been protesting daily next to Rio Tinto's coal mine, which has approval from the NSW Government to expand towards the town, through a bush land area of high importance to the Wonnarua Aboriginal people, and through the convict-built Wallaby Scrub Road.

The expansion was approved by the NSW Government last November following a campaign by local residents against the project that lasted six years.

Bulga Resident Rob McLaughlin says the way the community has been treated by Rio Tinto and the NSW Government is disgusting.

"Two courts have forensically examined the application of Rio Tinto and said the project should not proceed."

"We are here today to stand up and say this should not be happening. This expansion of the mine will see the decimation of our historic town"

The mine has seen two court cases against its approval. The government has since re-approved the mine, and removed local residents' right to challenge the merits of that decision in court.

Man Charged After Allegedly Assaulting A Child On Central Coast Train.

BY JESSICA WORBOYS

Officers have charged a 22-year-old man after allegedly assaulting a child on a train travelling northbound from Sydney yesterday.

The officers were approached at Woy Woy station by a witness who was concerned for the welfare of a 10-month-old boy on board the train.

Senior Constable Sara Burgess says “the boy appeared to have injuries and was distressed.”

“Officers were told the child was allegedly assaulted several times during the trip from Sydney, by a man believed to be travelling with the child’s mother.”

Officers arrested the man where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, domestic violence related, at Gosford Police Station.

He was refused bail to appear before Gosford Local Court today.

The child was taken by NSW Ambulance Paramedics to Gosford Hospital and is in a stable condition. He will be placed in care and police are working with the Department of Family and Community Services. 

Major Changes Announced for Hunter Tafe

BY GABRIEL PARKER

Hunter TAFE will be folded into a single statewide institution as part of a plan to save on administration costs.

It follows an April report which found TAFE NSW spends up to 60 cents per dollar on administration and backroom tasks.

It's unclear what this will mean for Hunter jobs, but Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says it's a positive step.

"I think this is long overdue, TAFE of twenty, thirty years ago the people are comparing with doesn't exist anymore. The workforce is very very different, we all understand that. It is very much a services growth economy these days. That means different courses, that means different modes of delivery.  I think we should look on the positive side of this. I think we can have an a lot more nimble, a lot more competitive TAFE going forward" he said.

Scot MacDonald

68 new jobs for Williamtown RAAF Base

BY JARROD MELMETH

BAE Systems Australia has created 68 new jobs as the Company starts providing operational maintenance to the Royal Australian Air Force's Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter fleet.

The Hawk 127 is a tandem, two-seat jet, used to prepare the RAAF's fast jet aircrew for the F/A-18 Hornet, F/A-18 Super Hornet and, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The company is directly supporting the training of Australia's next combat aircrew, delivering all Hawk maintenance support on the flight line at the RAAF Base.

Under the new arrangement, BAE Systems is responsible for aircraft launch and recovery, rectifications, life support, stores and mission equipment, on-site management and deployed operations.

Operational maintenance was previously provided by the RAAF's 76 and 79 Squadrons. Transitions to the new arrangement started in October 2015 to ensure seamless change.

A Hawk 127 conducts an aerial display at Williamtown RAAF Base.
Photo courtesy of defence.gov.au

Rutherford woman arrested

BY JARROD MELMETH

A 24-year-old Rutherford woman has been charged with drug supply after being found with 38.8 grams of contraband.

The woman was at Golburn Correctional Centre when a Correctives Services drug-detection dog made the discovery.

The woman was then arrested and taken to Golburn Police Station.

Free Mobile Laundry for Homeless in Newcastle

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle could soon have a free mobile laundry service for the homeless by the end of the year if funding can be secured.

The project is run by 2016 Young Australians of the Year and Orange Sky Laundry founders Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett.

Each van costs $100,000 to build and are custom fitted with two commercial washing machines and two dryers which combined, do over 5.8 tonnes of laundry every week.

The vehicles are Australia's first free mobile laundry service for the homeless and has a fleet of 9 vehicles around Australia, one of which is stopping at Hamilton station today.

The stop is part of a five-day and 2000-kilometre journey from Brisbane to Melbourne in hopes of sourcing volunteers to help service a van in Newcastle.

One of the Orange Sky Laundries in action. Photo Courtesy of The Advertiser.

Erosion solution for Stockton Beach

BY JARROD MELMETH

Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes says she believes an underground breakwall could be the solution to the erosion problem on Stockton Beach and will also provide the foundation for the future extension of Bathers Way, which she hopes will continue onto Stockton.

Cr Nelmes will bring forward a mayoral minute at tonights meeting where she will seek the support of engineers to investigate the viability of constructing a rock wall to protect the beachfront. The rock wall if built, will consist of 500 meters of boulders, from the southern end of the beach to meet the existing wall at the northern end.

The beachfront was severely damaged earlier this month during an east coast low which resulted in the worst erosion at Stockton Beach in living memory.

Cr Nelmes said the construction of a rock wall with the right underpinnings will also allow future extension of the Bathers Way walk.

"By ensuring our assets are properly protected we will have the opportunity to extend the bathers walk that now goes from Mereweather through to Nobbys. I would like to see it cross over at the ferry and come all the way around the Stockton foreshore."

Council in the past have commissioned several reports on preventing erosion around the Stockton Beach area. A lot of the outcomes were over $30 million and were not implemented.

Cr Nelmes is looking for a more cost effective solution that can actually be implemented.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at Stockton Beach. Photo courtesy of The Newcastle Herald