New CEO for Lake Macquarie Council

BY JARROD MELMETH

Lake Macquarie Council unanimously endorsed the appoint of Morven Cameron as the new CEO at last night's council meeting.

Ms Cameron is councils former Director of Community Development with more than 15 years of experience in local government.

Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser said Morven was chosen in a competitive selection process from a high-calibre field of experienced candidates.

“She is a highly impressive talent known for her collaborative leadership style and I know firsthand just how passionate she is about ensuring we build on the solid foundation and momentum that Lake Macquarie has enjoyed in recent years.

“With her leadership and the hard working staff of Council, Lake Macquarie is in very good hands," Cr Fraser said. 

Council was very impressed with Morven’s vision, proven experience and achievements, together with her passion for local government and immeasurable understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing large, dynamic councils serving their local community.

Reflecting on her appointment, Ms Cameron said, “It is an honour to have been selected to lead this progressive organisation and vibrant City. We have a very solid base on which to progress and move forward.

“I’m excited about what the future will bring when we all work together, and I thank the Mayor and Councillors, Council staff and the community for their support," Ms Cameron said.

The role will commence from Monday 28 August.

Councils new CEO Morven Cameron.

A Good Sign for Air Quality in the Hunter

BY: ARIANA GATTI

The latest reports from the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the Office of Environment and Heritage has released the air quality in Newcastle and the Upper Hunter was generally good over the last summer period.

The reports from the 1st of December 2016 to the 28th of February this year shown levels of nitrogen dioxide, ammonia and other fine particulate matter were below national benchmarks.

Only one slip in air quality was recorded in Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter during December last year when a sulfur dioxide spike was recognised.

The high particle levels usually recorded throughout the summer period are often attributed to the influence of dry, hot and windy conditions, along with bush fire movements and dust generation.

EPA Hunter Director, Karen Marler believe meteorology has a lot to do with the quality in air.

"We did see some increases in fine particulate emissions on the really hot and dry summer days and often those are due to increased bush fires in the region,"she said.

However, Marler is positive air quality will remain in good condition even as the winter months present its own issues with wood heaters.

"We're also doing a lot of work around wood heater emissions and improving standards with these emissions as well," she says.

[Image sourced: http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/]

Adani loan bad for Hunter economy

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Turnbull government is coming under fire for "declaring war on Hunter coal miners" if they proceed with a $1 billion loan to the Adani Carmichael coal mine in Queensland.

Adani has applied for the loan through the $5 billion Northern Australian Infrastructure Fund, which grants concessional loans for the private sector to build infrastructure at the top of Australia.

The mine would become one of the biggest in the world with the potential to produce between 25 and 60 million tonnes per year depending on the plan from which the mine is operated from.

Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Infrastructure Pat Conroy said the research shows the negative impact the loan would have to the Hunter region.

"It is just straight logic. If demand for a product is falling if you increase supply, by definition the price will fall and that is my main point which has been corroborated by the CEO of Newcastle Port and by the Australian Institute and I have not had anyone dispute that.

"While the coal is a bit lower quality than Newcastle coal in terms of its calorific value and the value of it when you are trying to use it to produce electricity, it still will suppress the coal prices globally.

"When you add on top of that the fact that the Federal government is considering giving a loan to this company, it is bad news for Hunter coal miners and that is why we should be saying to the Government that we should not be giving a leg up to the competition," Mr Conroy said.

Pat Conroy.

Butterfly Cave under further threat as CCTV cameras are installed

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Butterfly Cave in West Wallsend is back in parliament after the NSW Opposition asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell what steps the Berejiklian Government is taking to protect the site, following allegations of spying and installation of CCTV cameras around the site.

The cave is currently in danger of collapse if construction of a residential housing estate planned to only allow a 20-metre buffer zone is allowed to go ahead.

The site - which was formally declared an Aboriginal Place in the same year approval was given to develop the housing estate - has also traditionally been used by Aboriginal women and girls, as a private meeting place for hundreds of years.

Approval for the development was given in 2013 to developer Roche Group, who are currently developing a Construction Management Plan which the Office of Environment and Heritage says is "to ensure all construction is properly facilitated, integrated and coordinated so as to deliver certainty to the objectives of the Project".

Shadow Minister for the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe said she was really disappointed when the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell refused to outline what the government was doing to protect the site and women who use it.

"Reports from local Awabakal women is that they are concerned that people are watching the ceremonies and the activities that they undertake at the cave.

"This is a very serious allegation which needs to be taken seriously," Ms Sharpe said.

When asked about the issue of CCTV installation and spying at the site, Ms Sharpe said the Minister "essentially washed her hands of the matter saying simply that people should go to the council or go to the developers and that is not good enough.

"The Butterfly Cave is a declared special place under Aboriginal Cultural Heritage legislation and it deserves far more protection than it is currently getting," Ms Sharpe said.

A petition to save the site from development has almost 65,000 signatures.

Petitioner Anne Andrews said "it is heartbreaking - the construction will damage our fragile cave. We’re desperate to save our sanctuary but the Roche Group Manager is threatening us with trespassing for continuing to go into the Butterfly Cave, a rare, private safe space for Aboriginal women. He’s installing CCTV, sends emails that show he’s spying on us and has even forced us to ask permission each time we want to enter. It's degrading and offensive.

"The Cave is incredibly special to Aboriginal women. Generations of women have treasured this spiritual place. Today I take my grand-daughters to the Cave to connect with our past. For many local families, the site has huge cultural significance," Ms Andrews said.

Left: Melinda Brown with granddaughter Yasmine at the Butterfly Cave.
 Picture: Peter Stoop. Right: Penny Sharpe.

Confirmed case of meningococcal in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

An infant is in a serious but stable condition in a Hunter hospital with a confirmed case of meningococcal disease.

It's the third case of the disease in the Hunter New England Local Health district this year.

Family and those who have had close contact with the child have been prescribed clearance antibiotics.

It comes after the district recorded 10 cases of meningococcal disease in 2016.

Across Australia, up to 10 per cent of patients with meningococcal die as a result of the disease, but Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim stresses that while it is a serious disease, in most cases, early detection and treatment does result in a full recovery.

The first symptoms of the disease may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet, and abnormal skin colour.

Later symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises, drowsiness, and dislike of bright lights.

If anyone suspects meningococcal disease they should seek medical attention immediately.

Answers needed on Barangaroo construction death

BY JARROD MELMETH

A phone call with the father of Tim Mcpherson who was killed on a construction site at Sydney's Barangaroo has prompted Labor Senator Doug Cameron to call for a coronial inquest into the workers' death.

The 32-year-old Maitland man was crushed and instantly killed by an unsecured large metal beam which was being transported on a barge near one of the city's main area of water traffic.

It has been reported that the Maritime Union of Australia was blocked access from conducting a safety inspection after safety concerns were raised at the construction site where Mr Macpherson was tragically killed.

The barge on which Mr Mcpherson was working at the time had been issued with a prohibition notice 10 months before the incident, after operating at Barangaroo without a certificate of survey, which shows that a vessel has been surveyed and meets the standards for construction stability and safety equipment.

The vessel - owned by Brady Marine & Civil -  was issued with a temporary exemption which, under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 vessels are exempt, if the vessel has had previous certificates which were not revoked or suspended; an application for a certificate of survey has been made; an accredited marine surveyor has surveyed the vessel within 60 days before or after the certificate of survey ceased to be in force; and compliance with construction and equipment standards that apply to the vessel have been considered

Mr Cameron said there are too many questions surrounding an entirely avoidable tragedy.

"Why was this barge allowed to sail from Brisbane to Sydney when it obviously did not comply with Australian Maritime Safety Authority requirements.

"Why was the barge allowed to operate for months without proper certification?

"And again, why was it issued with a temporary compliance that obviously was not up to scratch?

"These are the questions that must be answered and I just think a coronial inquiry is the way to go to get to the bottom of this.

"The basic safety breaches were clear and any building and construction site around the country in that condition should be shut down," Mr Cameron said.

Interview with Doug Cameron here: 

Tim Mcpherson and Labor Senator Doug Cameron.

Cessnock City Council want in on the 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay

BY JARROD MELMETH

Cessnock City Councillors have unanimously supported an urgency motion to write to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation and request that the Hunter Valley vineyards be included in the Queen's Baton Relay.

The Queen's Baton carries a message to the athletes of the Commonwealth from Queen Elizabeth II, which embarks on a journey around the world from Buckingham Palace to the Opening Ceremony of the Games, where the message is removed and read out.

Cessnock City Mayor, Bob Pynsent has welcomed the motion.

“This is a fantastic idea and a great opportunity for not only our residents, who would no doubt turn out in their thousands to support the event, but also to promote our wonderful region.

"When Cessnock was a part of the Sydney Olympic torch relay, it was such a great festival and showcasing of the vineyards and the tourist potential of the area," Mr Pynsent said.

Residents are being encouraged to nominate local batonbearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

From left: Sydney torch bearer Jan Williams, Councillor Jay
Suvaal & Mayor Bob Pynsent.

John Hunter Hospital car parking fees to be slashed

BY JARROD MELMETH

A landmark decision by the NSW State Government will see a reduction in car parking fees for regular patients and carers at NSW hospitals including the John Hunter Hospital.

Currently, patients and carers at the John Hunter Hospital face fees of up to $3640 annually under the parking fee structure.

The announcement from the State Government was prompted by a petition of over 70,000 signatures and means car parking concessions will become available to more patients and carers, and those who must regularly visit the hospital will now only pay up to $1102.40 per year.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said while this is a great win for the community, she would prefer all assets of public health be run by public health.

"This is what happens when you outsource provisions, the outsource group are there to make a profit, and they certainly do make a profit at the John Hunter Hospital.

“This announcement by the Government will mean a huge saving for some people who have really struggled to pay the excessive fees the John Hunter were charging," Ms Hornery said.

Ms Hornery also alluded to the removal of the free park and ride bus service from former Hunter Stadium to John Hunter Hospital in response to easing car parking woes.

"People had no choice but to pay for parking at the campus and, in some cases, were forced to walk fairly significant distances in order to get to the hospital itself when they couldn't afford to pay the fees.

"It was well used, it was popular, it was safe, it meant people did not have to walk long distances just to get a car park. I would love to see that service reintroduced," Ms Hornery said.

The changes to car parking fees will come into effect as of July 1.

Image source: ABC news.

Hunter independent service stations should expect a visit from SafeWork

BY JARROD MELMETH

The New South Wales Government has today launched a project aimed at educating independently-owned service stations in regional NSW, including the Hunter on safety and workers compensation, as well as obtaining fuel pricing information.

The project is in response to recent SafeWork research that found small, independently-owned service stations lack understanding of work health and safety in relation to storage, handling and use of dangerous goods, as well as safety and emergency plans.

Director North Region SafeWork NSW, Laurence Ritchie says Hunter service station owners should expect a visit.

"It's quite possible that there will be visits across the Hunter Region, but that will not be in the Greater Metropolitan area.

"The Hunter Region itself is quite broad and we will be looking to go to service stations that out lie the Hunter area," Mr Ritchie said.

SafeWork NSW Group Director, Regional Operations and Sector Initiatives, Tony Williams said the project was about increasing the ability of service stations in regional NSW to work safely and more productively.

"Due to their isolation, small independently-owned service stations in regional NSW have received less frequent assistance in the past.

"By Supporting them to understand their work health and safety, workers compensation and trading obligations, workers will be safer and consumers better protected," Mr Williams said.

During visits, SafeWork inspectors will advise local operators how to comply with dangerous goods regulations and ensure they have adequate and up to date safety and emergency plans.

"We've worked with stakeholders who have supported us going out," Mr Ritchie said.

Operators that receive a visit may be eligible to claim a $500 rebate from SafeWork NSW, to put towards the purchase and installation of eligible safety items that address a safety problem.

Labor set to run in Port Stephens September local elections

BY JARROD MELMETH

Labor's Port Stephens Local Government Committee and local branches, the Tomaree Peninsula and the Raymond Terrace Branch, are today outlining their plan to run candidates in the upcoming Port Stephens Council elections in September.

The Local Government Committee's President, Giacomo Arnott has claimed the current government is "hiding behind the word 'independent' to put forward their hidden agendas and "our community is sick of it."

"With controversy being the main outcome of the last four years of Council, it is time for a refresh, and these elections will be a great opportunity for the residents of Port Stephens to see a refresh occur," Mr Arnott said.

Port Stephens Mayor Bruce Mackenzie has fired back at the claims saying there is no one more independent than Bruce Mackenzie.

"I'm the most independent, rebel, outspoken, tell-it-how-it-is person that you will ever come across in your life.

"As for saying I'm hiding behind a political trend and I've got a hidden agenda shows the mentality of the people that said it because it is so far from the truth.

"As for running Labor tickets in Port Stephens, God help us.

"The day they have the Liberals, Labor, the Greens, One Nation, whatever, running for council and trying to control the council.

"Local council is not like that, it should not be like that, and there will be a big fat campaign against politics in local government at the next election for sure," Mr Mackenzie said.

Child approached in Muswellbrook

BY JARROD MELMETH

Police are appealing for assistance after a 7-year-old girl was approached by a man on Tuesday at around 3:45pm.

The girl was walking home from school on Scott Street when a man in a red hatchback pulled up alongside her trying to entice the girl into his vehicle before the girl refused and ran home to report it to the police.

Police have described the man as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 20 to 30 years old, with light-blue eyes and brown hair and was wearing a red striped shirt at the time.

The car is only described as a small red-coloured hatchback with scratches on the rear driver’s side panel and mirror.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to come forward and contact Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

TAFE is Key to a Strong Economy

BY MARISSA ALEXIOU

TAFE's are facing a challenge in meeting the needs of the Hunter community with the government's defunding of NSW's TAFE System.

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery is calling for the government to invest in TAFE in order to keep the Hunter's economy strong.

The O'Farrell-Baird-Berejiklian Government has overseen the defunding of the NSW TAFE system and poorly managed Smart and Skilled Program.

With the rise of youth unemployment, TAFE is being seen as a way to encourage workers to seek further education and upskill our workforce.

Sonia Horney said if the government wants to build a stronger economy, they need to provide courses at TAFE that provide apprenticeships and jobs for people in NSW.

The recent cuts to TAFE have been significant and have seen a reduction in courses, apprenticeships and jobs across NSW including the Hunter.

This has further resulted in a lack of skills needed for areas such as manufacturing and aged care.

Sonia Horney said that a strong education system is necessary for a strong economy and quality workforce.

Source:www.studyinaus.com

Funding For New Facilities At Nobby's

BY ARIANA GATTI and GARY-JON LYSAGHT

A $1.5 million project plan was unveiled today to develop the iconic Nobby's Headland precinct.

The NSW Government is providing at least half a million to the project which will see viewing decks, a cafe, restaurant, conference facilities, a play area and an outdoor exercise area established.

The new developments around the Newcastle coast will be open to full use by the community, with stage three commencing soon.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Catherine Cusack says the funding is coming from the proceeds of the long-term lease of Newcastle Port.

Cusack says, "It's Newcastle's working harbour that's produced the revenue, it's the passionate community and volunteers who have designed the project and made it happen".

The project will be administered by local business group, Newcastle Now, and director Chris Leck said corporate and community support is being sought to fund the project.

Leck says, “One of the strategies that we have is for a crowdfunding campaign,” he said, adding he couldn’t be certain when it will be launched.

“I’m not sure exactly when, but shortly, so that the community have an opportunity to get behind it as well.”

Stage three of the project will involve the internal fit-out of the catering and conference facilities in the existing buildings on the site.

Catherine Cusack Announces Funding For Nobbys Development

Newcastle Now Director Kris Leck

Palliative Care scare for Lake Macquarie

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Fears about the future of Lake Macquarie’s palliative care services have been voiced by local MPs following reports of a proposed shut-down of the Calvary Mater Hospital’s after hours home visit service.

It was revealed last week that the office of Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp had been contacted by concerned staff from the Mater, who warned that the hospital’s 24 hour palliative care service may be dropped in favour of an after-hours telephone hotline.

It is estimated that 300 people currently utilise the Mater’s after hours palliative care service.

Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper spoke in parliament on Tuesday, expressing concerns about the inequality of palliative care services across the Lake Macquarie region.

Residents who need palliative care who live north of the Fennel Bay bridge are currently serviced under the Calvary Mater’s scheme, receiving 24 hour care. However, residents outside the Mater’s “20 kilometre radius”, in areas such as Toronto and Morisset, are serviced by Westlakes Community Health Service, which already has an after-hours telephone hotline in place of round-the-clock care.

Greg Piper explains, “What we have to the north, for most of the area, is what I would call a high quality service that gives 24/7 nursing assistance to people who need palliative care. If you live to the south [of the Fennel Bay bridge] you get a budget service that doesn’t go anywhere near providing what other people get.”

Mr Piper is urging the government to consider the economic savings made by keeping patients who wish to stay at home out of hospital beds before palliative care services are scrapped. “Many people now wish to pass away at home…and the cost of hospital beds is also very high. We should take that into consideration.”

A spokesperson for Hunter New England Health last week refused to rule out changes to the Mater’s current palliative care scheme, citing the safety of workers going on house calls late at night as a cause for concern. 

Lake Macquarie MP, Greg Piper.

Tanya Plibersek visits St Mary's Catholic College at Gateshead

BY SARAH JAMES

Deputy Leader for the Opposition Tanya Plibersek and Member for Shortland Pat Conroy visited St Mary's Catholic College in Gateshead today to see how Gonski funding has benefited schools.

Schools across the Hunter region have been able to provide specialised support for students as well as employ more teachers under the Gonski scheme.

St Mary's Catholic College is one of two schools in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese which is planning to introduce Years 11 and 12 over 2018 and 2019.

The Director of Schools for the Catholic Schools Officer of the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese, Dr Michael Slattery, said this extra funding is needed to provide the required resources, infrastructure and teaching staff needed to expand the school.

According to Pat Conroy, these expansions are being jeopardised by the Coalition Government's plan to cut $140 million in funding schools in the Hunter region.

Schools in the Shortland electorate are to see to miss out on $33 million of funding.

It is feared cuts to funding will result in fewer teachers and less one-on-one attention for students who require extra help with their study.

"This Government is refusing to confirm that it will fully fund years five and six of the Gonski's needs-based funding reforms as they promised to do," said Ms Plibersek.

"Under this Government, every child in every school in every system in every state will lose."

William Arnott's Iconic Cooks Hill manor on the market

BY JARROD MELMETH

Arnotts is a brand we all know and love, and the Newcastle family home where it all began is on the market.

'Leslieville', the sandstone Victorian manor in Cooks Hill was built in the 1870's for the biscuit company founder, William Arnott and his family.

The home features a grand staircase, six bedrooms, eight fireplaces, and has been carefully restored by the current owners.

Selling Agent Rob O'Brien said the iconic house has an interesting history.

"The original William Arnott's Steam Biscuits Factory which stood adjacent to 'Leslieville is long gone, but this iconic family home with unique Australian Heritage saw the beginning of the biscuit company that grew to become an icon.

"It's easy to imagine the echoes of music recitals or a formal dinner party as the Arnott family welcomed members of the growing family and guests from far and wide," Mr O'Brien said.

The Arnotts Biscuit company began as a small bakery opened on Hunter Street in Newcastle in 1865, where locals and crews of ships that docked at the ports, ate the famous bread, pies and biscuits.

The Newcastle-born biscuits are now available in more than 40 countries around the world.

'Leslieville' is currently on the market via Expressions of Interest.

63 Union Street Cooks Hill. The former home of William Arnott.

Sun Safety Warning as Hunter Students Head Back to School

BY MARISSA ALEXIOU

As Hunter children head back to school this week, parents are being encouraged to consider the safety of their children outside the classroom. 

A statement released by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) warns parents and schools need to ensure their children's eyes are properly protected. 

The College is encouraging a 'no hat, no sunglasses. no play' policy to maintain the safety of students whilst at school. 

To ensure maximum protection children should be wearing sunglasses that meet the Australian Standards for UV protection. 

A number of young children are showing the first signs of eye damage from ultraviolet light according to eye surgeons Dr Shanel Sharma and Dr Alina Zeldovich. 

Ophthalmologist Dr Shanel Sharma said that UV light effects eyes differently to how it affects the skin, with younger children at increased risk due to the development of their eyes. 

It is thought that schools have resisted introducing sunglasses as part of the uniform due to the lack of awareness and potential management issues such as loss and damage. 

Children need to be wearing a hat and sunglasses not only at school but during sport and other outdoor activities outside of school to be protected from the sun. 

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/

Alleged Kurri Kurri arsonist refused bail

BY JARROD MELMETH

Accused Kurri Kurri arsonist 26-year-old Craig Lambkin has been refused bail in Maitland Local Court today after telling police he threw a lit cigarette into nearby bushland during a total fire ban on Tuesday.

Mr Lambkin was arrested in his front yard following the incident on Tuesday and taken to Maitland police station where he was charged with intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread stemming from a blaze that burned behind the Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre. 

Mr Lambkin was refused bail by Magistrate John Chicken until March. 

Photo source: The Maitland Mercury

Fires Blaze In The Hunter

BY: ARIANA GATTI

Residents around the Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Hunter areas are relieved the torrential fires from yesterday have seized.

With temperatures dropping and the possible chances of rain, bushland around the Hunter can take a break.

No reports have come through on houses being lost or damaged, although, other remnants such as sheds and open properties have been burnt or destroyed by the blaze.

At least 26 fire crews tackled the ongoing fires, with some extensive help from helicopters and other aircraft flying over, dropping water to extinguish the blaze.

Police undertook investigations today in order to figure out how these fires began and if one or more arsonists were invloved in purposely lighting the fire.

Investigations are still ongoing.

Mayor of Cessnock, Bob Pynsent says, "It was a very frightening experience for a lot of people in our local area."

"We are so happy that there's been minimal damage to surrounding properties and a big thank you to all the emergency services who worked so hard to protect our community", he says.

[Image sourced: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/evacuation-warnings-issued-as-multiple-fires-in-kurri-kurri-region-burn-out-of-control/news-story/6a4d33eb7de6ac83d5d11a0aaea8815a]

A third ALDI store for Maitland

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It has been confirmed a third ALDI store will be opening its doors to Maitland customers in mid-2017.

The German supermarket giant announced its plans last week after speculation for some time another store was coming to the area.

The store will be located in the Hunter Mall near Pender Place.

With more than 70, 000 people living in Maitland, and one ALDI store already at Rutherford, and another at East Maitland - the new store could prove to be quite popular.

The application for the store has been publically displayed between KMART and Best and Less.