Cruise Terminal Funding Loss A Setback For The Region: Hunter Business Chamber

BY JARROD MELMETH

The New South Wales Government has made good on its pre-election threat by pulling $12.7 million funding from the Newcastle Cruise Terminal project.

The funding for the Port was announced in 2016 by former Premier Mike Baird, but last year the port revealed the project had suffered cost blow outs and the new building would not be able to serve as a home port for ships as a result.

Since revealing the cost blow outs, the NSW Government have refused to provide more money for the project.

"Port of Newcastle has been working on this project on behalf of the NSW Government on the basis of providing a facility that meets the cruise industry's needs while remaining within the funding provided.

"While disappointed construction of the terminal facility cannot proceed at this time, we respect that funding is no longer available," a statement form the Port of Newcastle said.

In a statement to 2NUR-FM, an Infrastructure NSW spokesperson said "the $12.7 million in Restart NSW funding remains available to Port of Newcastle should the project be delivered as per the original scope agreed in the funding deed."

Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes has described the move as a significant setback for the region.

"The loss of funding is very disappointing, particularly for those tourism operators whoa re investing in facilities and services to improve our visitor economy.

"We are currently receiving around 28,000 passenger visits per year from cruise ships and many of those are overseas visitors.

"It is clear that the existing facilities are inadequate for a growing market and do not help create a good first impression for our visitors," Mr Hawes said.

The Port of Newcastle is acknowledged as an emerging tourism gateway in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan, which Mr Hawes says it should be treated as such.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is accusing the government of short changing the project causing it to stall.

"We've known that Newcastle would need more than the poultry $12.7 million provided, when Eden, in the Minister for Transport's electorate is about to cut the ribbon on a $44 million cruise ship terminal," Mr Crakanthorp said.

What could have been. The designs for the new terminal released in 2017.

The current cruise terminal. Photo: The Newcastle Herald.

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

Bushfire Update Tues 1:30pm 8th Nov

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Lone Pine Fire at Port Stephens continues to burn, with flames having already ripped through just over 9000 hectares of land.

Work is continuing to contain the blaze, with fire fighters watching for changing conditions as a southerly change is expected to move through this afternoon.

There is the potential for increased fire activity on the western side of Karuah and to the west of Swan Bay Road, with residents urged to follow instructions from fire fighters in the area.

Residents in the area of Karuah, Limeburners Creek, Medowie, Nine Mile Creek and Swan Bay should continue to stay alert.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington says getting the right information, from the right sources, is vital.

"Heed the advice of the fire fighters and police on the ground and always look at the official sources for advice - you've got to be very careful about where we are looking and where we are taking advice from and it's so important that we're going to the official sources for all advice."

The Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service websites and social media are the most reliable sources, as well as police, rescue and fire services on the ground.

Check www.livetraffic.com for updates on road closures.

Premier Poised To Rethink Greyhound Racing Ban

BY IAN CROUCH

 Hunter greyhound owners and trainers facing the loss of their industry look set to be thrown a lifeline.

Premier Mike Baird is expected to announce a backdown on parts of the greyhound racing ban in the face of a voter backlash and assurances from the industry the mass slaughter of dogs will stop.

The Daily Telegraph says he'll extend a trial period for racing in the state tomorrow while introducing tougher industry standards.

But, Greens MP, Mehreen Faruqi says she's sceptical about the industry's assurances.

"Historically, the industry has given guarantees before and not reformed, and one of these guarantees was actually a commitment to greater transparency and improving animal welfare. They gave this guarantee for 10 years, but nothing improved," she said.

Mehreen Faruqi

However, Labor MP for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery is calling on the Premier to go a step further and overturn the ban on the greyhound racing industry, saying the decision was rushed and will ultimately cause enormous damage to the local economy, with greyhound racing contributing $17.69 million to the Wallsend economy each year.

More than 6000 people in Wallsend signed a petition calling on the government to overturn the ban, with more than 37,000 signing it across NSW.

"It is clear from consulting the community that a clear majority of people want the ban overturned," she said.

Sonia Hornery

Where is our phone tower? Labor call out Turnbull government over election promises not kept

BY JARROD MELMETH

Shadow Minister for Regional Communications Stephen Jones and Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson were in Fern Bay today meeting with local residents who are affected by mobile phone black spots in the area.

In the lead up to the Federal election, the Turnbull government promised a mobile phone tower would be built in Fullerton Cove if re-elected.

Stephen Jones has accused the coalition of pork-barrelling after the audit commission found over 80% of the mobile towers in round one of funding went to coalition electorates.

"What we are saying to Malcolm Turnbull, what we are saying to the government is this is your opportunity to make good on the program." Mr. Jones said.

"Here you have a community that is crying out to have their mobile phone black spots fixed, a clear and present need. Lets get it done. Lets follow through on the commitment and lets ensure that these residents get their issues dealt with."

Fullerton Cove has missed out on funding in round 1 and 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Program, with no indication of whether they will receive funding in round 3.

Shadow Minister for Regional Communications Stephen Jones.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.

ARTC leaves privatisation door wide open

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The privatisation door has been left wide open with Hunter Australian Rail Track Corporation workers signing a dud Enterprise Agreement deal.

Employees were put in a difficult and unfair position as they voted for changes to the ARTC which will reduce future financial liabilities and make the company an attractive purchase for the private sector.

If the government privatises the ARTC, a number of conditions workers currently enjoy will be scrapped.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Secretary Alex Classens says the union are calling on the ARTC to publicly confirm workers conditions and entitlements will be protected.

"Our union does its best to protect members conditions and unfortunately in this circumstance we haven't been able to achieve that."

Mr Classens slammed the voting process pointing to concerns about transparency and fairness.

It is unknown who was allowed to vote in the ballot; all the union know is the outcome which they are very disappointed in.

The combined rail unions will be meeting to seek legal advice on what options are available to them so they can continue to fight to protect employee entitlements.

Well Known Horse Trainer Missing

IAN CROUCH

 Police will resume a search this morning for a well-known horse trainer who's gone missing from Beresfield.

It appears Bindi Cheers may have driven to a service station on Enterprise Drive before she disappeared - it's believed she wandered off on foot yesterday afternoon.

Police say the 44-year-old had been driving home to Taree from the Hawkesbury Racecourse in Sydney's northwest.


Mrs Cheers is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, with a slim build and fair complexion.

She was last seen wearing grey cargo pants, running shoes, and may be wearing a maroon jacket.

Anyone who may have seen Bindi Cheers is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing Woman: Bindi Cheers