Lower Hunter Water Restrictions Introduced for the First Time in 25 Years

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL and TYLER FARDELL

It's been confirmed water restrictions will be introduced to the Lower Hunter for the first time in 25 years.

Level 1 restrictions will begin on Monday, September 16 in the area's of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Dungog and Singleton.

Image: Hunter Water Corporation

NSW Water minister Melinda Pavey's announcement comes as a response to the worst drought on record for NSW, which has reduced the region's water storage levels to just 64%.

"While autumn and winter are typically the highest rainfall seasons for the Lower Hunter, the rainfall has not eventuated, causing the region’s dams to fall to their lowest levels in more than two decades,” said Ms Pavey.

"With no significant rainfall on the horizon, the introduction of Level 1 water restrictions forms an important part of Hunter Water’s drought response to help reduce demand on the water supply."

Hunter Water Acting CEO Graham Wood said Hunter Water will be working with residents and businesses to better conserve water.

"Water is crucial to people in the Lower Hunter so we'll be working together with all of our customers to save this precious resource, whilst ensuring the continuity of their lives and businesses", he said.

Level 1 water restrictions include:

• Outdoor watering is permitted before 10am or after 4pm with a trigger nozzle hose

• All handheld hoses must have a trigger nozzle

• No hosing of hard surfaces such as concrete, paths and driveways

• All vehicles should be washed with a bucket, trigger nozzle hose or pressure cleaner

• No sprinklers are to be used.

Hunter Water Executive Drought Lead Darren Cleary says although they have the power to fine people for not adhering to these restrictions, Hunter Water is relying on cooperation from residents to ensure no excess water is wasted.

Grahamstown Dam

Bush Fire Danger Period Brought Forward In The Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunters Bushfire Danger Period has been brought forward and will commence on Saturday 1st September 2018, one month ahead of the usual commencement date.

Guy Baddock from the Rural Fire Service said the early start to the Danger Period is a result of the current drought conditions and elevated fire risk being experienced across the state.

"There are a number of fires in the Lower Hunter at the moment and we are seeing some erratic fire behaviour which is certainly uncommon for this time of the year.

The Bushfire danger period will run through to Sunday 31st March 2019, where fire safety permits are required for open burning activities including pile burning and hazard reduction burning activities.

Mr Baddock said significant penalties apply to those who light fires in the open without a permit.

"If you don't have a permit, lighting a fire is essentially an illegal act and you can face a penalty, a walking infringement notice or an infringement penalty," Mr Baddock said.

Whilst it is not the first time the Bush Fire Danger has been brought forward due to weather conditions, the RFS is urging people to be cautious and prepared during the bushfire season.

Recent fires at Salt Ash which burnt through over 2000ha.
Image: ABC.

Lower Hunter homeowners urged to take up free asbestos testing

BY JARROD MELMETH

Lower Hunter residents are being urged to take advantage of free asbestos testing currently being offered for the next 30 days after loose-fill asbestos was found in a Glendale home.

On Monday the NSW Government announced its decision to expand the $278 million state-wide taskforce targetting loose-fill asbestos.

Loose-fill asbestos is raw crushed asbestos (unlike bonded products), which in the 1960s and 70s was installed as ceiling insulation in an unknown number of NSW homes. Over time, hazardous airborne fibres can move from the ceiling into living spaces. Earlier experiences in both NSW and the ACT have demonstrated that simply removing loose-fill asbestos from a ceiling cavity does not effectively remove the hazard.

NSW Fair Trading Executive Director Peter Dunphy said homes found to contain loose-fill asbestos do still have options available.

"This includes having your home purchased at market value by the Government as if it didn't contain asbestos.

"Our number one focus is removing this hazard from the community, while also protecting the biggest investment most of us will make in our lifetimes, the family home," Mr Dunphy said.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said there are fears of more homes containing loose asbestos due to the number of older houses in the area.

Free testing for loose-fill asbestos is available in Greater Newcastle, including Maitland City, Cessnock City, Port Stephens, Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie City local government areas.

For more information and to register for testing click here.

Image source: ABC news.

Day-Long Crime Spree Ends At Kooragang Island

BY IAN CROUCH.

A man wanted over a crime spree across the Lower Hunter and Port Stephens has been arrested at Kooragang Island.

The man's accused of jumping the counter at the Metro Service Station at Tarro just after midnight on Monday and making off with cigarettes and cash in a stolen car which was later found on fire at Mallabulla.

It's alleged he then broke into two homes at Tanilba Bay at about 6.00am and stole a handbag and a Suzuki Swift.

Then about two hours later, cash was stolen from a resort at Nelson Bay and a third car was stolen from a home on in nearby Tomaree Street.

Officers eventually caught up with the alleged offender at about 6.00pm with several police cars converging on Cormorant Road, Kooragang Island.

A 25-year-old man has been refused bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court today charged with 12 offences including, robbery, damage property by fire, drive recklessly/furiously or speed in a manner dangerous, goods in custody and drug possession.