Person Trapped in Car Following Crash at Morisset

BY ISABEL EVERETT

One person has been trapped in their vehicle following a car crash at Morisset on Friday morning.

Its believed a 17-year-old boy crashed into a fence on Macquarie Street, near the Wharf Street turnoff.

Emergency services arrived at the scene just after 9.30am, to assist 3 patients.

One person has been transported to John Hunter Hospital with head injuries in a stable condition.

There has been no serious injuries reported.

Community Asked to Vote On Three New Skate Parks For Lake Macquarie

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Lake Macquarie City Council is calling on the community to choose their favourite design for three new skate parks in Windale, Morisset and Croudace Bay.

Six street-style skate park designs have been created, two options for each location, by Enlocus Landscape Architects.

Following the first phase of community consultation in 2018, residents are now being asked to vote on which design they like best.

Council’s Manager Asset Management, Brendan Callander, said the designs include features that will appeal to both skateboarders and BMX riders.

“We received a lot of input from that community suggesting they wanted a street-style design over a traditional skate bowl,” Mr Callander said.

“Council will invest more than $2 million into the three locations and the designs feature dynamic skating elements like, steep flat banks, wallrides and down rails, I’m confident that each of the skate parks will have something for everyone.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says it's import there's a collaborative approach to the design.

“We have a very passionate and avid skating community in Lake Macquarie, so it was important that we create something for the community by the community,” said Cr Fraser.

"I’m excited to see how people vote.”

At Croudace Bay, the skate park is envisioned as part of a revamp for Thomas H Halton Park.

Morisset’s project would adjoin a new playground and outdoor fitness area in Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park. 

In Windale, the Bahloo Reserve project is expected to double the size of the former skate park near the suburb’s PCYC. 

The consultation period will be open until Wednesday 10 June, with skate fans as well as local residents able to log in and view the options before completing a short survey where they can pick their preferred design.

The survey can be completed and designs viewed online at: https://shape.lakemac.com.au/skate-lake-mac.

Design Option for Bahloo Reserve, Windale

Design Option for Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park, Morisset

Design Option for Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay

Sugar Glider Populations Move into Lake Macquarie

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

Lake Macquarie is quickly becoming home to dozens of new Sugar Gliders.

 The small marsupials have only recently been increasing in numbers in Lake Macquarie's State Conservation Areas indicating the ecosystem is thriving.

Reannan Honey, a PhD Student at the University of Technology, regularly checks up on the gliders and has installed nests and motion cameras to record their nocturnal activities. She says its the first time shes seen this species across 20 sites in Lake Macquarie.

"Understanding how the population changes based on various pressures such as bush fires and drought can help conserve the population," she says.

As part of conservation efforts, the gliders are trapped, weighed and checked for a microchip before finally being released into the wild.

Over time, this research will assist council to protect and avoid disrupting valuable populations of wildlife.

Research sites are situated in suburbs such as Morriset, Rathmines, Eleebana, Tingira Heights, Whitebridge and Dudley.

PhD Student Reannan Honey releasing a Sugar Glider in Lake Macquarie

Plans Unveiled for Entertainment Precinct at Morisset

BY TYLER FARDELL


Plans have been drawn up for a multi-million dollar entertainment and cultural precinct in Morisset.

The precinct has been christened 'Cedar Mill' and will be located at the site of the old country club and golf course.

Included in the plans is the development of Cafe's, restaurants, Australia's largest water play splash pad and a concert venue larger than any other in the Hunter Valley and could rival those in Sydney.

The plans outline Cedar Mill will be separated into 4 sections across the 72 hectare plot;
- A family and community space (9ha)
- A cultural, arts and event space (28ha) 
- Tourism accommodation (10ha)
- Lifestyle living (25ha)

Paul Lambess of Winarch Capital is the driving force behind the ambitious proposal.

"We want to create a true community destination that will be accessible to all of the local community and be a destination that will drive economic development for the region.” Mr. Lambess said. 

 “Our family and community area will be a delight to senses with gardens, petting zoo, café, restaurant and bakery set across 9 ha, it will be the place to meet an relax.”

Early economic figures suggest Cedar Mill could cost around $235 million dollars to build but profits from the precinct could reach close to $1 billion dollars once operational.

Over twelve hundred jobs are expected to be created during construction and a further 475 permanent jobs when the site is complete.

If the project does receive council’s development approval, Winarch Capital would expect to have Cedar Mill’s family and community space and the cultural, arts and events space operational by September 2020. 

The proposed site currently

Accident Black Spot At Morisset Fixed

BY IAN CROUCH

An accident black spot at Morisset has been made safer for motorists.

A new 400 metre safety barrier has been installed on Main Road near Macquarie Street.

The road shoulder has also been widened and a new median has been painted on the road.

It's hoped the upgrade will prevent vehicles from veering off the road and reduce the risk of motorists crossing into oncoming traffic.

The state government provided $650,000 for the work.

3 month old girl missing from Morisset found safe and well

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police have located a three month girl who went missing from Morisset on Sunday.

She was located at a house on Valley view Crescent in Glendale and returned to her mother safe and well.

The whereabouts of the man are unknown.

EARLIER

At about 3pm on Sunday afternoon, the girl and her father were last seen at Morisset with her mother.

The father allegedly walked to a nearby shopping centre with the child and hasn't been seen since.

When the father didn't return with his daughter, police were notified and an investigation commenced.