Revised Muswellbrook Bypass plans released

BY JARROD MELMETH 

Revised plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass have been released by the state government, with community feedback being sought. 

Online information sessions are being held in November where the community will have the opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns with the bypass to the Transport for NSW team.

There have been a number of changes, following a community consultation period in 2020 including; 

• A full connection at Coal Road, providing a link to Muswellbrook Town Centre
• Connection to Burtons Lane and the New England Highway modified to join to the roundabout at the northern connection
• Connection of Koolbury Flats Row and the New England Highway been moved further north providing increased safety. A dedicated left turn deceleration lane has been provided for traffic entering Koolbury Flats Row.
• Right and left turning lanes provided at the connection of Milpera Drive and the New England Highway to assists vehicle turning and movements and improve the safety of access

The latest round of community consultation is open until December 17 at 5pm.

More information on the project, information sessions and feedback can be found on the Transport for NSW website. 

Artist impression of the proposed southern connection facing
 north towards Muswellbrook.

Artist impression of the proposed Sandy Creek Bridge.

Muswellbrook Rams struggling to fill committee positions, as they warn the club may fold

BY JARROD MELMETH

A local rugby league club is calling for volunteers to help with operations of the club, warning the club may fold.

The Muswellbrook Rams RLFC was unable to fill key executive roles at its annual general meeting over the weekend.

An extraordinary meeting is set to be held on November 6, where if the club does not fill a committee the Rams will be forced to fold and will have to pull out of the 2022 Group 21 rugby league season.

In a post to Facebook the club says it is in a great position on and off the field.

"Coaches have been appointed for 1st grade, reserve's and also 18's.

"If you've ever wanted to get involved and run the club please message this page," the Rams said.

Image: Muswellbrook Rams Senior RLFC Facebook

Muswellbrook woman issued $5000 fine for breaching Health Orders

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter Valley Police District has put a call out to the community urging them to stay the course and continue complying with the Public Health Orders.

It follows police issuing a $5000 infringement notice to a Muswellbrook woman who was found not isolating at home as directed.

The 30-year-old told officers, who were conducting welfare and compliance checks, she was not at home due to being out exercising.

Police are urging the community to stay at home if you've been directed to self-isolate.

Hunter on the right track as three COVID-19 cases recorded

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter has recorded three new cases of COVID-19, the regions lowest daily case number since the local outbreak began on August 5.

Of the new cases two were recorded in the Newcastle, while one was recorded in Maitland. All three cases are linked to existing cases and none were infectious while in the community.

31 of the regions 153 cases are in hospital but none of them are requiring ICU.

Across the state 642 cases were recorded along with four deaths. Concerningly, 508 cases are under investigation.

The Premier announced that Sydney would remain in lockdown for another four weeks and has issued a curfew for LGA's of concern.

An outdoor mask mandate, for all of NSW is being introduced from Monday 23 August requiring masks to be worn outdoors except when exercising.

A number of exposure venues have been listed across the Hunter overnight including in Raymond Terrace, Boolaroo, Wallsend, Thornton, Greenhills and Mayfield.

Anyone who attended the following venues on the specified dates and times are casual contacts and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• Blooms the Chemist, Raymond Terrace Marketplace on Saturday 14 August between 12:30pm - 12:40pm
• Bunnings, Boolaroo on Saturday 14 August between 5:09pm - 5:39pm & Sunday 15 August between 2:52pm - 3pm
• Bunnings Wallsend on Sunday 15 August between 2:26pm - 2:30pm
• Terry White Chemist, Raymond Terrace Central Plaza on Sunday 15 August between 10am - 10:10am
• Tenambit Newsagency and LPO on Wednesday 11 August between 2:10pm - 2:15pm
• Phoenix House Chinese, Thornton Shopping Centre on Wednesday 11 August between 11:55am - 12:15pm
• Coles, Wallsend on Monday 9 August between 7:31pm - 737pm, Friday 13 August between 12:32pm - 12:50pm & Sunday 15 August 7:20pm - 7:30pm
• Big W, Stockland Greenhills on Thursday 12 August between 3:46pm - 4:10pm
• Woolworths, Raymond Terrace Central Plaza on Sunday 15 August from 10am - 10:05am
• Woolworths, Mayfield on Wednesday 11 August from 8:46am - 8:58am
• Coles, Thornton on Wednesday 11 August from 12:06pm - 12:14pm

Hunter Correctional Centre inmates nursing orphan calf back to health

BY JARROD MELMETH

Staff and inmates at a correctional centre in the Hunter who are taking part in a cattle-breeding program are hand-raising an orphaned calf.

Ferdinand, the black angus cross, was discovered shivering in a paddock and is now living in a stable and being bottle-fed back to health by the inmates at St Heliers Correctional Centre at Muswellbrook.

The calf which was found on a freezing cold Saturday and was undernourished and skinny now received three bottle feeds a day from the inmates who are all taking turns nurturing home back to health.

Governor Louise Smith says caring for livestock is a new experience for many inmates who come from the city.

“The skills they learn set them up for future agricultural employment.

“Inmates learn basic animal husbandry skills, fencing and pasture-management skills, drenching and how to manage the welfare of these animals," Ms Smith said.

St Heliers Correctional Centre is a minimum security facility for male inmates which provides work and training opportunities in a number of trades including farming, engineering, and construction. 

The site has a history as a working farm dating back to 1945 when it was established by the Child Welfare Department where boys aged 14 to 18 were sent to benefit from training for rural and farm work.

St Heliers Manager of Industries Col Austen says up to 25 inmates at a time take part in the cattle breeding program.

“There are four bulls and 250 head of cattle to manage.

“Inmates take ownership of their roles and they get paid for their work, which builds their self-confidence and gives them a sense of pride.

“The 500-hectare prison farm also produces vegetables, including a current crop of 6,000 broccoli plants which are processed and distributed to feed inmates across the state," Mr Austen said.

Pictured: SAS Michael Bullock with Ferdinand
Image: Supplied

Premier indicates Hunter not likely to come out of lockdown as 14 cases of COVID are recorded

BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Premier has indicated that the Hunters lockdown will likely be extended as the region records 14 new COVID-19 cases.

Gladys Berejiklian stopped short of announcing it but, says it doesn't look like the Hunter will come out of lockdown.

The seven day stay at home order expires tomorrow and it doesn't look like the Hunter will know whether it will be extended or not.

Of the 14 cases recorded locally 11 are linked to existing cases while three remain under investigation by health authorities as they scramble to find the source.

Seven cases were in Newcastle, six in Lake Macquarie and one in Maitland.

A number new exposure sites across the Hunter have been added overnight by NSW Health including Queens Wharf Hotel, Honeysuckle Social, Central Charlestown Leagues Club, the 269 bus route from Booragul to Warners Bay, IGA New Lambton, Woolworths Marketown, Coles Waratah and Guardian Chemist Warners Bay.

For the full list of dates and times for any of the venues of concern, head to the NSW Health website.

State wide, NSW recorded 344 cases, of which at least 105 were infectious within the community.

Former youth worker charged with child sex offences in the Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

A former youth worker has been charged with 15 historic sex offences which took place across the Hunter Region dating back to the 1990s.

Late last year, Lake Macquarie Police established a strike force to investigate the allegations of alleged child sexual offences against two teenage boys between 1990 and 2004 in  Muswellbrook and Gateshead.

On Thursday, Strike Force Eiraban lead to the arrest of a 71-year-old man from Marks Point who attended Belmont Police Station where he was arrested.

The man was charges with 15 offences, including sex assault (incite indecent act under 16 and under authority); three counts of sexual intercourse with person 10 or over and under 16 years, sexual intercourse with person 10 and under 16 years; sexual intercourse with person 14 or over and under 16 years; aggravated indecent assault of a victim under the authority of offender; and supply prohibited drug.

Police will allege the man formerly worked as a youth worker in the region.

He appeared before Belmont Local Court, where he was refused bail and will appear at Newcastle Local Court on Friday.

Hunter Power Station slapped with fine over leak

BY JAMES CARTER

The NSW Environmental Protection Authority has fined AGL Macquarie $15,000 over an alleged water pollution offence at its Bayswater Power Station at Muswellbrook. 

A fly ash slurry discharge into the Bayswater creek occurred after a leak in a pipeline at the station. 

An investigation into the leak identified that a hole had developed in the ash transfer pipeline on April 5th 2021. 

The material was cleaned up after contractors noticed a drop in flow rate from the fly ash pipeline. 

EPA Director Regulatory Operations North Adam Gilligan said the incident had the potential to cause environmental harm.

“Fly ash slurry deposited over vegetation and settled out in Bayswater Creek which was running at the time following rain.

“This incident was similar, but smaller in scale, to an event in 2019 for which AGL Macquarie has entered into an enforceable undertaking."

The 2019 incident saw 1,440 cubic metres of hazardous coal-ash sludge released into the Bayswater Creek.

The enforceable undertaking requires AGL Macquarie to continue to assess, monitor and eventually replace the aging pipeline. 

The Bayswater Power Station
Image: Supplied

Teenager Injured in Muswellbrook Stabbing

 By SAMUEL BARTLETT

A teenager has been airlifted to John Hunter Hospital following a stabbing on Wednesday night in the Hunter Valley.

Emergency services rushed to Tobruk Avenue at 6pm in Muswellbrook following reports a man had suffered stab wounds.

Police have been told the18-year-old male victim was walking in a laneway between Glenbawn Place and Tobruk Avenue when he was approached by two males and assaulted.

Following the confrontation, the teenager realised he had been stabbed in the back and the upper arm but was able to walk to a nearby residence where he was assisted, and police were contacted.

The man was treated at the scene before he was taken to Muswellbrook Hospital. He was then airlifted to John Hunter Hospital with a punctured lung but remains in a stable condition.

A crime scene has been established and is being forensically examined with officers from the Hunter Valley Police District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Muswellbrook Mayor confirmed as Upper Hunter candidate

BY JARROD MELMETH

Labor has announced Muswellbrook Mayor, Martin Rush will run as the Country Labor candidate for the Upper Hunter in the March 2019 State Election.

State Opposition Leader, Luke Foley made the announcement during a visit to the region this morning - describing the new candidate as having conviction and commitment to the local community.

In the Upper Hunter seat in the last election, Country Labor recorded one of the largest swings against the National Party of 20.8%.

Martin Rush said he believes that margin has narrowed even further since 2015.

"We had over $650 million dollars of commitment from all sides during the last campaign," he said, "because as the margin narrowed (and that became obvious to both major parties that the seat was up for grabs) there was some interest in the seat - and that was really refreshing."

Mr Rush believes this renewed interest will make for a hotly contested seat but promises it will be a fair campaign.

"From my perspective, we just want to get out and tell a positive story," he said, "we want it to be a solution-based campaign.

"So you won't see our side engaging in any confrontational or negative politics with the other side - that's just not us."

Mayor of Muswellbrook, Martin Rush. 

Hunter Roads need more funding: Federal MP

BY JARROD MELMETH

Four key infrastructure projects in the Hunter have been highlighted as “desperately in need of support" in the federal Parliament on Monday.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Federal Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon highlighted the Glendale Interchange, the Singleton by-pass, the Muswellbrook by-pass and the proposed Cessnock Ring Road as being ignored by both State and Federal Governments.

The new rapid build correctional centre in Cessnock is a particular issue the Hunter MP has taken aim at as he believes there has been a lack of physical and social investment to support the growth from the centre.

Mr Fitzgibbon said a combination of population growth and lack of infrastructure in the region is causing headaches for residents.

"The Hunter is doing very well economically and our diversity continues to grow and our economy is continuing to grow as well but we have got growing pains and these projects, most of these projects have been on the books for a decade. People know of the traffic gridlock every morning and afternoon. We need to get funding back into these projects," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Woman Trampled by Horse in Muswellbrook

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A woman is in a stable condition in hospital after being trampled by a horse in Muswellbrook.

NSW Ambulance paramedics were called to Kayuga Road just before 7:30 last night following reports a woman had been trampled by a horse.

The 56-year-old woman suffered lower leg and head injuries.

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to Victoria Park next to Muswellbrook Hospital last night to transport the 56-year-old to the John Hunter Hospital.

Total Fire Ban for Fourth Day in a Row in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

We're in for another scorcher of a day here in the Hunter.

Temperatures will soar into the 40s across the region today - Muswellbrook is expected to see a maximum of 43 degrees, it'll be about 10 degrees cooler on the coast.

Maitland will see 42 degrees, while Wallsend will see 39 degrees.

A Total Fire Ban is in place for the Greater Hunter for the fourth day in a row with severe fire conditions due to the forecast hot and windy conditions.

There are currently 36 fires burning across NSW heading into today, 12 of those are uncontained.

Image MJF Productions.

Muswellbrook Mayor Not Satisfied With Just a Fine

BY TYLER FARDELL


The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) recently fined BHP Billiton $15 thousand dollars for exceeding the air pollution guidelines at their Mount Arthur coalmine and while Muswellbrook mayor Martin Rush says it's the right idea, it's not enough.

Its not the first time the EPA have fined BHP over air pollution from the mine with incidents occurring in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The latest fine occurred after a witness reported of excess dust blowing across a road near Muswellbrook.

All mines must comply with rules and regulations to limit and control dust generation at all times but Mr Rush says BHP is simply ignoring these rules.

"They have (BHP) continually ignored the regulations for dust pollution and it's simply not good enough", he said.

"The air shed is already at capacity in the area and residents would suffer if the Mount Arthur mine continues to operate as it currently does".

Mr Rush is calling for the government to step in and take action, otherwise the situation will remain unchanged.

"BHP make tens of millions of dollars every month so a few fines ranging from $15000 to $1500 aren't going to stop anything. They need to have their mining licence suspended so a more environmentally aware company can take over".

Mount Arthur Coal Mine
Photo Source; Newcastle Herald

Woman Flown to Hospital after Serious Quad Bike Accident in the Upper Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A 43-year-old woman is nursing serious injuries in the John Hunter Hospital after a nasty quad bike accident in the Upper Hunter.

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the Muswellbrook property last night where they found the woman had suffered head, chest and arm injuries after the quad bike rolled down an embankment.

She was airlifted to hospital and remains in a critical but stable condition.

In another incident this morning a man was flown to the John Hunter Hospital after he fell off a horse in Scone.

The 24-year-old fell from his horse at Scone Racecourse and suffered pelvic injuries.

He's in a stable condition.

Driver Nearly Six Times over Legal Limit Behind the Wheel in Muswellbrook

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A driver has been charged with high-range drink driving after he was found to be nearly six times over the legal alcohol limit.

Police say at about 6:45pm last night, officers responded to reports of a car swerving from side to side, and crossing over to the wrong side of the road in Muswellbrook.

A short time later, Traffic & Highway Patrol officers found a Ford Ranger utility on Denman Road with the driver allegedly asleep behind the wheel with the engine still running.

The 62-year-old  took a breath test returning a positive result and was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he returned a reading of 0.285.

The man was charged and had his licence suspended on the spot.

He faces Muswellbrook Local Court on December 18.

Man Faces Court over Two Alleged Armed Robberies

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man will front court today charged over two alleged armed robberies in the Hunter Valley last month.

Police allege he robbed a fashion store in Bridge Street Muswellbrook on October 10 at knifepoint getting away with cash.

It's also alleged he threatened staff at a restaurant in the same street with a knife on October 31 and again escaped with cash.

After extensive investigations into both incidents, officers from the Hunter Valley Local Area Command attended a home in Glenbawn Place, Muswellbrook at 10:50am yesterday and arrested a man.

The 23-year-old was arrested and charged with two counts of robbery armed with an offensive weapon.

He was refused bail and appears in Singleton Local Court today.

Disqualified Driver Busted with Ice During an RBT

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A  man driving on a three-times disqualified driving license has been allegedly busted with the drug ice in Muswellbrook.

At about 2pm yesterday afternoon police stopped the driver of the Mitsubishi Triton utility on Market Street for a random breath test.

The man returned a negative result, but officers discovered he was driving for the fourth time on a disqualified license.

Officers then searched the man's car and found drug-related items and several clear resealable plastic bags allegedly containing an amount of methylamphetamine.

The 29-year-old was arrested and charged at Muswellbrook Police Station with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug and disqualified driving.

He will front Muswellbrook Local Court today.

"No Coal Joel" slams Government for 'Liddell Hoax'

BY MICHAEL COOK

After pushing for the life of AGL's Liddell power station to be extended by 10 years, the Turnbull Government now seems to have turned its back on the proposition.

The potential extension of the Muswellbrook  power station to 2032 was earmarked to cost around $900 million but is now off the table.

In a major energy speech on Monday by Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg, there was no mention of the power station's extension, all but confirming it is no longer on the agenda for the government.

In the speech, Frydenberg looked instead to AGL's cleaner energy investment plan as the right way forward in energy policy.

Liddell Power Station
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/8877002-3x2-700x467.jpg

Federal Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon, who Frydenberg referred to as "No Coal Joel" in a recent Parliament House spat, is disappointed in the way the Prime Minister has gone about this issue.

"What Malcolm Turnbull did was raise false hope, he wanted people to believe he can extend Liddell to get him through the next election campaign.

"He's been caught out, thank goodness I think he's now getting out of the way and letting us work with AGL to create the jobs of the future," Fitzgibbon said.

The move away from the extension may signal a shift in electricity regeneration in the area as well as nationwide. 

Low Resources Putting Hunter Paramedics in Danger

BY LAUREN KEMPE

The Health Services Union is calling on the state government to provide more protection for Hunter paramedics after another attack from a patient.

The latest incident occurred on Sunday morning, where a 19-year-old man allegedly bit a local paramedic on the arm, drawing blood.

New South Wales Police and two paramedics were called to a Muswellbrook home proceeding a concern for welfare report.

Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes, says the Premier needs to seriously consider paramedic safety as a priority.

'It;s very simple. The Premier needs to stop quoting about a $5.4billion surplus, and start employing paramedics who can actually change peoples' lives, and resource the ambulance service to a level where paramedic safety can be guaranteed.'

The incident follows a similar attack at Belmont in April this year, where a man assaulted one paramedic and threatened another who were both assisting a pregnant woman.

Mr Hayes says these kinds of incidents are very common, and paramedics deserve significantly more protection.

'The ambulance service is grossly under-resourced, we say a figure of 800 - in fact, it's more like 1,000 extra paramedics that are required. It's really an important issue that needs to be consistently raised about paramedic safety.

'I think it is really important for the community to very clearly tell the government that paramedics need to be protected while they're protecting others.'

The 19-year-old male patient is expected to be charged with assault.

Image Credit: https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/vic-paramedics-highest-trained-lowest-paid