Light Rail Class Action to Commence Saturday

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

At least 45 Newcastle businesses who have been impacted by light rail construction are expected to join a class action lawsuit to be launched against the state government tomorrow.

The legal action is being organised by Sydney councillor and small business owner Angela Vithoulkas, whose own experience with light rail construction along George Street prompted her to help Newcastle businesses facing the same plight.

"I've been suffering on the light rail construction route for three years," Cr Vithoulkas said.

"I completely understand the pain of the Newcastle business owners, they have been abandoned and ignored by the state government and I want to help them like I've helped hundreds of businesses in Sydney."

Many businesses in Newcastle's CBD have reported significant losses in trade owing to the effects of construction, including restricted access, limited parking and increased noise.

Struggling local businesses have repeatedly called for the same government assistance afforded to those in Sydney in the form of rent-relief, only to be told it wouldn't be coming.

Angela Vithoulkas says Newcastle businesses deserve more from the state government.

"They don't have hundreds of thousands of visitors coming in and out of their area every day like we do in Sydney to help us cope," said Cr Vithoulkas.

"They've given more to NSW, they deserve better."

Interested residents can join the class action at a meeting with Cr Vithoulkas tomorrow, but anyone who wishes to learn more before signing up is assured they can join at any time.

A legal team from Mitry Lawyers will also be present at tomorrow's meeting to provide extra information and advice for anyone considering joining the lawsuit.

Cr Vithoulkas says its a shame the state government hasn't learned their lesson on the impacts of these infrastructure projects on local communities.

"If their goal is to wipe out communities, then they're on track," she told 2NURFM.

"We want infrastructure, we want progress, but we want our small businesses to still be there when they're done."

The meeting regarding the class action will take place at Customs House on Saturday, August 11th, beginning at 12pm.

Image: The Herald

Crakanthorp Wants To Talk Business With The Premier

BY TYLER FARDELL

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian will be in Newcastle on Friday to officially open the NeWSpace building but Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp will be taking this opportunity to speak up for businesses affected by Light-Rail construction.

Several businesses along Hunter street have closed down already and the remaining businesses aren't receiving any support from the state government.

"The council has stepped in where the government should be. They are offering assistance to businesses affected by the light rail project that the government owns", Mr Crakanthorp said.

The current support from Council to affected businesses is a rate assistance plan where commercial property owners receive a rate rebate.

Tim Crakanthorp says he will be calling on the Premier to honour her commitment from her last visit, where she said;

"If there's demonstrated loss, we're always considering rental assistance. That's what we've done for other projects in other parts of NSW, so of course, we'll look at those issues".

To date, two businesses have sought assistance from the Premier and have had their requests denied.

Source; NewcastleHerald

Labor demands rental assistance for Light Rail affected businesses

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter Business Chamber and Newcastle Now will be holding a forum on Wednesday with the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner, where the commissioner will hear from small businesses affected by the construction of the light rail.

NSW Premier said on a recent visit to Newcastle that the State Government would consider rental assistance.

"If there is demonstrated loss, we are always considering rental assistance. That is what we have done for projects in other parts of the State," Ms Berejiklian said

NSW Shadow Minister for small business Jenny Aitchison said the Premier came to town with vague promises, well over a month ago.

"Here we are with businesses closing down, and those left surviving on minimal trade. It's time for the Premier to make good on her promise.

"The Government has shown no consideration to businesses in the areas impacted by the light rail. It's all very good for the premier to say the light rail will bring customers, but that doesn't put food on the table for struggling small business owners and their employees. It doesn't guarantee they'll still be in business when the light rail finally arrives," Ms Aitchison said.

Since construction began the light rail has come under fire from the State opposition as being a "budget blowout" while Hunter Street retailers continue to feel the pinch.

Ms Aitchison said one of the businesses she had been in contact with has seen a downturn of about 70 percent in one part of their business since light rail construction began.

Retailers are thanking local community members for their support but say their businesses draw traditionally from out of town patrons, and they are just not coming into the CBD anymore.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it's time for the Premier to step up and support Newcastle businesses doing it tough.

Hunter Street light rail construction. Photo: Jarrod Melmeth.

Government Adamant it's Short Term Pain for Long-Term Gain in Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle's Light Rail Project is completely different to the Light Rail Project underway in Sydney's CBD according to the state government.

It's why they disagree businesses on Hunter Street should be given rental assistance to compensate for the disruption the project has caused.

Sydney's project on George Street has been drawn out for some time and the rental reprieve plan for businesses was announced in August after sustained pressure with the project running overtime by years in some sections. The businesses in the identified construction zones had to prove their financial losses to be eligible.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said he knows businesses are struggling but it's not like the construction came with no warning.

"We told businesses as early as two years ago, that when this gets underway businesses will feel the pain, there's no question about it and at that time 18 months, 2 years ago I said people should be planning, they should be talking to their landlords, they should be talking to their customers and preparing themselves for it," said Scot MacDonald.

Some businesses in Hunter Street have reported losses of up to 30 per cent.

Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes says he's not aware of the exact agreement Sydney businesses are in, but he feels Newcastle should be given the opportunity to have some rent relief.

"But we do believe that if the evidence is there and there is a strong case that can be built that we would hope the government would be objective enough to at least listen or look at it, and appreciate that there might be circumstance there that suggest it might be different to Sydney."

In the end, Scot MacDonald said it should be short time loss for a very long-term gain.

"look we'd like to believe that when we come out of this in 18 months or 2 years time or so since we are progressing through in blocks fairly quickly or reasonably quickly, that we come out at the end of and there is a city there, a CBD there, that people will delight coming to," said Scot MacDonald.

It's an Absolute Disgrace: Newcastle MP on Leaked Light Rail Document

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It's been revealed the cost of the Newcastle Light Rail project far outweighs the benefits.

A leaked cabinet report revealed to Fairfax and the ABC shows the decision to cut the rail line at Wickham was made before costing of the light rail project was carried out.

When the costings were carried out the document revealed the 2.7 kilometre track cost benefit is only 70 cents to the dollar and initially the body responsible for funding high-cost infrastructure projects rejected the plan because it benefits ratio was less than one dollar.

The cost also blew out to around $600 million, which is $220 million per kilometre of light rail track.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says there were clearly other options on the table, better options, which in the end would've been better for the city.

Image Transport NSW

"This report also indicates the government would've saved a heck of a lot of money if they'd done a cut and put the heavy rail underground and still opened up all of the city for a lot less money and gotten a much larger revitalisation bang for its buck."

A hypothetical plan to proceed with urban renewal without truncating the rail line had a benefit/cost ratio of around 2.4, meaning each dollar spent would be worth $2.40.

"This government is making the wrong decisions in terms of how they open up and renew the city and their own advice says that, but they choose to ignore it. It's no wonder they're not releasing these reports because they don't want to be called out and found out and they have been," said Tim Crakanthorp.

He adds, "This just shows the light rail was never a transport or an urban renewal decision. It was simply a political decision and it's an absolute disgrace that this government is spending this sort of money that gets a negative cost-benefit outcome."

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has also commented on the revelations today, stating the negative impact they originally believed the project would have on commuters, is now the reality.

"Unfortunately this confirms everything we suspected, but were hoping wasn't true - that the NSW Government's decision to shut the rail line wasn't made with commuters in mind at all," said RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens.

Hunter Street light rail construction to start next month

BY JARROD MELMETH

Light rail construction on Hunter Street will start from September 12 between Auckland and Darby Streets.

Works will include relocating essential services such as water, gas, electricity and telecommunications, civil construction work including road reconfiguration and laying light rail track on the road.

Traffic will be temporarily diverted around construction zones during the build, Honeysuckle Drive, Wharf Road and King Street will be available for road users to get around the city centre.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says the construction area will be closed to ensure the safety of the construction personnel.

"It's also to ensure that we get through the zone as quickly as possible, we have elected to put diversions in place for traffic and will close that section of the road down.

On what is next for the light rail construction Mr Cassel says the project will progress through all of Hunter Street and Scott Street throughout the next 12 months.

"We are very cautious not to set very tight deadlines because as we have always said we are subject to weather and what we find in the ground and they are always challenging. We have worked hard to make sure the traffic diversions will work well; we have worked very hard to ensure there is ample parking for people who wish to drive into the city, but we are also improving public transport to give everyone an option.

"The light rail team has spent over a year laying the groundwork to ensure light rail construction will run as smoothly as possible. This includes creating new pedestrian and vehicle access points between Hunter Street and the harbour. It’s now time to get on with installing light rail tracks," Mr Cassel said.

Mr Cassel also reiterated the steps being taken by Revitalising Newcastle, to help surrounding businesses through the construction.

"We are ensuring that footpaths remain open and the entrances to all businesses remain open throughout the construction period. We are also putting on lots of planned activities to draw people back into the city, as well as lots of information and updates regularly on the best ways to move around the city," Mr Cassel said. 

Work in the Auckland and Darby Street construction zone is due to be completed by the end of 2017.

Light rail construction works at Auckland & Darby Streets Newcastle.

Delays in Work on Watt Street

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Major works to Watt Street in Newcastle are being delayed for another fortnight after storm water drains and unexpected substructures were found underneath the road.

Council is currently working to upgrade the city's oldest road and prepare it for the upcoming V8 Supercars Race in November.

Work on Watt Street will continue until mid-September
[Image: Newcastle Herald]

Event Manager for Newcastle 500, Kurt Sakzewski says the complications were discovered last weekend during the digging process.

"We found that once we started digging that there were areas of this upgrade that weren't what we expected and that even included a storm water line that actually rose up higher than expected," he said.

"That's resulted in some additional engineering work that needs to be done and to actually implement that engineering plan, we're going to need a bit more time to do that properly."

The change means plans to re-route bus services from Hunter Street to King Street will be set back until September 10.

However Newcastle Council CEO, Jeremy Bath says the delays will have absolutely no effect on the Supercars Race or the Light Rail Construction.

"The only delay that will come out of Watt Street is the completion of Watt Street resurfacing and that will be two weeks but that will have absolutely no bearing on the start or the finish of the light rail construction. So, while it is a delay for the businesses and residents that live on Watt Street, it's relatively minimal in terms of its impact on the broader community."

The delay follows one of many setbacks in recent months, including a day long power outage in July.

The works have also left a Bottle-O in Newcastle's CBD without a phone connection for 11 days because NBN technicians couldn't access the source of the problem.

Jeremy Bath says he understands if residents are frustrated by the setback but says the work is actually on track to be finished six weeks early.

"Earlier in the year we actually announced some changes in terms of traffic management that brought forward the completion of Watt Street by 8 weeks. Unfortunately, we've had to claw back 2 of those weeks [but] even though we're now going to finish Watt Street 2 weeks later than what we had been hoping to, it's still 6 weeks earlier than what we had been originally planning."

Work is now expected to be complete by mid-September.

The Premier is coming to Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Premier Gladys Berejiklian is in Newcastle today to speak with business owners about the state budget and how it will affect them and the whole Hunter region.

The Premier will also no doubt be grilled on the disruption in the city with the Light Rail project and Newcastle 500 preparation underway.

Some business owners on parts of Hunter and Watt Street will be after answers from the Premier with Ausgrid announcing they'll be cutting off power this Saturday for eight hours.

The power is scheduled to be out between 8:30am and 4:30pm so street lights can be replaced in preparation for the V8 race in November.

Businesses are worried about the loss of power during the day, and on a weekend, fearing they will lose a lot of business with electronic EFTPOS payments not able to be put through when there's no power.

Fairfax reports some businesses get more than 80 per cent of their sales through EFTPOS at their store.

Image smh.com.au

Light Rail Project To Begin This Year

BY IAN CROUCH

The state government has confirmed construction of the first stage of Newcastle's light rail project will begin in September.

The work will get under way in Hunter Street and will be completed in stages.

Hunter Street will be closed between Auckland and Darby Streets until the end of the year.

Although it will create disruptions for traffic, the government says the construction will be completed three months earlier than originally expected.

It's expected trams will start running on the line by early 2019.

Scot MacDonald fights back affordable housing critics

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Not everyone is happy about the state government's announcement yesterday for thirty affordable housing units to be built in part of the former Newcastle rail corridor.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald has hit back at critics today, who have been arguing the affordable housing will be both taking up too much space and accommodate the wrong people.

"We said right from the very beginning  that the corridor would be a mix of private and public space and I think that is exactly what is playing out now. We will have roughly 75% for what we call public use, and that will be a range of activities such as the university, now this affordable housing and then quite a lot of green space," said Scot MacDonald.

The housing will reportedly only take up 3-4 per cent of the space on the corridor between Mereweather Street and the former Civic Station adjacent to the Newcastle Museum.

"I think the secret of success for somewhere like Newcastle isn't just having units, not just retail and not just (obviously) green space, but the mix of things. It's no longer a big country town, it is the seventh largest city in Australia and I think this development that you're seeing on the old corridor very much puts it on that pathway."

Artist impression of Market Street lawn. Image Newcastle Herald

One argument against the housing is that it will attract the wrong people and not benefit the right people.

Scot MacDonald says community housing providers will be asked to submit expressions of interest with preferred housing models for the site and the project will be supported by government and council.

The city is well on its way to being a global hot spot, and the Parliamentary Secretary believes these developments in the city centre are only going to elevate the city into the future.

"I don't think anybody, except for probably Tim Crackantorp would like it to go back now - I mean there are people that want to go back to sitting at a rail crossing in their car for five minutes or so, and want that ugly, ugly corridor that was there to stay" but it's quickly being reinvented.

Transport Minister makes big announcements for Newcastle

BY RACHEL STORER

The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance was today in Newcastle to join the Minister for Planning, Anthony Roberts and Parliamentary Secretary, Scot MacDonald for a press conference regarding the revitalisation of the city.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance.

Mr Constance made two announcements today: the first about the Newcastle light rail and the second about "The Store" site on Hunter Street.

Newcastle will be home to an exciting Australian first - wire-free light rail.

"This is technology tried and tested overseas in places like France. The energy for the vehicle will be stored onboard and there will be charge points at the stations," Mr Constance said.

"It means Hunter Street won't have any overhead wiring and that will add to the aesthetic value of the Hunter Street precinct."

Mr Constance followed this with the announcement that the "The Store" site on Hunter Street is being taken to market, gathering expressions of interest on how best to use the space.

The state government bought the site in 2015 and has remained practically silent on its plans until now.

"My expectations are to look for the best use but also incorporate a bus and coach interchange, coupled with some commercial opportunities which will, of course, interface incredibly well with the new Wickham interchange," Mr Constance said.

"We'll see the old, run-down car park being removed along with some of the dilapidated, old buildings and that will enable us to progress with the new precinct."

Mr Constance said he was very excited and pleased to be able to make these announcements today.

Affordable housing for former rail corridor

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The state government has unveiled plans to use part of the former rail corridor in Newcastle for public use, and specifically for affordable housing.

Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts was joined by Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance in Newcastle this morning to make the announcement.

NSW Government program Revitalising Newcastle put forward the plan which would see 30 homes built between Mereweather Street and the former Civic Station, for low to middle income earners.

The proposal allows for one, two and three-bedroom family affordable homes for moderate income workers from emergency services, to youth workers.

Anthony Roberts says it gives hard workers a go and gives those, "on low to moderate incomes a leg up and helps them to work towards their housing goals, be it home ownership or ongoing private rental".

The concept was put to the council's Building Better Cities (BBC) Committee to use $3 million dollars allocated by the government some time ago and put it towards something extremely beneficial.

At this stage, the housing proposal project will be funded through pooling of government resources by combining Hunter Development Corporation and the Newcastle City Council's affordable housing funding, which is waiting on approval from council, which should be decided at the next general meeting.

"Newcastle isn't going to be the place it was 10 years ago. Newcastle is moving towards a new and vibrant city. A city with professionals, trades people, and different types of individuals," said Anthony Roberts.

"We're already seeing the reformation of Newcastle, we're already seeing it rake great bold new steps  from where it was a decade ago and there's a lot more to do."

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot Macdonald also joined the ministers for the announcement this morning, and is in full support of the plan which he believes will create more diversity within the city centre.

He says, "from my perspective it's delivering on what Minister Stokes said we were going to do last year (when the rail corridor was closed), that it was gonig to be a mix of private, public and green space and this very much delivers".

Where are the documents for the Newcastle Light Rail!

BY TYLER FARDELL

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is under pressure to release key documents about the Newcastle Light Rail project, after concerns were raised about whether or not there will be a cost blowout.

The premier came under fire last week in Parliament over her involvement in the Sydney Light rail project, which had a cost blowout of around $550 million dollars.

The documents for the Light rail project, which includes the business case and project analysis, have not been released or shown to the public, despite numerous attempts from Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp to view the documents.

"The government has been transparent on this in Sydney but certainly not in Newcastle".

"I'm very disappointed that this government won't come forward and be clear on this particular issue".

Many MP's are weary of another cost blowout in Newcastle, after the transport interchange's final cost was $210 million dollars, despite the fact it was supposed to cost $70 million.

"There not being very clear at all, and that would be indicative of a serious cost blowout but there's no clarity around that".

Tim Crakanthorp

Newcastle's light rail project reaching another milestone

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle's former heavy rail corridor is taking shape, and forty workers will now be calling Downer EDI's new main site office home.

The new office, located between Merewether and Argyle Streets, will act as the nerve centre for light rail construction management.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says not only is the office an accomplishment for the project, but it will be of benefit to local businesses.

"It's a good milestone for us to achieve in actually establishing the site offices and focusing the workforce; and I think the surrounding businesses will benefit also from the extra trade they'll receive through the simple things like lunches, morning tea and coffee."

With the building located right in the centre of the light rail route, the site will have its own access road off Argyle Street with parking spaces also set aside for construction workers, so existing parking spaces aren't taken up by the workers.

Michael Cassel says with workers working in various areas across the whole site, residents and visitors to the city shouldn't notice any disruption to either traffic or parking.

Image sourced from:
http://theconversation.com/will-it-be-the-end-of-the-line-for-newcastles-train-or-for-baird-38534

Light Rail Construction to Bring More Trees to Newcastle

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Newcastle's light rail system will not only bring a cleaner, greener transport option to the city, but will also bring more trees.

The New South Wales Government has teamed up with Newcastle City Council to develop the Tree Offset Strategy.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says the strategy will see two trees planted for every tree removed.

Trees are expected to be removed near the Wickham Transport Interchange as roadworks are carried out.

The Council will work with the program to determine where new trees will be planted, with potential locations including the former heavy rail corridor.

Michael Cassel says the interchange design intends on having the smallest environmental impact possible.

The New South Wales Government is investing $510 million on the revitalisation program to bring people into the CBD.

Changes to Light Rail Plans through Newcastle

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The NSW Government has announced changes to the plans for the Newcastle Light Rail to reflect suggestions made by the public.

These changes will include shifting from a raised track design to a track flush with the road, changes to the alignment at Worth Place and adding a second track at Stewart Avenue.

Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp says that although these changes will be an improvement for the Light Rail plans, the plans still require a number of changes.

"The Government needs to listen to Council, and their particular desire for mixed running into the city  for cyclists and pedestrians into the city otherwise there will be no parking down Hunter Street, and we will see a lot of businesses go under."

The planned track for the Light Rail through Newcastle
Source: The Conversation

Green Light For Newcastle's Light Rail

BY IAN CROUCH

 Newcastle's light rail project is a step closer, with the state government giving the final tick of approval.

The government has responded to public feedback, announcing a number of changes to the original plan.

Instead of raised tracks, the line will be built flush with the road along the route.

The track alignment at Worth Place has been altered to ensure a smoother turn and quicker travel time, and a second track will be built across Stewart Avenue near the new Wickham Interchange to reduce disruption when future light rail extensions are built.

The government has also announced local rail manufacturer, Downer E.D.I has been appointed to deliver the fixed infrastructure for the light rail project.

Constance Accused of Snubbing Business Owners - Update

BY IAN CROUCH

 The Transport Minister has come under fire for not meeting with business owners affected by the Newcastle Light Rail project.

Andrew Constance is in town today to inspect progress on the Wickham Transport Interchange.

He'll also attend a 100-dollar-a-head lunch .

However, Newcastle MP, Tim Crackenthorp says businesses in the CBD deserve an audience with the minister as well, with many worried about future trade with the loss of 280 parking spaces outside their businesses.

However, Andrew Constance has refuted the Mr Crackenthorp's claim while addressing the media in Newcastle this morning.

"It's an outrageous claim by him. Anna Zeike (CBD Coordinator General For Newcastle) met with the business community and Tim Crackenthorp in the last couple of months and I will continue to meet with the business community, but I'm not going to meet with a political circus...we will work to activate precincts. That's why we'll work with individual business owners over individual concerns", he said.

Andrew Constance

Safety Concerns for Newcastle's Future Light Rail

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has accused the NSW Government of failing to add important safety features on the proposed new light rail cars in Newcastle.

This has raised concerns that the Government is trying to cut costs at the expense of passenger safety.

The trams allegedly lack Automatic Train Protection devices, which monitor track conditions and maintain the safe operation of the trams.

Divisional Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union Chris Preston says the cost of these anti-collision safety devices is worth any expense to ensure the safety of passengers.

"Trams around the world and Australia have this device," says Mr Preston.

"Now we have got time to get involved and make sure that the Newcastle trams, they need to have them on."

A proposed image of a Light Rail tram turning into Newcastle's Hunter Street
Source: The Newcastle Herald

Changes on the Horizon for Newcastle's CBD

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The west end of Newcastle is driving a huge boom of construction, with $700 million going towards the new high-rise housing hub.

This project is part of $2 billion going towards construction in the Newcastle area.

These new projects in Newcastle are set to have a combined value of $1.6 billion, and comprise of more than 3,000 apartments including 1,200 in the west end.

Hunter Director of the Property Council of Australia Andrew Fletcher says the construction projects will drive Newcastle's future economic growth.

"The construction projects will mean new jobs for Newcastle, it is extremely positive for the city " says Fletcher.

"We know that we have to cater for something like 10,000 new jobs and 6,000 new residents over the next 15 to 20 years."

Mr Fletcher believes that the state government's willingness to press forward with the light rail proposal in Newcastle has been a strong driving force for the construction projects.

"The government's commitment to the light rail for Newcastle has been the thing that sparked the private sectors interest in the city."

Andrew Fletcher
Source: The Newcastle Herald