Helicopter crash lands on Stockton Beach

BY JARROD MELMETH

Fire and Rescue NSW are reporting a helicopter has crash landed on Stockton Beach this morning.

Fire and Rescue, Ambulance and Police are on the scene, near Lavis Lane, attending to those who were onboard the aircraft.

Miraculously, the two occupants of the helicopter are only being treated for minor injuries.

Pin drop of location of helicopter crash on Stockton Beach

NSW Government accused of deliberately running down social housing homes for profit

BY JARROD MELMETH 

A Stockton social housing resident has been handed an eviction from the Department of Communities and Justice who have deemed the home uninhabitable. 

The home has improper waterproofing work and mould, but Tammy Smith, who has lived at the property for 25-years says she has sought repairs since 2017 which were either delayed or unsatisfactorily completed.

"They just keep coming out and taking photos saying yes its going to be fixed but nothing seems to get done. 

"They've sold many homes. What are they doing with the money? There must be money there for us to have our homes fixed. 

"I'd just really like to stay in my home. I have a child who is a man now who has autism and he has been here since he was one and a half years old. This is our home," Ms Smith said.

The eviction notice follows the sale of three other properties which have been sold in Stockton for over $900,000 each.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is criticising the decision to evict Ms Smith and is accusing the government of deliberately running social housing homes into the ground in order to flog them off.

"We are in a housing crisis, and there is now a minimum five year wait for a social housing property in Newcastle.

"Run it down then flog it off where the land value is the highest has become the MO for this government in Newcastle.

"This governments treatment of social housing and their own tenants is nothing short of a disgrace," Mr Crakanthorp said.

Ms Smith says she doesn't know what's going to happen with her living situation. She says a representative from the Department of Communities and Justice is meeting with her on Friday.

L-R: Tammy Smith, Tim Crakanthorp, Liz Turnball.

BREAKING: Residents Evacuated as Roof Ripped from Stockton Nursing Home

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Emergency services are on the scene at Stockton where the roof of a nursing home has been ripped off by severe winds.

NSW Ambulance have evacuated 30 residents from the centre on Fullerton Street and ambulance crews are on hand to assess them after high winds tore a hole in the structure shortly after 10am.

300 square metres of the roof has been ripped from the structure and Fire and Rescue are assessing whether it can be strapped down.

Three fire trucks including a ladder platform and a rescue truck have responded to the incident and police are also at the scene.

Police, SES and Fire and Rescue are warning Hunter residents to stay safe as a damaging cold front continues to roll in across the state.

All ferry services on the Stockton-Newcastle line have also been suspended due to the wild weather.

BREAKING! Three Dead, Two in Hospital After Boat Capsizes off Stockton

 BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A police operation is underway off the coast of Newcastle after a boat capsized, killing three people and leaving two in hospital.

An emergency beacon was activated from the 11.7m catamaran just after 10 o'clock on Thursday morning, after the vessel overturned approximately 7 nautical miles off the coast of Stockton Beach.

Water police, Marine Rescue, RAAF members and the Westpac Rescue helicopter responded to the emergency.

A 16-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man were winched from the water by the Westpac Rescue helicopter crew and taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Sadly, the bodies of three others have since been retrieved from the water by Marine Rescue.

The operation is ongoing, with authorities still on scene.

BREAKING! Newborn's Body Discovered at Stockton

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police are appealing for the public's assistance following a tragic discovery at Stockton this morning.

Emergency services were called to a home on Church Street around 7 o'clock, where the body of a newborn baby had been found abandoned in the backyard.

Police hold grave concerns for the child's mother, who may need to seek urgent medical treatment.

A police operation is still underway at the home and a post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the baby's age and cause of death.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Anyone with information about the baby or the mother is urged to contact Newcastle detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Bushfire Threatens Stockton Residents

BY IAN CROUCH

Anxious Stockton residents have breathed a sigh of relief as a bushfire came within 150 metres of homes yesterday afternoon.

The blaze broke out just before 1.30pm and burnt through 4 hectares near Fort Wallace fanned by strong winds before being brought under control.

Heavy smoke from the fire blocked Fullerton Street for about two hours, with 10 fire trucks deployed to fight the blaze.

Thick Smoke Blows Across Fullerton Street Picture; theherald.com.au

Stockton Rubbish Rises to the Surface

BY TYLER FARDELL

The huge swell and strong winds which battered Newcastle's coastline over the past weeks has uncovered a dirty secret in Stockton.

Over the weekend, much of the Stockton sand dunes close to the water were eroded away, revealing a disgusting sight for many locals who visit the area.

Currently, signs are in place to deter away any visitors as representatives from Newcastle City Council, Hunter Water and the Environment Protection Authority met today at the site to discuss the clean-up.

Many community members are worried the situation could get worse if the rubbish isn't cleaned up before another big swell hits and erodes more of the sandbank away, which has already collapsed in some places.

Keiran Smith from Hunter Water says they're looking to fix the situation as quick as they can.

"Today we're meeting with Council and the EPA to get this mess sorted out", he said. "We need to hire a licensed contractor to fix the site.

The site of the rubbish is on the land of Hunter Water so they'll be taking the lead of the cleanup.

"Our immediate focus is to make the site safe so that includes signage and security", Mr Smith said.

Rubbish along Stockton Beach
Photo source; NBN News

Another Ferry Stop for Newcastle?

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Another ferry stop could be on the cards for Newcastle.

The Throsby Business Chamber surveyed their members to find out where they would like to see another ferry stop and found 54 per cent would like to see the ferry stop at Wickham.

Other respondents saw Carrington as another possible place for a stop which the chamber believes wouldn't be too much of a stretch because the ferries already moor there.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said there have been a few ideas put forward and all of them are quite good.

"You'd have a ferry stop near Carrington or a little bit further up at Wickham and then join up with the Wickham/Newcastle Interchange and then that would go up to Queens Wharf. So there are a few ideas and a few options being looked at and considered."

The idea of another ferry stop isn't something that hasn't been thought of before, Scot said there is the consideration in both the 2056 Transport Plan and also in the Draft Greater Newcastle Metro Plan.

"It's always good to hear from the local community including the business community and it builds the case so this will be taken on board, this will be listened to and I'm grateful to the Throsby Business Chamber for going to this effort and putting the survey together," said Scot.

The business chamber says the demand for the ferry service has been proven, particularly during the Supercars Newcastle 500 two weeks ago and the use of the ferry service just between Queens Wharf and Stockton every day.

The survey results have been sent off to Transport Minister Andrew Constance.

Queens Wharf Image Wikipedia

Frosty Trading the Track for the Surf Ahead of the Newcastle 500

BY JESSICA ROUSE

2015 Supercars Champion Mark Winterbottom hit the sand in Stockton this morning, racing suit and all, with local surf life-saving kids.

With just three days until the Newcastle 500, drivers are getting keen to take a spin on the track for the first time in their Supercars.

Mark Winterbottom on Stockton Beach this morning.

Mark Winterbottom said it's really quite exhilarating coming to a new track and particularly to Newcastle.

"I think the race is going to be fantastic, you know we've got one of the best backdrops, one of the best tracks, the elevation, it's got everything that a circuit needs. It's a championship decider, it'll be the first ever to win on the track, and your motivation is through the roof," said Mark.

The race has come under some scrutiny from local residents in the East End who just last night held an impromptu rally against the race. They chanted songs and chalked slogans and peace symbols on the tarmac on Scott Street.

Mark said from his perspective, the support far outweighs the nay-sayers.

"Some are concerned about environmental issues and then they go and vandalise their own city. I don't really understand that, that's sort of going against everything they stand for. It is what it is. We'll race anywhere but this city I think really seeing the turn out they've had, the ticket sales, it's the start of something big."

From tomorrow teams and equipment start rolling into the CBD to set up.

The 2.6 kilometre track will be the decider for the championship with 30 points separating Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin. Scott does have some ground to make up and will have to finish several places in front of his rival to take out the 2017 Supercars title.

Mark said even though he's not in contention for the championship, he can't wait to get out on the track.

'We'll race anywhere but we come to towns that get behind it and Newcastle is so important for us, it's such a big region, such a big following and to see kids that haven't see our race firsthand will get that taste on the weekend for the first time and that's what its about, they're excited. They treat you like a rockstar but you're just a normal person!"

The Snakes Are Slithering in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Snakes have been slithering around Newcastle and the Hunter one month earlier than usual.

In the Hunter, brown snakes are the most common, and right now they're on the hunt for food and a mate.

It's prompted renewed calls for Hunter residents to be smart around snakes - 23 of the 35 people who died from a snake bite between 2000 and 2016 in Australia were bitten by a brown snake.

Image Australian Reptile Park

They've been seen in the most unusual of places, most recently a 1.5 metre brown turned up for breakfast at a cafe in Stockton. They've also been caught on camera in inner-city car parks and frequently in residential areas.

"It's coming into breeding season so that's why we're seeing a lot of male to male combat, more snakes in people's local areas than before and the activity level at the moment is just really really high for a number of reasons including food and mating season," said Dan Rumsey from the Australian Reptile Park.

While snakes will defend themselves if they have to, Dan says it's really a last resort and they'll only bite if they're provoked or hassled.

"The majority of snake bites in Australia come from one of two things and that's people trying to kill or catch them so the key thing is if you don't do either of those two you're going to limit your chances of being bitten by a snake dramatically."

He also said even the fastest snake in the world only gets to 14km/hr, so they're not coming out of hiding just to chase you.

"Granddad used to tell you brown snakes will chase you, try to bite through your car to get you. They don't operate like that at all. Most of the guys who work here have been catching snakes from since they were 7 or 8 years old - I've never had a snake chase me in my life so I promise you it won't happen," said Dan.

State Government Putting Nearly $1 million Back into Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The state government is putting nearly $1 million back into Newcastle for six community projects.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald announced the funding for the infrastructure projects which will be funded under the annual Newcastle Port Community Contribution program.

"This is a dividend that comes back to the Newcastle Port region every year, about $1 million, and it was set up when the Port was put through a long term lease so there's a return every year that goes back to the community to put towards assets, build community programs and that sort of thing," said Scot MacDonald.

The largest project to be funded from the nearly $1 million is $450,000 towards an 'active hub' in Griffith Park at South Stockton. The $1.25 million hub is set to feature a skate plaza, children's adventure playground and barbecue and picnic facilities.

Artist impression of the planned 'active hub' at Stockton.
Image Newcastle City Council

"Although this is only a short ferry ride from the Newcastle city centre, it is important to provide great facilities all around the port, not just the city side," said Scot MacDonald.

Along with money towards the hub, other projects getting some funding include:
- $135,000 for five research-based place activation initiatives by the University of Newcastle
- $365,000 for an upgrade of council-owned open space landscaping near "Wine Selectors" and Lee Wharf residential apartments in Honeysuckle to improve the link between the city adn the harbour
- $50,000 towards the Light Up Newcastle Chinese Lantern Walk in 2018 and;
- $148,000 for a public art installation at the historic Newcastle Railway Station of the "Newcastle Flyer" steam train

"I think it's important to honour the heritage and this is going towards a representation of the 'Newcastle Flyer' - that'll be a public art installation up at Newcastle Railway Station. There's no doubt that the CBD and the corridor and the Port are going through a lot of change so this is about remembering and respecting that heritage," said Scot MacDonald.

He adds all the projects will benefit both the city and the harbourside, improving the link between them and honouring the history of all of Newcastle.

"Everybody appreciates the city is going through a lot of change and the Port is seeing a lot of development but it's important that the public can access it and appreciate it and it's family friendly. I think these are really good initiatives."

UPDATE: North Stockton boat ramp upgrades

BY BROOKE HEINZ & JARROD MELMETH

Previously announced upgrades to the North Stockton boat ramp have now been completed, with the boat ramp re-opened this morning.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says the works were a much-needed upgrade for the popular area.

"The old standard was pretty poor," MacDonald said. "I think it's a great thing for the Stockton area now that they will have that very popular boat ramp...up to a decent standard that people will be proud of."

Image Source: Fisheye Creative

EARLIER

Newcastle City Council and the New South Wales Government have joined forces to provide $850,000 for upgrades to the North Stockton boat ramp on the Hunter River.

Plans for the overhaul show the current dirt road carpark will be paved and transformed into a 42-spaces for cars with boat trailers; picnic facilities; new amenities providing disabled access; improved fish cleaning facilities; wash-down bays for cars and trailers; improved storm water drainage; and landscaping to help order traffic.

The community is advised the existing amenities block will remain open until the new one is completed and the South Stockton boat ramp will be available during the temporary closure of the northern facility as the works go ahead.

Work is expected to begin in early April and take around four months to complete with foreshore stabilisation and riverside plantings earmarked to follow.

North Stockton boat ramp upgrades

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle City Council and the New South Wales Government have joined forces to provide $850,000 for upgrades to the North Stockton boat ramp on the Hunter River.

Plans for the overhaul show the current dirt road carpark will be paved and transformed into a 42-spaces for cars with boat trailers; picnic facilities; new amenities providing disabled access; improved fish cleaning facilities; wash-down bays for cars and trailers; improved storm water drainage; and landscaping to help order traffic.

The community is advised the existing amenities block will remain open until the new one is completed and the South Stockton boat ramp will be available during the temporary closure of the northern facility as the works go ahead.

Work is expected to begin in early April and take around four months to complete with foreshore stabilisation and riverside plantings earmarked to follow.

Plans for the North Stockton boat ramp.

$4.3 Million to Rebuild Stockton Boat Harbour

BY SARAH JAMES

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, today announced work will commence early this year to design and rebuild Stockton Boat Harbour, providing the Newcastle recreational and commercial boating community with safer berthing.

The NSW Government has allocated $4.3 million to improve the safety, use and accessibility of the 50-year old harbour.
 
Rebuilding the harbour will be a two stage process led by the RMS and is estimated to take a maximum of 18 months.

The first stage which is due to start in March 2017 will involve establishing a new 25 berth swing mooring and dinghy rack facility north of the existing harbour at North Stockton.

Once complete, vessels will moved to the new swing mooring facility so the second stage of rebuilding the existing Stockton Harbour infrastructure can begin.

Investigations conducted into the safety of the existing harbour last year revealed the need for harbour to undergo construction.

Extensive consultation with the local community, commercial fishers and local boat owners also influenced the decision.

Hendrik Clasie from the RMS described the rebuild as "a long time coming" and "something we're pleased to get off the ground and finally deliver".

Stockton Boat Harbour to Stay in Public Hands

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Newcastle commercial fisherman have breathed a sigh of relief after Roads and Maritime Services agreed to refurbish the Stockton boat harbour.

The announcement follows concerns the centre would be privatised by the State Government, or even closed.

The centre is in a rather battered condition, with repair costs expected to soar into the millions.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has agreement to keep the harbour in public hands is a real win for local fishers.

“In light of the contamination issues at Williamtown as well as the licensing changes that are really detrimental to fishers, it’s great news,” he said.

Tim Crakanthorp

“You’ve got professional fishermen and recreational fishermen that use that boat harbour.  It will stay open now as opposed to closing or being privatised.”

Even though RMS has agreed to keep the site open and public, it will be a long time before the centre is at its former glory, with large-scale renovation on the way.

“There are lots of temporary walkways around it, there are real work and safety issues as well as the need for significant dredging,” Crakanthorp said.

“It’ll need quite a few million dollars to fix this harbour and it’s good to see the Government’s finally going to stump up.”

“I hope that now the Government has seen sense in letting the Stockton fishers keep their harbour, they will take another look at the commercial fishing reforms.  These fishers have suffered through enough.”

Erosion solution for Stockton Beach

BY JARROD MELMETH

Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes says she believes an underground breakwall could be the solution to the erosion problem on Stockton Beach and will also provide the foundation for the future extension of Bathers Way, which she hopes will continue onto Stockton.

Cr Nelmes will bring forward a mayoral minute at tonights meeting where she will seek the support of engineers to investigate the viability of constructing a rock wall to protect the beachfront. The rock wall if built, will consist of 500 meters of boulders, from the southern end of the beach to meet the existing wall at the northern end.

The beachfront was severely damaged earlier this month during an east coast low which resulted in the worst erosion at Stockton Beach in living memory.

Cr Nelmes said the construction of a rock wall with the right underpinnings will also allow future extension of the Bathers Way walk.

"By ensuring our assets are properly protected we will have the opportunity to extend the bathers walk that now goes from Mereweather through to Nobbys. I would like to see it cross over at the ferry and come all the way around the Stockton foreshore."

Council in the past have commissioned several reports on preventing erosion around the Stockton Beach area. A lot of the outcomes were over $30 million and were not implemented.

Cr Nelmes is looking for a more cost effective solution that can actually be implemented.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at Stockton Beach. Photo courtesy of The Newcastle Herald

Stockton bracing for next storm front

BY JESSICA ROUSE

With a predicted east coast low expected to hit on the weekend, the Hunter is expected to be in the clear, however residents and business owners are bracing for the worst.

The storm that hammered the Hunter two weekends ago, left Stockton Beach losing 10 metres of dune, sending waves up to the doors of the Surf Lifesaving Club. 

"The damage was confined to the beach and the beachfront, the shoreline; the main concern was future high seas would take further shoreline and encroach onto the buildings of the surf club," club president Trevor Upton said.

Structures at Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club are under threat including the beachside carpark and a sheltered barbeque, with the beach littered with debris. 

Newcastle City Council are being called upon to clean up the beach, make emergency repairs and make it safe for both the club and the community. 

Upton says another major concern is that the beach currently isn't able to be accessed by the surf club or it's lifesavers. 

"We haven't got any access to the beach in the vicinity of the surf club and right along the beach. The only response would be Nobby's or Newcastle or somewhere around there".

Coal Dust survey shows support for covered wagons

The Coal Dust Free Streets project survey has revealed only 20-percent of residents in Islington, Mayfield, Stockton and Tighes Hill are in support of plans for a fourth uncovered coal terminal in the area.

The partnership between the Hunter Community Environment Centre and resident groups aims to strengthen networks to call for improved air quality and health.

Hunter Community Environment Centre community organiser ZANE ALCORN says the survey also showed an overwhelming support for improving dust control measures.

"It was pretty resounding results, we door-knocked 1,270 people, in Stockton, Tighes Hill, Islington and Mayfield, and we've shown that 90% of people want to see coal wagons covered and regularly washed to prevent dust pollution. They also want to see the coal stockpiled covered and all stages of loading and unloading covered," Mr Alcorn said.