Newcastle Rail Corridor Rezoning Plan To Go On Public Display

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Council has voted to put draft plans for the rezoning of the heavy rail corridor on public display from next month.

The draft planning proposal allows for mixed uses , public open space and tourism on the corridor between Worth Place and Watt Street.

Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes had to use her casting vote to push ahead with the plan to put the rezoning proposal on exhibition from September 11.

Outgoing Labor Councillor,  Stephanie Pozniak voted with the Greens and Independent Councillor, Allan Robinson against the move, saying the plans were vague at best.

Rail Corridor Rezoning Proposal Up For Public Comment

Greens call out Labor over ARENA deal with Coalition

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Greens have called out labour for "striking a dirty deal with the coalition" which could see $500 million cut from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

Labor have struck a deal worth $800 million over the next five years with the coalition which Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon says has secured over 40 Newcastle-based positions at the National Solar Energy Centre in Mayfield West.

"This is great news for Newcastle, that we will be able to maintain world class serious research into renewable energy."

"I can assure, having met with some of the CSIRO people yesterday, they are very pleased to have some bipartisan support at long last around these critical issues of targets, financing, and the ARENA programs."

Greens Senator, Lee Rhiannon says the cuts highlight the Coalitions false commitment to innovation, and Labor's false commitment to clean energy.

"Labor have tried to put a good spin on what is a bad outcome for the renewable energy future," she says.

"Not only is this a brutal blow to clean energy investment, research and development across the country, it is a huge setback for regional communities...who benefit from projects like these.

There should have been no cuts to ARENA at a time where the urgency of climate change is becoming clearer every day."

ARENA was established in 2012 and it has delivered $1 billion dollars to 250 renewable energy projects, including a total of $268.4 million for large-scale solar projects.

The Greens will introduce an amendment to protect the entire $1.3 billion of ARENA funding.

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon. Photo
courtesy of Facebook.

Federal Member for
Newcastle Sharon Claydon.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Kate Washington calling for an Upper House Inquiry into Williamtown Contamination

BY JARROD MELMETH

State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington is hoping for cross bench support for an upper house inquiry into the Williamtown contamination crisis.

The motion was introduced to parliament yesterday by Shadow Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe which has seen support from The Greens but has not seen any support from the government.

Kate Washington says she is now discussing possible terms of reference with cross-benchers.

"Hopefully if we can get their support we can have the motion voted on and passed, so that we can get it the inquiry underway as soon as possible."

It has been 11 months since the Williamtown contamination became public.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington. Photo courtesy
of Facebook.