Labor Promises Fair Fares For Hunter School Kids

JARROD MELMETH

Hunter school children will be able to travel on public transport for free if Labor form government in the upcoming state election.

Local Labor MP's met with Charlestown resident Jason Brown to hear how the current student travel system has affected his family.

Mr Brown raised concerns about how his eight-year-old daughter would have to walk a long, dangerous route to get to school – the same route his son had been granted a pass to avoid, three years earlier.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the governments' priorities are all wrong.

"How could they think that saving money is more important than putting children's safety in danger? This is just another way Labor will ease the cost of living for families in Newcastle," Mr Crakanthorp said.

Shadow Minister for Transport Jodi McKay said children shouldn't be penalised by being forced to walk across busy roads because they don't fit into some arbitrary prescriptive rule.

Labor has also committed to doing a review of the Newcastle bus network as well as working on reinstating buses down Beaumont Street.

Labor MPs meeting with local residents.

Government of hiding the Cost of the Light Rail

BY TYLER FARDELL

The State Government has come under fire after accusation's they've got something to hide, after refusing to release documents about the cost of the light rail project in Newcastle.

Calls to see the documents by several Hunter MP's were shot down, with the government citing it would breach cabinet confidentiality, or saying it was commercially sensitive.

However, the government responded by stating that releasing such information would put upward pressure on the project's budget and would disclose sensitive information.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the response isn't good enough.

"The Governments obviously trying to hide something," he said.

The matter has been under close scrutiny as the Sydney light rail project experienced a cost blowout of almost $550 million dollars, and many are worried the Governments unwillingness to reveal the information is a sign that it is over budget.

Mr Crakanthrop continued his argument, saying the Government has let everyone down.

"Newcastle's being kept in the dark, it's not good enough".

The closer light rail construction comes, the more worried businesses get.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

There are renewed concerns for Hunter Street businesses as light rail construction looms in the Newcastle CBD.

Sections of Hunter Street will start to be closed off in September when work begins which is when most businesses say they're worried they'll feel the pinch.

Newcastle isn't the first city to go through the business upset with the plight mirroring some retailers on George Street in Sydney which has been a construction zone for around two years.

The government say they're prepared to adapt their plans if things go awry, but MP Tim Crakanthorp says even then a lot of small businesses just won't be able to survive.

Image www.newcastlenow.org.au

With up to 1,000 car parks disappearing and essentially one lane of traffic being taken away as well, Tim Crakanthorp just can't see it working for everyone.

"I think if you can stick it out for that period of time and only perhaps the bigger businesses can do that, there will be benefits at the end of it but then again they're also deeply concerned about the parking."

On the other hand, Program Director of Revitalising Newcastle Michael Cassel says they're doing as much as they can to ensure businesses don't lose out.

"We're doing a lot with businesses, we've employed precinct managers, we're working very hard to make sure businesses thrive through this period. We've got lots of activities, we're bringing more people back to the city during that period of disruption and we will pop out the other end with a much-improved transport system."

Palliative Care roundtable is underway today

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The state of the Hunter's palliative care will finally be discussed at a roundtable today in Newcastle.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald is hosting the discussions which will ideally help the government better tailor end-of-life care for the region.

He says the government already provides considerable support for the Hunter through Palliative Care Services with the community outreach 24 hours a day, nursing staff and a dedicated 24-hour Palliative Care Unit outreach service at Calvary Mater Hospital; but this is the perfect platform for the community to raise any and all of their concerns.

"This is not about us talking to them, it's about us listening to those in that sector who some have been working in that field for decades. It is changing and I've had discussions with palliative care nurses as late as yesterday and they noticed very much the changing culture and changing attitudes from society," said Scot MacDonald.

This is only the start of discussions according to the government, which can only be good news for the Hunter.

"We certainly took notice of the strong feeling in the community and this isn't going to go away. We have one roundtable now that doesn't mean now and that doesn't mean we stop. I think there should be an ongoing conversation. As its described to me this is becoming more and more demanding and more and more complex," said Scot MacDonald.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says it's about time the government did listen, and is keen to see just what the future will hold for vital palliative care services in the Hunter.

"There's a growing demand for palliative care services in this are and we've got an increasing aging population so we need more and better services available," 

"We are the only non-Coalition seat in the state having one which is disgraceful in itself, but its good that we've got one here." said Tim Crakanthorp.

Calls for Investigation into Newcastle Contamination

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

The State Government is being urged to hold a public information forum to address recent reports on heavy metal contamination in NEWCASTLE.

According to a report by MACQUARIE University, high levels of lead and copper can be found in many of NEWCASTLE's backyards and parks.

The levels found are considered to be dangerous to human health and Shadow Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe says the government needs to act.

"The EPA (Environment Protection Authority) has been silent really since this came out late last year and we think it's time that they need to step up," she said.

After the contamination at Williamtown, Penny Sharpe says she doesn't want a repeat in Newcastle.

"We know what happened in Williamtown. The EPA sat on the information for years," she said.

"We know that there are issues with industrial pollution that really impact on families that are moving in here and live here. It's time that the government provide information to the community so they know they're safe."

Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp is also urging the government to hold a forum so Hunter residents understand how to manage contamination if it's found.

He says their response to this issue is poor.

"The government is very slowly to react on this. It should be acting quickly. It should have the EPA up here informing the community what this research means.

"Whether it's a veggie patch here in the back garden or children playing in the park, this government needs to set its resources onto this issue to make the public aware, through a public forum, of exactly what the contamination is and what that means for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter," he said.

Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp and Shadow Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe with New Lambton resident Sue Walmsley 

Newcastle's iconic Bogey Hole open in time for Christmas

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle's iconic Bogey Hole has been officially reopened at a ceremony today after being closed for over a year for construction works.

The heritage listed site was closed last year due to fears of cliff instability posing a threat to swimmers.

The works which have been completed cost $490,000 and is the first stage to be completed, with more work expected to be undertaken during the 2017 low season on the eastern retaining wall and access road.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the safety assessment and geotechnical work has been a lengthy but a worthy process.

“Stage 1 works have focused on stabilising the overhanging cliffs and mitigating rock falls with the installation of rock-catch fencing above the viewing platform. Other safety measures include new fencing to prevent access to dangerous sections of the site and additional work on the stanchions and chains, stairs and ladders.

"This is obviously a popular spot for beachgoers and the people of Newcastle," Mr MacDonald said.

The length of time taken to complete construction has been a point of contention between local and state MP's with Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp putting pressure on the Baird Government over the length of the closure.

"I've been happy to champion this issue with nearly 6000 people signing a petition to have the Bogey Hole reopened.

"It's taken too long but it has been a real victory for people power," Mr Crakanthorp said.

Mr MacDonald rejected these claims saying the reopening had nothing to do with local MP's as it is a state issue.

"Tim would claim credit for anything, he's probably looking for credit for the sun coming up this morning.

"These are safety issues and they should remain out of the political domain.

"I'm not an expert, Tim is not an expert, we rely on the experts, the engineers to make those risk assessments, it should never be a political campaign to decide whether something is open or not," he said.

Although works have been undertaken to improve the safety of the area, swimmers are still advised to stay safe.

Mr MacDonald said the government would not let people back in unless they were satisfied that the area was safe.

"Just take care around those coastal environments, they are natural environments so they are not perfectly formed pools."

Tim Crakanthorp

Scot Macdonald

Newcastle's Bogey Hole.
Courtesy of Tripadvisor. 

Growing Concerns Over Hamilton Crime Rate

BY TYLER FARDELL

Hamilton shop and business owners are becoming more and more concerned over the increasing crime in the area following a number of break-ins and armed robberies.

Residents affected have called on the government to do more as they feel they have been completely ignored.

The increasing crime is largely due to the governments decision to terminate the Newcastle train line at Hamilton station.

Shadow Minister for Small Businesses Jenny Aitchison and State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp met with local shop owners today to discuss their concerns.

Mr Crakanthorp said the situation was not acceptable and called on Minister for Justice and Police, Troy Grant to do more

"The Hamilton business owners are concerned about their business and in turn, their future. The Minister should visit with them and take their concerns on board".

Jenny Aitchison and Tim Crakanthorp meeting with Hamilton Business owners