Showing posts with label Tomago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tomago. Show all posts

Thursday, 13 April 2023

PPK Workers Down Tools For Second Time In A Week Over Pay Dispute

 BY IAN CROUCH

Workers from PPK Mining and Equipment at Tomago have walked off the job again for 24 hours over a pay dispute.

They're angry over what they say is a broken promise of a fair pay deal from company owner Dale McNamara.

It's the second time in a week the workers have downed tools - they're again rallying on the roundabout at the corner of Old Punt Road and Tomago Road today (Thursday 13 April, 2023).

Australian Workers Union Organiser, Cameron Wright says workers have also imposed an overtime ban. 

"They've got more work than they can do, and from all reports profits are up, business is booming, the price of coal is very high. They're needing these guys to do a huge amount of overtime to get the machinery out the door. It's no good crying poor at a time like this when the guys can see that the company is really doing quite well," he said.

PPK Workers Rallying At Tomago last Thursday. Picture NBN News

 




Posted by at
Labels: , , , , ,

Monday, 16 September 2019

Officers Injured in Early Morning Pursuit

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man has been charged following a crash which ended a pursuit through the Hunter and left two police officers with soft tissue injuries.

Officers initiated a pursuit after spotting a Toyota Corolla speeding along Nelson Bay Road at Bobs Farm shortly before 1 o'clock on Sunday morning.

The chase continued south through Williamtown and Tomago before reaching Hexham Bridge, where officers deployed road spikes.

The Corolla drove through the spikes onto the bridge and collided with the stationary Highway Patrol vehicle while attempting to turn right onto the New England Highway.

The car stopped nearby after driving into a chain-wire fence and three people were arrested at the scene.

The driver, a 19-year-old Cessnock man, was charged with several offences including reckless driving, driving with a cancelled licence, and possession of the drug Methamphetamine.

Police also executed four outstanding warrants relating to offences including assault, damage property, fraud, contravene AVO, reckless wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The man was refused bail to face court on Monday, September 16.

The police officers injured in the crash were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics.


Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, 1 February 2018

Police Dog Tracks Down Wanted Man At Tomago

BY IAN CROUCH

A man wanted on outstanding warrants has been arrested following a pursuit at Edgeworth.

Officers noticed the man driving his blue Ford Falcon along Laurel Avenue just before 12.30 on Thursday morning and began following the car, but called off the pursuit a short time later when he crossed to the wrong side of the road.

The car was later dumped on Tomago Road at and a police dog found the man hiding in nearby bushland.

He's been taken to Toronto Police Station for questioning and is expected to be charged with several offences.



Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Tomago Bushfire update Tuesday 16th January

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Fire crews are continuing back burning operations today at the Tomago bushfire in a bid to bring the blaze into containment lines before the hot weather strikes again at the end of the week.

"Crews continue backburning on the northern side of Newcastle airport, between the airport and Richardson Road. Residents will notice an increase in smoke as aerial (so-called fire-bombs) are dropped from helicopters to burn any remaining bush," said RFS Inspector Ben Shepherd.

Richardson Road has now reopened, but there is reportedly a 40km/hr speed limit in place.

Image MJF Productions.

"We are moving to hopefully have the fire contained by today or tomorrow and that's ahead of some potentially warm and windy weather across the weekend where we could start to see temperatures drive towards the 40 degrees mark so we're working to have all of this work done ahead of that potentially increased fire risk," said Inspector Shepherd.

The blaze has now burnt through more than 2,300 hectares of land.

Due to the strong southerly winds smoke from the fire continues to blow across to the Medowie area.

The RFS is also advising residents in the vicinity of Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road and Wade Close, Campvale to continue to monitor the situation and take the advice from fire crews on the ground.

The Rural Fire Service is reminding residents not only in the area but across the state that we are in peak fire season and it's pivotal to have your Bush Fire Survival Plan ready or make one if you don't have one.
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Monday, 15 January 2018

Masonite Road Fire Updates

BY IAN CROUCH AND JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE 12:30PM

Newcastle Airport has closed to flights again due to fire activity in the area.

The fire continues to burn at the advice level today as fire crews work to

"Today we have around 130 firefighters from the Rural Fire Service assisted by Fire and Rescue NSW and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and also the RAAF Base Williamtown. These crews are doing an amazing job to protect our community and will continue to work as hard as possible to contain this fire hopefully by this afternoon," said Greg Allan from the RFS.

The main focus is in the north east corner around Richardson Road and Wade Close.

There are still gusty winds hampering crews efforts, but they are continuing to monitor the situation and changing their strategies depending on the weather and the wind.

"It looks like towards the end of this week the temperatures are going to increase, it's looking like the mid 40's in some parts so it's important that you may not have been affected by that fire in the Tomago region, but coming into the latter part of this week with those high temperatures it really is important, we can't stress enough, that you make or update that Bush Fire Survival Plan," said Greg.

The blaze has now torn through 2,296 hectares.


UPDATE 8:30AM

Residents living around Campvale are being advised to remain vigilant despite easing bushfire conditions overnight.

The Masonite Road fire has burnt through more than 2200 hectares since Saturday and has now been downgraded to Advice level after threatening homes around Richardson Road,
Grahamstown Road and Wade Close overnight.

Image MJF Productions.
There are no reports of property damage.

Richardson Road remains closed in both directions between Grahamstown Road and Medowie Road.

Around 140 firefighters are backburning in a bid to strengthen containment lines.

However, Greg Allan from the Rural Fire Service says strong winds are again forecast for today.

"Today we've got a very high fire danger rating for the Greater Hunter area with wind gusts getting up to around 50 kilometres per hour. So, firefighters will assess the situation - through the morning things could change but we'll certainly work on strengthening those containment lines and with the assistance of water bombing aircraft hopefully this fire will be brought to containment as soon as possible," he said.

There is nothing but praise for the hundreds of firefighters who have been working on the fire ground getting it under control.

 "Not only the Rural Fire Service but also the assistance of Fire and Rescue, National Parks and Wildlife and the Williamtown RAAF Base there as well, everyone getting together to do what they can. Currently, we have around 140 firefighters, we have certainly seen hundreds of firefighters do what they can over the last couple of days to protect the area and our communities and keep them safe," said Greg.
Image MJF Productions.
Newcastle Airport has reopened today with flights as usual after two days interruptions.

The Rural Fire Service is warning residents in Medowie they may experience smokey conditions throughout the day.



Image MJF Productions.
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , ,

Sunday, 14 January 2018

UPDATES: Tomago bushfire at EMERGENCY level once again

BY JESSICA ROUSE

For the latest update Monday 15th January: Masonite Road Fire updates

UPDATE 7:30PM

Thanks to some easing conditions on the fire ground, crews are gaining the upper hand so the bushfire at Tomago has been downgraded from EMERGENCY to WATCH AND ACT.

It's still labelled as being OUT OF CONTROL.

The blaze continues to burn to the north of Newcastle Airport in the vicinity of Wade Close, Campvale, Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive and Medowie Road. Residents are being advised to continue to monitor the situation and take the advice from firefighters on the ground.

Strong southerly winds are expected to continue through the night pushing the blaze north.

Residents in the area are being advised to make sure they have a Bush Fire Survival Plan in place and know how to use it if necessary.


UPDATE 6:50PM

The Rural Fire Service has just issued an EMERGENCY WARNING to residents on Masonite Road. Fire crews are on the ground working to protect homes and the Very Large Air Tanker 'Nancy Bird' is helping crews as well to slow the spread of the blaze.

The fire is also being fought close to homes in Wade Close as the fire continues to burn north fanned by southerly winds.

The latest advice from the RFS at 6:26pm:

"Monitor conditions in your area.
Residents in the vicinity of Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road and Wade Close, Campvale, are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.
Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.
Residents in the vicinity of Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace, are advised to continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground."



UPDATE 5:30PM

The blaze is now burning OUT OF CONTROL and the RFS has issued a warning to residents in Wade Close, Campvale as the fire is expected to reach them in the next 30 minutes. Fire crews are in position to protect homes.

The advice still stays in place for residents in the Campvale area around Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road, Wade Close are advised to SEEK SHELTER as the fire approaches.

Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan.

UPDATE: 4:40PM

There are currently 136 fire fighters on the ground battling the Tomago blaze.

The Very Large Air Tanker has been assisting as well as other air tankers.

Greg Allen from the Rural Fire Service said there is a strong, gusty southerly expected to come through tonight and fire crews are planning to accommodate for those changing conditions.

Residents in the Campvale area around Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road, Wade Close are advised to SEEK SHELTER as the fire approaches.

Greg Allen said that seeking shelter means doing what you can to stay safe - staying in your home making sure the bathtub, buckets, anything you can find is filled with water so if you need to put out spot fires you can and actively protect your home.

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging residents to follow their Bush Fire Survival Plans and keep an eye on the potentially changing conditions.

If your life is at risk call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

For the latest update from RFS head to: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

There are reports Newcastle Airport is now closed to all flights in and out of the airfield.

Residents in Medowie are being told ash and embers could reach them from the blaze.

UPDATE: 4PM

There are some backburning operations underway in the fire area and residents in Medowie are also being told ash and embers may fall in the area from the blaze.

The 'Skycrane' water bombing aircraft has flown in and is helping fire crews battle the blaze.

Winds continue to fan the blaze heading north.

UPDATE 3:45PM

The bushfire continues to burn at an EMERGENCY level.

The advice to residents in the vicinity of Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road, Wade Close and Campvale are advised to SEEK SHELTER as the fire approaches.

It's now burnt through more than 1,500 hectares of land.

For the latest updates head to: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

Jetstar has cancelled all remaining flights in and out of Newcastle Airport.

The airport is asking passengers to check the status of other flights with their airlines.




There are road closures in the area as well, Richardson Road is closed between Benjamin Lee Drive and Medowie Road.

For the latest head to: https://www.livetraffic.com/desktop.html



EARLIER: 2PM

The bushfire at Tomago has again been upgraded to an EMERGENCY level.

The blaze spotted north of Newcastle Airport just south of Richardson Road near Grahamstown Road and is heading north towards Campvale.
If you are in the vicinity of Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road and Wade Close, Campvale, are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.
The advice from the Rural Fire Service is to continue to monitor the conditions in your area and stay alert. If you don't have a Bush Fire Survival Plan decide what you will do if the situation changes, leaving early is your safest option. If you have a plan be ready to put it in action.


Residents in the vicinity of Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road and Wade Close, Campvale, are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.
Residents in the vicinity of Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace, are advised to continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground.



Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, 13 January 2018

EMERGENCY Fire on Masonite Road, Tomago downgraded to ADVICE LEVEL

BY JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE: 8PM

The bushfire at Tomago has been downgraded to ADVICE level.

Fire crews will remain on the ground overnight to monitor the blaze and keep it under control.

The Rural Fire Service's advice to residents is to continue to monitor the situation and have your Bush Fire Survival Plan ready in case you need it.

Fire crews may conduct back burning on the fire ground if conditions allow.

All roads are now open.

UPDATE 6:30PM

The bushfire burning at Tomago has now been downgraded to WATCH AND ACT.

Conditions are starting to ease on the fire ground thanks to some light rain, a southerly change is expected to roll through at around 7pm.

The blaze is now nearly 1400 hectares in size and is still burning OUT OF CONTROL.

"There is about 115 fire fighters with the Rural Fire Service assisted by National Parks and Wildlife Service along with Fire and ResceunSW and our dedicated fire fighters have been assisted by our water bombing aircraft including our very large air tanker Nancy Bird and our other air tankers as well," said Greg Allen from the Rural Fire Service.

Residents on the south eastern side of Raymond Terrace and those in the area of Campvale, are advised to continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground.
Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd and areas close to Newcastle Airport along Williamtown Drive, Technology Place, Kindler Way, Cresswell Way, Slades Road, Sandeman Street and Moxey Close should also continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground.
"We advise all residents close to the area of the fire and also right across the state to know your bushfire survival plan, have it made, have it discussed with your family and household so that in the event that a fire does threaten you know exactly wqhat you'll be doing," said Greg Allen from the Rural Fire Service.



UPDATE: 4:30PM

A strong southerly change has now moved across the bushfire. It's now moving in a northerly direction away from Cabbage Tree Road and towards Richardson Road.

Residents in the area of Richardson Road, Campvale are being advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.

All flights are delayed out of Newcastle airport - the Williamtown airport has closed its airfield to all flights until further notice.

Passengers are being advised to follow the advice of local authorities.


UPDATE 4:15PM

A bushfire continues to burn OUT OF CONTROL on Masonite Road being pushed further outside of containment lines by westerly winds.

Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd and areas close to Newcastle Airport along Williamtown Drive, Technology Place, Kindler Way, Cresswell Way, Slades Road, Sandeman Street and Moxey Close are advised to shelter in place as it is to late to leave.

NSW Rural Fire Service crews are being assisted by NSW Fire and Rescue. Crews are being assisted by the large waterbombing aircraft 'Nancy Bird'.

There are several road closures in place as well which could change at any time. At this stage Cabbage Tree Road is closed between Masonite Road and Nelson Bay Road. For the latest road closures head to: https://www.livetraffic.com/desktop.html

A southerly change is forecast for this afternoon which should help crews on teh ground get the fire under control.

For the latest information on the fire: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

Advice as of 4:15pm from NSW RFS:
Residents in the area of Richardson Road, Campvale are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.
Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd and areas close to Newcastle Airport along Williamtown Drive, Technology Place, Kindler Way, Cresswell Way, Slades Road, Sandeman Street and Moxey Close should continue to monitor the situation and take advise from firefighters on the ground
Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan and prepare for a bush fire in your area.
If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave early.
Well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire.



Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, 24 August 2017

Shocking $1.2 Million Power Bill

BY MATT JOHNSTON

Tomago steel processing plant Milltech is being hit hard by rising power prices. An increase of 160% in electricity costs will see their energy bill rise an extra $1.2 million over the next three years.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said that it's not just homes, but businesses feeling the pinch of increased electricity bills.

Since most Hunter industries heavily rely on electricity, Washington says the costs are mounting.
"It was really stark to see and understand the high energy use of our manufacturers and the impact of increased prices like this."

"This is hitting businesses really hard, and particularly our heavy manufacturing industries here in the Hunter are really going to feel the brunt of this."

 The cost of energy isn't the only thing putting pressure on local businesses. International competition with lower production costs means local businesses often have to absorb price hikes rather than pass them on to the consumer.

 "They can’t put their prices up and keep absorbing increased energy costs, increased input costs, and their competitors are largely from overseas. Their business model is at risk.”

 "My biggest fear is the flow-on impact of this on jobs for the Hunter. We can’t afford to go backwards in terms of our employment figures.”
Image http://milltechmartinbright.com/
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Monday, 4 July 2016

Two Die In Horrific Smash At Tomago

BY IAN CROUCH

Police say speed was a factor in a crash which claimed the lives of two men at Tomago last night.

A utility was travelling along Masonite Road near Cabbage Tree Road at about 10pm when the car lost control and slammed into a power pole.

The driver and passenger, both believed to be aged in their late 20's, died at the scene.

The pair are yet to be formally identified

Police say the force of the crash was so great, the power pole was snapped in two.



No-one else was injured during the crash.

Crash investigators have set up a crime scene and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.


Posted by at
Labels: , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)