Lake Macquarie waste facility hit with fine for "putrid" smell

BY JARROD MELMETH

An Awaba Waste facility has been fined $8,000 for alleged offensive odours.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority says it received a number of complaints from nearby residents and neighbours about a nauseating smell from the Remondis Australia facility at Awaba on April 14 and 15, 2021.

EPA officers who attended the site immediately detected strong putrid odours which were traced to a stockpile of composting material.

The officers identified that aerators being used to dry out compost following intense rain were discharging putrid air, which was travelling to the nearby community.

EPA Director Regulatory Operations Adam Gilligan said it was unacceptable for the community to be 

impacted by odours.

“People reported feeling nauseous from the overpowering odour.

“Residents should not have to endure smells that make them feel ill.

“We don’t want to see residents unable to enjoy their homes and gardens. 

“The EPA is aware of how this incident affected the surrounding community - every complaint made to our Environment Line is logged and looked into.

“It is an offence for any licenced facility to emit offensive odours to the surrounding community and that is why the EPA has issued this fine," Mr Gilligan said.

Remondis co-operated with the EPA investigation and made changes to the way operations are carried out at the facility, particularly following extreme wet weather.

Aeration equipment is now only used by Remondis during the day and in certain wind conditions, rather than at night when the atmosphere is still, which can cause odours to linger.

Pictured: The waste site at Awaba.
Image: Supplied.

Newcastle Test Cricket Great Loses Battle With Cancer

BY IAN CROUCH

Just two days after a tribute night in his honour, Newcastle Test cricket great, Robert "Dutchy" Holland has lost his fight with brain cancer.

Bob Holland died suddenly, but peacefully yesterday after suffering a brain bleed while he was being treated in hospital for broken ribs suffered in a fall last week.

The 70-year-old was diagnosed with brain cancer in March and surgeons managed to remove 70 to 80 per cent of the tumor.

Dutchy Holland and his wife Carolyn hit the headlines last August when the couple were attacked after telling two motorbike riders not to ride on the cricket field at Awaba.

Bob Holland famously bowled the Aussies to victory in his third test in 1985, cleaning up the mighty West Indies with figures of 6 for 54 and 4 for 90.

The tributes flowing in for Dutchy have come from far and wide. President of Southern Lakes cricket Aaron Gray says it's not surprising.

"It's been overwhelming actually which isn't a surprise to anybody. The impact that he had on people locally, state-wide, internationally and even globally, there's support coming in from everywhere for the family that's for sure."

"Our club was the big beneficiaries of Dutchy's service over more than 50 years so we are forever in debt to his service. The stuff he did for our cricket club won't be matched, it just won't be."

He's survived by his wife Carolyn, sons Craig and Rohan and daughter Naomi.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this time. It's an extremely tough time for everyone that's known him but I can't imagine how tough it is on the family and from the cricket club, you know they're very close in our thoughts and have been for a little while, and will be for a long while," said Aaron.

Robert "Dutchy" Holland

Bob Holland in his Test Heyday

Motocross Rider Seriously Injured In Lake Macquarie Crash

BY IAN CROUCH

A motor cross rider is lucky to be alive after a sickening crash at Lake Macquarie.

The 24-year-old was taking part in competition at the Awaba Motor Cross circuit yesterday afternoon when he crashed heavily after going over a jump, with his head hitting the ground hard.

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter flew him to the John Hunter Hospital where he's now reported to be in a serious but stable condition.

Former Test Cricketer And Wife Injured In Lake Macquarie Attack

BY IAN CROUCH

 Former test cricketer, Robert 'Dutchy' Holland and his wife are continuing to recover from a horrific  attack at Awaba at the weekend, allegedly involving two trail bike riders.

They were allegedly assaulted after telling the pair not to ride on the local cricket field.

69-year-old Holland suffered broken teeth, while his 68-year-old wife Carolyn was treated for broken ribs.

A 31-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman have been charged over the incident.

Bob Holland has told the Ten Network one of the riders lost his temper when he told him to stop riding on the cricket field.

"..and I approached them and said you can't ride your bike there. Then he went berserk," he said.

Bashed: Bob 'Dutchy' Holland. Picture singletonargus.com.au

Couple Bashed And Robbed at Awaba

BY IAN CROUCH

 A couple in their 60's have been the victims if a violent robbery at Awaba.

A 69-year-old man noticed two trail bike riders tearing up on the local cricket field on Saturday and told them to leave.

The riders allegedly lashed out - one running into the man's wife, knocking her to the ground before assaulting both of them and stealing his mobile phone.

The 69-year-old man and his 68-year-old wife were taken to the John Hunter Hospital and treated for cuts, bruises and possible fractures.

The accused, a 31-year-old man and 21-year-old woman were arrested yesterday at a home in nearby Heaton Street and charged with aggravated robbery, assault and inflict actual bodily harm.

They've been granted conditional bail to front Belmont Local Court on September 13.

Funding Announced to Prevent Illegal Dumping

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The Environmental Protection Authority has announced more than $75,000 towards combating illegal dumping in Lake Macquarie.

This funding will be used to establish fencing, gates and signage to control access to bushland areas around the city in an attempt to protect the city's bushland and public spaces.

There will be a particular emphasis on protecting dumping hotspots around the Lake Macquarie area, including Barnsley, Edgeworth and Awaba.

Council's Acting Manager of Sustainability Dean Chapman says this funding will be very beneficial for the Council, and encourages any person who has knowledge about possible cases of illegal dumping not to remain silent.

Incidents of illegal dumping can be reported at ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au, or by phone to Council at 4921 0333.

An example of illegal dumping
Source: ABC News