Final Consultation Sessions for Broadmeadow Redevelopment

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Hunter residents are being urged to have their say about the concept plan for Broadmeadow's Sports and Entertainment Precinct at the final community consultation sessions this weekend.

They'll be held on Sunday at Broadmeadow Showground for the Farmers Market between 10am and 12pm as well as the forecourt of McDonald Jones Stadium at 3:30pm.

The proposed concept plan is looking at ideas for the site's long-term future and issues that need to be addressed.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says they're looking for everybody to have their say.

"Whether you're interested in [the] sports side, the entertainment side, the transport side, the residential aspect to it -- we're looking for everybody's input. I think this is one of the next big exciting steps forward for Newcastle and the Hunter. This is really a chance now to hit the reset button and get the best overall concept to bring in all those elements."

He says this Sunday is the last opportunity for residents to provide feedback for this stage of the plan.

However, if people miss their chance there are other ways they can get involved.

"If you can't get down...you can still have a look at it on the website. Just go to Venues NSW and follow it to 'Concept Plan.' Just follow [the links] through," Mr. MacDonald said.

Concept Plan for Sports Precinct. [Image: Newcastle Herald]

To make a submission visit: http://www.venuesnsw.com/page/conceptplan  

Local Communities Tackle Crime

BY ALEX MURRAY

A community meeting will be held tonight at the New Hope Community Church to combat the increase in crime to areas such as Wallsend, Maryland and Fletcher who have been calling for a permanent police presence. 

The meeting aims to bring together a group to discuss the past incidents and look toward the future with ideas for a Neighbourhood Watch and guest speakers such as Senior Constable, Jeff Milton from the Waratah police and Bill Hackney, coordinator of the Hunter Region's Neighbourhood Watch.

Both will answer questions before the community who have any concerns surrounding local crime rates with an encouragement to attend for the importance of creating a safe and unified community. 

Organisation of the event was conducted by the State member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery who is eager to establish a safe presence for the community under Neighbourhood Watch as she said, "We're looking at how we can best protect one another as a community from crime and this is a wonderful way to do that".

She described, "what we're trying to prevent by setting up a neighbourhood watch is particularly petty crime or unreported crime... a good neighbourhood watch will prevent many crimes because we are looking after one another". 

Ms Hornery says she hopes this meeting and the organisation itself will bring "encouragement and knowledge to people and give them the confidence to report crimes when they see it".

The Meeting will be held at 55A Wentworth St, Wallsend at the New Hope Community church at 7pm.

Community brings change to Supercar circuit

By SARAH BARONOWSKI

Organisers of the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 have made changes to the 2.6 kilometre Supercar circuit following community feedback.

The revised track no longer includes Pacific Park or the Fort but instead runs down WATT street and winds around the Shortland Esplanade.

Despite these changes, the circuit is still set to run through Newcastle's East which has left residents worried about the disruptions the race will bring.

Revised Circuit. [Image from Newcastle Herald]

Newcastle East resident and business owner Maria Charlton said there are more people in the area against the race than for it.

"There are 10 to 20 percent that are for it and they're not affected by the route," she said. "However 80 percent of the residents of Newcastle East are against this.

"It's a majority of residents opposing a race that is targeted at 20 percent of the population."

NSW Premier Mike Baird said those opposed to the race should consider the upside.

"Let me tell you they can rent their places out for a fortune," he said.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said council and Supercars will continue their dialogue with residents to ensure the best outcome for all.

"Newcastle City Council thanks the community for their feedback to date," she said. "Consultation will continue to minimise any disruption will ensuring the track highlights the best of Newcastle including its famous coastline."

To discuss the next stages of planning with the community, information sessions will be held at the Crown Plaza, Newcastle today between 4:30pm and 8:30pm and tomorrow between 8am and 12pm.