City of Newcastle Councillor grills Lord Mayor over "fake community consultation"

BY JARROD MELMETH

Tuesday night's City of Newcastle council meeting saw tensions reach an all-time high, as the saga of the construction of basketball courts within National Park continues.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes moved a mayoral minute celebrated the construction of the six courts at National park after a public voice session last week, which saw council staff grilled about the process by community members.

Cr Nelmes said in her motion that she commends "our Parks and Recreation team for revitalising this desolate, black-asphalted eyesore and unused section of National Park and returning it back to the community, for local people and families to enjoy." 

At the councils public voice session on the issue, members of Friends of National Park spoke outlining their angst among community members, who were hoping the area would become parkland. They asked for a commitment to more green space, no more asphalt, an open and transparent decision making process and genuine consultation.

Greens Councillor John Mackenzie spoke against the Mayoral Minute at Tuesday night's meeting describing the whole situation as “fake community consultation”.

"This motion looks to rewrite history and say this was the decision all along, which is not at all the case and in fact the horse has now bolted and is long gone. The construction of those basketball is now underway. This can't be how council does business. 

"National Park is community land. When we seek community input, we are getting a mandate for the kinds of things that we do on that land. It's not up for council to decide. Unilaterally, no one on this council has the right to decide what happens on community land. That's why we go to consultation. That's why we have a whole series of process around a plan of management to ensure that the uses of our community land are consistent with all of the principles and do find a balance.

"The fact the basketball courts are well liked, has absolutely nothing to do with the decision to unilaterally push ahead with a decision during a plan of management process that we knew was going to be controversial," Cr Mackenzie said.

Cr Nelmes hit back by accusing some councillors of using community members as political pawns.

"It's very disappointing for the friends of National Park because I think they're being used as political footballs in this process. That whole speech [Cr Mackenzie's] and diatribe on council processes and staff, is very grandstandy at best, and very glib," Cr Nelmes said.

The motion was supported by the majority of councillors. 

Picture: City of Newcastle

Calls for Morpeth Railway Station to be returned to the public

BY JARROD MELMETH

Maitland City Council will discuss an idea to return the historic Morpeth Railway Station back to the public, opening it up for use as a community events space.

The station was built in 1889 before it closed in 1952 and has been fenced off to the public. In recent years has been used as a storage yard for NSW Public Works.

Councillor Mitchell Griffin has submitted a motion to the council which will be discussed at Tuesday's meeting calling on officers to write to the NSW Government to relocate the storage site to another location, and allow the site to be utilised by the public.

Cr Griffin would like to see the station transformed into a similar venue as the Newcastle Station.

"I have had approaches from many groups, organisations and businesses in Morpeth with a keen interest in seeing this site restored.

"Suggestions so far include community organisations, expansion of Morpeth Museum, cafe and restaurant space, gallery space, even bicycle hire, the list of opportunity is endless.

"The building itself is starting to fall in to a sad state of disrepair. The community want their station back, it's an important part of their history," Cr Griffin.

Morpeth Railway Station today as a storage facility
Image: Mitchell Griffin

Maitland Councilor submits motion to better protect Councilors

BY JARROD MELMETH

A Maitland Councilor whose car was vandalised last month, is calling on the council to support a motion he hopes will better protect those in public office.

A motion will be discussed at Tuesday nights council meeting, to write to the NSW Government and the NSW Electoral Commissioner requesting a review and reconsideration of the requirement for Council candidates to disclose their residential address on any election material.

According to the NSW Electoral Commission, electoral materials, either printed or posted on social media "must include the name and street address of the person who authorised the material and the name of the printer and the street address of the premises at which it was printed."

Those running in state and federal elections are not required to print their home addresses and are allowed to use a PO Box as their mailing address. This was the case for the 2017 local government elections but the rules have since been changed.

Cr Mitchell says it's not just about his own safety, but that of other councilors as well.

"The motion isn't really just about me, other councilors have reported members of the public turn up and threaten them at their homes. It's about ensuring the safety of all candidates who choose to run for council.

"I am hoping for support across the chamber, I've had indications from most of the councilors that they will support the motion," Cr Mitchell said.

Pictured: Maitland Council Chambers

Port Stephens sports complexes to receive $1.1 million upgrade

BY JARROD MELMETH

Two of Port Stephens premier sports grounds are set for upgrades following a cash injection from the state government.

King Park at Raymond Terrace and Tomaree Sports Complex have received a combined $1.1 million to transform the two facilities into regional sporting destinations.

$840,000 has been awarded to King Park to help council to continue delivering the King Park masterplan. With the money council plans to upgrade the existing amenities building to provide unisex change rooms, revamp the meeting and function area, create new pathways, build tiered and sheltered seating and install new signage.

The remaining $260,000 will be spent at the Tomaree Sports Complex which will see the Elizabeth Waring building revitalised into a high-quality sporting and community space.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says Mayor Ryan Palmer says the grants will improve the quality of sport infrastructure across Port Stephens.

“Investing in sporting infrastructure is an investment in the health of our community, now and into the future. It’s also an investment in keeping our community connected and creates economic opportunities through hosting events," Cr Palmer said.

Pictured: Aerial Image of King Park at Raymond Terrace

Lake Macquarie bushland bounces back after black Summer fires

BY JAMES CARTER

Rain has boosted the recovery of Lake Macquarie bushland affected by the Black Summer fires in 2020, with new imaging surveys showing flora and fauna returning to the area. 

Fire ripped through over 400 hectares of bush near Wangi Wangi on New Year's Eve in 2019, with firefighters controlling the blaze over four days. 

A recent survey of the land has captured the recovery of flora and fauna over the past 18 months.

Lake Macquarie City Council Senior Natural Assets Officer Dominic Edmonds says Gymea lillies, grass trees and banksias were among the plant species thriving once again.

"The idea is to manage the weed throughout the site so that the biodiversity gets the best outcome, we get an increase  amount of native species and a decrease in weed species.

"In the event of another fire in the next 5 or so years will mean that the biodiversity outcomes will be better than they were previously," Mr Edmonds said.

Favourable weather conditions have assisted recovery of the land and Mr Edmonds says the bush regeneration, erosion and access management programs have all helped the significant response from the site. 

"We have a range of threatened species, both flora and fauna on site and we have seen excellent recovery in both of those in the year since fire, particularly due to the amount of rain we have had this year," Mr Edmonds said.

Lake Macquarie Council is trialing an online platform to enable residents to check their property's bushfire risk at the click of a button. 

The site will use cutting-edge aerial infra-red, thermal and high-resolution imagery of bushland across the local government area and will allow residents to check their risk before ringing council for an inspection. 

The pilot project, funded through the NSW Government’s Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund, has already attracted the interest of other councils throughout NSW and will cover a study area between Belmont and Glendale.

The online application is expected to go live later this year. 

The Awaba bushfire site in 2021
Image: Supplied

The same Awaba site 18 months earlier
Image: Supplied

Works begin on sustainable living community hub in Lake Macquarie

BY JAMES CARTER

The Lake Macquarie Landcare Resource Centre is receiving a $2 million upgrade to provide a dedicated sustainable living community hub for the region.

Work is expected to begin this week on the environmental project, set to improve the education, training and gathering of Landcare Volunteers.

The new space will enable the community to participate in workshops, learn more about sustainable living and contribute to the community.

It will feature a large community room, a kitchen for volunteers, office space and facilities for Council employees, and a covered outdoor space for programming and workshops. 

The hub is set to support over 200 Landcare groups across Lake Macquarie in restoring and maintain enviromentally sensitive sites across the region. 

The NSW Government Stronger Country Communities fund and Council have provided funding for the project. 

The government contributed $202,118 to the hub, following the previous upgrades in 2018 that delivered an expanded nursery and covered outdoor learning area. 

The Landcare Resource Centre will be closed while works are underway with the upgraded centre set to open in early 2022. 

Landcare Coordinator Jason Harvey and
 Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser
Image: Supplied 

Georgetown and Waratah local centres set to receive upgrades

BY JAMES CARTER    

Newcastle Council passed a motion confirming future streetscape works to Georgetown Road and Station Street in Waratah.

The upgrades are part of the Local Centres Works program which has completed similar projects in Beresfield, Carrington, Kotara, Mereweather and Stockton in recent years. 

The projects require community consultation and concept design planning but are expected to attract more customers to the business strips. 

Station Street in Waratah was included in the motion after an amendment by Councilor Andrea Rufo. 

A number of issues were raised in the meeting by Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz about tired and dated public domain in the areas. 

"Infrastructure like footpaths, roads, street furniture, garden beds, street-tree selection and signage could be improved. There are also some pedestrian and cycling connectivity issues."

"Parking, of course, will always be at a premium at our popular local centres, so I really look forward to hearing the ideas of locals and local businesses about how we can maximise turnover." she said

Assistance for shopkeepers to improve their street appeal and shopfronts was raised at the meeting and supported by the councilors. 

The Georgetown Road local area
Image: Google Maps

Counter terrorism plans for Newcastle

BY JAMES WARD

Newcastle City Council is planning to implement barriers and bollards around open spaces in the city to remove any potential terrorist threats.

It comes as the Turnbull government unveiled its anti terror strategy to be introduced around cities across the country.

It also comes in light of the recent Barcelona attacks with a man using a vehicle as a weapon.

Newcastle Council Interim Chief Executive, Jeremy Bath, says the focus is certainly on open spaces including CBD's.

"Councillors will be focusing on open spaces, in particular, the CBD areas so it could be Hamilton, Newcastle and Wallsend, frankly anywhere where large amounts of people are gathering in open spaces is where the council will be putting its focus on." Bath said.

The plan hopes to implement trees, statues, stairs and bollards to promote safety and remove any potential threat of attack especially those using vehicles as weapons as seen in London and Barcelona recently.

"It's about coming up with measures to prevent vehicles from becoming weapons in open public spaces, for example, putting in concrete blocks, statues or tree planter boxes with really inventive ways of using them so that they are aesthetically pleasing."

"I can give people assurances now that our focus is about ensuring public safety while not interfering with people's day to day lives, so its really important that we come up with creative solutions that protect public safety but still encourage people to get out and really enjoy this great city we call, Newcastle." Bath stated.

The council has already ordered 16 vehicle entrapment barricades and more to come to blend in with the urban landscape.

Source: Herald Sun

Phoney consultation the hot topic at a community forum in Newcastle tonight

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Phoney consultation and a disregard for professional and sensible advice is what the Hunter Community Coalition (HCC) believes is leading to the downfall of Newcastle.

The HCC is made up of numerous community groups formed in a response to what they see as non-existent consultation between the council, urban planning groups and the community in regards to construction and planning projects throughout the city.

The group is hosting a public forum titled Taking the "Con" Out of Consultation tonight open to all residents and community groups concerned with what is happening in their city without their consideration. The forum will start at 7pm in the Hunter Room at City Hall.

Three guest speakers will be in attendance including NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge, Corrinne Fisher from Total Environment Centre and founding convener of Better Planning Network, and Paul Scott a lecturer in Communication at the University of Newcastle and community advocate.

David Blithe from the HCC says people aren't being taken into account, communities aren't taken into account and overall the whole city is losing out.

"We are treated a bit like mushrooms, we're kept in the dark and fed on manure - decisions seem to be made and certainly are made before a phoney consultation process goes through."

The major concern is, of course, the upcoming Supercars event which has left many residents fuming.

"All of these things are concerns that we have that could've been resolved if planning had been open the residents and the other interested people like commuters, businesses and visitors had been consulted beforehand."

Phoney pledge by Lord Mayor: Kath Elliott

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

A pledge by Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes to protect council jobs has come under attack from Independent Lord Mayoral candidate, Kath Elliott.

The Independents have described the pledge as phony, saying council is increasingly relying on contract staff to cover absentees and leave and is accusing Labor of doing a deal with the unions to get their financial support for the election campaign.

It comes as council staff enter negotiations for a new enterprise agreement, but the independents say it doesn't make sense with more and more contract staff being hired.

However, the United Services Union (USU) which represents a majority of the workers employed at the council, has called out Kath Elliott's claims her team will "retain and enhance" council services and "do what is right for workers". They say given her refusal to commit to not cutting jobs or outsourcing services it's a bit rich.

"There's a history with these conservatives and these independents when they run for council or run for office they say one thing and when they get in there they do something completely different. If they're serious about saving jobs and enhancing the opportunities for locals to work on council they are doing exactly what the Labor party is proposing," said Graeme Kelly from the USU.

The union is welcoming the current Lord Mayor's decision to sign the pledge and believe it's not too late for councillors to jump on board. Graeme Kelly says they're working with council to put a stop to outsourcing.

"Council jobs are always under threat and we're doing what we can to ensure that Newcastle City Council workers get some security and employment and that's why we're seeking these pledges be signed by the candidates who are running for office."

Image newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Newcastle deserves better than what its got: Greens

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle Greens candidates say the city deserves better than what it's got.

With local council elections just one month away, the Green's kick started their campaign yesterday with NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge alongside Greens voters and local Newcastle residents.

Lord Mayoral candidate Therese Doyle says it is particularly encouraging that state MP's like David Shoebridge stand up for Newcastle and what Newcastle deserves.

"They take a lot of heart from the fact that people like David Shoebridge stand up for their interest in the State Parliament because the State Government is not standing up for Newcastle's interests."

Therese Doyal has promised if she takes out the top job she'll involve the community in all decisions and ensure they are listened to by the state government. In particular, the debate over the Newcastle 500 Supercars race, which doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon, and Therese says she'll keep fighting against it for Newcastle residents and the community.

Mayoral Candidate Therese Doyle, NSW Greens
MP David Shoebridge & Council Candidate
Thomas Levick.

David Shoebridge said the current council is giving the city nothing they deserve and everything they don't want and has some fighting words for current Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

"The Lord Mayor here in Newcastle has really surrendered the city to the State Government, she hasn't stood up when it mattered on Supercars, she hasn't stood up when it mattered on protecting the corridor and we need the strength of Councillor Doyle and hopefully with the Lord Mayor chains around her, really making sure Newcastle stands up to the arrogance of the state government."

Therese Doyle was a little more diplomatic towards the current Lord Mayor.

"Ahh... I have a different vision I believe to Nuatali. I would like to see some of the money we are spending here on the Supercars even spent on other projects. I would like to see us engaging more actively with supporting cultural arts events."

"There have been Greens on this council standing up for this community and the environment for decades. This is a chance to elect an even bigger team, to have a stronger influence on council and to make sure the community are being heard, not just those developers and those private interests that are picking off our parks, picking off our heritage. It's time the community really got a good listen to," said David Shoebridge.

The fight against the Supercars event isn't slowing down.

Here come Maitland's Liberal candidates...

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

With local government elections drawing nearer, the Maitland Liberals have settled on their team to contest the upcoming council elections.

The party is promising to get back to the basics of local government - roads, rates and rubbish - with a major focus on improving local roads and fixing traffic snarls.

Among the candidates is East Ward candidate Kanchan Ranadive who will become the first Indian National to stand for Maitland Council. The Central Ward candidate is Sally Halliday, Mitchell Griffin is the North Ward candidate and finally, the West Ward candidate is Ben Mitchell.

Mayoral candidate Bob Geoghegan says their East Ward candidate Kanchan Ranadive is particularly concerned about the recent spate of vandalism at local reserves and traffic congestion on Chisholm Drive.

"We've got a small new team, two women two men and interestingly for the first time that I can recall an Indian born candidate in the local government elections in the Maitland area anyway."

Bob Geoghan says on a whole, the Liberal team want to get back to basics.

"Council always has to focus on the main functions of council which are roads, rates and rubbish with the roads in Maitland there are certainly issues with roads, with regards to rates I think we have to always be very conscious of keeping the cost of living down particularly in this era of high electricity prices."

Maitland population set to grow even further

BY JARROD MELMETH

Maitland's population is set to grow even further following council's approval of two development applications for 247 lots across Thornton and Louth Park at Tuesday night's council meeting.

According to the latest census data, Maitland's population exceeds 77,000 residents, which is a two percent increase from the 2011 census results.

The approval of more residential housing comes just weeks after Maitland Council approved a housing development application from Defence Housing Australia known as Wirraway, which features 511 housing lots in Thornton.

An application for a 71 lot residential subdivision within the North Urban Release Area, with associated stormwater infrastructure at 508 Raymond Terrace Road was lodged by Paradigm Planning and Development was originally lodged with council along with a proposed new intersection onto Raymond Terrace Road.

Council's report shows two submissions were received during the public notification period in objection to the proposed development saying "a landowner opposite the subject site objects to the development on the grounds of traffic impacts and the intersection design; and the other from the adjoining landowner to the west who objects to the development on the grounds of the location of the road connection between the two sites". The report says the issues have been addressed in the report.

At Louth Park, Valhalla Investments lodged an application to develop the existing two lot land into 176 lots for housing on Dagworth Road, which has been identified as a bushfire prone, gazetted within a proclaimed Mine Subsidence District and subject to flooding.

Maitland Council's Manager for Development and Environment said although the sites are prone to fire, mine subsidence and flooding, the development area has passed all the required assessments.

"There are areas around Louth Park that are subject to flooding, much like most parts of Maitland but, those issues have been well planned for and evacuation routes are sound for this particular subdivision.

"Mine subsidence does have a role to play in the approval of structures, having said that the Mine Subsidence Board have signed off on the principle of residential development.

Mr Simm believes the release of the land is a step towards addressing the population growth of the region.

"The population growth and the number of residential lots released over the past five to seven years demonstrate the demand for housing in the Maitland area," Mr Simm said.

Development site for 71 houses at Raymond Terrace Road, Thornton.

Development site for 176 houses at Dagworth Road, Louth Park.

Government ready to hear from Singleton

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI and JESSICA ROUSE

The state government is heading to Singleton today to hold a community cabinet meeting to hear from the people who matter most, those who live within the council area and find out what issues are affecting them.

Up for discussion is the distribution of funds for the Resources for Regions program, the status of the Singleton Bypass and the government's response to the flying fox population.


Mayor Sue Moore says the Resources for Regions program will be a key focus of the meeting.

"We were fortunate to receive $3.5 million in the last round of the program, however we had asked $7 million, so that leaves a shortfall of $3.5 million so we're actually asking for some understanding as to how the resources for the region and the money is allocated so hopefully we'll be able to see the release of some more funds."

Having ministers on the ground and hearing from the community themselves is the most valuable part of today's meeting, and giving a great opportunity for all according to Mayor Moore.

"Council can say as much as they like and what these issues are, but there's nothing like hearing from the people on the ground."

Off-leash dog park for Maitland

BY JESSICA ROUSE

An idea flagged by Maitland City Council a couple of years ago is finally coming to fruition, an off-leash dog park.

The Council has announced a $25,000 dollar enclosed off-leash dog area as a part of their Operational Plan currently on exhibition.

The park is proposed for a block of land on Morpeth Road in the old brickworks quarry where there is already a large enclosed playground.

There is the possibility of more works to be completed in the old quarry, with the potential for toilet blocks, car parking and more. Councillor Phillip Penfold says the dog area at least is due to be adopted next month as a part of the Operational Plan.

"I see in examples of locations around the state that you can provide some interesting aspects for dogs. I think that developing the parcel of land down there at Raworth on Morpeth Road is a fantastic place that can only be further enhanced."

Council is welcoming feedback from the community about the project as well.

"The draft proposal is out on exhibition and this is one element of a large plan moving forward. The intention is to provide the off-leash dog area in the 2018 -19 period. It's one thing people can comment on and if they'd like to offer their feedback it would be welcome for that feedback to be provided to council."

Raworth playground. Image CR Phillip Penfold Facebook page

Ten-year community plan released for Lake Macquarie

By LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A draft Community Strategic Plan detailing future regional projects has been placed on public exhibition by Lake Macquarie City Council.

The move comes after a council meeting on Monday night, where the decision was made to call for additional community consultation on the Delivery Program and Operational Plan which will be used to carry out the works cited in 'Our Future in Detail.'

The 'Our Future in Detail' plan includes more than $111 million worth of capital works which will be undertaken in Lake Macquarie throughout 2017 and 2018. The money spent will broken down into $30 million on road surface upgrades; $19.7 million on improvements to parks and playgrounds; $4.7 million on the upgrade of local sporting facilities and $4.6 million on traffic works.

"These plans capture our community's vision for the future of Lake Macquarie," says Mayor, Kay Fraser.

In addition to this, over the course of the next 10 years, Council are promising that Phase 2 green waste services will be rolled out to households and at least 2600 cultural programs will be brought to Lake Macquarie's art gallery and library.

Council is also promising to advocate for state and federal funding for the second stage of the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange.

"What we're doing is first-off inviting community feedback on the plans," says Mayor Fraser.

"We've already gone through a detailed community engagement- we held Shape Our Future, where we were out asking the community what they wanted, what their vision and values were for the city..."

However, following the release of the draft Strategic and Operational Plans, Council is urging residents to read over the documents, available online or at Lake Macquarie libraries and get in contact with council regarding their concerns.

How Should Singleton Look in 2027?

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Do have a plan for the future of Singleton?

If so, Singleton Council wants your submission for its Strategic Plan, which will outline Council's priorities over the next four years, and guide plans over the next decade.

The immediate plans, over the next four years, are expected to cost Council more than $100 million.  But, despite the large sum, General Manager Jason Linnane said it's all costed.

"We expect to spend at least $100 million on managing and improving the array of assets that we manage on behalf of the community," he said.

"That includes our water and sewer assets, our roads and community facilities.

"The funding sources are many and varied; they include the rate revenue we receive, grants from state and federal governments, user fees and charges and also the other business activities of Council."

A community information drop-in session was held in April received and so far, more than 2,000 respondents, who gave feedback via surveys, social media and workshops.

"It's great to see threat level of interest continue during the public exhibition of the draft document, and I thank those people who attended the community drop-in session," Mr Linnane said.

Residents have until the Friday, April 28 to give their feedback.

The document can be viewed at Council's Administration Building, Singleton Library or on Council's website at www.singleton.nsw.gov.au.

Expenses Scandal a 'non-issue': Lord Mayor

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has responded to a story in Thursday's Daily Telegraph, saying revelations she spent $270 of ratepayers' money on childcare for her daughter is a "non-issue".

The Daily Telegraph story - which did not contact Ms Nelmes for comment - said the Lord Mayor took her young daughter with her on a council trip to Singapore last year.

While in the South-East Asian country, MS Nelmes paid $270 for a single day's childcare and used public funds to pay for it, which is within the $6000 annual limit Newcastle Council staff have for career expenses.

"I'm not unique as a working mother in a leadership role and this often blends carers responsibilities with work.  At no time did I ever seek reimbursement for my daughter's travel, I paid for it all myself," Ms Nelmes said.

"The only expense I claimed was related to her childcare expenses for one day."

She said she was forced to take her daughter on the trip since Council gave her little notice of the trip.

"It was in the school holidays and the only way I could go for those three nights was to take my daughter and I paid for her and I claimed one day of childcare expenses," she said.

"In my mind, I thought that was reasonable to make sure I exercised my duty."

Ms Nelmes called the article in The Daily Telegraph a "beat-up" and said it was detracting from the exciting changes Newcastle is experiencing.

She said the story was a "relative non-issue considering all of the great things that are happening in the city and all of the important issues happening around the world".

A Newcastle Council spokesman said council introduced an expenses policy more than a decade ago, which was aimed to "increase the participation by women and underrepresented groups in local government".

"Pursuant to clause 17 of the expenses policy, the Lord Mayor was entitled to and did claim for one day of approved childcare in Singapore," the spokesman said.

The Daily Telegraph spoke with a number of Newcastle councillors - excluding the Lord Mayor herself - including Liberal councillor Brad Luke, who said he probably wouldn't pass the pub test.

"I don't think the average person ... is going to be happy that while on an overseas trip on council expenses she not only took her daughter, but claimed childcare," he told The Daily Telegraph.

Singleton has a New Mayor

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

The dust has settled on the Singleton leg of the Local Government Elections, with former Mayor Sue Moore narrowly defeating incumbent John Martin for the top job.

Sue Moore

Moore was Mayor of Singleton from 2008 to 2012, serving as its fist female leader.

She was defeated by Martin at the 2012 election.

Going into the first Council meeting on September 26, Moore will be looking to co-operate with her colleagues, including John Martin, who was re-elected as a Councillor.

"I've been part of that team [the former Council] for the past four years so we'll continue to work with both John Martin and Tony MacNamara who were Mayoral candidates," she said

"We'll, I'm sure, all work together well."

She's also committed Council to remaining civil, and not getting bogged down in party politics.

"Singleton's generally been free of party politics.  All except one candidate stood as an independent," she said.

"I'm sure that we'll all work together, not all with the same ideas, obviously because you wouldn't want [us] all having the same ideas."

"But all appreciating each other's ideas and thoughts and working together as a team is hugely important."

[Image courtesy of Facebook].

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