Police Appeal For Information to Locate Missing Windale Man

BY JACK SEYMOUR

Police are asking for public assistance to help locate a missing man from Lake Macquarie.

35-year-old Andrew was last seen at Myall Street, Windale on Wednesday January 15.

He's known to use public transport and frequent the Windale, Charlestown, Warners Bay, Hillsborough and Belmont areas.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers.

Testing Clinic Tempers Flare as the Hunter Nears Capacity

 By SAMUEL BARTLETT

COVID-19 testing clinics across the Hunter are being forced to turn motorists away due to the influx of cases in the region.

With 674 new COVID cases in the Hunter New England Health District today, motorists at drive through clinics are waiting hours to receive a swab.

NSW Health have also said they won't be notifying every close contact or even every positive case. 

The change means people could be waiting indefinitely for a test result or in the community while infectious without knowing.

Tempers are flaring at packed clinics with drivers being encouraged to look elsewhere to get a test.

Shadow Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley says the Government needs to open the clinics for longer and do whatever necessary to keep the region under control.

She says, "we've discovered that the testing clinics have reduced their hours so far that we're seeing absolute chaos out on the streets,"

"We've got a significant number of cases in the hunter now and as a result a lot of people have been in contact, and they want to be tested," she explains.

"The Government is asking them to get tested however that is near impossible right throughout the Hunter,"

"We've called on the government to be nimble and to provide the resources that we need when appropriate." 

Lake Macquarie Council Names Contractor For Weir Road Bridge

BY PATRICK ALDERTON 

Lake Macquarie City Council has appointed a contractor to oversee the construction of the new Weir Road Bridge. 

The multi-million dollar bridge works, to be delivered by Robson Civil Projects, will consist of the construction of a new dual-lane bridge, road realignment works and the construction of a three-metre wide pathway on the bridge's northern side. 

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser believes that the Lake Macquarie community will welcome the news. 

"Once complete, it will enable a reliable and safe passage for motorists to travel between Barnsley and Teralba," Ms Fraser said. 

Robson Civil Projects Division Manager Chris Janetzki says the company is extremely proud to be tasked with the project. 

"Robson Civil Projects are very excited to be involved in this project and we look forward to delivering a quality product for the Lake Macquarie Community," Mr Janetzki said. 

Lake Macquarie Council will jointly fund the project with the Australian Government, who have pledged $4.7 million toward the bridge, with the Council funding the remainder of the project. 

Construction of the bridge is set to begin in late August, with the bridge expected to be operational in mid-2022. 

An artist's impression of the New Weir Road Bridge. 
Image supplied. 

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 

Avondale becomes Australia's newest University

BY JAMES CARTER

Avondale College at Cooranbong has become the first new university in Australia in almost a decade.

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency announced the change in classification as the faith-based institution achieved requirements under the Higher Education Standards Framework. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Petrie says the new status will provide the institution with new opportunities. 

"We focus very much on applied research, on research that makes a genuine difference on communities so we are looking to further strengthen that. 

"It will give us further opportunities to collaborate with other institutions, to continue to strengthen our learning and teaching portfolio and stronger connections in our local community," Mr Petrie said.

Avondale first applied for university status in 1994 and worked to broaden its teaching and research profile. 

The now-university was established in 1987 and is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist system of universities and colleges worldwide.  

Avondale has more than 1200 students studying across four disciplines and two campuses at Cooranbong and in Sydney at the Adventist Hospital. 

Pictured: Students at Avondale College.
Image: Supplied.

Lake Macquarie Man Fined $2,000 for Illegal Tyre Dumping

 By SAMUEL BARTLETT

A 43-year-old man from Bolton point has suffered a $2,000 fine for dumping nine tyres at Killingworth in early March.

Investigators from the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squad detected the offence using covert surveillance cameras.

RID Squad Coordinator Rob Robertson explained, "we regularly use covert cameras to combat illegal dumping on Council land, or any other land where we have the owners or managers permission. 

More fines could be on the way as Mr. Robertson said, "we are still seeking a person for a second dump which was captured at this same location."

Tyres are seen as a particularly difficult type of waste which don't break down or perish and cause long running environmental problems when left.

Mr Robertson warned its much safer to pay the fee at a waste facility rather than suffer the fines for dumping.

"If you are caught illegally dumping, you will receive an on the spot fine of between $2,000 and $8,000. you must then remove and pay for the lawful disposal of the waste anyway," he said.

Larger amounts of waste dumping can result in a court appearance where fines reach over $100,000 for individuals.

"Don't put yourself in the position where you are regretting a poor choice regarding disposal of waste," Mr Robertson says.

Police Seek Assistance To Find Missing Lake Macquarie Man Suffering Dementia

 BY EL FITCHETT

Police are appealing for urgent assistance to help locate a missing 60 year old Macquarie Hills man.

Patrick Thaidy was last seen at his home on Delasala Drive, Macquarie Hills around 12am last Sunday, 6th December. His family reported him missing to police.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District conducted a canvas of the local area, but Mr Thaidy has not been located.

Mr Thaidy is described as being 180 centimeters tall, with a slim build. He has thin grey-black coloured hair in a crew style cut, and a short grey beard.  He walks with a stoop and is frail. He was last seen wearing grey Everlast track pants, a blue Everlast long sleeve t-shirt, and black shoes.

Mr Thaidy has dementia and diabetes, and may appear disoriented. He also left home without his dentures, so his appearance will vary from the supplied image.

Anyone who has seen Patrick Thaidy, or knows of his whereabouts is urged to contact police.

Community Calls For Rejection Of Vales Point Exemption

BY EL FITCHETT

The Lake Macquarie community is calling on the NSW Environmental Protection Authority to reject a new emissions exemption for the Vales Point power station, and bring it back in line with state standards.

The power station, owned by Delta Electricity, emits almost double the New South Wales emissions limit.

Vales Point holds a 10 year exemption under the Clean Air Act, which allows it to exceed emission limits for nitrogen oxide small particles and sulphur dioxide. The exemption is due to expire at the end of 2020, and Delta Electricity would need to lodge a new application before the end of the year to continue producing at current levels.

Local community group Future Sooner is concerned about the effect of the power station on health in Lake Macquarie, and is lobbying the NSW EPA to oppose any new applications.

"Up to 6 per cent of the children with asthma aged two to 14 living on the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie, have asthma that can be linked to toxic air pollution spewing out of local coal-burning power stations," Future Sooner spokesperson Will Belford said.

Estimates by the University of Newcastle's Dr. Ben Ewald show 320 children in Lake Macquarie have asthma due to nitrogen exposure from power stations.

"We've accepted for years that this is the cost of doing business and producing electricity, but there's a growing dissatisfaction with the toll we have to pay in terms of health," Mr. Belford said.

Future Sooner wants the EPA to impose changes on Delta Electricity to reduce pollution to best practice levels by refusing to grant a new five year exemption.

"If the EPA don't grant the license then Delta Electricity have got to reduce the output from 1500 milligrams to 800, which would require some kind of technical solution in the power station," Mr. Belford said.

The Federal Government announced in it's October Budget $8.7 million in funding for upgrades at the power station aimed at reducing emissions, improving reliability, and providing an additional 30 mega watts of dispatchable energy to the market. 

However, Mr. Belford thinks that's unlikely, given Vales Point is due to be decommissioned in 2028.

"They wont particularly want to make investments in reducing the pollution at this point, but that's an assumption, we don't know whether it's definitely going to close in 8 years or not," he said.

Despite uncertainty around the future of Vales Point, Future Sooner believes the NSW EPA has a rare opportunity to ensure clean air across the Hunter.

"They have an opportunity here to show some good faith, demonstrate best practice, and make sure that in the last 8 years of operation this station it's polluting at acceptable levels," Mr. Belford said.

Vales Point Power Station Image Wikipedia

UPDATE! Missing Woman Located

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police have confirmed Doris Wheeler has been found safe and well.

EARLIER:

Police are seeking assistance to find an elderly woman missing from Lakelands since Tuesday morning.

Doris Wheeler was last seen at Gosforth Grove at around 11 o'clock.

The 99-year-old lives with dementia and there are concerns for her welfare due to her age and condition.

Doris is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 154cm tall with a slim build and grey hair.

Anyone who may have seen Doris or has information about her whereabouts is urged to call Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Major Delays Following Fatal Crashes at Morisset, Cooranbong

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

There are major delays following two fatal crashes on Lake Macquarie's roads.

At Morisset, a man has died after being struck by a car on Fishery Point Road around 12:30 Thursday afternoon.

He is yet to be formally identified.

The car's male driver has been taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing.

Fishery Point Road is closed in both directions and Police advise it will remain so for several hours as investigations continue.

At Cooranbong, Martinsville Road and Freemans Drive are closed following a fatal collision involving a car and motorcycle.

A man died after his motorbike collided with a car near the intersection of Martinsville Road and Freemans Drive at around 1:30 Thursday afternoon.

Both roads will remain closed for some time and police are advising motorists with non-essential travel plans to avoid the area completely.

Parents should be advised Police and schools are working to establish alternative pick up points for students on school buses, with schools expected to advise guardians of the situation.

Built-up traffic is expected to remain heavy at both scenes for several hours as the roads remain closed.

Labor Commits $13 million for Glendale Interchange

BY JARROD MELMETH & MADELAINE MCNEILL

Federal Labor have today announced it will invest $13 million into the Glendale Interchange.

The money will go towards building the Pennant Street Bridge which would link Glendale to Cardiff. 

Lake Macquarie Council has also committed $6 million towards the project with Labor expecting the remaining $13 million needed to fund the $32 million project to be funded by the NSW Government.

The interchange is arguably the regions most strategically important infrastructure projects and has been a point of contention in politics since the idea was proposed by former Premier Bob Carr, 21 years ago.

In last years budget, the NSW Government said it was not going to fund the bridge over the rail lines between Cardiff and Glendale instead providing $360,000 in planning funds.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development Anthony Albanese was in the Hunter today to announce the funding commitment where he called on the NSW Government to provide the left over funds.

“Labor has consistently backed the Glendale Interchange because we see the value it will bring to this region.

“When I was the Infrastructure Minister, I ensured that there was $13 million in the Federal Budget for this project. However, immediately upon their election the current Liberal-National Government in Canberra scrapped the fund and in the process cut over a million dollars from the Glendale Interchange.

“This project has the backing of Federal Labor and Lake Macquarie City Council, which will contribute $6 million to the $32 million project. The interchange needs the backing of all levels of government and the Berejiklian Government should match Federal Labor’s commitment," Mr Albanese said.

The funding would help complete the first stage of the interchange, including the Pennant Street Bridge.

While work has been completed on the first section of roadworks, including the extension of Stockland Drive and Glendale Drive, there is no funding currently available to continue to the critical second section, the Pennant Street Bridge over the rail line in Cardiff.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy said it was important to keep momentum going on the project.

“Independent analysis has shown that for every dollar invested in this project by governments another $94 of private investment will be unlocked, creating up to 10,000 jobs for our region.

“I am pleased stage one has begun, but the real benefits lie in linking Cardiff and Glendale with the bridge over the rail line at Pennant Street," Mr Conroy said

Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said all Hunter councils had identified the project as a priority.

“As well as the obvious benefits for Lake Macquarie, this project provides crucial connectivity for mining and energy businesses from right throughout the region to gain access to the Port of Newcastle.

“There is enormous potential for retail and commercial business as well, and this area is earmarked for significant housing growth," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said the project will deliver much needed jobs for our region.

“Major infrastructure projects are important enablers of regional economies over time but they also deliver a lot of jobs during the construction phase.

“Our region benefited from a number of major projects funded by the former Labor Government.  These included the duplication of the Tourle Street Bridge and the new University of Newcastle city campus.  The Glendale Interchange project would build on Federal Labor's strong record of delivering for our region," Ms Claydon said.

The announcement is the second major roads commitment from Labor for the Hunter, following Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson announcing yesterday to match the Liberals $1.6 billion commitment to extend the Pacific Highway from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace.

L-R: Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, Infrastructure Minister Anthony
Albanese, Shortland MP Pat Conroy & Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon.

Glendale Technology High School Vandalised

BY JARROD MELMETH

Glendale Technology High School has been hit by vandals who have destroyed parts of the oval.

The school posted on its Facebook page saying it believes it to be the work of five youths who cut several holes in the fencing before destroying seating and carving up the oval with what appears to be a motorbike.

The incident comes just 3 days into the school holidays.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Toronto Police Station.

Pictured: The vandalism on the oval.
Image: Glendale Technology High School.

Man Arrested In Sydney Over Lake Macquarie Sexual Assault

BY JARROD MELMETH

A man will face court today charged over allegedly sexually assaulting two young girls in Lake Macquarie.

An investigation into the man was launched by Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad following reports two girls aged 8 and 12 were sexually and indecently assaulted by a man known to them.

With the assistance of the Australian Border Force, the 59-year-old man was arrested at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney's Circular Quay on Monday afternoon.

He was taken to Day Street Police Station where he was charged with two counts of indecent and aggravated sexual assault - victim under 16 years.

Police will allege in court the man sexually and indecently assaulted both girls at a property in the Lake Macquarie area in January this year.

The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Central Local Court today.

Image: Home Affairs.

Whale Remains Result In Increased Shark Activity Along Lake Macquarie Coastline

BY JARROD MELMETH

Beachgoers are being urged to exercise caution over the next few days, due to the potential of increased shark activity with whale remains discovered in the area.

Redhead and Blacksmiths Beaches were closed late Monday due to the discovery but reopened on Tuesday morning following an assessment where no sharks were sighted.

Council's Beach Lifeguard, Paul Stone said increased reports of sighting in the area indicated there was a potential for increased shark activity.

"Lake Macquarie is blessed to have such a beautiful stretch of coastline that many residents and visitors take advantage of especially during the warmer months, however, the activity presents a heightened risk to swimmers and surfers.

Mr Stone said lifeguards would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Image: Newcastle Star.

$8m Recycling Initiative Approved By Lake Macquarie Council

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE AND JARROD MELMETH

Lake Macquarie City Council has approved an $8 million asphalt plant at Teralba which will turn soft plastics and other recycled material into local roads.

Assets and infrastructure giant Downer Group are expected to begin work this month to replace its Rhondda Road facility with a new plant capable of incorporating recycled materials into the asphalt it produces.

Having been successfully trialled in Victoria and Sydney, it will be one of the first places in New South Wales to produce the sustainable asphalt, using materials that would once be considered waste.

Council's Sustainability Manager, Alice Howe, said materials produced at the plant would be used in Lake Macquarie and neighbouring local government areas.

"This is fantastic to see local businesses are really taking on the opportunity to reuse waste materials for beneficial applications. We are really proud to see this type of development in our region," Dr Howe said.

The approved development is one of many council recycling initiatives. Earlier this year council started using recycled glass sand in civil works projects, closing the loop on thousands of tonnes glass waste placed in the household bins each year. In July council also introduced a revamped three-bin service, where all food waste is placed in the green bin and converted into compost.

Existing Teralba Asphalt Plant.

Know Your Rights: MyHealth Record Opt Out

BY JARROD MELMETH

From this week, Hunter New England Health patients who do not want their medical records stored on the national My Health Record database have until October 15 to opt out.

Under the scheme, people's medical records will be stored on a national database, to be viewed by patients, doctors and other medical staff at any time.

My Health Record is set to come into effect by the end of the year, but patients are being warned about potential privacy and security issues, with a three-month window to say they don't want the Australian government to make an online medical file for them.

Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network Executive Manager John Bailey said he believes the system is more secure than a paper one.

"The system is built on military-grade security systems. The Commonwealth government have taken great cares to make sure that it is secure. Obviously, no system is absolutely secure and it would be a foolhardy person who said that it was.

"The reality of it is, it is much more secure than the paper record in a practitioners office and it is much more safe and secure than an exercise book that people are carrying around," Mr Bailey said.

For more information about My Health Record click here.

Police investigating fraud and stealing offences in Lake Macquarie

BY JARROD MELMETH

Police are appealing for assistance following a series of stealing and fraud offences in the Hunter.

Between June and July, police say an organised group have targeted retail and fast food outlets in Charlestown, Swansea, Morisett and Wyee, becoming argumentative with employees to confuse and trick them out of cash.

A silver Holden Commodore bearing Victorian license plates has been seen in the vicinity at the time the offences have been committed and is currently of interest to police.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

Lower Hunter homeowners urged to take up free asbestos testing

BY JARROD MELMETH

Lower Hunter residents are being urged to take advantage of free asbestos testing currently being offered for the next 30 days after loose-fill asbestos was found in a Glendale home.

On Monday the NSW Government announced its decision to expand the $278 million state-wide taskforce targetting loose-fill asbestos.

Loose-fill asbestos is raw crushed asbestos (unlike bonded products), which in the 1960s and 70s was installed as ceiling insulation in an unknown number of NSW homes. Over time, hazardous airborne fibres can move from the ceiling into living spaces. Earlier experiences in both NSW and the ACT have demonstrated that simply removing loose-fill asbestos from a ceiling cavity does not effectively remove the hazard.

NSW Fair Trading Executive Director Peter Dunphy said homes found to contain loose-fill asbestos do still have options available.

"This includes having your home purchased at market value by the Government as if it didn't contain asbestos.

"Our number one focus is removing this hazard from the community, while also protecting the biggest investment most of us will make in our lifetimes, the family home," Mr Dunphy said.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said there are fears of more homes containing loose asbestos due to the number of older houses in the area.

Free testing for loose-fill asbestos is available in Greater Newcastle, including Maitland City, Cessnock City, Port Stephens, Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie City local government areas.

For more information and to register for testing click here.

Image source: ABC news.

Green light given to development despite exceeding height limit

BY JARROD MELMETH

Lake Macquarie Council has approved a development application from poultry company Inghams, to construct four grain silos at their Cardiff site, which will be almost 25-metres high, double the legal height limit for the area.

The land on the corner of Nelson and Durie Road has a prescribed height limit of 15-metres under the Local Environment Plan, while the proposed development is 28.5 metres in height including the replacement conveyor system which will be located atop the new silos.

It is understood the applicant submitted a written request to vary the maximum building height which was supported by council on Monday night.

The approval follows an incident in January 2017, where a silo collapsed damaging two other silos which were later demolished.

Lake Macquarie Cr Kevin Baker was the only councillor to object to the application due to the combustible nature of grain dust.

"Grain silos can be very dangerous. We were quite lucky we didn't have a significant explosion in the collapse last year. One thing we just have not really taken into consideration is, is this the right development in the right area?

"It may be permissible under the industrial zoning, but is having a large dangerous goods site adjacent to a train line and other buildings the right thing to do?

"I just do not think council has considered that in the best way," Cr Baker said.

The site at Cardiff Inghams for the proposed development.
Image: Google Maps.