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.

Cruise Terminal Funding Loss A Setback For The Region: Hunter Business Chamber

BY JARROD MELMETH

The New South Wales Government has made good on its pre-election threat by pulling $12.7 million funding from the Newcastle Cruise Terminal project.

The funding for the Port was announced in 2016 by former Premier Mike Baird, but last year the port revealed the project had suffered cost blow outs and the new building would not be able to serve as a home port for ships as a result.

Since revealing the cost blow outs, the NSW Government have refused to provide more money for the project.

"Port of Newcastle has been working on this project on behalf of the NSW Government on the basis of providing a facility that meets the cruise industry's needs while remaining within the funding provided.

"While disappointed construction of the terminal facility cannot proceed at this time, we respect that funding is no longer available," a statement form the Port of Newcastle said.

In a statement to 2NUR-FM, an Infrastructure NSW spokesperson said "the $12.7 million in Restart NSW funding remains available to Port of Newcastle should the project be delivered as per the original scope agreed in the funding deed."

Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes has described the move as a significant setback for the region.

"The loss of funding is very disappointing, particularly for those tourism operators whoa re investing in facilities and services to improve our visitor economy.

"We are currently receiving around 28,000 passenger visits per year from cruise ships and many of those are overseas visitors.

"It is clear that the existing facilities are inadequate for a growing market and do not help create a good first impression for our visitors," Mr Hawes said.

The Port of Newcastle is acknowledged as an emerging tourism gateway in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan, which Mr Hawes says it should be treated as such.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is accusing the government of short changing the project causing it to stall.

"We've known that Newcastle would need more than the poultry $12.7 million provided, when Eden, in the Minister for Transport's electorate is about to cut the ribbon on a $44 million cruise ship terminal," Mr Crakanthorp said.

What could have been. The designs for the new terminal released in 2017.

The current cruise terminal. Photo: The Newcastle Herald.

NSW Labor's 3-point Plan for Coal Mine Workers

BY JARROD MELMETH

NSW Labor has announced a 3-point plan for coal mine workers, including those in the Hunter in an effort to improve job security and working conditions.

The plan includes a cap for contracted, labour-hire and casual coal mining of 20 percent which means at least 80 percent of workers on land subject to approval must be directly employed by the approval holder or any other entity that operates the mine.

A new licensing scheme for labour-hire companies would also be introduced which would require those operating in the mining industry to comply with laws regarding workplace safety, pay, and conditions - including providing the same pay and conditions as those enjoyed by directly employed workers.

Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Industry, and Resources Adam Searle said the plan will halt the creeping insecurity and the erosion of pay and conditions for workers in NSW.

"A Daley Labor Government wants well paid, secure and locally-based mining jobs in the coal mining industry. We know that many disputes arise because big mining companies want to casualise and contract out their work. This is bad for workers and the resulting disputes have disrupted the NSW coal supply.

"There has been too much contracting out of jobs in the industry, undermining the economic security of local workers. That has to stop, and Labor has a positive plan to work with companies and workers to ensure, decently paid jobs and a resilient industry," Mr Searle said.

Mr Searle went on to call on the National Party to sign on to the plan, accusing the party of desperate empty promises when it came to protecting workers.

Incumbent Upper Hunter Nationals MP Michael Johnsen said mandating how businesses run their business is ridiculous.

"It is a 3-point plan which is effectively going to shut the coal industry down even quicker than Labor want to do it by 2030.

The best thing Labor can do is, actually at a federal level, to support the Nationals legislation which is on the table and has already had its second read. All it is waiting on is a debate and a vote. That is what Labor need to support if they want to support workers in the mining industry," Mr Johnsen said.

Under the Nationals new legislation, all employees in the national system will have access to a minimum standard of right to request casual conversion which cannot be traded away, irrespective of whether their terms and conditions of employment are set by a modern award, enterprise agreement or any other targets.

CFMEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Peter Jordan is applauding Labors plan describing it as "a practical initiative to address job insecurity in the industry and the Hunter region." Mr Jordan said.

Health Minister Accused Of Ignoring Hospital Congestion

BY JARROD MELMETH

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard is being accused of ignoring the concerns of Hunter residents who are experiencing traffic gridlock at the John Hunter Hospital.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has taken aim at the Minister after he dismissed a letter she sent containing more than 30 pages of what she described as "real-life examples from staff and visitors and practical solutions that would help ease some of the congestion while waiting for the Newcastle Inner City Bypass Stage 5 to be constructed."

Ms Hornery said recent roadworks have done nothing to fix the congestion issues.

"There has been a new carpark a couple of years ago that was built, which is some distance from the hospital itself and that was supposed to provide the solution to everyone's parking woes and travel woes, but it has not.

"We want to ensure that our ambulances services can get in and out of the hospital quicker and safer than the current very cramped and very awkward situation they deal with.

"I invite the minister to come and sit with me at peak hour to see how busy it is and how congested it is in the morning and the evening," Ms Hornery said.

In response to Ms Hornerys letter, Mr Hazard said the previous roadworks have had a positive impact on traffic flow which makes entering and exiting the campus easier and faster. Mr Hazard also said he had referred the correspondence onto the Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey.

Ms Hornery said she does not expect much action from Ms Pavey.

"I'm still waiting for the fifth stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to be prioritised by the government. They seem to have put that on the back burner, like many of the projects in Wallsend.

Traffic congestion around the John
Hunter Hospital. Image: The Newcastle
Herald

NSW Government Promise High Speed Rail Ahead Of March Election

BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Government have promised to start work on a fast rail network which could include Newcastle to Sydney services, should they be re-elected in March.

The bold plans announced on Tuesday proposed two types of trains, faster rail which would travel at speeds of up to 200km/h and High-Speed Rail which would travel at speeds of up to 250km/h.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said a faster rail network will give people greater choice about where they live and how they commute to work.

"We know a fast rail network will transform NSW unlike any other project and we will make it a reality.

"We need to make it easier for people to consider moving to regional NSW and there is no better way to do it than building a fast rail network," Ms Berejiklian said. 

The four routes identified by the state government are Northern Route including the Central Coast and Newcastle; Southern Inland Route including Goulburn and Canberra; Western Route including Lithgow, Bathurst and Orange/Parkes; and Southern Coastal Route including Wollongong and Nowra.

The NSW Government has appointed Professor Andrew McNaughton to lead an expert panel to provide advice to the Premier on how the government should best deliver a fast rail network.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the commute to Sydney from Newcastle could soon be just 45 minutes.

"Obviously this has to go through a technical case, and they have to go through a business case. This is a commitment we will be following through if we win government in March.

"Following the work to be done by Prof McNaughton, the government will take it to the next stage about what we can do. This could mean faster rail or high-speed rail," Mr MacDonald said.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance said in the long term, high-speed rail would see the development of new alignments and lines, providing speeds of over 250km/h, giving the potential to cut travel times by up to 75 per cent.

Artists impression of the planned high-speed rail.

Lock The Gate Slams Department of Planning For Recommending New Coal Mine

BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Department of Planning has recommended a new coal mine in the Hunter Valley, on the same day a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned of dangerous climate change impacts if coal mining continues to increase.

The report warns if warming was allowed to reach 2C, the world would risk hitting "tipping points", setting a course towards uncontrollable temperatures.

Carmel Flint from Lock the Gate said the recommendation to proceed shows the NSW Government is completely missing in action.

“Not only will this mine put the climate at risk, but new research shows it will take South Korean mining giant KEPCO one step closer to destroying a magnificent valley with state significant heritage values.

“The Department of Planning and Environment has cherry-picked the expert heritage information and moved only to amend the mine plan slightly when it’s clear the mine should have been rejected outright.

“Equally worrying is that there is no new information on Aboriginal cultural heritage impacts provided by the department, even though the Independent Planning Commission previously stated that further investigation was needed.  

“This mine will only proceed with the backing of the NSW Government, who at every step has allowed it to progress through the planning process despite the obvious and unacceptable risks it poses to farmland, water, and heritage.


“We’re calling on the NSW Premier to come and meet local landholders and visit the site as a matter of urgency and then to take firm action to end this dangerous mining proposal," Ms. Flint said.

Newcastle missing out on $100 million in sports funding

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is calling on the NSW Government to give a clear definition of where the region stands as a city when it comes to applying for sports infrastructure funding.

The NSW Office of Sport says funding for the Regional fund is available for projects in all 92 regional local government areas, under which Newcastle is not included.

Eligibility for the Greater Sydney Sports Facilities fund includes the 33 local government authorities in Greater Sydney, which also does not include Newcastle.

Mr Crackanthorp described the issue as "an absolute joke."

"Nearly every other local government area in the state is included in either the Sports Infrastructure Fund or the Greater Sydney Sports Facilities fund which is a total of $300 million. But, Newcastle and Wollongong have been left out of that.

"It shows the governments complete contempt for Newcastle by putting it in the Abyss between Metropolitan and Regional definitions, excluding us from all funding options," Mr Crakanthorp said.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp.

Keolis Downer defends bus patronage increase

BY JARROD MELMETH

An increase of patronage on Newcastle buses by almost five percent is being labelled by private operator Keolis Downer as a "strong endorsement of the new network design."

New data released today shows a jump of almost 15,000 passengers for the month of January 2018 compared to the same period last year but, questions are being raised due to customers being required to catch more services to reach their destinations, therefore tapping their opal cards more than ever.

However, Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager Mark Dunlop says the Opal system in NSW is very sophisticated as it considers the passengers' journey and does not count people twice.

Mr Dunlop added that a network planning team is reviewing all of the information and data to understand what is working and where improvements need to be made.

"Our drivers are playing a huge role in letting us know what is working out there and what improvements can be made operationally, as well as passing on feedback from customers.

"We will also take this opportunity to improve connections and make minor adjustments to routes to better meet patronage or for route directness, as well as ensuring buses are running on time," Mr Dunlop said.

Keolis Downer has confirmed the largest increase in patronage is on high-frequency routes such as the 11 and the 29 to Cardiff Train Station.

House with No Steps Charlestown receives welcome funding

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

It's been announced Charlestown's House with No Steps facility will receive $43, 300 in funding from the state government.

The Youth Opportunities grant aims to remove barriers which prevent young people with disabilities from fully participating in the community.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says the money will be used to provide invaluable training.

"What [House with No Steps] is going to do is work with a couple of football clubs in the area, and the youth will be getting skills such as their RSA, Working with the Public, First Aid- those sorts of things," Mr MacDonald said.

"It's the first step to getting full-time employment."

Scot MacDonald says over $9 million has been invested in 177 youth projects across NSW since 2012.

Executive Director of Support Services at House with No Steps, Rob Watkins said it's the first year the organisation has received this funding, and they're very grateful for it.

"We exist to help people with disabilities live a great life," Mr Watkins said, "This project is all about ensuring people with a disability gain the skills and experience they need to get them job-ready."

Funding for lead contamination in Lake Macquarie

BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW State Government have committed to providing $800,000 in funding over four years to help manage legacy contamination issues caused by the former Pasminco lead and zinc smelter in Boolaroo.

The smelter closed in 2003, leaving behind toxic pollution for surrounding residents who reported having levels of lead in soil significantly higher than the national health guidelines.

The funding follows the NSW Government's decision in late 2017 to adopt all 22 recommendations of the Lead Expert Working Group (LEWG) on managing residual lead contamination.

The LEWG was established by the Environmental Protection Authority in 2014 and handed down its report in December 2016.

Boolaroo Action Group spokesman Jim Sullivan said he welcomed the funding but fears it will be wasted on administrative fees.

"The things that the community have got to be aware of, is that we do not want to see this funding of eight hundred thousand being gobbled up by administrative charges at the Environmental Protection Authority and the local council yet again.

"They have not had a really good track record of managing this issue, and they have failed the community in northern Lake Macquarie and they have also failed the community of Williamtown.We do not want to see any more failures and we need to be part of the administration of that money to ensure that it goes to the right places," Mr Sullivan said. 

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said she is pleased to see the funding made available.

"We look forward to working collaboratively with the Government to implement the recommendations and we are grateful to both the Lead Expert Working Group and the Lake Macquarie Community Reference Group for their work in this process over the last four years," Cr Fraser said.

The site of the former Pasminco lead and zinc smelter.
Photo: The Newcastle Herald

Wallsend crime back in parliament

BY JARROD MELMETH

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery will today move a Notice of Motion in the State Parliament calling on the Police Minister to properly resource local Police Districts, following a reported increase in crime.

The notice of motion comes off the back of the latest Productivity Commission Report which shows police spending per person across NSW has been slashed by over $50 million since 2012/13.

In January, Ms Hornery held a meeting with local businesses after business owners reported an increase in criminal activity in the area and a number of shops were targeted by criminals.

Ms Hornery said the local Police Force is continually being asked to do more with less, as local Police Districts experience chronic staff shortages.

"The Wallsend electorate sits on the fringe of three different local Police Districts and has been neglected when it comes to having resources allocated.

"The Minister must explain why the NSW Government is failing to deliver on the promised increase in officer numbers and why it is failing to invest in the future of our Police Force," Ms Hornery said.

Police Minister Troy Grant told Macquarie Radio the decrease in funding is due to a decrease in crime.

However, Shadow Police Minister Guy Zangari said the government needs to fund for the future.

"If the government falls asleep at the wheel, there will be an increase in crime. It is as simple as that.

"What we are asking is a commitment for more funding, and more frontline police officers so that NSW does not see a spike in crime in the near future. This is about future-proofing our community," Mr Zangari said.

Upper Hunter Farmers Feeling the Pinch with No Rain In Sight

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It's dry.

Very dry in the Upper Hunter.

It's getting closer to winter as each week goes by and without barely a drop of rain for some time farmers are racing the clock to grow feed to last through the colder months.

Dairy farmers Brian and Debbie Parker live on a property just outside Denman and they're beginning to feel the pinch from a significant lack of rain.

They've been working the farm for 20 years now and currently have 200 head of Jersey and Illawarra cattle. The last time they suffered a really bad drought was in 2006-2007 and they fear it could get really bad again.

"It's very dry. We have not had any decent rain since Cyclone Debbie. We got a couple of inches then and that was March last year."

"We're having to search further afield all of the time to source hay, we'll be down in Victoria soon! We really want to get some decent rain before Autumn ends, that would be the end of May, that's when the feed just doesn't grow because its coming into winter so we've got to get rain before winter," said Brian Parker.

"As soon as we can grow it [feed] we are feeding it off. There is no surplus feed at all. Actually last week I had to buy in my first load of hay - there goes $12,000 for a b-double from Cowra."

That load of hay could be just the beginning, if no substantial rain comes Brian and his wife Debbie could be shelling out thousands of dollars every month for one b-double load, at least. That will add to an ever increasing power bill and pumping water through irrigation systems more and more.

Scone. Image www.scone.com.au

Some farmers in the Upper Hunter are questioning just how much the State Government are helping them.

In 2015, the government took drought declarations away replacing them with the NSW Drought Strategy. The drought declarations did trigger the release of some subsidies when it was in place including transport subsidies which is something farmers are really missing.

It's understood that now instead of being declared in a drought and assistance being triggered that way, farmers have to get in touch with Local Land Services for help, and if they don't then they won't know about it.

"As far as I knew we needed to be [drought declared], we've had no support tell us that we can actually access those things so I didn't even know anything about it to tell you the truth. And I'm totally unaware of any of that... I'm very unfamiliar with this new system," said Brian Parker.

"Back under the old system we got freight subsidies and that did really help, I don't even know if that is still available," and Brian said he has never had any contact from Local Land Services or the government at any level to tell him there are options available to him or even where to go to look for them.

"We're too busy looking after everything on the farm, and we just need some advice, even an email in laymens terms - something."

"I'm not one to ask for too much help, but just to be aware of what's out there, and if there is something that I see applicable I'd certainly look into it but I don't see anything that's out there."

Image nbnnews.com.au

In the end though, it goes beyond cattle and hay.

"You just can't control the weather I mean we're in an industry, farming, so we go with the weather and it's tough times now, very tough times, but all you've got to do is look after your mental health too," which Brian Parker says from experience, having had trouble a couple of years ago.

"It's the constant work and the stress of it all really and that's what takes its toll on you. And you just wonder when its going to rain next, you keep looking towards the sky."

Newcastle's Pokies Problem

BY MATT JOHNSTON

Figures released by the state government and Fairfax show Novocastrians have put $4.4 billion through poker machines in the last year alone.

The rest of the state doesn't fare much better, with $80.33 billion being put through the slots in 2017, which is an $11 billion increase from 2013-14.

 NSW Greens MP and Gambling Harm spokesperson Justin Field says it's simple- "Newcastle and the Hunter have a pokie machine problem."

Over $400 million is lost from the local economy according to the Greens, who say the cost to individuals and families is more than just monetary.

"In terms of relationship breakdowns, domestic violence and even suicide [poker machines] are having tremendous levels of harm on the Newcastle and Hunter community," said Field.

"What we've seen is that the vested interests within the gambling industry have a really tight rein on government. In fact, the coalition government has a signed memorandum of understanding with Clubs NSW to not hurt the pokies' profits of the big clubs."

Mr Field said political donations from pubs and clubs are having a "big impact" when it comes to trying to change gambling culture in New South Wales. He's advocating a cap on machine numbers and limiting maximum bets to $1.

"If we did that, that would go a long way to reducing the impact [of poker machines], particularly for those people who suffer from gambling addiction."

People concerned with their own gambling behaviour, or that of friends and family should contact the Gambling Impact Society NSW or Gamblers Anonymous Australia for help.

It's decided, the new Maitland Hospital will be Public

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It's decided.

The new Maitland Hospital will be run as a fully public hospital. The State Government was considering a public-private partnership or involvement from the not-for-profit sector, both ideas which have now been scrapped.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the plans last night saying after much consideration and weighing up all of the concerns this was the best option.

"After much consideration, we have decided on a public health-led approach from the brand new Maitland Hospital at Metford,"

"I want to reassure the people of Maitland and surrounding areas that they are getting a world-class hospital, and the NSW Liberal Government is focused on making that happen as soon as possible," said Minister Hazzard.

It's been a roller coaster of a decision, in July last year it was announced that a public-private partnership had been scrapped, and the government were looking down a not-for-profit path instead.

The $450 million hospital's construction is already underway, with ground work and the turning of the sod happening before Christmas.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison is over the moon, saying she's happier than when she was when she won the election in 2015.

Artists Impression new Maitland Hospital.

EARLIER:

PPP scrapped for not-for-profit model for the new Maitland Hospital
Maitland Hospital To Be Debated in Parliament Today
Spat Overshadows Significant Step in Construction of new Maitland Hospital

Bushfire Relief Funding for Thousands of Affected Hunter Residents

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Thousands of people affected by bushfires in the Hunter will now be able to apply for disaster relief funding.

The State Government has announced disaster assistance is now available to Hunter residents affected by the Chichester Dam and Main Creek Road fires in Dungog, and the Mount Helen fire in the Upper Hunter.

The assistance for eligible residents, local councils and producers includes:
- help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged
- support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
- concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations
- freight subsidies for primary producers, and
- grants to eligible non-profit organisations.

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said thousands of homes and properties were damaged and so the funding will go a long way.

"It will assist both councils and private landowners to be able to recover things like fencing, you might need feed and stock, things like that and those sorts of assistance measures are very very important to help people recover,"

"Affected landowners and councils when they apply will be able to see exactly what their damage requirements and improvements are and they'll be able to see when they apply when they will be eligible for. The best thing to do is have a look at the website," said Michael Johnsen.

To see if you're eligible and for more information head to the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website: www.disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au

Image MJF Productions.

Maitland MP slamming Return and Earn Scheme for Failing Small Business

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A Maitland MP is fuming that there is no collection point in the electorate for the NSW Government's Return and Earn scheme.

The Hotel Tudor in Woodberry has now stopped operating as an over-the-counter collection point, it comes after the Tenambit Takeaway also stopped operating leaving no collection points at all in the Maitland area.

Jenny Aitchison said both businesses have pulled out of the scheme because of the lack of support they've received from the state government and the botched scheme.

"They've got a scheme which delivers a very small return tot he operators so a huge in cost on their core and primary businesses, it's not viable and in this case, they're just not even providing them with the appropriate support that they need," she said.

Jenny Aitchison is calling on the Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton to immediately intervene and ensure that a reverse vending machine is installed in Maitland.

"Because the process is so flawed the way the government has botched this implementation of the container deposit scheme is just appalling and we're just left wondering here in Maitland, when is the government going to get its act together."

"The return to the operators is fairly small so they obviously want to get a lot of containers but then even getting those containers taken away, I know that was a factor in at least one, or probably that's been a factor in both of these," said Jenny Aitchison.

However, a NSW Environment Protection Authority spokesperson has told 2NURFM News a reverse vending machine will, in fact, be installed in Maitland in February.

The spokesperson also said every effort is made to ensure the containers are taken away.

Statement:

"The network operator, TOMRA Cleanway, is deploying teams daily across NSW to review potential Return and Earn sites, including the Hunter region.

·         TOMRA Cleanaway is also ensuring bins are provided at each reverse vending machine and TOMRA staff will be attending and cleaning sites every day.

·         There has been widespread community support for Return and Earn, with around 50 million containers redeemed since its commencement. RVMs in Cessnock and Medowie have also proved popular."

Newcastle City Council Sends in their Liquor Licence Review Submission: Venues with Exemplary Behaviour could be Exempt

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle City Councillors have endorsed a submission to the state government's review of local liquor licenses.

Their submission could see venues with a record of exemplary behaviour exempt from some licensing conditions.

Among the 17 recommendations is the support of a consistent 1:30am lockout and 3:30am shutdown for all premises, expect those designated as low impact.

A low impact venue has been labelled as those with strong, consistent focuses on noise management and responsible service of alcohol as well as a proven track record on alcohol-related and liquor licensing incidents.

Other recommendations included:
- requiring licensed venues to prepare more robust plans of management and to be more closely scrutinised by Liquor and Gaming NSW.
- requiring licensed venues to retain an employee whose sole function is to supervise responsible service of alcohol throughout the premises,
- undertaking new research into how licensing conditions under the current lock-laws affect specific venues and liquor licence categories.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city's night-time economy is now worth $1.4 billion a year and employs more than 12,000 people.

"We need laws that reflect the evolution of that night-time economy, which has been led by strong growth in smaller night-time venues attracting a more sophisticated, responsible crowd."

Free Flu Jabs for Hunter Kids

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Children in the Hunter are now eligible for free flu jabs.

Children aged between six months and five years old are eligible under the NSW Government's $3.5 million influenza vaccination program.

It comes after a severe flu season last year which saw the state record it's worst flu season on record. In August last year, approximately 3,300 cases of flu had been recorded. Across the state the number of cases reached more than 12,000.

The vaccine will cover four strains of influenza virus, two A strains and two B strains, likely to be circulating this winter. If your child has never had a flu vaccination before they will need two doses, one month apart.

"We all know how horrendous the flu can be and this is especially hard on the smallest members of our family," said Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald.

"Little kids are also most likely to spread the flu so a free flu jab will not only keep them safe, but will protect others they come into contact with."

NSW childhood vaccination rates have increased by 6.3 per cent since 2010, to 93.9 per cent in 2017.

Image kids.britannica.com

Labor demands rental assistance for Light Rail affected businesses

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter Business Chamber and Newcastle Now will be holding a forum on Wednesday with the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner, where the commissioner will hear from small businesses affected by the construction of the light rail.

NSW Premier said on a recent visit to Newcastle that the State Government would consider rental assistance.

"If there is demonstrated loss, we are always considering rental assistance. That is what we have done for projects in other parts of the State," Ms Berejiklian said

NSW Shadow Minister for small business Jenny Aitchison said the Premier came to town with vague promises, well over a month ago.

"Here we are with businesses closing down, and those left surviving on minimal trade. It's time for the Premier to make good on her promise.

"The Government has shown no consideration to businesses in the areas impacted by the light rail. It's all very good for the premier to say the light rail will bring customers, but that doesn't put food on the table for struggling small business owners and their employees. It doesn't guarantee they'll still be in business when the light rail finally arrives," Ms Aitchison said.

Since construction began the light rail has come under fire from the State opposition as being a "budget blowout" while Hunter Street retailers continue to feel the pinch.

Ms Aitchison said one of the businesses she had been in contact with has seen a downturn of about 70 percent in one part of their business since light rail construction began.

Retailers are thanking local community members for their support but say their businesses draw traditionally from out of town patrons, and they are just not coming into the CBD anymore.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it's time for the Premier to step up and support Newcastle businesses doing it tough.

Hunter Street light rail construction. Photo: Jarrod Melmeth.

Stage Two of the Nobby's Refurbishment Project ready to Get Underway

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The next stage of refurbishment works at Nobby's Beach are about to get underway.

Newcastle City Council announced Stage 2 of the works today for the Nobby's Pavilion area including an assisted-change room with a toilet, shower, basin and bench.

Among the other additions are a new lift and change amenities to better assist those with mobility challenges.

The public domain improvements include three external shower towers with 12 showers on new draining platforms, an access ramp from Bathers Way to the lower promenade and more seats and benches.

Image courtesy NCC.

The change-rooms are gone and will be replaced with more toilets and showers, which despite beachgoer uproar, council says is a better deal.

"The improvements we're seeing down there have been I think quite well accepted  by the community considering we've increased the toilet facilities, more accessible change rooms, so when the works are finished there I think people will be really please like they have been with the whole Bathers Way Project," said Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

The facilities will house seven female and five male cubicles, plus two urinals for men and two ambulant stalls and external wash basins for passers-by.

Council said they're making sure everything is built for use well into the future.

"We were always planning to make sure that the change rooms that we built met current standards and the current standards, we went over and above current standards. We've been sourcing particularly high-grade steel and metal for the disabled lift," Lord Mayor Nelmes.

It's all part of the $1.7 million improvement project funded by the NSW Government through the Newcastle Port Community Contribution fund, Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club, Newcastle City Council and NSWSLSA and Department of Family and Community Services through the SLSA NSW Community Inclusion Project. 

Image courtesy NCC.