Lockout laws successful in Newcastle, says Brown

BY JACINTA LEE


Pro-lockout campaigner Tony Brown has praised Newcastle's 1.30am rule for pubs and clubs, after a report found Sydney could soon relax its lockout laws.

A review of Sydney's laws, which include 1.30 lockout and 3am last drinks, noted the state government could consider a row back for live entertainment venues in the CBD.

Mr Brown said the laws introduced in Newcastle back in 2008 have had a positive impact, with late-night violence at an all-time low and a thriving local music scene.

"We're totally confident the existing conditions have allowed for significant, sustained reductions in violence, but also have boosted the local night-time economy," Brown said.

"There's really no reason in Newcastle why we should try and fix something that is not broken."

Morpeth residents concerns over development sites

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Development plans for the former Morpeth Bowling Club site isn't the only cause for concern among residents in Morpeth.

A 50 - lot sub division is planned for neighbouring Raworth but residents fear it will increase traffic impacting residents safety.

It already hasn't been smooth sailing for the development which was originally rejected by council and has since been amended.

Morpeth Heritage Conservation Group President Simon Brooker says there isn't a lot to argue about with the site as it meets requirements, but recent developments do give cause for concern.

"The only thing that we're helping the local residents object to is that an additional application has gone in by the developer to reduce a number of lot sizes down to around the 400 metre mark. Again completely inappropriate for the area."

This will make the lot sizes significantly smaller than current residential lot sizes.

The former bowling club site continues to be a sore spot for the town which thrives as the second most visited region in the Hunter.

Residents and business owners fear a senior housing development will significantly detract from the rural setting of the town and also affect its high tourism rate.

Developers argue the Morpeth Heritage Conservation Group are completely against development of any kind, but Simon Brooker says, "We are not against development and we are definitely not against seniors housing, but it needs to be appropriately positioned and it should not impact negatively on the heritage and rural setting of the town".

Mining Joint Venture In The Wings

BY IAN CROUCH

An extra 250 jobs could be created if plans are approved for a new open cut mine near Singleton.

The United and Wambo Mines are looking to establish a joint venture on a project at Warkworth which would see 10-million tonnes of coal mined over more than 2 decades if it's given the green light.

The Environmental Impact Statement is now on public display until September 22.

Police Hunt Armed Robber At Kahibah

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have issued a description of a man wanted over an armed robbery at Kahibah.

The man entered a hairdressing salon on Hexham Street just after 4.00pm yesterday and threatened staff with a knife while demanding money.

He escaped with cash was last seen heading down Kenibea Avenue.

The man's described as being in his mid 30s with a medium build and about 178cm tall with short shaved hair. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and black shorts,

Anyone who can assist police with their inquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man Bitten By Police Dog During Early Morning Arrest at Kotara

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is expected to be charged following a series of aggravated break-ins at Kotara this morning.

It's alleged the 39-year-old broke into the home of an elderly woman in Nereida Close at about 1am and escaped with some personal property and cash - the woman wasn't harmed and called police.

A police dog tracked the man to Charlestown Road where he was found hiding under a house just after 2.30.

He's been taken to hospital for stitches to bites inflicted during his arrest.

It's alleged he earlier broke into another home off Park Avenue.

Struggle for the aged pension in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Aged pensioners in the Hunter are being forced to live without an income for months on end as they wait for aged pension applications to be approved.

A backlog of Centrelink claims is creating the wait period and Human Services Minister Alan Tudge is being called upon to explain just how large the backlog is and how long aged pension applicants will have to go without income.

Some are able to live on savings but many don't have savings. They have to rely on family or charity for day-to-day expenses.

Paterson MP Meryl Swanson says her office receives call after call from people who have been waiting up to six months for their aged pension applications to be approved.

"This government has made such savage cuts that we're now seeing some of our most vulnerable people having to wait months for something that they are entitled to; they've paid their taxes their whole life and now they're being told you have to wait over six months for a pension. It really isn't good enough."

This latest error follows a backlog which saw students who applied for Abstudy and Youth Allowance wait months to be processed.

Fire Destoys Kurri Kurri Home

BY IAN CROUCH

A house at Kurri Kurri has been destroyed in an early morning fire.

5 fire crews were called to the home on Deakin Street just before 2.30 to find the weatherboard house engulfed in flames.

The occupants managed to escape without injury.

Police say it's believed clothes being dried in front of a gas heater sparked the fire.