Thursday, 22 December 2022

City and State in Stand-Off Over Stockton Beach Dredge

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle Council and the state government say, they're each on waiting on one another, to get started on a new nourishment program for Stockton Beach.

The federal government announced the project in October, funding most of the $6.2 million, alongside a council contribution. 

But there's now a stand-off as to whether the City or New South Wales is responsible for managing the works and getting the wheels in motion.

The Port of Newcastle has also raised concern, revealing it doesn't have a permit to dredge the harbour for sand nourishment works.

The Port's Chief Commercial Officer Simon Byrnes, told Newcastle Herald, they do not have "necessary provision to provide sand nourishment or perform dredging operations that are not required for maintenance purposes."

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, said the project is proving to be frustrating for both residents and council. 

"This is ridiculous. This grant application was completed by the state government, naming one of their own agencies as playing a part, who are now trying to back-track," Mr Crakanthorp said.   

"The money is there. It should not be this difficult to get this project moving, and I have attempted to discuss this with the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) on a number of occasions." 

HCCDC was identified as the operation's project manager on the original application. 

Mr Crakanthorp said the delays need to stop, and sand needs to be put back on the beach. 

"This project needs to be project-managed from start to finish, and HCCDC are the allocated government agency to do so. They need to start that process immediately." 



Police dog sniffs out alleged car thief after Carrington crash

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man's been charged after allegedly stealing a car and being caught by a police dog in Carrington.

A New Lambton home was broken into on Sunday and a car was stolen. 

About 4am on Tuesday, police patrols sighted the vehicle in Hamilton South. 

Police observed a man seated in the driver’s seat. 

The stolen vehicle took off at speed and was pursued through multiple suburbs, eventually ending up in Carrington. 

The stolen vehicle collided with a traffic island bursting its tyre, where the driver ran from the vehicle. 

Police Dog Yule and his handler were on scene, managing to track the offender hiding in the front yard of a nearby house. 

The man was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with drive conveyance without consent of owner, drive disqualified, and police pursuit. 

The male was refused bail until February before Newcastle Local Court.

He had been previously disqualified from driving until 2024.

Missing youths last seen at Waratah days ago

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two young people, last seen together at Waratah on Monday 19 December 2022.

Emily Goff and Alysa Dunwoodie are both known in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas. 

Emily was last seen wearing black tights, black hoodie, and a grey hoodie around her waist. 

Alysa was last seen wearing black track suit pants, black jumper, and green vans sneakers. 

It's expected they are still together, but police have concerns for their welfare. 

Anyone who has seen is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Man freed from vehicle after Eleebana crash

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man has been freed from a vehicle after a single-vehicle crash at Eleebana on Wednesday night.

Emergency services were called to the incident near the Croudace Bay Boat Ramp at 10:10pm.

The single occupant was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated.

He was treated by paramedics, but the extent of his injuries is not clear.

Woman and two boys injured in Upper Bowman ATV accident

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A woman and two boys have been taken to the John Hunter Hospital after an ATV rolled over at an Upper Bowman property on Wednesday afternoon.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the scene around 1:40pm.

A male who was also in the vehicle escaped injury.

The three patients were treated at the scene by paramedics before being airlifted to hospital in a stable condition.

Wednesday, 21 December 2022

Missing Greta man last seen in Sydney's west

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a 53-year-old Greta resident missing from Sydney’s west. 

Samantha De Silva was last seen at St Marys about 6pm on Tuesday 20 December 2022.

After family members could not get in touch with him, officers were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him. 

Family and police hold serious concerns for his welfare. 

Samantha is described as being of Indian Sub-Continental appearance, 180 to 185cm tall, of medium to large build, with black hair and dark brown eyes. 

He is known to reside in Greta, but also frequents Blacktown, Woodcroft, and Blackett areas. 

Officers believe he may be traveling to Canberra via train. 

Anyone with information about Samantha’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing Weston man found safe and well

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Colin's been found safe and well at Swamp Creek behind Weston Street on Wednesday after a land and air search.

Police are thanking the public for their assistance.

EARLIER

Police are appealing to the public for help to locate a 68-year-old man missing from the Hunter. 

Colin Bredin was last seen on Sixth Street at Weston, about 12.45pm on Tuesday 20 December 2022.

After failing to return home, officers began inquiries to locate him. 

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare due to his age and because he lives with Alzheimer's disease.

Colin is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of solid build, with grey hair and a grey beard. 

He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a maroon rugby jersey, camouflage baseball cap and green joggers. 

Anyone with information about Colin’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.