Singleton Council has been commended for adopting a report against Coal Seam Gas activity in the region.
Councillors voted unanimously overnight to submit the report in response to the Government's
Draft State Environment Plan.
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Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Lake Macquarie Games go on
The annual Lake Macquarie Games have won a last-minute bid to go ahead, with plans to scrap them over turned by council last night.
Council had proposed to end the games and re-direct the reported $89, 000 funding into other sporting assistance programs.
This comes after a prepared report criticised the games' application procedures and time span.
"No I thought the report wasnt what we'd hoped for, and showed many written inaccuracies and many assumptions that weren't true," he said.
He also stated the budget for the Games had been exaggerated by $50, 000.
Hunter cyclists on ride of their lives on overpass
HUNTER cyclists are calling on better safety provisions on the New England Highway, as they struggle to navigate a 10 cenimetre shoulder of the Tarro railway overpass.
The link has been improved since a fatal crash killed 57 year-old WALLSEND cyclist Neil Smith last August, but those who regularly use the road say it's the bridge itself, not the approach that needs fixing.
The Roads and Maritime Services have installed "rumble strips" on the fog lines, reduced the speed limit to 80km/h and posted large fluorescent signs promoting awareness of cyclists.
Soil and grass has been removed from the edge of the road to increase the usable shoulder.The RMS have not ruled out building a sperate bridge.
Bernard Hockings from the Newcastle Cycleway said the solution wouldn't have to be so drastic. "Find an off-road route for cyclists because even with a wider shoulder you're still looking at 20 tonne vechiles going along at 100km/h, a metre away from a bicyle," he said.
Monday, 8 April 2013
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Plan for energy efficient Hunter businesses
The Hunter Business Chamber announced today it has secured a $1.2 million dollar grant from the Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program.
The funding will allow up to 1500 businesses to install energy saving technology and take part in workshops to share their experiences and solutions to the energy problem.
Hunter Business Chamber CEO, Kristin Keegan says it is important not to just install new technology but to make sure businesses understand their consumption.
Businesspeople, like Scratchley's owner Neil Slater hopes the technology will allow for a drop in electricity prices.
The funding will allow up to 1500 businesses to install energy saving technology and take part in workshops to share their experiences and solutions to the energy problem.
Hunter Business Chamber CEO, Kristin Keegan says it is important not to just install new technology but to make sure businesses understand their consumption.
Businesspeople, like Scratchley's owner Neil Slater hopes the technology will allow for a drop in electricity prices.
Controversial Huntlee developers silence opposition
Hunter residents will meet in Branxton RSL this afternoon to discuss a controversial housing development in Huntlee.
Cessnock City Councillor, James Ryan, says the proposed development would see 20 000 people living too far away from jobs and amenities.
He also believes the Planning Assessment Commission is favouring developers over community opinion.
The meeting takes places at 5pm in the RSL Hall.
Cessnock City Councillor, James Ryan, says the proposed development would see 20 000 people living too far away from jobs and amenities.
He also believes the Planning Assessment Commission is favouring developers over community opinion.
The meeting takes places at 5pm in the RSL Hall.
Singleton says no to pop up village
Workforce accommodation provider, Mac Group, will be foreced to justify plans for temporary housing in Singleton, amid a mining downturn and exisiting housing permanent housing.
The provider plans to build more than 1000 temporary dwellings for miners, however resident action group, The Better Future for Singleton Shire Association, says the project may result in a fly-in fly-out encampment.
The action group will lead a public meeting tonight along with union representatives at 7.30pm at Club Singleton.
Chairwoman Rebecca Williams said the $101 million plan needs to be fully considered by the community.
The provider plans to build more than 1000 temporary dwellings for miners, however resident action group, The Better Future for Singleton Shire Association, says the project may result in a fly-in fly-out encampment.
The action group will lead a public meeting tonight along with union representatives at 7.30pm at Club Singleton.
Chairwoman Rebecca Williams said the $101 million plan needs to be fully considered by the community.
"We're in a downturn, at the moment, in the mining industry and we can't quite work out why a facility like this would be needed. We have a lot of empty rental properties in town, a lot of houses on the market. We can't work out what the justification is [for the plans]" she said.
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