Residents of Toronto Still in Doubt About Foreshore Plans

 BY CHARLOTTE LLOYD

The revitalisation plan for Toronto Foreshore is still in place despite concerns from residents on the accessibility and need for the foreshore plan to go ahead.

Lake Macquarie Council says the plan was developed in partnership with the community over the past three years with more than 180 responses received during the final round of community consultation.

Councils Asset Manager Brenden Callander says the community was generally supportive of the new Master Plan.

However, one of the main issues identified by the community and the broader Toronto area was the parking supply. 

Royal Motor Yacht Club's Vice Commodore and member of Toronto Foreshore Protection group Mel Steiner says the community aren't satisfied with how the council have attended to their requests. 

"Certainly we're in support of whatever the council do on the foreshore if it will bring people to Toronto.

"The real issue is that they've reduced the parking in the area which makes it difficult for people visiting to get here easily.

"It's disappointing and a haphazard approach," Mr Steiner said. 

The improvements to the foreshore include;

• An expansion of an existing playground
• An expanded café area 
• New barbeque and picnic facilities 
• A new town green 
• New pathways along the lakes edge with pedestrian connections 

Aerial Shot of Toronto 

Port Stephens Cauliflower Coral in Danger

BY JARROD MELMETH

A species of coral exclusive to the waters of Port Stephens is currently under threat and could be extinct within a decade if more isn't done to protect it.

Dendronephthya Asutralis looks like a purple cauliflower with its pink lilac stems and branches, crowned with white polyps, and its presence is popular with divers and underwater photographers.

Its also has a job within the waters ecosystem as a habitat for crabs, seahorses and other juvenile fishes as well as a filter-feeding mechanism.

New research shows the coral species is danger from threats such as anchoring, fishing, and development that may magnify sand movement.

Major flooding in March this year is also being blamed for wiping out as much as 90 per cent of the remaining population. 

The floods caused a large amount of fresh water, which harms the coral, to flow from the Karuah River into the Port Stephens Estuary.

PhD Candidate Meryl Larkin says we must try and reduce the threats which we know about.

"Before the flood events we had a couple of months ago they were declining. In eight years we established the population had declined about 70 per cent.

"Modelling has shown there is some relationship with where it is declining and sand movements. We have also observed anchors and moorings do destroy areas.

"We are working towards trying to find ways to help them recover, but obviously the urgent thing to do is to give them that better protection to help them stabilise.

"We are so lucky to have such an amazing and diverse array of reefs right here in the Hunter and its so important to protect them," Ms Larkin said. 

The distinctive coral species which is exclusive to
Port Stephens. Photo: The Conversation.

Investigation Launched After 4-Year-Old Girl Drowns At Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic drowning of a 4-year-old girl at Port Stephens.

Emergency services were called to Tanilba Road near Lemon Tree Passage at about 2.30pm on Tuesday to reports the little girl had fallen into the Karuah River from a kayak.

Police pulled the unconscious child from the water and commenced CPR.

She was rushed to the John Hunter Hospital under police escort, but sadly could not be revived.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

A rescue helicopter was called to the scene at Lemon Tree Passage Picture: dailmail.co.uk

Update! Car Into House at Kilaben Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are searching for the driver of a car which slammed into a house at Kilaben Bay.

Police and fire crews were called to Kilaben Bay Road just after 4.15am on Wednesday to find a white Land Rover Evoke had crashed into the front bedroom.

Lake Macquarie Police say the vehicle is registered to a company in Sydney.

Police say none of the residents were hurt - they woke and raced outside to see a man running away from the scene.

The crash caused significant damage to the front of the house, while two cars belonging to the residents were damaged by falling debris.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is urged to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers.

EARLIER:

Emergency services have been called to Kilaben Bay where a car has slammed into a house.

Newcastle Fire Command says they were called to Kilaben Road just after 4.15 this morning.

It's understood the driver and the occupants of the house have escaped injury.

Fire crews from Toronto and the Technical Rescue Team from Lambton are working to carefully winch the car free before using Acrow Props to shore up the damaged home.

'TAFE Security Cuts Detrimental To Staff and Student Safety': Public Services Union

BY JARROD MELMETH

Concerns are being raised about the potential cut to security services at TAFE campuses, including those in the Hunter.

In March, TAFE NSW proposed a restructure which will see 678 jobs lost. 

Staff and the Unions rallied on Tuesday against the proposed changes which they say will place students and staff in danger.

It's feared the NSW Government employed officers will be replaced by a private company which will see a decrease in services across campuses.

Assistant Branch Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union Troy Wright says it part of yet another restructure.

"Security officers right now do more than just lock doors. They escort students and teachers from areas at night. They make sure the campus is secure and free from vandalism and other damage.

"To just have a drop in, drop out security service is woefully inadequate and it's going to impact students and staff," Mr Wright said.

TAFE NSW Newcastle Campus.
Photo: Purser.

Public Holiday Election Sweetener For Hunter Pulled At Last Moment

 BY IAN CROUCH

It's been revealed an exclusive public holiday was being considered for the Hunter.

News Limited reports the NSW Nationals were set to announce a stand-alone "voice for mining family day" public holiday in the final week of the Upper Hunter by-election campaign.

It would've applied to Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Mid-Coast, Port Stephens, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter and Dungog, and was to be linked to the NRL high vis round.

However the holiday was put on ice after mining companies raised concerns about the economic impact.

It's reported Nationals leader, John Barilaro was prepared to fight for it, but didn't want to risk workers being harmed in negotiations.

 

The proposed public holiday was to coincide with the NRL's high vis round Picture: newcastleweekly.com.au

UPDATE! Multiple Truck Crash And Fire Closes M1 Southbound At Wyong

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two road workers have been injured after a semi-trailer crashed into two stationary work vehicles north of Kangy Angy.

Police say a southbound semi-trailer crashed through a work zone at about 3.45am on Tuesday, hitting a two stationary truck which impacted two workmen.

They suffered serious injures and have been taken to hospital for treatment  - one is in a serious condition, the other is stable.

The semi-trailer burst into flames, however the driver was able to free himself unharmed - he's been taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

EARLIER:

A multiple truck crash has closed the southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway at Wyong.

Three trucks crashed at the Alison Road turnoff at about 3.45am on Tuesday.

Newcastle Fire Command says one of the trucks, a B-Double has gone up in flames.

Numerous emergency services are at the scene.

Southbound traffic is being diverted at Sparks Road.

Emergency Services at the scene of the truck crash on the M1 Picture: Central Coast VRA