Supercars Infrastructure Set To Go From Newcastle East

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Council is about to start restoration work on the city's east end, marking the final stage in the withdrawal of the Supercars from the city.

Planning for stage one on the roundabouts at the intersection of Watt Street and Wharf Road as well as Zara Street and Shortland Esplanade is under way, and permanent structures should be in place by July.

Council voted in November to remove the temporary crossings and roundabouts after the Newcastle 500 was moved to Bathurst when Supercars and Council could not reach an agreement.

Three Teens To Face Court Over Alleged Pursuit In Stolen Car

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three teenagers are expected to face the Children's Court after a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car through Newcastle.

Officers began pursuing a Subaru Impreza on Charlestown Road at Charlestown at about 1.20am on Sunday morning, but called off the chase when the car crossed to the wrong side of the road on Lookout Road near the John Hunter Hospital.

The car was found dumped a short time later in Grainger Street, Lambton.

A police dog found the trio hiding behind a backyard shed.

A 16-year-old boy and his two passengers aged 15 were arrested and charged with multiple offences. 

Man Arrested After Dramatic Pursuit Through Newcastle West

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Friday 9 February, 2024) accused of leading police on a dramatic pursuit through Newcastle West.

Just after 3 yesterday afternoon, Police attempted to stop the driver of a vehicle wanted in relation to alleged domestic violence offences.

Officers began pursuing the car along Hunter Street when the driver failed to stop as directed.

A short time later the black Honda Accord crashed into the corner of a building at the intersection of Florence Avenue.

The driver fled on foot and was quickly arrested.

The 34-year-old is facing Newcastle Local Court today on several charges including domestic violence, assault police, driving, traffic and drug offences.

 

The crash scene on Hunter Street Newcastle West. Picture Newcastle Herald

Windella community members oppose planned home-estate

 BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Members of the Windella Residents Community Group are concerned a manufactured home-estate planned for Windella violates planning laws.

Group leader Warren Baldacchino, argues the planned 282 home-estate will be too close to Maitland airport, and is concerned the airport could seek to develop the nearby land later on.

Mr Baldacchino also flagged the potential traffic increases, saying the additional units will bring 400 people to Windella, and will double the number of cars on the road.

Chris Speek from developer Mavid Group, says plans submitted to Maitland City Council are generally compliant with relevant laws. 

He also argues the group have considered the existing neighboring properties and airport when designing the estate.

Maitland City Council has called for public comment on the plan, and will accept submissions until March 4.

Paintball Guns Found In Stolen Van After Pursuit In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Thursday 8 February, 2024) accused of leading police on a pursuit through Newcastle in a stolen van.

Police spotted a Toyota Hilux which had earlier been reported stolen from a Nelson Bay address in Brown Street yesterday morning.

As they approached it's alleged the driver of the van drove into the back of a parked car before speeding off.

Officers gave chase along Honeysuckle Drive but terminated the pursuit near Hannell Street.

The van was found abandoned a short time later in the rail corridor near Newcastle Interchange.

Acting on information from the public, police arrested a 39-year-old Windale man in Beaumont Street.

A search of the van allegedly uncovered five paintball guns and related equipment stolen fro a Cooranbong businesses earlier this week.

The man's been charged with six offences and refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today. 

Car Down Embankment At Redhead: Two People To Hospital

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two people have been taken to hospital after a car crashed down an embankment at Redhead.

Emergency services were called to Redhead Road near Oakdale Road at about 9.40am on Wednesday to reports of a two car crash.

Firefighters rescued a woman in her 40's from one of the cars.

NSW Ambulance says she's been taken to the John Hunter Hospital with pelvic and leg injuries, while a man in his 30's or 40's has also been transported to the John Hunter suffering injuries to his shoulder and leg. 

 

Man Taken To Hospital After House Fire At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has suffered smoke inhalation in a house fire at Muswellbrook.

Firefighters were called to Adam Street just after 9.30am on Wednesday to find a granny flat underneath a house on fire.

They took about 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze, with the flames confined to the flat.

NSW Ambulance says a man in his 30's was treated at the scene before being taken to Muswellbrook Hospital for further treatment. 

The cause of the fire is being investigated but is not thought to be suspicious.