Desalination Plant Approved For Belmont

 BY IAN CROUCH

Plans for a massive desalination plant at Belmont have been given the green light by the state government.

Construction work on the 530-million dollar project is due to start later this year.

Once complete, the plant will provide up to 30 million litres of drinking water per day to the Lower Hunter, meeting 15% of the region's average daily demand.

In January, Hunter Water modified the plans from a drought response to a permanent desalination plant.

It will be paid for via a new Hunter Water pricing structure for customers to take effect from July 1 next year.

BREAKING! Man On The Run After Armed Robbery At Cooks Hill

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police are investigating an armed robbery at Cooks Hill overnight.

Police say a man entered a store on Darby Street at about 10.00pm on Tuesday and threatened a 29-year-old man with a knife and a crowbar while demanding cash and cigarettes.

The man was given cash before leaving the store.

Police carried out patrols of the area but weren't able to locate him.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Firefighters Called To Fisheries Institute At Anna Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to a fire in a building at the Fisheries Research Centre at Port Stephens.

Crews arrived at the Anna Bay facility just after 5.30am on Wednesday to find smoke issuing from the building.

It turns out an aerator attached to a 230 litre water tank burnt out.

Crews used a CO2 extinguisher to douse the flames.

The fire was contained to the aerator.

Emergency Services Put To The Test At Newcastle Port

 BY IAN CROUCH

We're being told not to be alarmed if we see large numbers of emergency service personnel around the Port of Newcastle today.

The Port Authority is hosting its annual multi-agency training exercise from 9 o'clock on Wednesday morning.

It will involve representatives from Fire & Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, Transport for NSW, Port of Newcastle, Environment Protection Authority and the Australian Maritime Authority who'll be putting their capabilities to the test.

The exercise is due to wrap up by 1.00pm.

New Shared Paths Weave Throughout Lake Macquarie

BY TARNI CRUICKSHANK

Lake Macquarie residents can now enjoy increased safety and ease when walking and cycling, following the completion of new paths in the area.

Work has wrapped on a two hundred and fifty metre path linking Pasterfield Sports Complex to the older precinct of Cameron Park.

It is one of two new shared-paths in the area, and aims to increase access to the sports complex, by foot.

Lake Macquarie Lord Mayor, Kay Fraser says these paths are essential in encouraging residents to rely less on their vehicles and make healthier lifestyle choices.

"They'll be able to actually walk or hop on a bike and get there much quicker and safer.

"It's only small but it was really important to the Cameron Park community and I am really pleased that we have been able to deliver that."

The paths form part of a larger regional cycle route to connect the Fernleigh Track to Richmond Vale via numerous suburbs such as Edgeworth, Minmi and Glendale. 

Projects and Technical Officer, Tom Earls and Mayor Kay Fraser at Pasterfield shared path.

Photo credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Boat And Cars Damaged By Fire At Edgeworth

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Edgeworth overnight.

Four fire crews from Cardiff and Holmesville were called to a home in Nott Street at about 9.45pm on Monday to find a boat and a car had caught fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says the car fire had been extinguished prior to arrival of firefighters.

They took about 20 minutes to put out the boat fire.

A second car sustained minor fire damage.

No-one was injured during the incident.

Fears Growing For Man Missing From Newcastle For More Than A Month

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are growing for the welfare of man who's been missing from the Newcastle area for more than five weeks.

27-year-old Ricky Wilson was last seen at the Calvary Mater Hospital in Waratah on the morning of Monday August 5.

When he couldn't be located, police from Batemans Bay were notified and commenced inquiries.

Ricky is also known to frequent the Jesmond and Newcastle CBD areas.

Police and his family are very concerned as he suffers from a medical condition.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing Man Ricky Wilson