Funds for Hunter Mines

Mining communities in the Hunter will be seeing more in the coffers after a broadening of the State Government's Resources for Regions program.

$160 million has been allocated for approved projects in the region over a four year period.

The program is seen as a recognition of the unique pressures on key infrastructure in mining areas including Singleton and Muswellbrook.

 

Singleton Mayor, John Martin welcomes the program as a boost to vital mining communities in the Hunter.

 

 

Accident Shame

A Cardiff man says he's shocked and appalled after dozens of drivers failed to stop and help following a serious accident at Buchannan.

 

Six people, including two young children were injured in the 3-car smash on John Renshaw Drive just before 10am yesterday.

 

Trevor Smith stopped to assist the injured before emergency services arrived and claims many motorists manoeuvred around the accident scene and even drove over large pieces of debris to continue on their journey, saying they should be ashamed of themselves.

Strike Force To Investigate Break-Ins

Police have formed a strike force to investigate a spate of break-ins at licensed premises in the Hunter.

Strike Force Restoration is reviewing 50 attempted or actual break-ins across the region over the past 13 months.

Detective Inspector Gary Hutchen from the State Crime Command told reporters this morning they are seeking information from the public on an attempted break-in at the West Wallsend Bowling Club at 1am on Tuesday January 15.

 

A man smashed the front window of the Carrington Street club but didn't go inside. A witness told police they saw the man leaving in a car.

 

The offender is described as being 170cm tall with a medium to solid build and a medium to dark complexion. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black hoodie and a black baseball cap.

 

Anyone who assist police with their inquiries should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

 

Inspector Tony Townsend from the Northern Region Police Command says the spike in break-ins across the Hunter is having a devastating financial and emotional impact on small business owners and their employees.

 

Detective Inspector Gary Hutchen and Inspector Tony Townsend speak to reporters outside Newcastle Police Station this morning

 

8.30am News Thurs 28.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch

7.30am News Thurs 28.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch

6.30am News Thurs 28.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch

Council Budget Proposals Leaked

Despite a request to keep Newcastle City Council's budget proposal session confidential, information has today made its way into the public arena.

Controversial cost-cutting measures discussed at last night's briefing include a combination of 90 staff redundancies and several changes to service delivery in an effort to save almost 19-million dollars over the next 2 years.

Some of those measures could include the closure of The Loft Youth Venue along with shutting the Stockton and Beresfield Swimming Pools, and the sale of the Beresfield Golf Course.

Council's Acting General Manager, Martin Coates says the process to address the organisation's financial challenges is ongoing and no final decisions will be made until June.