Established Hunter areas missing out on NBN

Many established Hunter areas like Cessnock and Port Stephens will be facing a long wait or missing out entirely when the Federal Government begins rolling out its National Broadband Network.

Paterson MP, Bob Baldwin argues theextensive use of optical fibres in the broadband network plan is unnecessary.

He believes Novocastrians would be better served by a plan incorporating both high-speed wireless and optical fibres, allowing more areas to be included in the roll out.

Construction of the $37 billion dollar project will begin next year.

Fullerton Residents await CSG decision

Fullerton Cove Residents are still waiting for this afternoon's decision from the Land Environment Court about DART Energy's coal seam gas exploration.

The Fullerton Cove Resident's Group have been in a court battle with DART Energy for six months, they want an Environmental Impact Study to be conducted before drilling begins on ground water.

Group President, Lindsay Clout believes the court needs to rule in favour of Fullerton Residents because of State and Federal Government regulations established during their court process.

Water sharing and banking could mean $30 million dollar bill for Newcastle

A potential water banking and sharing system could see Newcastle foot the bill for a 30 million dollar upgrade to the pipeline between dams in the Lower Hunter and Central Coast.

The system is likely to form part of a new drought-proofing plan and would mean water could be pumped back and forth between the two regions in times of drought.

Greens MP, John Kaye says the Greens would support such a system because of its benefits to both regions and the environment, he believes it  is cost effective in comparison past plans like the Tillegra Dam and desalination plants.

Home Invasion at Singleton

A 62-year-old man has been subject to a violent confrontation after being threatened by a group of armed men during a home invasion at Singleton.

The 4 masked males were wielding baseball bats when they forced their way into the Buchan Avenue home at around 9:30 last night.

Police say the man was forced to surrender both his wallet and phone but was unharmed.

The perpetrators are described as being aged between 15 and 20 and were last seen running through Apex Park.

 

Gallery redevelopment plans on the backburner

Newcastle City Council finances are putting a hold on gallery redevelopment plans as Lord Mayor, Jeff McCloy, remains reluctant to ask for missing funds from the State Government.

 

They are waiting on $7 million in federal grants to join the $14 million already set aside for the ambitious project.

 

However, it seems the Council may have gotten cold feet, citing their dire financial situation as the primary cause of delay.

 

Councillor, Tim Crackenthorpe, say he would like to see the redevelopment still to go ahead.

 

 

 

Maitland assault on young couple

Police continue to investigate an assault on a young couple in Maitland.

 

The attack occured around 11.15 last night near the intersection at Devonshire Street, with the offenders being described as two young females and a young male.

 

The trio verbally abused a 17 year old girl and her 20 year old male partner before physically assaulting them.

 

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Singleton's Town Centre Master Plan opens to the public

Singleton Council has today unveiled their Town Centre Master Plan.

 

It comes after extensive community consultations revealed growing concerns about the need to diversify the town's economy.

While revamping the CBD is high on the agenda, John Martin, Major of Singleton, also notes the importance of building a highway bypass.

"We are overloaded with traffic congestion," he says.

The plan is on display at the public library, with residents invited to make submissions before the end of the month.