Latest news with #CessnockCityCouncil
The Advertiser
12-08-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Residents demand action on 'death trap' after flood tragedy
RESIDENTS had repeatedly contacted authorities to raise concerns about the condition of a Hunter Valley road, including the week before a woman died after being swept off a flooded causeway earlier this month. Sue McColl, owner of the White Barn Wedding Function Centre on Old North Road, said concerns about the causeway and road condition had been bubbling away for decades, long before she moved to the area in 2018. She said she had contacted Cessnock City Council to request Old North Road be upgraded as recently as the week before two cars were swept off the Black Creek causeway at Rothbury during a sudden deluge on Saturday, August 2. One driver was rescued clinging to a tree, while the second driver made it to the bank with her dog. The passenger in her car was swept away and a body, believed to be the missing woman, was found after an extensive three-day search. "This incident has deeply shaken the local community, but it is, sadly, not an isolated concern," Ms McColl said. "Residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been calling for safety upgrades to this road for years, including the construction of a bridge, widening, proper sealing, and lighting. "Despite multiple warnings and requests over the years, meaningful action has not been taken." Ms McColl said the creek was difficult to see in the darkness with just car headlights on and the wipers "flat out". "With the torrential rain, the flow down there is horrific ... the flow would have been like a small tsunami coming through there," she said. Ms McColl said she, along with a number of other residents and business owners, had again contacted Cessnock City Council to push for change after the recent tragedy. She said she had requested a community meeting and had reached out to the state government. "It just goes on, and on, and on, and now it's at the point where it's now or never. If you're not fixing it now, you never are," she said. The two women who were travelling in the Mini Countryman that was swept away just before 8pm were Chinese nationals, aged in their 20s, who had been working in Sydney and were visiting wine country. Ms McColl said making Old North Road and the Black Creek causeway safer was critical for tourism. She said it was not just a rural dirt road, it was a route used by mine workers, residents and visitors. "As one of NSW's premier tourist destinations, the Hunter Valley deserves safe and adequate infrastructure to support both its community and its economy," she said. While a report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the death of the 26-year-old woman in the floodwaters at Black Creek, Ms McColl said the incident had upset her and the wider community. A group of dozens of "irate" residents turned out to support the push for change yesterday. Sweetwater Road resident Gianna Veglia said Old North Road and the causeway had been an issue since she moved to the area 25 years ago. "It's a death trap now, as it was then," she said. Ms Veglia said her property was in a quiet part of the world back when she bought it, but it was now surrounded by accommodation and wedding venues. She said five metres of water gushing over the Black Creek causeway could look deceptively shallow. In a statement yesterday, a Cessnock City Council spokesperson said the events on the weekend of August 2 had been difficult for the community and beyond. The spokesperson said the flood event at that time was a challenging situation as conditions deteriorated rapidly and water levels rose significantly in a short period across the Cessnock local government area (LGA). "Six roads across the LGA had to be closed on Saturday evening due to rising flood waters and flash flooding with crews attending to multiple incidents simultaneously. This number rose to almost twenty roads over the duration of the event," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said council, on behalf of the community, offered its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the woman who was swept away by floodwaters. "Council also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of emergency services in responding to and managing the various incidents which occurred throughout the entire event," they said. Cessnock council installed flashing lights, road closure chains and advanced warning signage at Black Creek in July last year. It is marked with flood depth indicators and 'road subject to flooding' signage. The Herald understands council workers inspected the Black Creek causeway on August 2 at 4.30pm and confirmed there was significant clearance and no immediate threat to the road. Conditions deteriorated rapidly and on-call teams were responding to numerous requests from emergency services and the public. Council workers later returned to activate the road closure infrastructure. Cessnock council is undertaking an LGA-wide flood study that will be used to improve resilience and response to natural disasters. Old North Road lies in both Cessnock and Singleton council areas. Emergency services and councils have consistently urged drivers to never enter floodwaters. RESIDENTS had repeatedly contacted authorities to raise concerns about the condition of a Hunter Valley road, including the week before a woman died after being swept off a flooded causeway earlier this month. Sue McColl, owner of the White Barn Wedding Function Centre on Old North Road, said concerns about the causeway and road condition had been bubbling away for decades, long before she moved to the area in 2018. She said she had contacted Cessnock City Council to request Old North Road be upgraded as recently as the week before two cars were swept off the Black Creek causeway at Rothbury during a sudden deluge on Saturday, August 2. One driver was rescued clinging to a tree, while the second driver made it to the bank with her dog. The passenger in her car was swept away and a body, believed to be the missing woman, was found after an extensive three-day search. "This incident has deeply shaken the local community, but it is, sadly, not an isolated concern," Ms McColl said. "Residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been calling for safety upgrades to this road for years, including the construction of a bridge, widening, proper sealing, and lighting. "Despite multiple warnings and requests over the years, meaningful action has not been taken." Ms McColl said the creek was difficult to see in the darkness with just car headlights on and the wipers "flat out". "With the torrential rain, the flow down there is horrific ... the flow would have been like a small tsunami coming through there," she said. Ms McColl said she, along with a number of other residents and business owners, had again contacted Cessnock City Council to push for change after the recent tragedy. She said she had requested a community meeting and had reached out to the state government. "It just goes on, and on, and on, and now it's at the point where it's now or never. If you're not fixing it now, you never are," she said. The two women who were travelling in the Mini Countryman that was swept away just before 8pm were Chinese nationals, aged in their 20s, who had been working in Sydney and were visiting wine country. Ms McColl said making Old North Road and the Black Creek causeway safer was critical for tourism. She said it was not just a rural dirt road, it was a route used by mine workers, residents and visitors. "As one of NSW's premier tourist destinations, the Hunter Valley deserves safe and adequate infrastructure to support both its community and its economy," she said. While a report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the death of the 26-year-old woman in the floodwaters at Black Creek, Ms McColl said the incident had upset her and the wider community. A group of dozens of "irate" residents turned out to support the push for change yesterday. Sweetwater Road resident Gianna Veglia said Old North Road and the causeway had been an issue since she moved to the area 25 years ago. "It's a death trap now, as it was then," she said. Ms Veglia said her property was in a quiet part of the world back when she bought it, but it was now surrounded by accommodation and wedding venues. She said five metres of water gushing over the Black Creek causeway could look deceptively shallow. In a statement yesterday, a Cessnock City Council spokesperson said the events on the weekend of August 2 had been difficult for the community and beyond. The spokesperson said the flood event at that time was a challenging situation as conditions deteriorated rapidly and water levels rose significantly in a short period across the Cessnock local government area (LGA). "Six roads across the LGA had to be closed on Saturday evening due to rising flood waters and flash flooding with crews attending to multiple incidents simultaneously. This number rose to almost twenty roads over the duration of the event," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said council, on behalf of the community, offered its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the woman who was swept away by floodwaters. "Council also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of emergency services in responding to and managing the various incidents which occurred throughout the entire event," they said. Cessnock council installed flashing lights, road closure chains and advanced warning signage at Black Creek in July last year. It is marked with flood depth indicators and 'road subject to flooding' signage. The Herald understands council workers inspected the Black Creek causeway on August 2 at 4.30pm and confirmed there was significant clearance and no immediate threat to the road. Conditions deteriorated rapidly and on-call teams were responding to numerous requests from emergency services and the public. Council workers later returned to activate the road closure infrastructure. Cessnock council is undertaking an LGA-wide flood study that will be used to improve resilience and response to natural disasters. Old North Road lies in both Cessnock and Singleton council areas. Emergency services and councils have consistently urged drivers to never enter floodwaters. RESIDENTS had repeatedly contacted authorities to raise concerns about the condition of a Hunter Valley road, including the week before a woman died after being swept off a flooded causeway earlier this month. Sue McColl, owner of the White Barn Wedding Function Centre on Old North Road, said concerns about the causeway and road condition had been bubbling away for decades, long before she moved to the area in 2018. She said she had contacted Cessnock City Council to request Old North Road be upgraded as recently as the week before two cars were swept off the Black Creek causeway at Rothbury during a sudden deluge on Saturday, August 2. One driver was rescued clinging to a tree, while the second driver made it to the bank with her dog. The passenger in her car was swept away and a body, believed to be the missing woman, was found after an extensive three-day search. "This incident has deeply shaken the local community, but it is, sadly, not an isolated concern," Ms McColl said. "Residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been calling for safety upgrades to this road for years, including the construction of a bridge, widening, proper sealing, and lighting. "Despite multiple warnings and requests over the years, meaningful action has not been taken." Ms McColl said the creek was difficult to see in the darkness with just car headlights on and the wipers "flat out". "With the torrential rain, the flow down there is horrific ... the flow would have been like a small tsunami coming through there," she said. Ms McColl said she, along with a number of other residents and business owners, had again contacted Cessnock City Council to push for change after the recent tragedy. She said she had requested a community meeting and had reached out to the state government. "It just goes on, and on, and on, and now it's at the point where it's now or never. If you're not fixing it now, you never are," she said. The two women who were travelling in the Mini Countryman that was swept away just before 8pm were Chinese nationals, aged in their 20s, who had been working in Sydney and were visiting wine country. Ms McColl said making Old North Road and the Black Creek causeway safer was critical for tourism. She said it was not just a rural dirt road, it was a route used by mine workers, residents and visitors. "As one of NSW's premier tourist destinations, the Hunter Valley deserves safe and adequate infrastructure to support both its community and its economy," she said. While a report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the death of the 26-year-old woman in the floodwaters at Black Creek, Ms McColl said the incident had upset her and the wider community. A group of dozens of "irate" residents turned out to support the push for change yesterday. Sweetwater Road resident Gianna Veglia said Old North Road and the causeway had been an issue since she moved to the area 25 years ago. "It's a death trap now, as it was then," she said. Ms Veglia said her property was in a quiet part of the world back when she bought it, but it was now surrounded by accommodation and wedding venues. She said five metres of water gushing over the Black Creek causeway could look deceptively shallow. In a statement yesterday, a Cessnock City Council spokesperson said the events on the weekend of August 2 had been difficult for the community and beyond. The spokesperson said the flood event at that time was a challenging situation as conditions deteriorated rapidly and water levels rose significantly in a short period across the Cessnock local government area (LGA). "Six roads across the LGA had to be closed on Saturday evening due to rising flood waters and flash flooding with crews attending to multiple incidents simultaneously. This number rose to almost twenty roads over the duration of the event," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said council, on behalf of the community, offered its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the woman who was swept away by floodwaters. "Council also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of emergency services in responding to and managing the various incidents which occurred throughout the entire event," they said. Cessnock council installed flashing lights, road closure chains and advanced warning signage at Black Creek in July last year. It is marked with flood depth indicators and 'road subject to flooding' signage. The Herald understands council workers inspected the Black Creek causeway on August 2 at 4.30pm and confirmed there was significant clearance and no immediate threat to the road. Conditions deteriorated rapidly and on-call teams were responding to numerous requests from emergency services and the public. Council workers later returned to activate the road closure infrastructure. Cessnock council is undertaking an LGA-wide flood study that will be used to improve resilience and response to natural disasters. Old North Road lies in both Cessnock and Singleton council areas. Emergency services and councils have consistently urged drivers to never enter floodwaters. RESIDENTS had repeatedly contacted authorities to raise concerns about the condition of a Hunter Valley road, including the week before a woman died after being swept off a flooded causeway earlier this month. Sue McColl, owner of the White Barn Wedding Function Centre on Old North Road, said concerns about the causeway and road condition had been bubbling away for decades, long before she moved to the area in 2018. She said she had contacted Cessnock City Council to request Old North Road be upgraded as recently as the week before two cars were swept off the Black Creek causeway at Rothbury during a sudden deluge on Saturday, August 2. One driver was rescued clinging to a tree, while the second driver made it to the bank with her dog. The passenger in her car was swept away and a body, believed to be the missing woman, was found after an extensive three-day search. "This incident has deeply shaken the local community, but it is, sadly, not an isolated concern," Ms McColl said. "Residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been calling for safety upgrades to this road for years, including the construction of a bridge, widening, proper sealing, and lighting. "Despite multiple warnings and requests over the years, meaningful action has not been taken." Ms McColl said the creek was difficult to see in the darkness with just car headlights on and the wipers "flat out". "With the torrential rain, the flow down there is horrific ... the flow would have been like a small tsunami coming through there," she said. Ms McColl said she, along with a number of other residents and business owners, had again contacted Cessnock City Council to push for change after the recent tragedy. She said she had requested a community meeting and had reached out to the state government. "It just goes on, and on, and on, and now it's at the point where it's now or never. If you're not fixing it now, you never are," she said. The two women who were travelling in the Mini Countryman that was swept away just before 8pm were Chinese nationals, aged in their 20s, who had been working in Sydney and were visiting wine country. Ms McColl said making Old North Road and the Black Creek causeway safer was critical for tourism. She said it was not just a rural dirt road, it was a route used by mine workers, residents and visitors. "As one of NSW's premier tourist destinations, the Hunter Valley deserves safe and adequate infrastructure to support both its community and its economy," she said. While a report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the death of the 26-year-old woman in the floodwaters at Black Creek, Ms McColl said the incident had upset her and the wider community. A group of dozens of "irate" residents turned out to support the push for change yesterday. Sweetwater Road resident Gianna Veglia said Old North Road and the causeway had been an issue since she moved to the area 25 years ago. "It's a death trap now, as it was then," she said. Ms Veglia said her property was in a quiet part of the world back when she bought it, but it was now surrounded by accommodation and wedding venues. She said five metres of water gushing over the Black Creek causeway could look deceptively shallow. In a statement yesterday, a Cessnock City Council spokesperson said the events on the weekend of August 2 had been difficult for the community and beyond. The spokesperson said the flood event at that time was a challenging situation as conditions deteriorated rapidly and water levels rose significantly in a short period across the Cessnock local government area (LGA). "Six roads across the LGA had to be closed on Saturday evening due to rising flood waters and flash flooding with crews attending to multiple incidents simultaneously. This number rose to almost twenty roads over the duration of the event," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said council, on behalf of the community, offered its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the woman who was swept away by floodwaters. "Council also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of emergency services in responding to and managing the various incidents which occurred throughout the entire event," they said. Cessnock council installed flashing lights, road closure chains and advanced warning signage at Black Creek in July last year. It is marked with flood depth indicators and 'road subject to flooding' signage. The Herald understands council workers inspected the Black Creek causeway on August 2 at 4.30pm and confirmed there was significant clearance and no immediate threat to the road. Conditions deteriorated rapidly and on-call teams were responding to numerous requests from emergency services and the public. Council workers later returned to activate the road closure infrastructure. Cessnock council is undertaking an LGA-wide flood study that will be used to improve resilience and response to natural disasters. Old North Road lies in both Cessnock and Singleton council areas. Emergency services and councils have consistently urged drivers to never enter floodwaters.
The Advertiser
12-08-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Causeway for concern: residents demand action on 'death trap' after flood tragedy
RESIDENTS had repeatedly contacted authorities to raise concerns about the condition of a Hunter Valley road, including the week before a woman died after being swept off a flooded causeway earlier this month. Sue McColl, owner of the White Barn Wedding Function Centre on Old North Road, said concerns about the causeway and road condition had been bubbling away for decades, long before she moved to the area in 2018. She said she had contacted Cessnock City Council to request Old North Road be upgraded as recently as the week before two cars were swept off the Black Creek causeway at Rothbury during a sudden deluge on Saturday, August 2. One driver was rescued clinging to a tree, while the second driver made it to the bank with her dog. The passenger in her car was swept away and a body, believed to be the missing woman, was found after an extensive three-day search. "This incident has deeply shaken the local community, but it is, sadly, not an isolated concern," Ms McColl said. "Residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been calling for safety upgrades to this road for years, including the construction of a bridge, widening, proper sealing, and lighting. "Despite multiple warnings and requests over the years, meaningful action has not been taken." Ms McColl said the creek was difficult to see in the darkness with just car headlights on and the wipers "flat out". "With the torrential rain, the flow down there is horrific ... the flow would have been like a small tsunami coming through there," she said. Ms McColl said she, along with a number of other residents and business owners, had again contacted Cessnock City Council to push for change after the recent tragedy. She said she had requested a community meeting and had reached out to the state government. "It just goes on, and on, and on, and now it's at the point where it's now or never. If you're not fixing it now, you never are," she said. The two women who were travelling in the Mini Countryman that was swept away just before 8pm were Chinese nationals, aged in their 20s, who had been working in Sydney and were visiting wine country. Ms McColl said making Old North Road and the Black Creek causeway safer was critical for tourism. She said it was not just a rural dirt road, it was a route used by mine workers, residents and visitors. "As one of NSW's premier tourist destinations, the Hunter Valley deserves safe and adequate infrastructure to support both its community and its economy," she said. While a report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the death of the 26-year-old woman in the floodwaters at Black Creek, Ms McColl said the incident had upset her and the wider community. A group of dozens of "irate" residents turned out to support the push for change on August 11. Sweetwater Road resident Gianna Veglia said Old North Road and the causeway had been an issue since she moved to the area 25 years ago. "It's a death trap now, as it was then," she said. Ms Veglia said her property was in a quiet part of the world back when she bought it, but it was now surrounded by accommodation and wedding venues. She said five metres of water gushing over the Black Creek causeway could look deceptively shallow. In a statement on Monday, a Cessnock City Council spokesperson said the events on the weekend of August 2 has been difficult for the community and beyond. The spokesperson said the flood event at that time was a challenging situation as conditions deteriorated rapidly and water levels rose significantly in a short period across the Cessnock local government area (LGA). "Six roads across the LGA had to be closed on Saturday evening due to rising flood waters and flash flooding with crews attending to multiple incidents simultaneously. This number rose to almost twenty roads over the duration of the event," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said council, on behalf of the community, offered its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the woman who was swept away by rising floodwaters. "Council also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of emergency services in responding to and managing the various incidents which occurred throughout the entire event," they said. Cessnock City Council installed flashing lights, road closure chains and advanced warning signage at Black Creek in July last year. It is marked with flood depth indicators and 'road subject to flooding' signage. The Herald understands council workers inspected the Black Creek causeway on August 2 at 4.30pm and confirmed there was significant clearance and no immediate threat to the road. Conditions deteriorated rapidly and on-call teams were responding to numerous requests from emergency services and the public. Council workers later returned to activate the road closure infrastructure. Cessnock City Council is undertaking an LGA-wide flood study that will be used to improve resilience and response to natural disasters. Old North Road lies in both Cessnock City Council and Singleton City Council areas. Emergency services and local councils have consistently urged drivers to never enter floodwaters. RESIDENTS had repeatedly contacted authorities to raise concerns about the condition of a Hunter Valley road, including the week before a woman died after being swept off a flooded causeway earlier this month. Sue McColl, owner of the White Barn Wedding Function Centre on Old North Road, said concerns about the causeway and road condition had been bubbling away for decades, long before she moved to the area in 2018. She said she had contacted Cessnock City Council to request Old North Road be upgraded as recently as the week before two cars were swept off the Black Creek causeway at Rothbury during a sudden deluge on Saturday, August 2. One driver was rescued clinging to a tree, while the second driver made it to the bank with her dog. The passenger in her car was swept away and a body, believed to be the missing woman, was found after an extensive three-day search. "This incident has deeply shaken the local community, but it is, sadly, not an isolated concern," Ms McColl said. "Residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been calling for safety upgrades to this road for years, including the construction of a bridge, widening, proper sealing, and lighting. "Despite multiple warnings and requests over the years, meaningful action has not been taken." Ms McColl said the creek was difficult to see in the darkness with just car headlights on and the wipers "flat out". "With the torrential rain, the flow down there is horrific ... the flow would have been like a small tsunami coming through there," she said. Ms McColl said she, along with a number of other residents and business owners, had again contacted Cessnock City Council to push for change after the recent tragedy. She said she had requested a community meeting and had reached out to the state government. "It just goes on, and on, and on, and now it's at the point where it's now or never. If you're not fixing it now, you never are," she said. The two women who were travelling in the Mini Countryman that was swept away just before 8pm were Chinese nationals, aged in their 20s, who had been working in Sydney and were visiting wine country. Ms McColl said making Old North Road and the Black Creek causeway safer was critical for tourism. She said it was not just a rural dirt road, it was a route used by mine workers, residents and visitors. "As one of NSW's premier tourist destinations, the Hunter Valley deserves safe and adequate infrastructure to support both its community and its economy," she said. While a report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the death of the 26-year-old woman in the floodwaters at Black Creek, Ms McColl said the incident had upset her and the wider community. A group of dozens of "irate" residents turned out to support the push for change on August 11. Sweetwater Road resident Gianna Veglia said Old North Road and the causeway had been an issue since she moved to the area 25 years ago. "It's a death trap now, as it was then," she said. Ms Veglia said her property was in a quiet part of the world back when she bought it, but it was now surrounded by accommodation and wedding venues. She said five metres of water gushing over the Black Creek causeway could look deceptively shallow. In a statement on Monday, a Cessnock City Council spokesperson said the events on the weekend of August 2 has been difficult for the community and beyond. The spokesperson said the flood event at that time was a challenging situation as conditions deteriorated rapidly and water levels rose significantly in a short period across the Cessnock local government area (LGA). "Six roads across the LGA had to be closed on Saturday evening due to rising flood waters and flash flooding with crews attending to multiple incidents simultaneously. This number rose to almost twenty roads over the duration of the event," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said council, on behalf of the community, offered its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the woman who was swept away by rising floodwaters. "Council also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of emergency services in responding to and managing the various incidents which occurred throughout the entire event," they said. Cessnock City Council installed flashing lights, road closure chains and advanced warning signage at Black Creek in July last year. It is marked with flood depth indicators and 'road subject to flooding' signage. The Herald understands council workers inspected the Black Creek causeway on August 2 at 4.30pm and confirmed there was significant clearance and no immediate threat to the road. Conditions deteriorated rapidly and on-call teams were responding to numerous requests from emergency services and the public. Council workers later returned to activate the road closure infrastructure. Cessnock City Council is undertaking an LGA-wide flood study that will be used to improve resilience and response to natural disasters. Old North Road lies in both Cessnock City Council and Singleton City Council areas. Emergency services and local councils have consistently urged drivers to never enter floodwaters. RESIDENTS had repeatedly contacted authorities to raise concerns about the condition of a Hunter Valley road, including the week before a woman died after being swept off a flooded causeway earlier this month. Sue McColl, owner of the White Barn Wedding Function Centre on Old North Road, said concerns about the causeway and road condition had been bubbling away for decades, long before she moved to the area in 2018. She said she had contacted Cessnock City Council to request Old North Road be upgraded as recently as the week before two cars were swept off the Black Creek causeway at Rothbury during a sudden deluge on Saturday, August 2. One driver was rescued clinging to a tree, while the second driver made it to the bank with her dog. The passenger in her car was swept away and a body, believed to be the missing woman, was found after an extensive three-day search. "This incident has deeply shaken the local community, but it is, sadly, not an isolated concern," Ms McColl said. "Residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been calling for safety upgrades to this road for years, including the construction of a bridge, widening, proper sealing, and lighting. "Despite multiple warnings and requests over the years, meaningful action has not been taken." Ms McColl said the creek was difficult to see in the darkness with just car headlights on and the wipers "flat out". "With the torrential rain, the flow down there is horrific ... the flow would have been like a small tsunami coming through there," she said. Ms McColl said she, along with a number of other residents and business owners, had again contacted Cessnock City Council to push for change after the recent tragedy. She said she had requested a community meeting and had reached out to the state government. "It just goes on, and on, and on, and now it's at the point where it's now or never. If you're not fixing it now, you never are," she said. The two women who were travelling in the Mini Countryman that was swept away just before 8pm were Chinese nationals, aged in their 20s, who had been working in Sydney and were visiting wine country. Ms McColl said making Old North Road and the Black Creek causeway safer was critical for tourism. She said it was not just a rural dirt road, it was a route used by mine workers, residents and visitors. "As one of NSW's premier tourist destinations, the Hunter Valley deserves safe and adequate infrastructure to support both its community and its economy," she said. While a report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the death of the 26-year-old woman in the floodwaters at Black Creek, Ms McColl said the incident had upset her and the wider community. A group of dozens of "irate" residents turned out to support the push for change on August 11. Sweetwater Road resident Gianna Veglia said Old North Road and the causeway had been an issue since she moved to the area 25 years ago. "It's a death trap now, as it was then," she said. Ms Veglia said her property was in a quiet part of the world back when she bought it, but it was now surrounded by accommodation and wedding venues. She said five metres of water gushing over the Black Creek causeway could look deceptively shallow. In a statement on Monday, a Cessnock City Council spokesperson said the events on the weekend of August 2 has been difficult for the community and beyond. The spokesperson said the flood event at that time was a challenging situation as conditions deteriorated rapidly and water levels rose significantly in a short period across the Cessnock local government area (LGA). "Six roads across the LGA had to be closed on Saturday evening due to rising flood waters and flash flooding with crews attending to multiple incidents simultaneously. This number rose to almost twenty roads over the duration of the event," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said council, on behalf of the community, offered its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the woman who was swept away by rising floodwaters. "Council also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of emergency services in responding to and managing the various incidents which occurred throughout the entire event," they said. Cessnock City Council installed flashing lights, road closure chains and advanced warning signage at Black Creek in July last year. It is marked with flood depth indicators and 'road subject to flooding' signage. The Herald understands council workers inspected the Black Creek causeway on August 2 at 4.30pm and confirmed there was significant clearance and no immediate threat to the road. Conditions deteriorated rapidly and on-call teams were responding to numerous requests from emergency services and the public. Council workers later returned to activate the road closure infrastructure. Cessnock City Council is undertaking an LGA-wide flood study that will be used to improve resilience and response to natural disasters. Old North Road lies in both Cessnock City Council and Singleton City Council areas. Emergency services and local councils have consistently urged drivers to never enter floodwaters. RESIDENTS had repeatedly contacted authorities to raise concerns about the condition of a Hunter Valley road, including the week before a woman died after being swept off a flooded causeway earlier this month. Sue McColl, owner of the White Barn Wedding Function Centre on Old North Road, said concerns about the causeway and road condition had been bubbling away for decades, long before she moved to the area in 2018. She said she had contacted Cessnock City Council to request Old North Road be upgraded as recently as the week before two cars were swept off the Black Creek causeway at Rothbury during a sudden deluge on Saturday, August 2. One driver was rescued clinging to a tree, while the second driver made it to the bank with her dog. The passenger in her car was swept away and a body, believed to be the missing woman, was found after an extensive three-day search. "This incident has deeply shaken the local community, but it is, sadly, not an isolated concern," Ms McColl said. "Residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been calling for safety upgrades to this road for years, including the construction of a bridge, widening, proper sealing, and lighting. "Despite multiple warnings and requests over the years, meaningful action has not been taken." Ms McColl said the creek was difficult to see in the darkness with just car headlights on and the wipers "flat out". "With the torrential rain, the flow down there is horrific ... the flow would have been like a small tsunami coming through there," she said. Ms McColl said she, along with a number of other residents and business owners, had again contacted Cessnock City Council to push for change after the recent tragedy. She said she had requested a community meeting and had reached out to the state government. "It just goes on, and on, and on, and now it's at the point where it's now or never. If you're not fixing it now, you never are," she said. The two women who were travelling in the Mini Countryman that was swept away just before 8pm were Chinese nationals, aged in their 20s, who had been working in Sydney and were visiting wine country. Ms McColl said making Old North Road and the Black Creek causeway safer was critical for tourism. She said it was not just a rural dirt road, it was a route used by mine workers, residents and visitors. "As one of NSW's premier tourist destinations, the Hunter Valley deserves safe and adequate infrastructure to support both its community and its economy," she said. While a report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the death of the 26-year-old woman in the floodwaters at Black Creek, Ms McColl said the incident had upset her and the wider community. A group of dozens of "irate" residents turned out to support the push for change on August 11. Sweetwater Road resident Gianna Veglia said Old North Road and the causeway had been an issue since she moved to the area 25 years ago. "It's a death trap now, as it was then," she said. Ms Veglia said her property was in a quiet part of the world back when she bought it, but it was now surrounded by accommodation and wedding venues. She said five metres of water gushing over the Black Creek causeway could look deceptively shallow. In a statement on Monday, a Cessnock City Council spokesperson said the events on the weekend of August 2 has been difficult for the community and beyond. The spokesperson said the flood event at that time was a challenging situation as conditions deteriorated rapidly and water levels rose significantly in a short period across the Cessnock local government area (LGA). "Six roads across the LGA had to be closed on Saturday evening due to rising flood waters and flash flooding with crews attending to multiple incidents simultaneously. This number rose to almost twenty roads over the duration of the event," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said council, on behalf of the community, offered its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the woman who was swept away by rising floodwaters. "Council also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of emergency services in responding to and managing the various incidents which occurred throughout the entire event," they said. Cessnock City Council installed flashing lights, road closure chains and advanced warning signage at Black Creek in July last year. It is marked with flood depth indicators and 'road subject to flooding' signage. The Herald understands council workers inspected the Black Creek causeway on August 2 at 4.30pm and confirmed there was significant clearance and no immediate threat to the road. Conditions deteriorated rapidly and on-call teams were responding to numerous requests from emergency services and the public. Council workers later returned to activate the road closure infrastructure. Cessnock City Council is undertaking an LGA-wide flood study that will be used to improve resilience and response to natural disasters. Old North Road lies in both Cessnock City Council and Singleton City Council areas. Emergency services and local councils have consistently urged drivers to never enter floodwaters.
The Advertiser
23-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Weekly green bin collections to begin in Maitland, Singleton and Cessnock
Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost.
The Advertiser
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Kurri Kurri town centre renovation wins council award for excellence in infrastructure
The upgrade of the Kurri Kurri town centre and Col Brown Rotary Park has won the Cessnock City Council an industry award for outstanding infrastructure projects. The $7 million city centre development transformed the heart of Kurri Kurri into a more accessible, pedestrian friendly and vibrant town centre that supports local businesses while enriching the experience of residents and visitors. The project included upgrades to the commercial centre public domain, landscaping, footpaths and paving, pedestrian crossings, street furniture, lighting, line marking, street tree planting and signage. "This award is a testament to our dedication in delivering impactful infrastructure that meets community needs and ensures long-term benefits," Cessnock mayor Daniel Watton said in a statement. Local Government Professionals Australia Excellence Awards noted the transformation of Col Brown Rotary Park, crafted in collaboration with local historians, community groups and artists. The council said in a statement on Friday that the award category was for projects over $1.5 million within the 50,000 to 150,000 population category, and that the revitalisation project paid homage to the town's veterans and its mining history. "This achievement was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of council teams, local business, contractors and funding support from the NSW Government's Restart NSW Resources for Regions Fund and the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program," Cr Watton said. In other recognition for Hunter councils, City of Newcastle took home the award for cities with populations over 150,000 and Lake Macquarie City Council received a highly commended award in the same category. The upgrade of the Kurri Kurri town centre and Col Brown Rotary Park has won the Cessnock City Council an industry award for outstanding infrastructure projects. The $7 million city centre development transformed the heart of Kurri Kurri into a more accessible, pedestrian friendly and vibrant town centre that supports local businesses while enriching the experience of residents and visitors. The project included upgrades to the commercial centre public domain, landscaping, footpaths and paving, pedestrian crossings, street furniture, lighting, line marking, street tree planting and signage. "This award is a testament to our dedication in delivering impactful infrastructure that meets community needs and ensures long-term benefits," Cessnock mayor Daniel Watton said in a statement. Local Government Professionals Australia Excellence Awards noted the transformation of Col Brown Rotary Park, crafted in collaboration with local historians, community groups and artists. The council said in a statement on Friday that the award category was for projects over $1.5 million within the 50,000 to 150,000 population category, and that the revitalisation project paid homage to the town's veterans and its mining history. "This achievement was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of council teams, local business, contractors and funding support from the NSW Government's Restart NSW Resources for Regions Fund and the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program," Cr Watton said. In other recognition for Hunter councils, City of Newcastle took home the award for cities with populations over 150,000 and Lake Macquarie City Council received a highly commended award in the same category. The upgrade of the Kurri Kurri town centre and Col Brown Rotary Park has won the Cessnock City Council an industry award for outstanding infrastructure projects. The $7 million city centre development transformed the heart of Kurri Kurri into a more accessible, pedestrian friendly and vibrant town centre that supports local businesses while enriching the experience of residents and visitors. The project included upgrades to the commercial centre public domain, landscaping, footpaths and paving, pedestrian crossings, street furniture, lighting, line marking, street tree planting and signage. "This award is a testament to our dedication in delivering impactful infrastructure that meets community needs and ensures long-term benefits," Cessnock mayor Daniel Watton said in a statement. Local Government Professionals Australia Excellence Awards noted the transformation of Col Brown Rotary Park, crafted in collaboration with local historians, community groups and artists. The council said in a statement on Friday that the award category was for projects over $1.5 million within the 50,000 to 150,000 population category, and that the revitalisation project paid homage to the town's veterans and its mining history. "This achievement was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of council teams, local business, contractors and funding support from the NSW Government's Restart NSW Resources for Regions Fund and the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program," Cr Watton said. In other recognition for Hunter councils, City of Newcastle took home the award for cities with populations over 150,000 and Lake Macquarie City Council received a highly commended award in the same category. The upgrade of the Kurri Kurri town centre and Col Brown Rotary Park has won the Cessnock City Council an industry award for outstanding infrastructure projects. The $7 million city centre development transformed the heart of Kurri Kurri into a more accessible, pedestrian friendly and vibrant town centre that supports local businesses while enriching the experience of residents and visitors. The project included upgrades to the commercial centre public domain, landscaping, footpaths and paving, pedestrian crossings, street furniture, lighting, line marking, street tree planting and signage. "This award is a testament to our dedication in delivering impactful infrastructure that meets community needs and ensures long-term benefits," Cessnock mayor Daniel Watton said in a statement. Local Government Professionals Australia Excellence Awards noted the transformation of Col Brown Rotary Park, crafted in collaboration with local historians, community groups and artists. The council said in a statement on Friday that the award category was for projects over $1.5 million within the 50,000 to 150,000 population category, and that the revitalisation project paid homage to the town's veterans and its mining history. "This achievement was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of council teams, local business, contractors and funding support from the NSW Government's Restart NSW Resources for Regions Fund and the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program," Cr Watton said. In other recognition for Hunter councils, City of Newcastle took home the award for cities with populations over 150,000 and Lake Macquarie City Council received a highly commended award in the same category.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
What you need to know about the 'Trumpet' texts being sent to millions of Australians
Trumpet of Patriots chairman Clive Palmer has spoken out after his party sent out a message to millions of Australians last week, leading many Aussies to ask the same question: How did he get my number? Political parties are exempt from spam and privacy laws, and are able to send unsolicited text messages without an opt-out option. Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday he'd be 'happy' to ban the texts but added, 'I'm not sure that that fits with our democracy,' and wouldn't commit to a law change. The spam text messages have caused a furore and led South Australian candidate Mark Aldridge to distance himself from Trumpet of Patriots and resign. Party chairman Clive Palmer said the party had sent about 17 million text messages and received just 8000 complaints. Mr Palmer said the number of complaints were 'not too bad' considering how many text messages were sent out. 'Those 8000 people I have concluded are unlikely to vote for us' he told The Daily Telegraph. So how did Mr Palmer get your number? 'I haven't got anybody's number. There are a number of services that are available to send marketing text messages to the Australian population,' he said. 'They would've had many texts from the other parties … it's the same as giving out how-to-vote cards and things like that.' Palmer also hit back at Mr Albanese, saying it was the major parties that had exempted politicians from spam laws. 'It was the Liberals and Labor that both voted in favour of legislation that allows political parties to SMS,' he told The Sydney Morning Herald. Political parties likely get Australians' numbers from information brokers, the electoral role, or simply entering them at random. Saturday's election is the last one without spending caps, and Mr Palmer is going all out, with leader Suellen Wrightson front and centre of the party's media campaign. Though she has been billed as the country's next prime minister, Ms Wrightson has almost zero chance of winning the Labor-held seat of Hunter, NSW, in Saturday's election. The point of Palmer's almost 100 political candidates is not necessarily to win, but to disrupt voting results for the major parties and publicise his agenda. The hastily-assembled candidates include a convicted conman and a boatbuilder who is facing weapons and stalking charges. Policies include cutting immigration by 80 per cent, free university education and a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) like the one in Trump's administration. Ms Wrightson was chosen as party leader after being involved with Palmer's political activities for about 12 years. The Trumpet of Patriots website describes her as a 'former elected member of Cessnock City Council, seasoned political campaigner at state and federal level, and respected chronic disease management coordinator'. She was elected to Cessnock City Council as a Liberal in 2012, but switched her allegiance to the Palmer United Party the following year. In 2013 she ran in the third spot on the party's NSW Senate ticket in the federal election. In 2016, she resigned from council in order to again run as a PUP Senate candidate for NSW, this time at the top of the party's ticket. Ms Wrightson was back in 2019 campaigning for Palmer's party - renamed as the United Australia Party (UAP). This time, she contested the seat of Warringah against the likes of Tony Abbott and Zali Steggall in the 2019 election. Her most recent role with the UAP was as chief of staff for Senator Ralph Babet, currently the party's only federal elected representative. 'Suellen Wrightson was employed as my chief of staff, but resigned to run as a candidate in the Federal Election,' Senator Babet told Daily Mail Australia. 'Suellen is courageous and principled. She is focused on restoring freedom, faith and national pride. She will build a better future for all Australians.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Wrightson for comment. Cutting government waste This is central to the party's identity and is a clear echo of the Elon Musk-run department of government efficiency or DOGE in the US. In fact, Mr Palmer name-checked the X and Tesla owner. 'Our biggest policy is to cut government waste, much as Elon Musk is doing in the United States,' he said. However, actual details about how the Trumpet of Patriots would go about slimming down government bureaucracy in Canberra were thin on the ground. Mr Palmer suggested his party planned to trim the red tape in the 'same way as Musk'. 'We plan to have a team of can go through the procedures in Australia that sees more and more of the public sector having more and more of our capital,' he added. 'You've got to realise the public sector doesn't create wealth and it's the private sector that does. So the more money we've got in the private sector creating jobs, wealth and growth the bigger taxation and the better taxation base we've got.' Recognising only two genders In a carbon copy of the US President, Mr Palmer said his new party would only recognise two genders - male and female. 'We don't want men in women's sports and we don't want males dressed as females confusing our children in our schools,' Mr Palmer said. 'All children should be entitled to a safe and normal environment in our schools and public toilets. 'All children must be entitled to decide who they are and what their sexual orientation is when they're adults, and not have it foisted on them before they have even commenced puberty.' Trump signed an executive order recognising only male and female sexes just days after being sworn in as President. Recalling Kevin Rudd Mr Palmer also claimed he would recall former PM Kevin Rudd as the Australian ambassador to the US, following damaging revelations of the former prime minister's bad-mouthing of Trump. 'It's time to bring Kevin Rudd back from Washington,' Mr Palmer said. 'There's not too many ambassadors in Washington that have insulted the president of the United States. 'Kevin Rudd ranks alone in that and Australia needs an elected representative in Washington that can support our nation in a time of toil, in a time where our living standards are declining and when our people are hungry.' Mr Rudd has in the past labelled the President a 'village idiot', a 'traitor to the West' and 'the most destructive president in history'. Trump has previously signalled his disapproval of Mr Rudd, branding him 'nasty'. 'I don't know much about him. I heard he was a little bit nasty,' Trump told GB News last year. 'I hear he's not the brightest bulb, but I don't know much about him. If he's at all hostile, he will not be there long.' Feeding the hungry Mr Palmer has long campaigned to raise awareness about the hunger crisis in Australia. But his solution to the food crisis is also apparently rooted in cutting government waste. 'There's over 3.7 million Australian households in this country that don't have enough food, that can't afford it because of the cost of living that the Labor Party has brought upon them because of the excess spending and waste in our public service, we find Australian children going to be at night hungry,' Mr Palmer said. The billionaire claimed he had donated $5million to Foodbank to help feed struggling families. 'I was personally concerned about it, that's why I donated $5million because I want to encourage other Australians, other billionaires who do nothing all day but sit on their a**e put money in,' he said. 'But it hasn't had that effect. People tend to like to keep their money so I think the government should step in there.' Capping immigration Mr Palmer, who is Australia's sixth richest person, with an estimated wealth of nearly $23billion, also hinted that the Trumpet of Patriots would seek to cap immigration. 'Too much immigration destroys our infrastructure, roads, schools and hospitals, creates congestion and the destruction of communities,' he said. 'Australia should be for all Australians living here. Trumpet of Patriots will put Australians first and make Australia great again.' Building high-speed rail networks into major cities to enable cheaper housing In perhaps his most left-field policy announcement, Mr Palmer pointed to policies brought in by the Japanese government to tackle their housing crisis. 'When you look at some of the solutions that were adopted by the Japanese government when the same thing happened in Tokyo and Yokohama was to put a fast train just 120km outside of Tokyo and to develop cheaper land for their population where they could all commute to the city within 20 minutes,' he said. Mr Palmer said this would allow young people to put a foot on the housing ladder. This was supported by Ms Wrightson, who added: 'We can solve the housing crisis by (building) fast trains from our capital cities to regional Australia to open up affordable land for housing with a 20-minute commute to the CBD. Investing in Australian manufacturing Asked whether he would seek to emulate Trump's punitive tariffs would impact Australia's steel production, Mr Palmer said 'I don't think so'. 'I think we need more steel production in Australia, we need more manufacturing in Australia,' he added. 'We export so much iron to China and japan they use that for their manufacturing base and they become the world's largest manufacturer. 'We want jobs in Australia. We've got substantial iron ore deposits, substantial coal deposits, bauxite, copper, molybdenum - those minerals should be developed here.' He also called for Australia's steel mills to be brought into the 21st century with new technology. 'It makes sense to invest in our country,' he said. Free speech When questioned whether spending $123million to gain only one seat was a wise use of money, Mr Palmer claimed it was. 'It's a good use of my money because at the last election we spent $100million saying that the Covid vaccine was not safe and effective and it's proven not to be safe and effective,' he said. 'One in five million Australians didn't have the vaccine. That's $20 each based on your calculations and that was a good investment.' He added: 'I'm more than happy to spend my funds on something protective, defending the rights of free speech and whatever is required to be spent it will be spent.' Asked if he would be running at the election, Mr Palmer claimed he was 'too old' and would only serve as a 'functionary'. At one stage, Mr Palmer misspoke and incorrectly referred to the party as the 'trumpet of parrots'.
