Latest news with #Crakanthorp
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Safety' first: grant to boost crucial Hamilton Station Park upgrade
SAFETY will be the focus of an $80,000 upgrade of Hamilton Station Park to build on the community's efforts to address a rise in antisocial behaviour and crime in Hamilton. The grant has been awarded to the City of Newcastle to boost its project 'Hamilton Station Park - A Place For All' through the NSW government's 2025 Community Building Partnership program It will fund the installation of a community noticeboard with Aboriginal cultural storytelling and artwork, as well as lighting, bollards and benches, landscaping, surface levelling, and turf. It is one of 20 projects funded across the Newcastle local government area to the tune of almost $450,000. The $41 million program aims to ensure local organisations and councils across the state have the facilities to support more vibrant and inclusive communities. Newcastle State MP Tim Crakanthorp joined Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge and councillor Jennie Barrie on Monday (August 4) to announce the funding and the list of recipients. Mr Crakanthorp welcomed the funding and applauded the program for bringing "much-needed improvements to local facilities". "These projects make a real and impactful difference to the local residents and organisations," Mr Crakanthorp said. "Congratulations to all successful applicants. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life to benefit our community." Cr Kerridge thanked the state government on behalf of the council for their contribution to the upgrade of Hamilton Station Park. "This funding will help provide upgraded lighting, landscaping, and public infrastructure to make the park more welcoming, more accessible, and safer for everyone in the community," Cr Kerridge said. City of Newcastle's executive director of creative and community services, Alissa Jones, said the proposal had been developed using the principles of crime prevention through environmental design to make the park a safer and more welcoming community space. The area is known as Ahwar-tah Bulboolba, which translates to 'flat it is, Wallaby Place. A place of sand flats covered in tea tree scrub and an abundance of wildlife.' It hosts a 'Food Not Bombs' meal service and cupboards, which act as a point of donation for food and other items. The park's proposed upgrade has not been without controversy. Cr Jenny Barrie and others have flagged concerns about the free food sharing initiative drawing antisocial behaviour to the area. But the initiative, Food Not Bombs, has defended itself as trying to help people in need, saying issues in the area won't go away if it were to stop operating. SAFETY will be the focus of an $80,000 upgrade of Hamilton Station Park to build on the community's efforts to address a rise in antisocial behaviour and crime in Hamilton. The grant has been awarded to the City of Newcastle to boost its project 'Hamilton Station Park - A Place For All' through the NSW government's 2025 Community Building Partnership program It will fund the installation of a community noticeboard with Aboriginal cultural storytelling and artwork, as well as lighting, bollards and benches, landscaping, surface levelling, and turf. It is one of 20 projects funded across the Newcastle local government area to the tune of almost $450,000. The $41 million program aims to ensure local organisations and councils across the state have the facilities to support more vibrant and inclusive communities. Newcastle State MP Tim Crakanthorp joined Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge and councillor Jennie Barrie on Monday (August 4) to announce the funding and the list of recipients. Mr Crakanthorp welcomed the funding and applauded the program for bringing "much-needed improvements to local facilities". "These projects make a real and impactful difference to the local residents and organisations," Mr Crakanthorp said. "Congratulations to all successful applicants. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life to benefit our community." Cr Kerridge thanked the state government on behalf of the council for their contribution to the upgrade of Hamilton Station Park. "This funding will help provide upgraded lighting, landscaping, and public infrastructure to make the park more welcoming, more accessible, and safer for everyone in the community," Cr Kerridge said. City of Newcastle's executive director of creative and community services, Alissa Jones, said the proposal had been developed using the principles of crime prevention through environmental design to make the park a safer and more welcoming community space. The area is known as Ahwar-tah Bulboolba, which translates to 'flat it is, Wallaby Place. A place of sand flats covered in tea tree scrub and an abundance of wildlife.' It hosts a 'Food Not Bombs' meal service and cupboards, which act as a point of donation for food and other items. The park's proposed upgrade has not been without controversy. Cr Jenny Barrie and others have flagged concerns about the free food sharing initiative drawing antisocial behaviour to the area. But the initiative, Food Not Bombs, has defended itself as trying to help people in need, saying issues in the area won't go away if it were to stop operating. SAFETY will be the focus of an $80,000 upgrade of Hamilton Station Park to build on the community's efforts to address a rise in antisocial behaviour and crime in Hamilton. The grant has been awarded to the City of Newcastle to boost its project 'Hamilton Station Park - A Place For All' through the NSW government's 2025 Community Building Partnership program It will fund the installation of a community noticeboard with Aboriginal cultural storytelling and artwork, as well as lighting, bollards and benches, landscaping, surface levelling, and turf. It is one of 20 projects funded across the Newcastle local government area to the tune of almost $450,000. The $41 million program aims to ensure local organisations and councils across the state have the facilities to support more vibrant and inclusive communities. Newcastle State MP Tim Crakanthorp joined Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge and councillor Jennie Barrie on Monday (August 4) to announce the funding and the list of recipients. Mr Crakanthorp welcomed the funding and applauded the program for bringing "much-needed improvements to local facilities". "These projects make a real and impactful difference to the local residents and organisations," Mr Crakanthorp said. "Congratulations to all successful applicants. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life to benefit our community." Cr Kerridge thanked the state government on behalf of the council for their contribution to the upgrade of Hamilton Station Park. "This funding will help provide upgraded lighting, landscaping, and public infrastructure to make the park more welcoming, more accessible, and safer for everyone in the community," Cr Kerridge said. City of Newcastle's executive director of creative and community services, Alissa Jones, said the proposal had been developed using the principles of crime prevention through environmental design to make the park a safer and more welcoming community space. The area is known as Ahwar-tah Bulboolba, which translates to 'flat it is, Wallaby Place. A place of sand flats covered in tea tree scrub and an abundance of wildlife.' It hosts a 'Food Not Bombs' meal service and cupboards, which act as a point of donation for food and other items. The park's proposed upgrade has not been without controversy. Cr Jenny Barrie and others have flagged concerns about the free food sharing initiative drawing antisocial behaviour to the area. But the initiative, Food Not Bombs, has defended itself as trying to help people in need, saying issues in the area won't go away if it were to stop operating. SAFETY will be the focus of an $80,000 upgrade of Hamilton Station Park to build on the community's efforts to address a rise in antisocial behaviour and crime in Hamilton. The grant has been awarded to the City of Newcastle to boost its project 'Hamilton Station Park - A Place For All' through the NSW government's 2025 Community Building Partnership program It will fund the installation of a community noticeboard with Aboriginal cultural storytelling and artwork, as well as lighting, bollards and benches, landscaping, surface levelling, and turf. It is one of 20 projects funded across the Newcastle local government area to the tune of almost $450,000. The $41 million program aims to ensure local organisations and councils across the state have the facilities to support more vibrant and inclusive communities. Newcastle State MP Tim Crakanthorp joined Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge and councillor Jennie Barrie on Monday (August 4) to announce the funding and the list of recipients. Mr Crakanthorp welcomed the funding and applauded the program for bringing "much-needed improvements to local facilities". "These projects make a real and impactful difference to the local residents and organisations," Mr Crakanthorp said. "Congratulations to all successful applicants. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life to benefit our community." Cr Kerridge thanked the state government on behalf of the council for their contribution to the upgrade of Hamilton Station Park. "This funding will help provide upgraded lighting, landscaping, and public infrastructure to make the park more welcoming, more accessible, and safer for everyone in the community," Cr Kerridge said. City of Newcastle's executive director of creative and community services, Alissa Jones, said the proposal had been developed using the principles of crime prevention through environmental design to make the park a safer and more welcoming community space. The area is known as Ahwar-tah Bulboolba, which translates to 'flat it is, Wallaby Place. A place of sand flats covered in tea tree scrub and an abundance of wildlife.' It hosts a 'Food Not Bombs' meal service and cupboards, which act as a point of donation for food and other items. The park's proposed upgrade has not been without controversy. Cr Jenny Barrie and others have flagged concerns about the free food sharing initiative drawing antisocial behaviour to the area. But the initiative, Food Not Bombs, has defended itself as trying to help people in need, saying issues in the area won't go away if it were to stop operating.
The Advertiser
27-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Needles reportedly spotted at Horseshoe beach amid ongoing clean-up
Needles have been spotted on Horseshoe beach amid the ongoing clean-up of the surrounding area. Novocastrians reportedly stumbled upon what looked like discarded needles along the waterfront last week. While Transport for NSW said they weren't aware of needle waste specifically, they were working with Maritime Environmental Services to arrange a clean-up of the beach and surrounding waterfront areas around Newcastle Harbour as soon as possible. A spokesperson for TfNSW said they planned to alert the appropriate authorities about needle wastage in the area. "The amenity and cleanliness of Transport assets is a top priority," the spokesperson said. "Horseshoe beach was impacted by recent severe weather, resulting in debris, such as logs and sticks, washing up on the sand," they said. "Members of the public are reminded not to touch or pick up needles." TfNSW has been cleaning up the beach car park and nearby dunes after the area had become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and was apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said he was aware of the community's concerns and was pushing for the clean-up of the area to be expedited. "TfNSW have been conducting a progressive clean of this area, with officers making multiple trips to the site this week and very regularly over the last few months," Mr Crakanthorp said. Following the removal of some vans and the relocation of others who have been long-term in the car park, TfNSW has completed a clean-up in the car park and is progressively working through adjacent spaces," he said. In a Facebook post last week, Mr Crakanthorp said the issue was complex, as many of the people occupying Horseshoe beach were homeless. "Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers at Horseshoe Beach with appropriate housing," he said. The federal MP encouraged people to report all needle waste to the Needle Clean up Hotline at 1800 633 353. Needles have been spotted on Horseshoe beach amid the ongoing clean-up of the surrounding area. Novocastrians reportedly stumbled upon what looked like discarded needles along the waterfront last week. While Transport for NSW said they weren't aware of needle waste specifically, they were working with Maritime Environmental Services to arrange a clean-up of the beach and surrounding waterfront areas around Newcastle Harbour as soon as possible. A spokesperson for TfNSW said they planned to alert the appropriate authorities about needle wastage in the area. "The amenity and cleanliness of Transport assets is a top priority," the spokesperson said. "Horseshoe beach was impacted by recent severe weather, resulting in debris, such as logs and sticks, washing up on the sand," they said. "Members of the public are reminded not to touch or pick up needles." TfNSW has been cleaning up the beach car park and nearby dunes after the area had become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and was apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said he was aware of the community's concerns and was pushing for the clean-up of the area to be expedited. "TfNSW have been conducting a progressive clean of this area, with officers making multiple trips to the site this week and very regularly over the last few months," Mr Crakanthorp said. Following the removal of some vans and the relocation of others who have been long-term in the car park, TfNSW has completed a clean-up in the car park and is progressively working through adjacent spaces," he said. In a Facebook post last week, Mr Crakanthorp said the issue was complex, as many of the people occupying Horseshoe beach were homeless. "Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers at Horseshoe Beach with appropriate housing," he said. The federal MP encouraged people to report all needle waste to the Needle Clean up Hotline at 1800 633 353. Needles have been spotted on Horseshoe beach amid the ongoing clean-up of the surrounding area. Novocastrians reportedly stumbled upon what looked like discarded needles along the waterfront last week. While Transport for NSW said they weren't aware of needle waste specifically, they were working with Maritime Environmental Services to arrange a clean-up of the beach and surrounding waterfront areas around Newcastle Harbour as soon as possible. A spokesperson for TfNSW said they planned to alert the appropriate authorities about needle wastage in the area. "The amenity and cleanliness of Transport assets is a top priority," the spokesperson said. "Horseshoe beach was impacted by recent severe weather, resulting in debris, such as logs and sticks, washing up on the sand," they said. "Members of the public are reminded not to touch or pick up needles." TfNSW has been cleaning up the beach car park and nearby dunes after the area had become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and was apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said he was aware of the community's concerns and was pushing for the clean-up of the area to be expedited. "TfNSW have been conducting a progressive clean of this area, with officers making multiple trips to the site this week and very regularly over the last few months," Mr Crakanthorp said. Following the removal of some vans and the relocation of others who have been long-term in the car park, TfNSW has completed a clean-up in the car park and is progressively working through adjacent spaces," he said. In a Facebook post last week, Mr Crakanthorp said the issue was complex, as many of the people occupying Horseshoe beach were homeless. "Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers at Horseshoe Beach with appropriate housing," he said. The federal MP encouraged people to report all needle waste to the Needle Clean up Hotline at 1800 633 353. Needles have been spotted on Horseshoe beach amid the ongoing clean-up of the surrounding area. Novocastrians reportedly stumbled upon what looked like discarded needles along the waterfront last week. While Transport for NSW said they weren't aware of needle waste specifically, they were working with Maritime Environmental Services to arrange a clean-up of the beach and surrounding waterfront areas around Newcastle Harbour as soon as possible. A spokesperson for TfNSW said they planned to alert the appropriate authorities about needle wastage in the area. "The amenity and cleanliness of Transport assets is a top priority," the spokesperson said. "Horseshoe beach was impacted by recent severe weather, resulting in debris, such as logs and sticks, washing up on the sand," they said. "Members of the public are reminded not to touch or pick up needles." TfNSW has been cleaning up the beach car park and nearby dunes after the area had become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and was apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said he was aware of the community's concerns and was pushing for the clean-up of the area to be expedited. "TfNSW have been conducting a progressive clean of this area, with officers making multiple trips to the site this week and very regularly over the last few months," Mr Crakanthorp said. Following the removal of some vans and the relocation of others who have been long-term in the car park, TfNSW has completed a clean-up in the car park and is progressively working through adjacent spaces," he said. In a Facebook post last week, Mr Crakanthorp said the issue was complex, as many of the people occupying Horseshoe beach were homeless. "Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers at Horseshoe Beach with appropriate housing," he said. The federal MP encouraged people to report all needle waste to the Needle Clean up Hotline at 1800 633 353.
The Advertiser
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Glass jaw and a keyboard': councillor aims fiery tirade at Newcastle MP over Horseshoe beach
LIBERAL councillor Callum Pull has had a crack at Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp in a fiery tirade over what he called the 'embarrassing' state of the Horseshoe beach precinct. The car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. Cr Pull and his colleague Cr Jenny Barrie put forward a motion to Tuesday night's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to come to the table and fix the "dangerous eyesore". Just hours before the meeting, Mr Crakanthorp took to Facebook, describing Cr Pull's motion as not only "disheartening" but "disingenuous". "Transport for NSW has been conducting a progressive clean-up of the carpark, beginning last week," Mr Crakanthorp said. "The councillor's decision to raise this motion now that the site has been cleaned is opportunistic and disappointing." The post evidently did not sit well with Cr Pull, who suggested Mr Crakanthorp, "once crowned the whinger in chief of the NSW Parliament," deserves the new title of "professional buck-passer". "The Member for Newcastle has had two years to do something about it, and the moment that Cr Barrie and I did something about it, his response was to make a sulky Facebook post," he said. "Whilst I'm glad to see that the NSW government decided to start cleaning up this precinct after the notice of motion was submitted and published, if the Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp wants to take credit for the work of the past week, he also needs to take responsibility for the lack of action in the past two years. "You don't fix issues like this by sitting behind a keyboard with a glass jaw typing up a sulky Facebook post; only action yields results." Councillors unanimously voted to call on TfNSW to address safety issues around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council. A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve an agreement with TfNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500. The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago. Independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge said efforts to resolve problems in the precinct had been under way for several months, particularly with Homes NSW liaising with rough sleepers in the car park. "Look, it has been a lot of work, and it has been an issue, and the fact that it got to this point is regrettable," he said. "But I think the citizens of Newcastle should be assured that I think it's going to be a whole lot better in a month's time, or two months' time, than it's been for a long time." With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles. In his Facebook post, Mr Crakanthorp said the issue was complex, as many of the people occupying Horseshoe beach are experiencing homelessness. "TfNSW, NSW Police, and Homes NSW have been working together to find a long-term and permanent solution for Horseshoe Beach and those living there," he said. "Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers at Horseshoe Beach with appropriate housing. "I share the community's frustrations about the delays in this process, and that is why I went directly to the Minister to escalate this issue." TfNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required. This week, a TfNSW spokeswoman confirmed crews had cleaned the site on Friday and were working with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings in the car park. A report to councillors said the council has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take. The council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TfNSW to ask for the matter to be resolved. LIBERAL councillor Callum Pull has had a crack at Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp in a fiery tirade over what he called the 'embarrassing' state of the Horseshoe beach precinct. The car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. Cr Pull and his colleague Cr Jenny Barrie put forward a motion to Tuesday night's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to come to the table and fix the "dangerous eyesore". Just hours before the meeting, Mr Crakanthorp took to Facebook, describing Cr Pull's motion as not only "disheartening" but "disingenuous". "Transport for NSW has been conducting a progressive clean-up of the carpark, beginning last week," Mr Crakanthorp said. "The councillor's decision to raise this motion now that the site has been cleaned is opportunistic and disappointing." The post evidently did not sit well with Cr Pull, who suggested Mr Crakanthorp, "once crowned the whinger in chief of the NSW Parliament," deserves the new title of "professional buck-passer". "The Member for Newcastle has had two years to do something about it, and the moment that Cr Barrie and I did something about it, his response was to make a sulky Facebook post," he said. "Whilst I'm glad to see that the NSW government decided to start cleaning up this precinct after the notice of motion was submitted and published, if the Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp wants to take credit for the work of the past week, he also needs to take responsibility for the lack of action in the past two years. "You don't fix issues like this by sitting behind a keyboard with a glass jaw typing up a sulky Facebook post; only action yields results." Councillors unanimously voted to call on TfNSW to address safety issues around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council. A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve an agreement with TfNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500. The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago. Independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge said efforts to resolve problems in the precinct had been under way for several months, particularly with Homes NSW liaising with rough sleepers in the car park. "Look, it has been a lot of work, and it has been an issue, and the fact that it got to this point is regrettable," he said. "But I think the citizens of Newcastle should be assured that I think it's going to be a whole lot better in a month's time, or two months' time, than it's been for a long time." With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles. In his Facebook post, Mr Crakanthorp said the issue was complex, as many of the people occupying Horseshoe beach are experiencing homelessness. "TfNSW, NSW Police, and Homes NSW have been working together to find a long-term and permanent solution for Horseshoe Beach and those living there," he said. "Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers at Horseshoe Beach with appropriate housing. "I share the community's frustrations about the delays in this process, and that is why I went directly to the Minister to escalate this issue." TfNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required. This week, a TfNSW spokeswoman confirmed crews had cleaned the site on Friday and were working with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings in the car park. A report to councillors said the council has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take. The council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TfNSW to ask for the matter to be resolved. LIBERAL councillor Callum Pull has had a crack at Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp in a fiery tirade over what he called the 'embarrassing' state of the Horseshoe beach precinct. The car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. Cr Pull and his colleague Cr Jenny Barrie put forward a motion to Tuesday night's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to come to the table and fix the "dangerous eyesore". Just hours before the meeting, Mr Crakanthorp took to Facebook, describing Cr Pull's motion as not only "disheartening" but "disingenuous". "Transport for NSW has been conducting a progressive clean-up of the carpark, beginning last week," Mr Crakanthorp said. "The councillor's decision to raise this motion now that the site has been cleaned is opportunistic and disappointing." The post evidently did not sit well with Cr Pull, who suggested Mr Crakanthorp, "once crowned the whinger in chief of the NSW Parliament," deserves the new title of "professional buck-passer". "The Member for Newcastle has had two years to do something about it, and the moment that Cr Barrie and I did something about it, his response was to make a sulky Facebook post," he said. "Whilst I'm glad to see that the NSW government decided to start cleaning up this precinct after the notice of motion was submitted and published, if the Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp wants to take credit for the work of the past week, he also needs to take responsibility for the lack of action in the past two years. "You don't fix issues like this by sitting behind a keyboard with a glass jaw typing up a sulky Facebook post; only action yields results." Councillors unanimously voted to call on TfNSW to address safety issues around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council. A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve an agreement with TfNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500. The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago. Independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge said efforts to resolve problems in the precinct had been under way for several months, particularly with Homes NSW liaising with rough sleepers in the car park. "Look, it has been a lot of work, and it has been an issue, and the fact that it got to this point is regrettable," he said. "But I think the citizens of Newcastle should be assured that I think it's going to be a whole lot better in a month's time, or two months' time, than it's been for a long time." With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles. In his Facebook post, Mr Crakanthorp said the issue was complex, as many of the people occupying Horseshoe beach are experiencing homelessness. "TfNSW, NSW Police, and Homes NSW have been working together to find a long-term and permanent solution for Horseshoe Beach and those living there," he said. "Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers at Horseshoe Beach with appropriate housing. "I share the community's frustrations about the delays in this process, and that is why I went directly to the Minister to escalate this issue." TfNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required. This week, a TfNSW spokeswoman confirmed crews had cleaned the site on Friday and were working with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings in the car park. A report to councillors said the council has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take. The council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TfNSW to ask for the matter to be resolved. LIBERAL councillor Callum Pull has had a crack at Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp in a fiery tirade over what he called the 'embarrassing' state of the Horseshoe beach precinct. The car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. Cr Pull and his colleague Cr Jenny Barrie put forward a motion to Tuesday night's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to come to the table and fix the "dangerous eyesore". Just hours before the meeting, Mr Crakanthorp took to Facebook, describing Cr Pull's motion as not only "disheartening" but "disingenuous". "Transport for NSW has been conducting a progressive clean-up of the carpark, beginning last week," Mr Crakanthorp said. "The councillor's decision to raise this motion now that the site has been cleaned is opportunistic and disappointing." The post evidently did not sit well with Cr Pull, who suggested Mr Crakanthorp, "once crowned the whinger in chief of the NSW Parliament," deserves the new title of "professional buck-passer". "The Member for Newcastle has had two years to do something about it, and the moment that Cr Barrie and I did something about it, his response was to make a sulky Facebook post," he said. "Whilst I'm glad to see that the NSW government decided to start cleaning up this precinct after the notice of motion was submitted and published, if the Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp wants to take credit for the work of the past week, he also needs to take responsibility for the lack of action in the past two years. "You don't fix issues like this by sitting behind a keyboard with a glass jaw typing up a sulky Facebook post; only action yields results." Councillors unanimously voted to call on TfNSW to address safety issues around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council. A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve an agreement with TfNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500. The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago. Independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge said efforts to resolve problems in the precinct had been under way for several months, particularly with Homes NSW liaising with rough sleepers in the car park. "Look, it has been a lot of work, and it has been an issue, and the fact that it got to this point is regrettable," he said. "But I think the citizens of Newcastle should be assured that I think it's going to be a whole lot better in a month's time, or two months' time, than it's been for a long time." With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles. In his Facebook post, Mr Crakanthorp said the issue was complex, as many of the people occupying Horseshoe beach are experiencing homelessness. "TfNSW, NSW Police, and Homes NSW have been working together to find a long-term and permanent solution for Horseshoe Beach and those living there," he said. "Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers at Horseshoe Beach with appropriate housing. "I share the community's frustrations about the delays in this process, and that is why I went directly to the Minister to escalate this issue." TfNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required. This week, a TfNSW spokeswoman confirmed crews had cleaned the site on Friday and were working with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings in the car park. A report to councillors said the council has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take. The council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TfNSW to ask for the matter to be resolved.
The Advertiser
20-05-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Lower Hunter councils prepare to mop up expensive storm damage bill
MURKY floodwaters that have inundated the Lower Hunter are expected to leave local councils with a costly repair bill. A Natural Disaster Declaration is yet to be made in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland or Port Stephens, despite days of heavy rainfall creating crater-like potholes and submerging roads across the region. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp thanked NSW SES and Marine Rescue volunteers for their efforts amid this week's deluge, and said he had been in touch with the NSW Reconstruction Authority. Mr Crakanthorp said the authority had been liaising with councils across the Hunter in light of recent weather events. "Councils have been requested to estimate damages and apply for a natural disaster declaration," he said. "To be eligible for a Natural Disaster Declaration, there must be a coordinated multi-agency response and at least $240,000 worth of damage. "It will be with the City of Newcastle to assess and estimate impacts." A Natural Disaster Declaration gives affected communities access to a range of special assistance measures to help them recover. Measures can include concessional loans or grants for businesses, not-for-profits and sporting organisations, transport subsidies, restoration of essential public assets and counter-disaster operations like protecting individual homes or public assets. The May 2025 NRMA Funding Local Roads report shows City of Newcastle's infrastructure backlog was $6.2 million in 2023/24, one of the lowest among Hunter councils. Over the past seven years, the council has had an average infrastructure backlog of $15.7 million compared with a regional average of $243.5 million. A City of Newcastle spokesman said recent heavy downpours and above-average rainfall continued to affect the road network. "The declaration of a natural disaster is a decision made by the NSW government based on assessments undertaken by relevant emergency and recovery agencies following the storm event," he said. "At this time, City of Newcastle is unaware of a declaration being made for the area. "Should a formal declaration be made, we will ensure residents and local businesses are informed of any available support and funding pathways." The council spokesman said that, in the meantime, the council was focused on maintaining critical infrastructure, helping impacted residents and supporting emergency response agencies where possible. City of Newcastle has already started patching potholes where possible, with a full assessment of the damage to be undertaken when weather conditions improve. The council spokesman said initial indications showed roads across the Newcastle local government area were "holding up reasonably well." The usually tranquil blue waters of Lake Macquarie were a brown and choppy mess on Tuesday due to the continued downpour that's dumped 141 millimetres of rain since Monday. While there have been road closures due to flash flooding, the wind gusts of up to 44 kilometres per hour are proving the most problematic. Lake Macquarie City Council has received 30 tree requests in the past 48 hours. Several dangerous incidents of fallen trees were reported, including on Wangi Road, at Wangi Wangi, on Sunday night, and, on Monday, a tree blocked access to the Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park. Council staff worked with SES volunteers to clear the trees. The council's manager of city works, Matt Brogan, said the clearance of trees would be prioritised for safety. "We expect this number to significantly rise over the coming few days as wind increases and given saturated ground conditions," Mr Brogan said. The continued downpour is also impacting Lake Macquarie's drainage system. Council has received 145 drainage requests for May, almost double the total between January and April. That figure is expected to significantly increase. Mr Brogan said the council's pothole backlog was under control, but he expected the roads to deteriorate. "There will definitely be an increase in potholes over the coming few weeks; at this stage, the roads tend to be holding up OK," he said. "Our roads are in reasonable shape still, but there will definitely be a bit of catch-up soon with potholes and potentially some heavy patches as we go into winter." In Cessnock, formal damage assessments are expected to be undertaken in the coming days to provide a clearer picture of the extent of the damage, as well as the scale and scope of required repairs. A Cessnock City Council spokeswoman said that, if the damage met the criteria for a natural disaster declaration, it would request assistance from the state government for the council, affected residents and repairs and restoration of essential infrastructure. "Cessnock City Council is actively working alongside emergency services and relevant agencies to manage the impacts of recent and ongoing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and localised flooding across our LGA," she said. "As part of our emergency response, council is monitoring road conditions and implementing temporary road closures where necessary to ensure the safety of residents and road users." A Maitland City Council spokeswoman said it was not in a position to respond to questions due to the ongoing weather event. The spokeswoman said the council's focus remained on supporting the community and keeping people safe. Port Stephens Council did not respond before the Herald's deadline. MURKY floodwaters that have inundated the Lower Hunter are expected to leave local councils with a costly repair bill. A Natural Disaster Declaration is yet to be made in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland or Port Stephens, despite days of heavy rainfall creating crater-like potholes and submerging roads across the region. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp thanked NSW SES and Marine Rescue volunteers for their efforts amid this week's deluge, and said he had been in touch with the NSW Reconstruction Authority. Mr Crakanthorp said the authority had been liaising with councils across the Hunter in light of recent weather events. "Councils have been requested to estimate damages and apply for a natural disaster declaration," he said. "To be eligible for a Natural Disaster Declaration, there must be a coordinated multi-agency response and at least $240,000 worth of damage. "It will be with the City of Newcastle to assess and estimate impacts." A Natural Disaster Declaration gives affected communities access to a range of special assistance measures to help them recover. Measures can include concessional loans or grants for businesses, not-for-profits and sporting organisations, transport subsidies, restoration of essential public assets and counter-disaster operations like protecting individual homes or public assets. The May 2025 NRMA Funding Local Roads report shows City of Newcastle's infrastructure backlog was $6.2 million in 2023/24, one of the lowest among Hunter councils. Over the past seven years, the council has had an average infrastructure backlog of $15.7 million compared with a regional average of $243.5 million. A City of Newcastle spokesman said recent heavy downpours and above-average rainfall continued to affect the road network. "The declaration of a natural disaster is a decision made by the NSW government based on assessments undertaken by relevant emergency and recovery agencies following the storm event," he said. "At this time, City of Newcastle is unaware of a declaration being made for the area. "Should a formal declaration be made, we will ensure residents and local businesses are informed of any available support and funding pathways." The council spokesman said that, in the meantime, the council was focused on maintaining critical infrastructure, helping impacted residents and supporting emergency response agencies where possible. City of Newcastle has already started patching potholes where possible, with a full assessment of the damage to be undertaken when weather conditions improve. The council spokesman said initial indications showed roads across the Newcastle local government area were "holding up reasonably well." The usually tranquil blue waters of Lake Macquarie were a brown and choppy mess on Tuesday due to the continued downpour that's dumped 141 millimetres of rain since Monday. While there have been road closures due to flash flooding, the wind gusts of up to 44 kilometres per hour are proving the most problematic. Lake Macquarie City Council has received 30 tree requests in the past 48 hours. Several dangerous incidents of fallen trees were reported, including on Wangi Road, at Wangi Wangi, on Sunday night, and, on Monday, a tree blocked access to the Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park. Council staff worked with SES volunteers to clear the trees. The council's manager of city works, Matt Brogan, said the clearance of trees would be prioritised for safety. "We expect this number to significantly rise over the coming few days as wind increases and given saturated ground conditions," Mr Brogan said. The continued downpour is also impacting Lake Macquarie's drainage system. Council has received 145 drainage requests for May, almost double the total between January and April. That figure is expected to significantly increase. Mr Brogan said the council's pothole backlog was under control, but he expected the roads to deteriorate. "There will definitely be an increase in potholes over the coming few weeks; at this stage, the roads tend to be holding up OK," he said. "Our roads are in reasonable shape still, but there will definitely be a bit of catch-up soon with potholes and potentially some heavy patches as we go into winter." In Cessnock, formal damage assessments are expected to be undertaken in the coming days to provide a clearer picture of the extent of the damage, as well as the scale and scope of required repairs. A Cessnock City Council spokeswoman said that, if the damage met the criteria for a natural disaster declaration, it would request assistance from the state government for the council, affected residents and repairs and restoration of essential infrastructure. "Cessnock City Council is actively working alongside emergency services and relevant agencies to manage the impacts of recent and ongoing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and localised flooding across our LGA," she said. "As part of our emergency response, council is monitoring road conditions and implementing temporary road closures where necessary to ensure the safety of residents and road users." A Maitland City Council spokeswoman said it was not in a position to respond to questions due to the ongoing weather event. The spokeswoman said the council's focus remained on supporting the community and keeping people safe. Port Stephens Council did not respond before the Herald's deadline. MURKY floodwaters that have inundated the Lower Hunter are expected to leave local councils with a costly repair bill. A Natural Disaster Declaration is yet to be made in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland or Port Stephens, despite days of heavy rainfall creating crater-like potholes and submerging roads across the region. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp thanked NSW SES and Marine Rescue volunteers for their efforts amid this week's deluge, and said he had been in touch with the NSW Reconstruction Authority. Mr Crakanthorp said the authority had been liaising with councils across the Hunter in light of recent weather events. "Councils have been requested to estimate damages and apply for a natural disaster declaration," he said. "To be eligible for a Natural Disaster Declaration, there must be a coordinated multi-agency response and at least $240,000 worth of damage. "It will be with the City of Newcastle to assess and estimate impacts." A Natural Disaster Declaration gives affected communities access to a range of special assistance measures to help them recover. Measures can include concessional loans or grants for businesses, not-for-profits and sporting organisations, transport subsidies, restoration of essential public assets and counter-disaster operations like protecting individual homes or public assets. The May 2025 NRMA Funding Local Roads report shows City of Newcastle's infrastructure backlog was $6.2 million in 2023/24, one of the lowest among Hunter councils. Over the past seven years, the council has had an average infrastructure backlog of $15.7 million compared with a regional average of $243.5 million. A City of Newcastle spokesman said recent heavy downpours and above-average rainfall continued to affect the road network. "The declaration of a natural disaster is a decision made by the NSW government based on assessments undertaken by relevant emergency and recovery agencies following the storm event," he said. "At this time, City of Newcastle is unaware of a declaration being made for the area. "Should a formal declaration be made, we will ensure residents and local businesses are informed of any available support and funding pathways." The council spokesman said that, in the meantime, the council was focused on maintaining critical infrastructure, helping impacted residents and supporting emergency response agencies where possible. City of Newcastle has already started patching potholes where possible, with a full assessment of the damage to be undertaken when weather conditions improve. The council spokesman said initial indications showed roads across the Newcastle local government area were "holding up reasonably well." The usually tranquil blue waters of Lake Macquarie were a brown and choppy mess on Tuesday due to the continued downpour that's dumped 141 millimetres of rain since Monday. While there have been road closures due to flash flooding, the wind gusts of up to 44 kilometres per hour are proving the most problematic. Lake Macquarie City Council has received 30 tree requests in the past 48 hours. Several dangerous incidents of fallen trees were reported, including on Wangi Road, at Wangi Wangi, on Sunday night, and, on Monday, a tree blocked access to the Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park. Council staff worked with SES volunteers to clear the trees. The council's manager of city works, Matt Brogan, said the clearance of trees would be prioritised for safety. "We expect this number to significantly rise over the coming few days as wind increases and given saturated ground conditions," Mr Brogan said. The continued downpour is also impacting Lake Macquarie's drainage system. Council has received 145 drainage requests for May, almost double the total between January and April. That figure is expected to significantly increase. Mr Brogan said the council's pothole backlog was under control, but he expected the roads to deteriorate. "There will definitely be an increase in potholes over the coming few weeks; at this stage, the roads tend to be holding up OK," he said. "Our roads are in reasonable shape still, but there will definitely be a bit of catch-up soon with potholes and potentially some heavy patches as we go into winter." In Cessnock, formal damage assessments are expected to be undertaken in the coming days to provide a clearer picture of the extent of the damage, as well as the scale and scope of required repairs. A Cessnock City Council spokeswoman said that, if the damage met the criteria for a natural disaster declaration, it would request assistance from the state government for the council, affected residents and repairs and restoration of essential infrastructure. "Cessnock City Council is actively working alongside emergency services and relevant agencies to manage the impacts of recent and ongoing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and localised flooding across our LGA," she said. "As part of our emergency response, council is monitoring road conditions and implementing temporary road closures where necessary to ensure the safety of residents and road users." A Maitland City Council spokeswoman said it was not in a position to respond to questions due to the ongoing weather event. The spokeswoman said the council's focus remained on supporting the community and keeping people safe. Port Stephens Council did not respond before the Herald's deadline. MURKY floodwaters that have inundated the Lower Hunter are expected to leave local councils with a costly repair bill. A Natural Disaster Declaration is yet to be made in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland or Port Stephens, despite days of heavy rainfall creating crater-like potholes and submerging roads across the region. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp thanked NSW SES and Marine Rescue volunteers for their efforts amid this week's deluge, and said he had been in touch with the NSW Reconstruction Authority. Mr Crakanthorp said the authority had been liaising with councils across the Hunter in light of recent weather events. "Councils have been requested to estimate damages and apply for a natural disaster declaration," he said. "To be eligible for a Natural Disaster Declaration, there must be a coordinated multi-agency response and at least $240,000 worth of damage. "It will be with the City of Newcastle to assess and estimate impacts." A Natural Disaster Declaration gives affected communities access to a range of special assistance measures to help them recover. Measures can include concessional loans or grants for businesses, not-for-profits and sporting organisations, transport subsidies, restoration of essential public assets and counter-disaster operations like protecting individual homes or public assets. The May 2025 NRMA Funding Local Roads report shows City of Newcastle's infrastructure backlog was $6.2 million in 2023/24, one of the lowest among Hunter councils. Over the past seven years, the council has had an average infrastructure backlog of $15.7 million compared with a regional average of $243.5 million. A City of Newcastle spokesman said recent heavy downpours and above-average rainfall continued to affect the road network. "The declaration of a natural disaster is a decision made by the NSW government based on assessments undertaken by relevant emergency and recovery agencies following the storm event," he said. "At this time, City of Newcastle is unaware of a declaration being made for the area. "Should a formal declaration be made, we will ensure residents and local businesses are informed of any available support and funding pathways." The council spokesman said that, in the meantime, the council was focused on maintaining critical infrastructure, helping impacted residents and supporting emergency response agencies where possible. City of Newcastle has already started patching potholes where possible, with a full assessment of the damage to be undertaken when weather conditions improve. The council spokesman said initial indications showed roads across the Newcastle local government area were "holding up reasonably well." The usually tranquil blue waters of Lake Macquarie were a brown and choppy mess on Tuesday due to the continued downpour that's dumped 141 millimetres of rain since Monday. While there have been road closures due to flash flooding, the wind gusts of up to 44 kilometres per hour are proving the most problematic. Lake Macquarie City Council has received 30 tree requests in the past 48 hours. Several dangerous incidents of fallen trees were reported, including on Wangi Road, at Wangi Wangi, on Sunday night, and, on Monday, a tree blocked access to the Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park. Council staff worked with SES volunteers to clear the trees. The council's manager of city works, Matt Brogan, said the clearance of trees would be prioritised for safety. "We expect this number to significantly rise over the coming few days as wind increases and given saturated ground conditions," Mr Brogan said. The continued downpour is also impacting Lake Macquarie's drainage system. Council has received 145 drainage requests for May, almost double the total between January and April. That figure is expected to significantly increase. Mr Brogan said the council's pothole backlog was under control, but he expected the roads to deteriorate. "There will definitely be an increase in potholes over the coming few weeks; at this stage, the roads tend to be holding up OK," he said. "Our roads are in reasonable shape still, but there will definitely be a bit of catch-up soon with potholes and potentially some heavy patches as we go into winter." In Cessnock, formal damage assessments are expected to be undertaken in the coming days to provide a clearer picture of the extent of the damage, as well as the scale and scope of required repairs. A Cessnock City Council spokeswoman said that, if the damage met the criteria for a natural disaster declaration, it would request assistance from the state government for the council, affected residents and repairs and restoration of essential infrastructure. "Cessnock City Council is actively working alongside emergency services and relevant agencies to manage the impacts of recent and ongoing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and localised flooding across our LGA," she said. "As part of our emergency response, council is monitoring road conditions and implementing temporary road closures where necessary to ensure the safety of residents and road users." A Maitland City Council spokeswoman said it was not in a position to respond to questions due to the ongoing weather event. The spokeswoman said the council's focus remained on supporting the community and keeping people safe. Port Stephens Council did not respond before the Herald's deadline.
