Newcastle News

It’s just over three months until the Supercars return to Newcastle, and today race-ace David Reynolds and data engineer Romy Mayer paid a special visit to Whitebridge High School. Students there are designing their own supercars, with Romy keen to tell the girls that technical sciences aren’t a boys’ domain. “Yeah, it’s important to get that first step done and get their interest and show them that there are really cool female engineers out there who are doing a really good job in their work.” (AUDIO IN PARTS)

Some good news today from Hunter Water as the region finds itself in the grip of drought. Storage levels are good, and restrictions are a long way off – but that hasn’t stopped the utility from spreading the save-water message.

A new push to protect our coastline could see 25 new marine parks created between Newcastle and Sydney. While it’s welcomed the move, the Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales says it’s disappointed Hexham Swamp wasn’t included. The state government’s plan is on public exhibition. (VISION ONLY)

Meanwhile, the results of a call to ‘fill a truck for farmers’ were packaged up today, and are now bound for remote communities outside Coonabarabran. Household goods, food for families, pets and livestock, water, as well as farming equipment were loaded into 10 separate trucks at Lake Macquarie. The donation drive has also raised $90,000 to help people pay the bills. “We don’t want to go out there and make a big scene and big noise, we don’t think that’s what the people want, and that’s not what it’s all about. We want to try and do it anonymously and go into a few of the local produce stores and pay off a few accounts,” said Organiser Shane Worrall. Truck drivers and support crew are taking time off work to deliver the goods… the convoy is expected to arrive over …

An invitation has been extended to the state’s Environment Minister, to visit Stockton and see the worsening erosion first-hand. The offer came from Labor MP Tim Crakanthorp during a fiery debate in parliament.

She’s been a tireless fundraiser for the community – and today that same community celebrated her. Gladys Dent – part of the Mater Hospital Cancer Carers Auxiliary – has turned 100… crediting hard work and family as the secret to reaching a century.

The former Hydro Aluminium smelter site at Kurri Kurri has been sold. The plant closed in 2014, with Hydro carrying out environmental remediation and rezoning activities since. New owner, Flow Systems, plans to develop around 2,000 home sites and a business precinct, relying on recirculated water systems and integrated power and telecommunications designs. Hydro remains responsible for the clean-up of the site, which is expected to take another three to five years. (FILE VISION)

A bushfire burning near near Oyster Cove at Port Stephens has been downgraded to advice, after earlier reaching a watch and act level warning. Rural Fire Service and National Parks & Wildlife firefighters have spent much of the day working to contain the blaze, which is now considered to be ‘being controlled’. It’s burning in the vicinity of Oyster Cove Road, and moving in a north east direction towards Oyster Cove. Residents in the area are urged to monitor conditions, and follow the instructions of emergency services. Large bushfire near Oyster Cove Port Stephens. No properties currently under threat. Water bombing underway. @NSWRFS and @FRNSW attending along with NSW National Parks. @nbnnews pic.twitter.com/vuYBMa5Er1 — David Threlfo (@David_Threlfo) August 17, 2018 The fire has already burnt through more than 100 hectares of bushland. Up-to-date information: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au Posted by Williamtown/Salt Ash Rural Fire Brigade on Thursday, …

Police believe a second car may have been involved in a crash in the Hunter Valley, which left a woman in hospital suffering serious injuries. Emergency services were called to Old Maitland Road at Bishops Bridge at around 9 o’clock last night, after a passing motorist found a 36-year-old woman lying in front of her car, which had crashed into a pole. She was treated by paramedics, before being flown to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition. It’s understood the woman was ejected through the car’s windscreen. Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who was in the area at the time, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Calls to fix a problematic pedestrian crossing at Mount Hutton are growing louder – today reaching state parliament. Flashing lights, a speed camera and even diverting the road are among the solutions now being considered.