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WED 11 MAR 2015

Leave health services alone

A pproximately 40 health services work-ers rallied outside Maitland Hospital last week, calling on the state’s health services to remain in public hands.

The rally, coordinated by the Health Services Union, was held in conjunction with rallies in five other regional centres and one in Sydney.

In Maitland, they were joined by approximately a dozen workers from the now-closed NSW Health medical distribution supply warehouse at Cardiff.

The warehouse, which also distributed hospital supplies, shut earlier this year when the tender for the service was awarded to a company that oper-ates out of one warehouse in western Sydney.

Rally organiser Josh Howarth said that no former employees of the warehouse had secured another job yet.

“These guys are the prime example of what the government is prepared to sign,” he said. “The people of the Hunter aren’t going to travel to west-ern Sydney [to work] in a centralised warehouse.”

But Liberal candidate for Maitland Steve Thom-son has questioned the significance of the issue on a local level. “There were actually people trucked into the rally from the warehouse at Cardiff, so let’s not get carried away,” he said.

“If a third of the crowd are coming from a ware-house in Cardiff how big a local issue is it?”

Labor candidate Jenny Aitchison was present at the rally.

Displaced workers join union in rally against government privatisation

Organiser Josh Howarth and Labor candidate for Maitland Jenny Aitchison rallied with health services workers

MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber

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Interesting questions from taking a look into the future of our nation What will life in Australia be like in 2055?

That was the topic of the federal government’s 2015 Intergenerational Report released last week.

One of the main predictions was that the male life expectancy will rise from the current level of 91.5 years to 95.5 years in 2055.

Female life expectancy will rise from 93.6 years to 96.6. That might not sound like a startling statistic on its own but the report also points out that the number of Australians over the age of 65 is expected to more than double by 2055.

In fact there is predicted to be more than 40,000 Australians over the age of 100 by that time.

Having a lot more people living well past the retirement age means the proportion of the population in the workforce will be reduced.

Currently 64.6 per cent of the population is engaged in employment.

That is projected to fall to 62.4 per cent in 2055.Again it doesn’t sound like a massive drop but

our national population will be close to 40 million by then, so that’s a lot of people to support with pensions and health spending.

Treasurer Joe Hockey described the report as “call to arms in relation to reform”

“The grey army is going to deliver prosperity in Australia’s future and we need older Australians, we want older Australians, if they choose to do so, to remain in the work force and to come back into the work force,” Mr Hockey said.

As some political commentators have pointed out, it’s hard for anyone to accurately predict the future of the economy even five years into the future let alone forty years.

So, maybe we have to just take this report as a general estimate, but it does at least give us an idea of the need for people to be more aware of saving for their retirement years, which could be 30 years or more.

Finally the footy is back for another season.It’s great to see that Knights coach Rick Stone

has fully embraced the idea of re-connecting the team with the community.

There was fairly regular criticism of the club during Wayne Bennett’s time in charge that there was a separation with the region at a grass-roots level.

I’m sure it wasn’t the intention for that to happen and surely a man of Bennett’s experience in the game was well aware and supportive of the need for the community to feel part of the team, particularly in a one-club city like Newcastle.

Perhaps it’s just that Stone is a bit more vocal and visible in the community and is accepted as a local.

It’s now up to the community to get behind the team and turn up to Hunter Stadium in large numbers. When it is filled close to capacity, it is one of the most intimidating grounds for a visit-ing side to play at.

More than 40,000 over the age of 100 in 2055

PAUL MONFORTE

the hunter post

www.thehunterpost.com.au www.facebook.com/newcastlepost

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Quorrobolong’s Barbara Cowley has been announced as the inaugural winner of the 2015 Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year award.

Minister for Women, Pru Goward, paid tribute to Mrs Cowley at the awards ceremony at NSW Parliament House in Sydney last week.

“Barbara is a selfless volunteer who has worked for many local causes, including SHINE for Kids, a group mentoring and personal development program, breast cancer and literacy for homeless youth,” Ms Goward said. “She is a most deserving recipient of this inaugural award.”

Regional Woman of the Year award

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H ighway Patrol officers have issued a warning to Hunter motorists about the dangers of drug-driving.

The warning follows a police operation, carried out in Newcastle in January, in which 15 per cent of drivers were detected with illicit substances in their system and another in the Upper Hunter within the last month, where one in five motorists tested were found with either cannabis or methamphetamines in their system.

Launching a new drug-driving education campaign at the Newcastle Regional Show last Friday, Operations Commander of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Superintendent Stuart Smith said drug-driving had emerged to become one of the “fatal five” killers on NSW roads.

“In 1982 random breath testing came in [and] back then three in every five driv-ers involved in a fatal had booze in their system,” he said.

“What we’re seeing now is the propen-sity for people to drive under the influ-ence of drugs.

“What is concerning is they need to be educated on the dangers of driving under the influence and our concern is we’re seeing 90 per cent of people tested

[with] two drugs in their system and it’s the same old adage, people think they’re right to drive [but] they are not fit to be behind the wheel.”

Superintendent Smith said the recent multi-vehicle collision on the Sydney Harbour Bridge involving a 37-year-old female driver was a stark reminder of the dangers of drug-driving.

As well as launching the drug-driving education campaign, Operation Impair-ment, NSW Police also unveiled a new drug testing bus at the show.

Superintendent Smith said motorists could expect to see the bus being used to conduct roadside tests in the Hunter region as police continue to crack down on drug-driving.

Police use Newcastle Show to raise public awareness of increasing problem

Police

Drugs and driving a dangerous mix

Sergeant Hal Potts from the Random Drug Testing Unit conducts a test with Karsten Kristensen at the NSW Police exhibit at the Newcastle Regional Show on Friday

AMELIA PARROTT @amelia_parrott

More than 100 Nulkaba residents gath-ered on Sunday to voice their opposition to a proposed 302-unit manufactured home estate in their suburb.

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr was in attendance along with Cessnock City councillors Morgan Campbell, James Ryan and Rod Doherty to hear the community’s views.

With the group vowing to submit a significant number of written objections, responsibility for the final determina-tion of the development application is expected to fall to the 13 councillors.

The three councillors in attendance assured the gathering that residents’ concerns are always taken into account when they are required to vote on a devel-opment and that they would gather all the facts before forming an opinion on this particular application.

Many residents told of their concern that the rural environment of Nulkaba would be lost if the development was allowed as well as fears of traffic congestion on Fletcher Street which would be the entry and exit point for the estate.

Fletcher Street feeds onto Wine Country Drive, with several people reporting current delays turning onto the main road of five minutes or more during peak times.

The public exhibition period for the development application began on Febru-ary 25 and concludes today (Wednesday).

Residents united in opposition

PAUL MONFORTE

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$9.92 million Resources for Regions grant to allow progress on next stage of Levee development

Local government

Council’s funding pressure eases

Liberal candidate for Maitland Steve Thomson, Maitland City Council’s General Manager David Evans and Robyn Parker MPexamine plans for stage 2 of the Levee

MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber

M aitland City Council will not have to sell assets to fund the second stage of its Levee development.

The $9.92 million dollar stage, which will see three buildings demolished to create a connection to the Hunter River, was announced as a successful recipient of a grant under the Resources for Regions program by Member for Maitland, Robyn Parker last week.

The program allows communities that have been affected by mining to apply for grants to fund infrastructure projects that support economic growth and productivity.

This was the first time Maitland had been eligible to apply.

“Our funding strategy for the whole project was a combination of borrowed funds, government grants and, if needed, the sale of council assets,” General Manager David Evans said.

“This announcement essentially matches our $10 million loan that we took out to do the first stage so from a ratepayers’ perspec-tive, it’s now 50/50 funded between a loan and government grants and the good news in that is that we still have the assets.”

Ms Parker said that the project was a

game changer for Maitland. “This to me is ticking off what I committed to as a candidate in the last election where I said I wanted to see a revitalised CBD,” the outgoing MP said.

“[This will] really make the CBD some-thing special.”

Ms Parker was joined for the announce-ment by the Liberal candidate for Maitland and former president of the Maitland Business Chamber, Steve Thomson, who said the announcement was fantastic.

“We pushed for this for two years when I

was president of the chamber,” he said.“When Council first came to us and

said they were looking for support for this project we jumped right on.

“Our grandkids are going to look at this and wonder why it took so long to ever do it.”

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Independent candidate Philip Penfold seeking Government action on gaol

State election

Stop deterioration of historic gem

Independent candidate Philip Penfold has called for State funding for Maitland Gaol

MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber

Labor candidate for Maitland Jenny Aitchison has called a $5.3 million boost to Maitland and Kurri Kurri hospitals from the State Government a “lack of strategic planning”.

Last week Health Minister Jillian Skinner announced that 16 additional acute beds would be delivered to Maitland Hospital to relieve pressure on the emergency depart-ment, while 12 rehabilitation beds would be moved from Maitland to Kurri Kurri Hospital to create the space. This would see the number of rehabilitation beds at Kurri Kurri increase from 14 to 26.

Ms Skinner said that the changes would assist with patient demand until the new hospital was built at Metford.

“Maitland is a busy hospital and these beds will do much to assist staff to deliver their quality care for patients in a more timely fashion,” Ms Skinner said.

“The beds will alleviate pressure on the hospital as they will ensure a smoother, swifter transition of patients from the emergency department into a ward bed or discharge home.”

Ms Aitchison elcomed the announce-ment, but said it was “too little too late”.

“The Government promised $20 million for a new hospital for a new hospital before the election [but] only around $6 million has been spent on planning,” she said.

“Now they are putting [money] into Maitland and Kurri Kurri hospitals, at least one of which they have vowed to close.

“This behaviour shows the complete lack of strategic planning in health.”

Aitchison critical of hospital planning

I ndependent candidate for Maitland Philip Penfold has called on the State Government to inject funds into the

upkeep of Maitland Gaol.In September last year the city’s

councillors, including Mr Penfold, were presented with a report which addressed the long-term viability of the facility which estimated the infrastruc-ture maintenance backlog to be worth multiple millions of dollars.

The facility is owned by the State Government but operated by Council on a 50-year lease.

The deterioration of the gaol has seen areas closed off due to safety concerns.

But six months on nothing has changed, Mr Penfold has said.

“We [the Council] run this facility at a break-even point and we do so for tour-ism and the people of Maitland,” he said.

“The ratepayers of Maitland should not have to pay for the Crown’s property to be maintained in a suitable condition, yet we’re not getting what we need.”

A council spokesperson said that discussions with the government were in progress. “Council operates the budget for the Maitland Gaol on a break-even

basis, which means that there is no capac-ity to address significant maintenance issues,” the spokesperson said.

“Being a heritage site, the Gaol faces the usual challenges you would expect from a facility of its age.”

To gain a comprehensive understand-ing of what works are required Council is currently progressing discussions with the NSW Government in relation to securing an Infrastructure Assessment Report for the site.”

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A ll signs will point to Morpeth if a Labor government is elected, Maitland candidate Jenny Aitch-

ison has said.Ms Aitchison and Shadow Minister

for the Hunter Sonia Hornery have announced that a Labor government would spend $10,000 to upgrade signage which would direct tourists to the historic town.

Ms Aitchison said that signage was currently lacking, which made it difficult for tourism operators to find the area.

“I see this announcement to get people

from the highway into Morpeth as critical because it’s a way that the government can support local tourism operators who doing those hard yards to get people to come into town,” she said.

“We’re a bit off the highway so it can be tricky to find.”

Greens candidate John Brown said that he supported the announcement.

“I think money spent on promoting tourism is money well spent,” he said.

“I like the way tourism is built on the area’s European heritage and would like to see a lot more of this support for Mait-land city.

“$10,000 seems a fair amount but I would certainly support even more.”

State election

Increased visibility to attract tourists to Morpeth

Campbell’s Store owner Trevor Richards, Labor candidate for Maitland Jenny Aitch-ison, Shadow Minister for the Hunter Sonia Hornery and Maitland City councillor Robert Aitchison discuss plans for signage

MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber

Theatre

$100,000 boost for Repertory Theatre development

Maitland Repertory Theatre treasurer Terry Allen takes Liberal candidate for Maitland Steve Thomson through the plans

Janine Harris with her award presented by Member for Maitland, Robyn Parker

MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber

W ork will soon begin on a new rehearsal space at Maitland Repertory Theatre thanks to a

$100,000 ClubGRANTS funding injec-tion.

Announced by Liberal candidate for Maitland Steve Thomson, the grant will combine with the Repertory’s own fund-raising efforts and other successful fund-ing applications, including a $48,000 State Government Community Building Partnership, to construct the building.

Approved for development several years ago, the plans include a new rehearsal space, storage area, and kitchenette.

With at least six productions each year, theatre treasurer Terry Allen said that rehearsal space was in short supply.

“We’re always at loggerheads for space,” Mr Allen said.

“And it’s great [for the youth] because not all kids are sport inclined.

“It gives the kids a wonderful way to express their talents.”

Approximately 75 children participate in Saturday afternoon Junior Repertory classes, while another 30 people are involved in Reamus Youth Theatre, which is aimed at 16 to 25-year-olds.

The Post is giving you the chance to win a double pass to the opening night of Reamus Youth Theatre’s production of

Antigone, opening on Friday, March 13. To enter, email your name and contact details to editorial@newcastlepost.com.au with ‘Repertory’ in the subject line, by no later than 5pm on Thursday, March 12. Winners will be notified by phone.

According to Janine Harris, the best way to raise money is to get people together for a good time.

That is how she has managed to raise over $130,000 for local charities in five years, including almost $10,000 for the Harry Meyn Foundation and over $105,000 for the Mai-Wel Group through the organisa-tion of the Play Wel for Mai-Wel corporate sports day.

Those fundraising efforts were recog-nised last week, when Ms Harris was presented with a NSW Government Community Service Award by the Member for Maitland, Robyn Parker.

In addition to charitable fundraising,

Ms Harris was recognised for providing corporate sponsorship to local netball, rugby league and rugby union through Club Financial Services Maitland and starting the local chapter of Business Networking International, a referral organisation.

Ms Harris said the award was a complete surprise to her.

“It’s just about giving back to the community,” she said.

“If you like the event that you’re doing it’s easy to raise money, and I just like to get people together to have a good time.”

Two community service awards are presented in each electorate every year.

Committed fundraiser recognised with government Community Service Award

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Report urges independent assessments in East End while calling for reinstatement of rail services

Senate committee inquiry

Conflicts of interest a major concern

Christian Democratic Party senator Fred Nile at a senate committee hearing in Newcastle last year

AMELIA PARROTT @amelia_parrott

M aitland Harness Racing Club has received a $14,500 state govern-ment grant to erect covers over

spectator seating.The club will contribute an extra $5000

to cover three sets of tiered seating, located on the right side of the main grandstand at Maitland Showground.

Club president Peter Allen said that the project had been in the pipeline for almost two years.

“The complaint we have most from the harness people is that we have nowhere to get out of the sun or the rain,” he said.

“It’s a multi-purpose facility [so] it will not only help harness racing, but the greyhounds and anyone who comes to watch events in the centre ring.”

The club hosts five race meetings a year, including the Inter City Pace, which Mr Allen said draws a crowd of over 2000 people.

In announcing the grant last week, Member for Maitland Robyn Parker said that it was important to support something that was so special to the city.

“It’s a part of Maitland’s cultural activity as well as sporting activity,” Ms Parker said.

“It’s synonymous with Maitland.”

State government

Maitland harness racing fans looked after with $14,500 grant

Liberal candidate for Maitland Steve Thomson, club secretary Wayne Smith and president Peter Allen with trotter Maddy Bid and driver Robert Smith

MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber

A senate committee inquiring into planning in the Hunter region has recommended the heavy rail line

into Newcastle be immediately reinstated.The Fred Nile-chaired inquiry handed

down its final report last week, following a four-and-a-half month-long submission and hearings period.

As well as recommending that rail services and removed infrastructure be reinstated, the inquiry found the Hunter Development Corporation boss, Bob Hawes had “a significant and ongoing conflict of interest in being a landowner at Wickham and having a managerial role in the NSW Government’s decision to trun-cate the Newcastle rail line at Wickham, a decision from which Mr Hawes stands to financially benefit” and recommended that the maximum building heights in the East End of Newcastle be reduced from 65 metres back to 27 metres.

In his foreword to the report, Senator Nile said conflicts of interest were explored throughout the inquiry.

“Many stakeholders were of the view that the partnership between UrbanGrowth NSW and the GPT Group, co-owners of the

East End development site, constituted a conflict of interest because UrbanGrowth NSW (as a state-owned corporation report-ing directly to the Minister for Planning) has the ability to influence approvals that benefit the partnership, and therefore GPT, a private company,” he stated.

“To minimise perceptions of conflict, we

believe the Minister for Planning should refer any development application for the East End site to the NSW Planning and Assessment Commission to allow for an independent assessment.

“Further, the committee considers that there is an irreconcilable conflict of interest in the relationship between

UrbanGrowth NSW and the Department of Planning and Environment whereby the NSW Government is both the landowners, via UrbanGrowth NSW, and the planning Consent authority, via the department.

“This conflict is unacceptable and detracts from public confidence in the planning system.”

Senator Nile reiterated the comments from the committee’s interim report, released prior to the truncation of the heavy rail line in December, that “the decision to truncate the line was based upon a flawed cost benefit analysis and without an adequate business case”.

He expressed particular concern over the “alarming” leaked Cabinet documents found in the electorate office of former Liberal MP Tim Owen, which showed the government had acted against the advice of the Transport Minister to proceed with a plan that “will reportedly cost around $100 million more, [had] greater delivery risks and greater impacts on local busi-nesses”.

The documents, made public on Febru-ary 17, were allegedly found by a staffer of Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, who moved into the offices following Mr Owen’s resignation and the subsequent Newcastle by-election.

Pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure will receive a $170,000 boost from a grant awarded to Maitland City Council.

The NSW Government funding will see pedestrian refuges constructed on High Street in Maitland, Shipley Drive in Rutherford, Chelmsford Drive in

Metford and Lindesay Street in East Maitland.

Cycle paths will also be upgraded between High and Victoria Streets in East Maitland, on the south side of the rail corridor, to be funded in conjunction with council.

Improvements for walkers and riders

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S pending a weekend volunteering at a council-run festival may be an idea full of hot steam for some, but for

Kurri Kurri’s Micheal Grantham it stokes a passion.

Next month Mr Grantham will be one of 100 people lining up to volunteer at Steam-fest and will be a part of the team that assists with ticket sales, train excursions and coordinating activities.

“You get to share in experiences with the community and it’s great to be a part of

that,” he said. “It’s a good way to make a difference.”

While approximately 85 people have signed up to celebrate all things steam on April 18 and 19, Maitland City Council’s Events coordinator Adam Franks said more volunteers are sought. “They’re integral to everything we do,” Mr Franks said.

“People don’t necessarily need to have a passion for steam to get involved, simply an interest in playing their part in creating a positive experience for visitors.

Those interested in volunteering can call 4931 2870, or email kateh@maitland.nsw.gov.au.

Community

It’s full steam ahead

Steamfest committee chairman, Councillor Peter Garnham (front) with volunteers Maree Firth, Therese Sciberras, Micheal Grantham and Del Yeates

MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber

Four injured in Raymond Terrace crash

A man was left in a critical condition following a crash at Raymond Terrace in the early hours of last Wednesday.

It was about midnight that emergency services were called to Parkway Avenue, where a white Toyota Camry had crashed into a pole.

There were four people in the car: a 25-year-old man, the driver; a 53-year-old man in the front passenger seat; and in the back seat, a 14-year-old boy and 24-year-old woman.

All sustained injuries in the crash and received treatment at John Hunter Hospital. The most seriously injured was the 53-year-old man.

While in hospital, driver underwent mandatory blood and urine testing.

Specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit are examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Police are urging anyone with informa-tion in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Shots fired into house at Wallsend

Police are investigating after shots were fired into a home in Wallsend early on Monday morning.

About 1.10am, police responded to reports of shots fired at Youll Street.

Police have been told that a number of shots were fired, before a car was heard leaving the area.

A number of bullets entered a home on

Youll Street, however no one was injured.Police from Newcastle City are investigat-

ing the incident and have established a crime scene that is being examined by specialist forensic officers.

Police are urging anyone with informa-tion about the incident to come forward.

Two charged over alleged abuse of elderly man

A man and woman will face court later this month after allegedly committing domestic violence offences against an elderly man.

On Tuesday 2 December 2014, police and medical professionals from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended a home on George Street in response to a report made to the Elder Abuse Hotline.

An 80-year-old man was medically assessed and found to be underweight and undernourished.

He had not received treatment for medical conditions including diabetes and prostate cancer since January 2014.

Police and medical professionals organised respite care for the man and commenced an investigation.

Last Wednesday, police arrested and charged a 46-year-old man and 49-year-old woman in Holmesville. Both were charged with domestic violence related offences of intimidation and failing to supply necessities of life causing injury to health, and given bail to appear at Toronto Local Court on Wednesday, March 25.

The elderly man is now caring for himself with the assistance of aged care services.

Police snapshot «

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This handy service includes:- The supply and spreading of quality top dressing- Spraying, weeding and mulching of gardens- Supply and installation of plants- Pest and fungus eradication of lawns and gardens- Mowing and trimming of lawns- Pruning of plants and hedges- Installation of irrigation systems and maintenance

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Agendas are available from our website or by contacting customer service. For information on development applications please visit our website – maitland.nsw.gov.au

NOTICE OF ADOPTIONAMENDMENT TO THE MAITLAND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN 2011

FARLEY URBAN RELEASE AREA CHAPTERPursuant to clause 21(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, notice is hereby given that at its meeting of 24 February 2015, Council resolved to adopt the Farley Urban Release Area Development Control Plan chapter.The Farley Urban Release Area Development Control Plan chapter includes development controls to guide development outcomes within the Farley Urban Release Area.

11 March 2015.The amendment may be viewed or purchased at the Customer Service Counter of Council, 285–287 High Street, Maitland. The DCP chapter can also be viewed online at www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/PlanningDevel/DCPsFurther enquiries should be directed to Josh Ford (Strategic Town Planner) by phoning 4934 9729.

Interested residents are welcome to attend.Next meeting: 24 MARCH – 5.30pm

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Convenient, Easy Shopping

Rod and Tanya Unicomb from Tenambit Butchery are your local experts when it comes to the freshest cuts of meat.Rod and Tanya can help you with the catering of your large family get-together or 18th or 21st birthday party, preparing a delicious range of sliced meat platters and salads.They have gluten-free schnitzels and their speciality is a moisture-infused pork.Even if it’s just a relaxed weekend barbecue, Tenambit Butchery can put together a pack containing essentials such as steaks, chops, sausages and eggs.Rod is a fi fth-generation butcher and can offer professional, friendly advice on the best choices for your family.Tenambit Butchery is located at 43 Maize Street and offers free local delivery. There is plenty of free parking directly in front of the shop.Opening hours are 7am-5pm Monday to Friday and 6am-midday on Saturday. Closed on Sunday.Gift cards are available for purchase and make a delicious and practical present. Phone: 4933 4259.

FoodWorks Tenambit prides itself in their in-store fresh food areas.

Fresh produce is hand picked from the local Sandgate Regional Markets. Hot BBQ chickens are cooked in-store twice daily. Their cold meats range in the delicatessen are cut whilst you wait. Their deli also has a good selection of fresh salads, olives, cheeses and fruit salad available seven days a week as well as gourmet cakes and slices. Fresh prawns are in-store every Friday.

We have recently included a range of organic, gluten-free and fair trade products, covering items such as sports snacks, paleo bars, GF cooking lines, coconut oil, sweet treats and health and beauty.

Food platters are available to order and are made fresh in-store including meat, cheese and cabanossi, fruit and a chicken and salad platter.

FoodWorks Tenambit are open seven days a week with parking right outside the door. So why not pop in to see Mary and her friendly staff.

No job is too big or small for KLR Accounting at Tenambit.The principal of KLR Accounting, Kristie Rose, is a Certifi ed Practising Accountant (CPA) with over fi fteen years experience within the accounting and taxation industry. Kristie has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Newcastle and is a Registered Tax Agent.KLR Accounting’s current client list includes a variety of entities operating in a vast array of industries, including transport, primary production, construction, manufacturing, entertainment, professional services and many more.KLR Accounting services include: income tax returns, annual business financial reporting, quarterly/monthly reporting and bookkeeping services. They are also registered Xero Silver Partner and offer clients a full range of Xero services, including set-up, maintenance and ongoing support.KLR Accounting is located at 49 Maize Street. Check out the full range of their services at www.klraccounting.com.au or call them on 4933 3434.There is plenty of free parking in front of the offi ces.

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S eniors Week kicks off on Saturday and we are privileged to have yet another jam-packed program this year.

There are 29 events that run until Saturday 21 March. I expect some of the highlights to be the Young at Heart Short Film Festival at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre and the picnic at Brunkerville.

The film festival will be held on Tuesday 17 March and features Australian flicks starring senior actors. The morning picnic will be held at the Old Brush Studio on Wednesday 18 March and includes a billy boiled over a campfire with music.

Whether you’re an active senior citizen or a more relaxed type, there’s something for everyone in this year’s calendar. Copies of the full program of activities are avail-able at Cessnock and Kurri Kurri libraries, council’s Administration Building and from www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au

I would like to personally commend both Cessnock and Kurri Kurri high schools on their innovative and interest-ing functions of late. The schools are really striving to connect with the community over important issues. I attended a learn-ing and development breakfast at Kurri Kurri High School last week and was espe-

cially impressed by the speeches from past students-family court judge Justice Stewart Austin and Tabatha Parkinson from the Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley.

The former students have achieved so much and are an inspiration to current pupils. Meanwhile, my wife Kathy was equally as impressed when she attended the International Women’s Day function at Cessnock High School on Monday. The morning focused on supporting women and achieving equality in education, the workplace and the home.

What a weekend it was for Cessnock and surrounds. Dozens of pool-goers gath-ered at Branxton pool to celebrate its 50th birthday, bull riders strutted their stuff at the Reg Lindsay Rodeo Show at Cessnock Racecourse and the Eagles performed their hits at Hope Estate. The events brought thousands of people to Cessnock and I was delighted to cut the cake at the pool and support these initiatives.

The late country music star Reg Lind-say has been recognised by industry peers and community members. I attended the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue of Reg at East Cessnock Bowling Club on Sunday morning.

Plenty on offer for our Seniors Week celebrations

cessnock mattersBOB PYNSENT Cessnock City Council Mayor

all council matters: cessnock.nsw.gov.au

I was very disappointed that I couldn’t attend Maitland Taste last weekend, but by all accounts it sounds as if every-

one who went along enjoyed themselves. Yet as quickly as the Taste celebrations have come and gone, the next major event on the calendar is Steamfest, which stops at Maitland Train Station on April 18 and 19 and attracts more than 60,000 people from all corners of NSW, Australia and internationally to our city. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.steamfest.com.au

Although there are a few finishing touches to be completed on The Levee it performed very well in its first role as an event space.

Taking a wander through the area you can begin to see its future potential as a lifestyle precinct.

I’m looking forward to watching as the second stage of the project, which will link The Levee to the Hunter River, gets underway later this year.

I can’t wait to see the finished product and watch as it comes to life.

The Levee is open for business, so make time to head over to take a look at the

transformation and support our local retailers.

I am a very proud Maitland resident, so I was delighted last week to hear all the support as the vote for Maitland to be included on a Monopoly Board went national.

I think it is fantastic for the city and our people.

Voting closed over the weekend, but I will be eagerly awaiting the results.

Seniors Week begins this Saturday, March 14 and this is a great opportunity to recognise the significant work our senior citizens do in our community.

It also offers a reminder of how impor-tant a strong community is as we all get older, whether it helps people get involved, connect with each other or learn and experience new things.

One of the highlights of the week will be the Lonnie Lee and the Leeman concert at Town Hall, which has sold out.

I hope all those that managed to get a ticket enjoy the performance.

Visit the Seniors Week website (nswsen-iorsweek.com.au) for more information about other activities and events happen-ing throughout the week.

Major events mean it’s a fantastic time to be in our city

maitland mattersCR PETER BLACKMORE Maitland City Council Mayor

all council matters: maitland.nsw.gov.au

F our young artists have been named as winners in Maitland Regional Art Gallery’s Young

Archie competition.The competition, run in conjunction

with the Archibald Prize exhibition, saw almost 100 entries from people aged between five and 18 who, as in the Archibald, had to draw a portrait of someone of their own choosing.

Annabelle Maddison, 7, of Lorn, was

one of five finalists in the 5-8 years divi-sion and drew her older sister Luci.

“I drew Luci because I love her,” Anna-belle said.

“She had to sit very still but she got up a few times.”

Annabelle said she was very excited for everyone to see her picture.

The five to eight-years division was won by Josephine Devine, Juno O’Reilly took out the nine to 12-years category, the 13 to 15-years winner was Lysette Maiden and Laura McDonald won the 16 to 18-years competition.

Community

Best of Maitland’s talented young artists recognised

Young Archie finalist, seven-year-old Annabelle Maddison, of Lorn

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NSW Minerals Council boss calls on major parties to lay their cards on the table before the state election

Special report

Mining industry’s plea to politicians for help and understanding

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee has highlighted delays in the planning system for mines as a major concern

MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber

significant risks to global health, and as an energy source, coal is the biggest driver of climate change.”

Mr Galilee said that the industry is still finalising the results of its own wind tunnel testing and is working with the Environment Protection Authority, but questioned the motivation of the report.

“This is the classic issue where there’s a lot of emotion and lot of exaggeration and lot of claims are made about the impact of not covering wagons, often by people who are not necessarily motivated by what they say they are,” he said.

“They’re using it as an issue to target the sector more broadly and over the last few years I think it’s been used as an issue about the T4 proposal rather than against the practice itself.”

Mr Galilee pointed to a study by the EPA which did not recommend that coal wagons should be covered, but did admit that there could occasionally be an improvement in meeting air quality standards, particularly during dry and dusty conditions in September and Octo-ber.

“Air quality is an important issue for everyone, including our industry, and, after all, the people working the industry actually live in the towns and communi-ties of the Hunter and they breathe the same air as everybody else,” he said.

“If the science says something different then the industry will abide by that.

“It’s easy to come up with these one line simplistic solutions but the real world is a lot more complicated than that.”

We’ve been the subject of political debates over the last few years, so it’s a good opportunity for us to communicate our needs to those seeking off ice and get a better understanding of what their positions are on issues aff ecting our sector

W hile the government, opposition and community groups kick the mining industry around like a

political football, 11,000 Hunter miners are having their livelihoods played with.

That’s the opinion of the NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee, who is seeking commitments that would support the industry from both the major parties ahead of the March 28 state election.

Mr Galilee was in Maitland last month and spoke to the Post before he attended a function for a local candidate.

“We’ve been the subject of political debates over the last few years, so it’s a good opportunity for us as an industry to communicate our needs to those seeking office and get a better understanding of what their positions are on issues affect-ing our sector,” he said.

Mr Galilee’s visit inadvertently came at a time when two major issues made a resurgence in the headlines - the impact of coal mining on community health and the Hunter’s unemployment rate hitting a record high of 11.4 per cent.

Undeniably, job losses in the mining sector have been a major contributor to that unemployment figure, with Mr Gali-lee saying that in the Hunter region alone, 3000 people have lost their jobs in mining in the last two years.

“14,000 people down to around 11,000 now is a pretty big hit and behind all those numbers are real people and real families that are losing their livelihoods,” he said.

“But it’s not just those 3000 direct coal mining jobs, there’s obviously a flow-on impact on businesses across the region.

“As the companies themselves have had to tighten their margins that makes it more difficult for mining supply businesses to stay in the chain.”

This, according to Mr Galilee, is where the next State Government can step-in, but he’s not seeking a Band-Aid solution.

“The number one priority for us is the planning system which has created a lot of difficulty for our sector over the last three or four years,” he said.

“The timeframes for assessment have doubled on average and there’s been a lot of inconsistency of outcomes.

“We want to speed up the process and we want more certainty.”

Mr Galilee said that this wouldn’t automatically bring the jobs back, but it will increase the confidence of potential investors in the region.

“If they know they’ve got a stable regulatory system and they’ve got the confidence that the planning system is sound and consistent and it’s timely then they’re more likely to invest here,” he said.

“We are seen as a stable place to invest and a stable democracy and we’ve got some of the best coal deposits in the world here in the Hunter, but we’ve failed in terms of attractiveness as a destination

and that meant investment in mining has more than halved.”

NSW Premier Mike Baird has already said the government would halve plan-ning times for ‘state significant’ proposals, such as mines, noting that assessment times had jumped from 500 days to more than 1000 in the last six years.

Mr Galilee said that Labor leader Luke Foley had also made some “very encour-aging statements” about the importance of the sector.

But while the industry is looking to open new mines and increase the life of some existing mines, a coalition of 28 health organisations is imploring the state government not to approve any new mine projects in the Hunter Valley.

In a recently released report, the Climate and Health Alliance estimated that region’s coal mining placed a $600 million burden on the state’s health system, after assessing pollution generated by coal-fired power stations, uncovered coal wagons and air pollution from coal in Newcastle.

“Poor water quality, noise pollution, as well as psychological impacts associated with land acquisition and the failure of governments and industry to respond to community concerns all have adverse impacts on health,” report author Fiona Armstrong said.

“Our report shows the economic damages associated with coal pollution in the Hunter, as well as the climate damages when coal exported from the Hunter is burned.

“Climate change is itself one of the most

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SPECIALFEATURE

SPONSORED CONTENT

World Glaucoma Week (March 8-15) aims to raise aware-ness of the eye disease often referred to as the “invisible

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Over 300,000 Australians have glaucoma. While it is more common as people age, it can occur at any age. As our population becomes older, the proportion of glaucoma patients is increasing.

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World Glaucoma Week highlighting the importance of regular eye tests

importance of families talking about eye disease and eye health.

“We encourage people, especially those with a family history of eye disease, to have regular eye tests but naturally urge them to seek a fully-qualified opinion from an ophthalmologist if they have any serious concerns about their eye health,” Dr Horsburgh said.

“Patients do need to be aware of the risk if non-medically qualified practitioners attempt to diagnose a disease which can only be done safely by a doctor who has undergone the most rigorous clinical training.”

Chronic (primary open-angle) glaucoma is the most common type. It has no symptoms until eye sight is lost at a later stage.

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More information can be obtained by contacting Glaucoma Australia on 1800 500 880.

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catering for conditions such as lymphoedema, musculo skeletal injuries, chronic and acute pain, vestibular abnormalities, foot and hand abnormalities, fractures, and other conditions in need of general physio.Services including radiology, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, and pathology are all available in the onsite Medical Centres along with a number of doctor consulting suites, and a pharmacy is available in the hospital itself. The facility is virtually a one stop shop for many patients.Free wifi and Foxtel are now available for all patients.We look forward to seeing you and providing the best service and care possible.

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Wednesday 11 March 2015

Knights coach Rick Stone described Saturday afternoon’s victory over the Warriors at Hunter Stadium as “more will than skill”.

The home side trailed 14-6 at halftime, but a determined second half saw them prevent any further scoring from the visitors to run out 24-14 winners.

“There was plenty of fight and plenty of boys willing to jump the fence and get involved when they needed to,” Stone said.

“We were a little bit untidy in the middle at times and some of our kicks were disappoint-ing in the first half which gave the Warriors easy passage out of their own territory.

“Every two points you get are really valu-able and it’s the most pleasing part of the win,” Stone said.

“We value it as much as any, and particularly at home, it’s important to show that we are su-per keen to defend our castle and engage with the fans and make sure they are going away happy.

“The whole script didn’t go perfectly to plan, but it finished all right at the end.”

“We have a long way to go, but have a team that showed me they are willing to stand up for each other, support each other and really

Successful start as determined Knights overrun Warriors

Knights coach Rick Stone was impressed by his team's determination. Photo: Newcastle Knights

PAUL MONFORTEdefend for each other. Anytime you have that sort of makings in your footy team, you're on a positive vibe.”

The Knights suffered a disruption prior to the match with captain Kurt Gidley ruled out as a precautionary measure after feeling tightness in his hamstrings.

Australian representative Sione Mata’utia re-placed Gidley at fullback.

Mata’utia, along with Dane Gagai, Joey Lei-lua and Akuila Uate emphasised the quality of Newcastle backline strength with each making more than 100 metres in the match.

Gagai, in particular, was outstanding, scoring two tries and shutting down the Warriors at-tacking raids with 15 tackles.

Knights fans were also able to cast their eye over both lower grade teams in action against the Warriors at Hunter Stadium, with the un-der 20’s side recording a convincing 41-16 win and the NSW Cup team losing 26-18.

The Knights head to Townsville this Satur-day to take on the North Queensland Cowboys who were convincingly beaten 28-4 by the Sydney Roosters in their opening match.

The first grade match will kick-off at 9pm NSW time with the under 20’s to get underway at 6.45pm.

The NSW Cup side will play the Newtown Jets at Cessnock Sportsground at 3pm on Sat-urday afternoon.

With the start of the Tooheys Cup Newcastle Rugby League competition fast approaching, several teams took the opportunity to blow out the cobwebs in trial matches last weekend.

Maitland and Wests battled out a 12-all draw at Maitland Sportsground in warm conditions on Saturday with the Pickers looking headed for an improved season after leading the defending premiers into the final ten minutes.

Cessnock and Kurri Kurri also could not be separated with their annual Charity Shield fixture finishing in a 16-all draw at Cessnock Sportsground.

Scores were locked at 6-all at halftime before the Goannas managed to get out to a 16-6 lead before two tries in the fi-nal ten minutes got the Bulldogs back on equal terms.

The Tooheys Cup competition gets un-derway on Saturday, April 11.

Two trial draws

Stubbins aware of need for boost in class as Jets battle hard against glamour side Sydney FC

Jets players conducting a coaching clinic at Barnsley on Saturday. Photo: Newcastle Jets

PAUL MONFORTE

SOCCER

Jets coach Phil Stubbins has assured fans there are better times ahead after a determined effort in the 1-0 loss to Syd-ney FC at Hunter Stadium last Friday.

“We recognize we need to get a team and squad that’s got some parity and can match that team [Sydney FC] over the course of 27 games in the A-League,” Stubbins said.

“We fell short this year, we’ve had some changes but I think this time next year it will be a different story for the Newcastle Jets.”

“Our players deserve credit for having a go in the game and in the right way.”

As has been the case for much of the season, the Jets created enough opportunities to win the match but lacked the class to upset the glamour side.

After Jets defender Lee Ki-Je gave away pos-session inside his own half, Sydney’s Marc Jen-ko went on to score his 13th goal for the season and leave Newcastle to fight from behind.

While many commentators felt Sydney’s performance was flat, credit must be given to the less-experienced Jets for shutting down a team which had scored feel in recent weeks.

The Jets head south this weekend for the clash against Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday evening with kick-off at 7.30pm.

Melbourne City missed an opportunity to

move into the top six when they were defeat-ed 1-0 by the Central Coast on Sunday.

The Mariners recorded just their fourth win of the season and came just two days after coach Phil Moss was sacked on Friday with Tony Walmsley taking over.

The Jets’ next home game will be on Sunday, March 29 at 5pm against Adelaide United.

A-League ladder: Perth Glory 37 pts (+8 goal difference), Wellington Phoenix 36 pts (+14), Sydney FC 35 pts (+10), *Melbourne Victory 34 pts (+15), Adelaide United 33 pts (+11), *Brisbane Roar 25 pts (0), *Melbourne City 24 pts (-5), Cen-tral Coast Mariners 19 pts (-15), Newcastle Jets 11 pts (-25), *Western Sydney Wanderers 8 pts (-13). * one game in hand. * two games in hand.

Photo: Trish Evenden