Drive-in remains open for now: The operator of the last remaining drive-in movie theatre site in the Hunter region says maintenance work will be stepped up now the cinema's slated closure has been pushed back to 2027. The Heddon Greta Drive In site has been earmarked for a 63-lot housing project for many years but the developer has put plans on hold, waiting for interest cuts and better conditions for borrowers. The drive-in opened in the 1960s and current drive-in business owner Scott Seddon (pictured above) says now the closure has been delayed, the drive-in's infrastructure needs some repair work.
Image credit: ABC Newcastle/Kerrin Thomas
Council wants more police for Cessnock: More resources are being urged for Cessnock. The Cessnock City Council unanimously voted for amended motion at last week's meeting to call for more police resources. The council plans to write to local MP Clayton Barr, Police Minister Yasmin Catley and Hunter Valley Police District Superintendent Steve Laksa to request a meeting to discuss ways to eradicate crime. A NSW Police spokesperson says police are meeting priority calls and operating within the optimum workload range, and recruitment and retention are heading in the right direction. They say the district gained six probationary constables in December last year, with another five expected in May.
No-confidence motion blocked: A vote of no-confidence motion against Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison has been blocked before being debated at this week's council meeting. The no-confidence motion came from councillor Troy Stolz who says the mayor regularly seems "confused" in council meetings, also citing issues including the poor financial position of council. Council general manager Greg McDonald blocked the motion, saying it would be "unlawful". Cr Collison says it's disappointing council isn't working together to resolve its issues.
Residents oppose land rezoning: Residents are asking the Port Stephens Council not to rezone a parcel of land at Anna Bay, saying it's unsuitable for housing. About 130 people attended a community meeting last week to discuss the proposal that would result in housing being developed on a 125-hectare parcel of land on Gan Gan Road. Residents say the land is flood prone and flooding and drainage issues would be significant.
Lithium ion battery fires on rise: New figures from Fire and Rescue NSW show there's been a steady increase in the number of lithium ion battery fires across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie in the past three years. So far this year there's been four lithium battery fires in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. In March last year two people were killed in a blaze, believed to be the state's first recorded lithium-ion battery-related deaths. In 2022 there were 10 battery fires in the two locations compared to 23 last year. The majority of fires so far this year have been caused by micromobility vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters.
Pool fees trial? The Newcastle City Council says it's looking into trialling a $2 entry fee at its pools during the 2025-2026 summer season. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge had requested the chief executive officer bring the city's five inland pools into alignment with the free admission of the city's two ocean baths. But a report to council this week said waiving fees would put council at financial risk and cost ratepayers more than $3 million a year. An amended motion was voted on to explore the viability of a $2 pool entry fee and offering free entry on Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Australia Day.
New life for Old Oak factory: Sydney Rum Distillery has bought Muswellbrook's iconic Oak factory to produce premium Australian spirits. The heritage-listed factory was used to manufacture dairy products under the Oak brand from the 1960s to 1990s. Sydney Rum Distillery says it could be producing rum and brandy on-site as early as mid-2025 and will bring up to 24 manufacturing jobs to the area.
Knights chase Dylan Brown: Newcastle Knights chief executive Philip Gardner says offering Eels playmaker Dylan Brown a 10-year contract isn't out of the question. Brown has until round 10 to trigger a clause in his NRL contract enabling him to join another club next season or stay on with Parramatta until 2031. Gardner says the Knights have put an offer to Brown and the length is negotiable.
Finals still in reach for Jets: The men's Newcastle Jets scored a 3-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Hunter Stadium last weekend. It's the Jets' third consecutive win in the A-League for the first time since 2018, and it keeps them in touch with the top six. Newcastle is now seven points outside the top six with nine matches remaining in the regular season.
