POLITICS PAGE 4
LIFE & STYLE PAGE 13
INSIDE TE PAGE 15
pm on world stage
beauty more than skin deep
dragon still firing
APRIL 17 2013 www.newcastlepost.com.au
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT PH: 49 610 310
Don’t park the issue Questions raised as to parking requirements for developments
moving forward Cessnock Councillors were relieved to find out late Friday that, after some 14 anxious months, the ICAC corruption case against them – put forward by former General Manager, Lea Rosser – had been dropped. Mayor of Cessnock, Bob Pynsent, notified Councillors that the judge presiding over their case had granted leave to ICAC to “discontinue the proceedings against the Council”, reserving the right of either party to seek costs...
Page 7
“NO” to burn out Maitland nurses want fairer patient ratios
Page 3 Councillor Bob Geoghegan on High Street, East Maitland
amelia parrott
M
aitland City Council will write to the Department of Planning to request that parking requirements under the affordable rental housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) be reviewed to more accurately reflect the needs of regional tenants. The decision comes off the back of a development application that
was approved by councillors at last week’s council meeting for a 15 unit medium density residential development in High Street, East Maitland. Under current State planning legislation, the development is required to have only 12 car spaces. Council received four submissions from residents concerned about the lack of parking included in the development. Councillor Bob Geoghegan believes the number of car spaces is not sufficient, considering the
development’s proximity to the shopping strip in East Maitland. “The issue of car ownership is very much linked not just to income but also [to] the availability of public transport, which is very good in Sydney, but not so good around here,” Cr Geoghegan said. “The availability of offstreet parking also becomes a consideration in my opinion. “I would almost guarantee that the majority of adults living [in the development] would have a car.” Cr Geoghegan said the State
Environmental Planning Policy needs to be reviewed to allow Councils to have more of a say on the parking requirements of developments. “The wording of this SEPP now is such that we don’t have any room to move – it is dogmatic,” he said. “I think the wording in the SEPP should be changed to allow a bit of discretion [...] on a case by case basis.” Cr Geoghegan is planning to put forward the motion at the next council meeting.
More than 90% of people return to award-winning Sheer Elegance
What about you?
Orienteering teen will compete internationally Page 24
File, Buff & Shellac Polish
Only $29
This April only! Normally valued at $40!
Visit Newcastle’s award-winning IPL / Laser specialists - Open weeknights & Saturdays
a
LEading the pack
50% OFF ALL IPL
FREE underarm IPL treatment with any IPL*
Brazilian Hair Removal from $56!
Full Back Hair Removal from $167.50
Decolletage Skin Rejuv. $195
Full Face Skin Rejuv. $167
Scan for April’s weekly freebies!
Shellac can last up to 8 WEEKS on the toes!
BOOK NOW!
Call 4942 2089 for a FREE IPL consultation or visit sheerelegance.com.au for more info Level 1, 3/169 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown
*Conditions apply. Offer ends 30/4/13