Hunter Means Business was shocked to learn the state government lacked traffic data for the region's worst bottlenecks. How can you fix what you don't measure?
Transport for NSW said there were no consistent traffic counters at notorious peak-hour traffic jams such as Five Islands Road and Newcastle Road.
Of course, this issue of moving traffic counters around must surely affect the entire state?
Well, you wouldn't believe it, but the traffic counters in Sydney have remained consistent over the past decade.
If you'd like to see for yourself, go to the TfNSW Traffic Volume Viewer website and compare the two cities over the years.
Imagine having no information about the year-on-year congestion at choke points in the state's second-biggest city.
The whole affair reeks of Novocastrians once again being treated like second-class citizens by the state government bean counters.
Trailblazing encouraging more women surveyors
Newcastle's Katherine Lindsay has been named Young Professional Surveyor of the Year, and the trailblazer hopes to inspire more young females to take up the profession in a highly-male dominated profession.
Ms Lindsay says when she got registered, she was told she was one of only 30 Australian females to be registered in the profession - something she says surprised her as the job is less about physicality and more about problem solving.
She is the only female surveyor in her company, but says it hasn't impacted her at all and the team mentoring is second to none.
"They just tell me to eat more cake so I am heavy enough to dig holes," Ms Lindsay said.
"I've always loved puzzles, maths and history - surveying is all three of those things plus I get to spend my days mostly enjoying the sunshine outside."
Ms Lindsay recently took away the award for Young Professional Surveyor of the Year at the Excellence in Surveying and Spatial Information Awards.
In the most recent Jobs and Skills Australia data, women made up only five per cent of surveyors nationally. The numbers are even more dismal in a state-by-state breakdown.
Surveyors Australia chief executive Michelle Blicavs said there was so much opportunity for women in surveying and with technological advancements, the career opportunities would continue to grow.
"We are finding a growing interest in the profession with more female students taking the leap into work experience with local surveying firms," Ms Blicavs said.
"As an industry, we have networks in each state providing support and connection and we're thrilled to see so many women take up leadership roles.
"It's great to see registered surveyors like Katherine making such a huge contribution to the industry."
Local early learning excellence
Nadine Statham from Maitland Family Day Care has been named as the Newcastle, Maitland and Hunter educator winner in this year's Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
Family Day Care Australia chief executive Andrew Paterson, said Ms Statham was recognised for her passion and excellence within the profession.
"The incredible work and dedication to creating a unique and nurturing early learning environment for children by educators like Nadine is why family day care is the natural choice in early childhood education and care for so many Australian families," Mr Paterson said.
"This year more than 5000 nominations were placed, which is testament to the vital role that family day care educators play in the lives of families all across Australia and the unique benefits family day care offers."
Ms Statham is now in the running to be named as a national finalist for the 2024 Educator of the Year Award.
Hunter Means Business is a weekly column proudly flying the flag for the region's economic sector, published every Tuesday. Got a tip? Email jamieson.murphy@newcastleherald.com.au
