Newcastle's planning laws changed with the Earthquake. The Council recognised that the old Town with its heritage buildings, narrow streets, surrounding heritage areas, meant that the heights should be kept at 7 stories in that part of Town. Now Baird wants to cut the rail and TRIPLE heights on three blocks "owned" by the State government. No response on the new heights from the Newcastle Councillors on these absurd changes to their long term plans. But I digress, here is the link to the Earthquake story being told at the Newcastle Museum! copy and paste the link into your browser. http://www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/earthquake-then-and-now