NSW Department of Planning is seeking further public submissions to respond to Newcastle Basketball’s amendments to plans lodged last year.
In November last year the Planning Department received 658 submissions as part of the public exhibition process of the project known as Hunter Indoor Sports Centre.
484 submissions were opposed to the development at the Turton Road New Lambton site, while 174 were in favour.
Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery MP, whose electorate area covers the proposed site, has been outspoken in her criticism of the choice of Wallarah and Blackley Ovals citing a number of issues including poor community consultation, loss of green space playing fields, impacts on amenity for local residents, as well as flooding and parking issues.
Ms Hornery said she will continue to speak to the Minister for Sport and the Minister for Planning about more appropriate sites for Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC) pending the results of the planning processes.
In a resolution at its October 2024 meeting Newcastle Council reiterated its position identifying the Hunter Park sports and entertainment precinct as its original preferred location, followed by the former Hamilton North Gas Works site. It noted that this land remains undeveloped and could be acquired as an alternate location. Other locations within the Lower Hunter have also been raised as more suitable than Wallarah and Blackley Ovals.
Lord mayor Dr Ross Kerridge has also been critical of the choice of site for the proposed stadium.
In a recent post on his Facebook page he wrote that “While I support the construction of a new basketball stadium for our region, I believe this location is still unsuitable. We cannot afford to lose any more of our precious green space.
“A stadium of this scale should be built within the Broadmeadow precinct or another appropriate site in the region—somewhere that strengthens our sporting infrastructure without sacrificing vital green space.
“These ovals are used by the students at Lambton High School and if lost, they would have no ovals close enough to play on. Local residents have raised valid concerns around parking and traffic during major events, as well as flooding during periods of heavy rain”. Cr Kerridge added.
To make a submission for or against the proposal go to the Department of Planning website at: planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/hunter-indoor-sports-centre-hisc/
The portal will be open for this second round of submisions until Thursday 18 September 2025.