Community Divided Over Proposed Basketball Stadium on New Lambton Ovals

10 August 2024

The City of Newcastle and the NSW Government are facing backlash from New Lambton residents following the proposal to build a new $30 million basketball stadium on Wallarah and Blackley Ovals in New Lambton. The plan, which involves the construction of a 12-court facility in two stages, has sparked intense debate among residents, local sports clubs, and political figures.

Community Concerns and Opposition

Local residents, high school parents, and users of the ovals are particularly vocal in their opposition to the development. The Save Our Lambton Ovals group, with over 400 members, has been at the forefront of the resistance, citing concerns over the loss of green space, traffic congestion, parking issues, and the impact on local sports clubs.

Wallarah and Blackley Ovals have long served as vital recreational spaces for the community. They are currently used by Lambton Jaffas FC, Newcastle District Cricket Association, and Lambton High School, which relies on the fields for physical education, sports, and as an emergency evacuation assembly point. The removal of these facilities to make way for the basketball stadium has been described by opponents as a significant loss for the local community.

Cricket enthusiasts are particularly alarmed, pointing out that Newcastle already faces a shortage of cricket grounds. The council’s plan to decommission additional cricket facilities at other parks, combined with the potential loss of Wallarah and Blackley Ovals, is seen as a major blow to the sport in the region. Newcastle’s cricket competitions, which are among the strongest outside Sydney, could suffer as a result.

Lambton High School parents also voiced strong opposition to the proposal, with a survey conducted by the school’s Parents & Citizens Group revealing that 83% of parents and carers are against the stadium being built next to the school, and 55% believe the impact on their children would be significant.

The proposed site is also located in a known flood zone, raising concerns about the potential for increased flooding in the area. Residents have pointed out that the existing stormwater and drainage systems are inadequate and would require significant upgrades to cope with the new development.

Political Reactions

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has been a vocal critic of the project, reiterating her concerns about the loss of playing space for Lambton High students, the negative impact on local residents, and the lack of community consultation. “The proposal to build the stadium on Wallarah and Blackley Ovals is not the right call,” she said. “We need to find a more suitable location that doesn’t disadvantage existing sporting codes or the local community.”

The Newcastle Herald reported that the council and the NSW Government have ruled out alternative sites, such as the former Shortland tip, due to issues with land stability and zoning restrictions. This decision has further fueled frustration among opponents, who argue that other locations should be considered, even if it requires more effort and resources.

Support for the Stadium

On the other side of the debate, Newcastle Basketball and supporters of the project argue that the new stadium is essential for the sport’s growth in the region. The current Broadmeadow facility, built in 1970, is outdated and too small to accommodate the increasing demand for basketball. The proposed stadium on Turton Road, with its proximity to public transport and other sports facilities, is seen as an ideal location for a state-of-the-art facility that can host major events and boost sports tourism.

Newcastle Basketball has been proactive in engaging with the community to address concerns. They announced a series of information sessions, set to take place in March, where local residents can learn more about the project and provide feedback.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has defended the proposal, stating that it will provide much-needed infrastructure for the community and ensure that Newcastle remains the physical and spiritual home of basketball in the region. She also emphasized that the development would be managed carefully to minimize disruption to existing sports clubs and residents.

The Road Ahead

The project is currently in the planning stages, with an environmental impact statement being prepared. Newcastle Basketball has launched several initiatives to engage with the community, including information packages, drop-in sessions, and consultations with Lambton High School.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the City of Newcastle and the NSW Government can find a solution that satisfies both the needs of the growing basketball community and the concerns of local residents. The development application process will likely be closely watched by all parties involved, with the future of Wallarah and Blackley Ovals hanging in the balance.