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today31 October 2024
In a heated exchange following the City of Newcastle Council meeting on Tuesday, State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery has publicly criticised certain councillors over their handling of the proposed Hunter Indoor Sports Centre development at Wallarah and Blackley Ovals.
“I was concerned at the attempt to rewrite history at last night’s City of Newcastle Council Meeting concerning the council’s involvement in the Wallarah and Blackley Oval proposed development,” Ms Hornery said in a statement on Wednesday, 1 November. “Certain councillors attempting to deflect their role in this fiasco was disappointing.”
Ms Hornery’s strong words come amid ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed site for the new indoor sports facility. The development has faced significant opposition from local residents and community groups concerned about the loss of green space, increased traffic, and the impact on local schools and sporting clubs.
During the council meeting, councillors debated a motion to reconsider support for using Wallarah and Blackley Ovals as the site for the sports centre. The motion, moved by Independent Councillor Mark Brooker and supported by Greens Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan, called on the council to investigate alternative locations and collaborate with neighbouring councils to find a more suitable site.
“The fact that the CEO, council executives, and the former Lord Mayor met with representatives from Newcastle Basketball 22 times since September 2022 speaks volumes to the council’s involvement in this project,” Ms Hornery continued. “Yes, it’s state funding, yes, it’s a State Significant Development; however, council have played an enormous role in choosing this site with zero consultation to the community.”
Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge acknowledged the council’s involvement, highlighting concerns over the decision-making process. “What’s concerning is the rushed nature of recent decisions,” he said. “At our last meeting, director’s comments were added close to the meeting, and a crucial amendment arrived at 5:27 pm. This rushed process prevented proper discussion of alternative locations.”
Premier Chris Minns confirmed that the $25 million in state government funding for the basketball infrastructure remains secured for the Hunter region, regardless of the outcome of the State Significant Development Application (SSDA).
In a statement shared by Dr Kerridge, he relayed, “The State Government is committed to delivering the best outcome for our community and will be guided by your feedback on potential locations and options.”
This confirmation came after concerns were raised that opposing the current proposed site might jeopardise the funding for the project.
The proposed development has divided the community. While many support the need for upgraded sporting facilities, the choice of Wallarah and Blackley Ovals has sparked backlash due to potential negative impacts on local residents and existing sports clubs.
Residents have raised issues including increased traffic congestion, loss of parking, and the displacement of local sports teams. Lambton High School, which utilises the ovals for physical education and as an emergency evacuation area, would also be affected.
“This land claim is interesting and needs to be followed up on,” commented local resident Daphne Spurway, referencing an active Aboriginal Land Claim on Wallarah Oval that requires proper consideration, a point also noted by Dr Kerridge.
Despite the contention, Newcastle Basketball has welcomed the council’s amended motion, which supports their State Significant Development Application being assessed by the NSW Government’s Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
“On Tuesday night, City of Newcastle councillors voted unanimously to support the amended motion; a show of support for not only the basketball community of the Hunter, but for the 10,000 regular participants of indoor sports in our community,” Newcastle Basketball stated.
The council’s amended motion includes a commitment to support a merit-based assessment of the suitability of the Lambton site and requests that the application be referred to the Independent Planning Commission for determination, including a public hearing.
“Supports a merit-based assessment of the suitability of the Lambton site for the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre as a State Significant Development and writes to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, seeking reassurance that concerns raised by the community will be assessed as part of the SSDA process,” the amended motion states.
Additionally, the council requested that the State Significant Development be referred to the Independent Planning Commission and that the IPC hold a public hearing prior to any determination.
Dr Kerridge proposed a new principle for future developments: “Any lost green space must be replaced with new space of same or greater area. This isn’t just about the basketball stadium—it’s about protecting our community’s access to green spaces for generations to come.”
Ms Hornery reaffirmed her commitment to finding a suitable solution. “I will keep working with NSW Ministers to try and find the most appropriate site, and I will happily work with anyone from council who intends to work honestly and with integrity to achieve the best outcomes for the community and our local sporting communities too.”
Community Encouraged to Have Their Say
Submissions on the State Significant Development Application are open until 11 November, and community members are urged to participate.
Councillor Charlotte McCabe acknowledged the community’s frustration over the lack of consultation. “I really understand the community’s frustration and their feeling that they haven’t been properly consulted because they weren’t at the outset,” she said during the meeting.
As the debate continues, stakeholders hope for a resolution that balances the needs of the sporting community with the concerns of local residents, ensuring that any development enhances Newcastle without compromising its valued green spaces.
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Written by: Newy Staff
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