New Milestone Reached in Newcastle Basketball’s Controversial Indoor Sports Centre Plan

20 September 2024

The Hunter Indoor Sports Centre project has reached a new milestone with the submission of a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) by Newcastle Basketball. The proposed $30 million facility is set to include 12 indoor courts, with plans for a show court seating 2,000 spectators. It will cater to a wide range of sports, from basketball to pickleball, netball, and badminton, offering a much-needed upgrade for the city’s sporting infrastructure.

However, the project remains mired in controversy, particularly regarding its location on Crown Land at New Lambton’s Wallarah and Blackley Ovals. Local sporting groups, including those involved with cricket and Lambton Jaffas Juniors, have voiced concerns that the development will displace them from their long-established grounds. These ovals are also used by nearby Lambton High School, further complicating the debate over land use.

Community opposition has been vocal, with a large gathering earlier this year of around 300 locals protesting the proposed site. Critics argue that the consultation process was flawed, claiming that it disproportionately favoured Newcastle Basketball’s members, while others were not adequately informed. Many have raised concerns about potential traffic and flooding issues, which are yet to be fully addressed in the planning documents.

The Save Our Lambton Ovals group, with 500 members, remains one of the most vocal opponents of the current plan. Their concerns revolve around inadequate community consultation, traffic congestion, and the loss of green space. Facebook comments have suggested that Newcastle Basketball’s consultations were limited to basketball members and parents, excluding a broader cross-section of the community

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has also criticised the project, stating that the proposed site near Lambton High School is not suitable. “We need to find a more suitable location that doesn’t disadvantage existing sporting codes or the local community,” she said. Her sentiments reflect the frustration of local residents, who have long relied on these ovals for recreational activities

One of the most pressing issues revolves around the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which has yet to be submitted. According to local advocacy groups, this EIS must address critical environmental concerns raised by state agencies, including Transport for NSW and Hunter Water. Without the EIS, it is unclear how the project will proceed, despite Newcastle Basketball’s insistence that the location is ideal.

Newcastle Basketball’s president, Erica James, defended the decision to push ahead, stating, “We recognise the concerns raised, but we believe this facility will ultimately be a significant asset for the community. Extensive planning has gone into mitigating any impacts, and once the SSDA is fully assessed, the public will see the comprehensive work done to address these issues.”

In response, local councillors and community leaders have called for further scrutiny. Some suggest the former Hamilton North gasworks site, currently owned by Jemena, as a viable alternative. This site, although contaminated, has already undergone significant remediation.

The Save Our Lambton Ovals group has not only rallied against the project but also taken a significant political stance. As the local election approached, the group actively lobbied against Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, urging residents to vote for Dr Ross Kerridge. Kerridge, who ran as an independent, promised to “stand up” to the state government and protect the local ovals from being overtaken by the controversial development.

Kerridge gained traction among those dissatisfied with the perceived lack of consultation and concerns over the potential loss of valuable green spaces. His platform resonated with many voters, especially those aligned with the Save Our Lambton Ovals campaign, as he positioned himself as a candidate who would directly challenge state-level decisions that threatened local interests.

With the community divided and the project awaiting environmental approvals, the future of the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre remains uncertain. While Newcastle Basketball is eager to see the facility realised, it will likely face further challenges before construction can begin.

What’s Next?

The SSDA process will now include public exhibitions and consultations once the EIS is submitted. Locals can expect to have a 28-day period to voice their objections or support for the project, which will play a crucial role in determining the future of the site.