Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 October 2026. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Standing together: support for Dr Helen Haines MP and a recommitment to respect in public life
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed that extends Council’s heartfelt support and good wishes to Dr Helen Haines MP, Federal Member for Indi, her husband Phil, their family, her staff and the people of Indi, and condemns violence, threats and intimidation directed at elected representatives, their staff and all who serve the public.
Acknowledging the contribution of the late Hon. Dr John Price AM
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed that notes the passing of the Hon. Dr John Price AM and recognises his lifetime of service to Newcastle, the Hunter and NSW, including seven years as an Alderman of Newcastle City Council. Council extends its condolences to John’s family, friends and all those who knew him.
Ordinary business
Tabling of register of disclosure of interest annual report
Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the financial year 2025/26 by the Chief Executive Officer.
Authorisation for signing of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2026
Council voted unanimously to receive the draft Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2026 and formally referred them to the Audit Office of NSW in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.
Public exhibition of Alcohol Regulated Area Network
Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the proposed expansion of the Alcohol Regulated Area Network in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 for a minimum period of 30 days.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Council voted unanimously to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for September 2026.
Tender report – East End regional precincts and partnerships program works – Stages 3, 4, 7 and 8 – D
Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the East End Public Domain Stages 3, 4, 7 and 8 refurbishment.
Notices of Motion
Extension and Enhancement of Community Engagement, Draft Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Catchments Flood Study
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to extend the public exhibition period for the draft Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Catchments Flood Study from the original closing date of 19 November 2026 to 18 December 2026 and confirm whether an extension requires the agreement of Maitland City Council and Cessnock City Council as partners in the study, and to liaise with them as required.
Establishing a Newcastle Multicultural Reference Group
Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle establish a Newcastle Multicultural Reference Group to provide direct community and stakeholder input to Council on multicultural community priorities and issues affecting culturally diverse communities and social cohesion.
Let’s be better online: supporting respectful online engagement
Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to support the “Be better online” initiative considered by Port Stephens Council on 25th August 2026, recognising the growing impact of online abuse, threats, intimidation and hateful commentary on elected representatives, Council staff and members of our community.
Reviewing permanent outdoor furniture fees ahead of the 2027/28 budget
Council supported an alternate notice of motion that Council notes the findings of the 2026 review and the staff recommendation to retain Permanent Outdoor Furniture Fees, establishing an internally restricted reserve for revenue collected to fund local beautification and community safety improvements, benefiting the broader business community in the surrounding precincts.
Wildlife rescuers should not bear the cost of bird flu response
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that Council write to the local members for Newcastle, Wallsend, and Charlestown requesting they advocate for vital health and safety funding for PPE for Hunter Wildlife Rescue in the face of the H5 bird flu outbreak.
Bring the Port of Newcastle back into public hands
Council supported a notice of motion that noted the port of Newcastle is a key strategic asset for our city and region. Council will write to the Prime Minister and NSW Premier calling on both levels of government to work together to bring the 50% stake of the port back into public hands.
The AUKUS treaty
Council supported an alternate notice of motion that notes that no decision has been made by the Australian Government to establish an East Coast submarine base in Newcastle and requests full and meaningful consultation with the Newcastle community before Newcastle is subject to any future detailed consideration as a potential location.