Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 9 December 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Ordinary business
New Lambton landslip – advocacy for Category D disaster assistance for displaced residents
Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to advocate to the NSW Government for a targeted resident assistance package under the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to support property owners within the New Lambton landslip Danger Area with rental accommodation.
Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation memorandum of understanding
Council voted unanimously to endorse an updated memorandum of understanding with the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation.
Adoption of Civic Public Domain Plan
Council unanimously endorsed an amended motion to defer the adoption of the Civic Public Domain Plan until funding pathways are clearly identified. Implementation will be contingent on securing external grant funding, and/or budget allocations determined by future resolution of Council.
Adoption of Planning Agreements Policy
Council voted unanimously to approve the updated Planning Agreements Policy (December 2025).
Review of Ministerial Investment Order 2011 for councils in NSW
Council voted unanimously to endorse the Chief Executive Officer writing to the Minister for Local Government, the State Member for Charlestown, the State Member for Newcastle, the State Member for Wallsend, and the Deputy Secretary Local Government, calling for a review of the NSW Ministerial Investment Order 2011 to broaden the range of authorised investments available to councils.
Code of Conduct annual statistics
Council voted unanimously to receive City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics Report for the period 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025.
Adoption of finance, property and performance policies
Council voted unanimously to approve the updated Investment and Borrowing Policy, Council Property Lease and Licence Policy and Future Fund Policy.
Adoption of council policies – Community Grants Policy, Sponsorship Policy and Special Business Rate Expenditure Policy
Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to approve the updated Community Grants Policy, Sponsorship Policy and Special Business Rate Expenditure Policy.
Notices of Motion
Hamilton community safety audit
Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion supporting a Hamilton Community Safety Audit in 2026 and other related actions.
Advocacy for changes to the NSW Model Code of Meeting Practice
Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion to write to the Minister for Local Government, with copies to the Shadow Minister for Local Government, Local Government NSW and the Hunter Joint Organisation, outlining Council’s position and calling for a review and amendment of the Model Code of Meeting Practice consistent with the resolution.
2025 Youth Mock Council
Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion to congratulate the Newcastle Youth Council for delivering the 2025 Youth Mock Council and commend the students who participated in the event. Council received the Mock Council motions passed during the Mock Council debate, and will share them with the relevant officers, departments and Advisory and Standing Committees for consideration for inclusion in future City of Newcastle initiatives, works and programs.
Condolence and recognition of Mr Neill Pitt of Carrington
Council expressed condolences on the passing of Neil Pitt of Carrington and voted unanimously to request that the CEO commence the process to progress the proposed renaming of the Carrington Bridge (Cowper Street Bridge) as a tribute to Mr Pitt, including early engagement with relevant stakeholders to understand the necessary steps, approvals and criteria for progressing a future naming application.
Supporting recommendations of the State Government public toilet inquiry
Council voted unanimously to write to local Members, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces requesting the NSW Government accept and implement the recommendations of the NSW Legislative Council public toilets inquiry and commit long-term funding to support councils to deliver safe, accessible and inclusive public toilets.
Strzelecki Lookout safety review and community petition
Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion to receive a community petition calling for urgent safety improvements at Strzelecki Lookout and request the Chief Executive Officer to consult with relevant agencies and progress the development and installation of crisis-support signage and undertake an infrastructure safety review of Strzelecki Lookout and the surrounding road corridor.
Local Government NSW Annual Conference 2025
Council unanimously endorsed a notice of motion to write to the newly elected LGNSW President Darcy Byrne, Treasurer Adam Shultz and Board offering our congratulations and reaffirming the City of Newcastle’s commitment to collaborative advocacy through LGNSW.
Update on the status of actions related to commemorative plaques
Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion that the CEO provides an update on progress related to the action points outlined in the approved Council resolution on commemorative plaques from the extraordinary meeting on 14 January 2025.