Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 16 June. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Acknowledging King’s Birthday 2026 honours recipients
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed acknowledging and congratulating the Novocastrians recognised on the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List and extending congratulations to the many other recipients from across the Hunter Region who were recognised.
Acknowledging twelve months without Sinéad
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed that acknowledged the anniversary of former Councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan’s last Council meeting and the anniversary of her passing on 23 June 2025.
It highlighted the passion and commitment Sinead brought to her role as a Ward 3 Councillor and the outpouring of support and love for Sinéad over the months following her passing, which showed her deep connection to the Newcastle and wider community.
Ordinary business
Adoption of Code of Meeting Practice
Council voted unanimously to rescind the previously adopted Code of Meeting Practice, adopt the exhibited 2021 Code of Meeting Practice and adopt a revised schedule for Council and Committee meetings to be held during the remainder of the 2026 calendar year.
Adoption of the Newcastle Climate Action Plan
Council voted for an amended motion to endorse the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026-2030, which is City of Newcastle’s road map to achieving net zero emissions from its operations before 2031 and supporting the transition of the Newcastle Local Government Area to net zero emissions by 2040.
Review of inland swimming pool reduced entry fee trial
Council voted for an alternate motion to adopt an entry fee of $2 at each of the inland pools (Beresfield, Wallsend, Mayfield and Stockton) and a $2 entry fee for all concession card holders at Lambton Park War Memorial Swim Centre.
Council resolved to account for the inclusion of the adopted entry fees in the September quarterly review of the 2026/27 Budget (2026/2027 Delivering Newcastle 2040).
Adoption of the Local Streets Plan
Council voted unanimously for an amended motion to endorse the Local Streets Plan 2026-2030, which is a 10-year framework that sets out the vision, objectives, and actions to support the transformation of Newcastle’s local street network in alignment with the community’s key priorities.
Interest on overdue rates and charges
Council voted unanimously to adopt the maximum rate specified by the Minister for Local Government on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
All interest is waived for ratepayers who, on the basis of financial hardship, enter into an agreement to pay outstanding rates over an agreed period of time.
Adoption of Delivering Newcastle 2040 and making of the Rates & Charges
Council voted unanimously for an amended motion to adopt 2026/2027 Delivering Newcastle 2040 and the 2026/2027 Fees and Charges Register.
Endorsement of public exhibition for draft planning agreement and explanatory note
Council unanimously endorsed the recommendation to place the draft planning agreement and explanatory note for 347, 357, 365, and 369 Hunter Street, Newcastle, on exhibition for a minimum of 28 days.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for May 2026.
Appointment of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee independent member
Council voted unanimously to appoint a new independent member to City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.
Notices of Motion
Open and transparent council briefings
Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to review City of Newcastle’s Public Voice and Public Briefings policy to confirm it provides for open briefing sessions for Councillors to be delivered through the application of that policy.
A report will be prepared for Council outlining any recommended amendments to the Public Voice and Public Briefing Policy and a proposed framework for the conduct of workshops and briefings.
City entrance signage and presentation
Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion requesting staff review existing city entryway signage, and develop designs for new signage at key entry points to the LGA/city, noting that potential sites for signage have already tentatively been identified by City of Newcastle staff in collaboration with Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
Staff will also engage with TfNSW to develop designs for improved landscaping and presentation of key main roads in our city.
Community attitudes towards 30km/h zone in Honeysuckle
Council supported an amended notice of motion to write to the NSW Government requesting they undertake community consultation regarding satisfaction with the 30 km/h zone in place from Honeysuckle Drive to Wharf Road, Nobbys Beach.
Transport for NSW will be asked to brief Councillors on the outcomes of that community consultation.
Men’s Health Week 2026
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to write to the Australian Men’s Health Foundation to advise on planning and programming options for Men’s Health Week activities, and deliver a community-based program in 2027 at City of Newcastle Libraries for Men’s Health Week.
Late item
Live sites for Novocastrians to watch the Socceroos in the World Cup
Council supported a notice of motion to request that the Lord Mayor urgently write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Sport and Members for Newcastle & Wallsend asking that the NSW Government include a free, family-friendly site for Newcastle and surrounds to celebrate and cheer on the green and gold, noting that Newcastle has the capacity to host a live site if the NSW Government agrees to offer a site in Newcastle.