Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 22 September 2026. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Ordinary business
Financial Assistance Grant proposed methodology consultation
Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to endorse City of Newcastle’s submission to the Local Government Grants Commission on proposed changes to the Financial Assistance Grant methodology and write to our local MPs asking them to make clear their position on the proposed methodology and the capacity of ratepayers to pay more to maintain current services.
Local Government Performance Ratios
Council voted unanimously to endorse a proposed submission into the NSW Office of Local Government’s review into Local Government Performance Ratios.
City of Newcastle development assessment performance
Council noted City of Newcastle’s development assessment performance, including the determination of 1,018 development applications in 2025/26, ranking sixth in NSW by volume, with an average assessment time of 65 days.
Landslide Planning Proposal – Amendment Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012
Council voted unanimously to endorse the commencement of the planning proposal to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to introduce a landslide risk assessment clause for land affected by the New Lambton landslide, including a Geotechnical Planning clause and Landslide Risk Map.
Endorsement of the public exhibition for Hexham and Woodberry swamp catchments flood study and adoption of the updated Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek flood study
Council voted unanimously to endorse the public exhibition of the draft Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Catchments Flood Study 2026 for a minimum period of 28 days.
Endorsement of public exhibition for the draft Planning Agreement for 1 McIntosh Drive Mayfield West
Council voted unanimously to endorse placing the draft Planning Agreement associated with the Steel River East battery energy storage system at 1 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days.
Endorsement of motions for submission to the 2026 Local Government NSW Conference and nomination of delegates
Council voted unanimously to endorse the amended motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales 2026 Annual Conference and nominate Lord Mayor Gavin Morris, Cr Clausen, Cr Winney-Baartz, Cr Johnson, Cr Brooker, Cr Barrie and Cr Isherwood as voting delegates.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2026.
Offsite storage services
Council voted unanimously to accept the tender for a 10-year contract for offsite storage services for City of Newcastle’s cultural collection, valued at more than $145 million and comprising 7,000 works of art.
Notices of Motion
Recognising Meredith Laing
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge the passing of Meredith Laing, whose work made a significant contribution to and leaves a lasting impact on biodiversity and the environment in Newcastle and the Hunter.
Congratulating the Newcastle Knights on an historic NRL season 2026 and wishing them success in the Preliminary Final
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle formally congratulates the Newcastle Knights on their remarkable turnaround and success during the 2026 NRL season, reaching the Preliminary Finals.
Responding to new technology and privacy risks
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to request the CEO work with the operators, licensees and lessees of City of Newcastle owned facilities to establish a technology-neutral framework within their conditions of entry addressing the use of wearable surveillance and recording technology.