Category: Newcastle News

A rider has died after a two-vehicle crash near Maitland yesterday afternoon.

About 5.30pm (Tuesday 23 June 2026), emergency services were called to the intersection of Denton Park Drive and Kerry Circuit, Aberglasslyn, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found that a motorcycle and a Toyota SUV had crashed.

The rider – a 33-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital; however, he died on arrival.

The driver – a 59-year-old woman – was uninjured during the incident and taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police have established a crime scene and an investigation into the cause of the crash has commenced.

City of Newcastle welcomes the State Government’s announcement today that it will commit almost $15 million towards finalising the design of a new entertainment and conference centre at Broadmeadow. 

The funding was the key plank of City of Newcastle’s NSW Pre-budget Submission shared with the Treasurer and local State MPs in February this year.

CEO Jeremy Bath and Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz met with local MPs and advisors at Parliament House last month to stress the regional benefit of the $499 million arena, which is forecast to entertain more than 640,000 people and generate almost $41 million annually for the local economy.

A new entertainment and conference centre will be designed to host international entertainment acts, as well as provide a home to professional basketball and netball franchises playing in national competitions.

Known as Newcastle Arena, the 12,000 seat facility will be located to the immediate north of McDonald Jones Stadium in an area already zoned for a multipurpose indoor arena.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath singled out Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley for championing the project for the past three years. 

“In every meeting I’ve had with Minister Catley since the State election in 2023, she’s spoken about the need for a new entertainment centre at Broadmeadow,” Mr Bath said.

“I thank her for her dedication to this project and securing the necessary funds from the Treasurer and Premier to get Newcastle Arena to the shovel ready stage. 

“This is the first domino to fall at Broadmeadow in what will ultimately become a residential and entertainment precinct that will be home to 40,000 people and up to 8,000 workers.” 

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Committee and Hunter Park Advisory Member Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the new entertainment and conference centre will be a win for the region.

“The Newcastle Entertainment Centre was built 34 years ago and was only intended to operate for five years,” Cr Winney-Baartz said. 

“Its condition is now at a point where our local economy is losing more than $20 million annually in missed events from artists and promoters who refuse to perform there.

“We know from ticketing data that 70% of all ticket sales to the existing entertainment centre come from the Hunter. 

“Once the new entertainment and conference center is constructed, Newcastle will be able to secure touring acts that currently skip our city and require our region’s residents to travel to Sydney or Melbourne. 

“I’d like to thank our local State MPs, Venues NSW Board Director John Quayle as well as councillors of the current and past term who have taken every opportunity to advocate for a new entertainment centre for our region. 

“We need to keep the momentum going now by securing the $484 million needed to construct Newcastle Arena.”

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the positive momentum for Newcastle was unstoppable.

“Council staff deserve credit for delivering the Broadmeadow Place Strategy last year that gave the NSW Government the confidence to start investing in Broadmeadow,” Cr Morris said.

“My job now is to ensure they open their cheque books even wider. Our state is in the midst of a housing crisis and Broadmeadow is perfectly placed to deliver one of the largest residential developments anywhere in NSW.

“The detailed design for the new entertainment and conference centre is likely to take 12 months, meaning that if the Government and Opposition both commit to build the Arena before the State Election in March next year, the existing entertainment centre could be demolished by 2029. 

“And once the existing entertainment centre is demolished, it frees the site for much needed new homes to be built at Broadmeadow right beside the train station.” 

The demolition of the Newcastle Entertainment Centre will not include the showground ring or grandstands, which are local heritage items.

The Swansea Seawall at Belmont Street will finally be repaired and reopened, with $7.5 million now confirmed to get the job done.

The Minns Labor Government has put $7.5 million on the table, with Transport for NSW to work directly with Lake Macquarie City Council to get the repairs moving.

The seawall has been fenced off since 2021 after serious cracking and slope issues made the area unsafe.

Assessments have found that the longer it is left, the greater the risk to the foreshore, the shared path and nearby road infrastructure.

That is why the Minns Government is stepping in to fix it.

The investment will support urgent repairs to the 100-metre section of the seawall, prevent erosion from worsening, protect the roads, housing and foreshore infrastructure, and ensure locals can once again access the nearby shared path.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026.

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley:

This is a fantastic result for the Swansea community. The seawall has been closed for too long. Locals have been patient, but they are right to want it fixed.

The foreshore is a much-loved part of our community, and this $7.5 million investment is an important step toward protecting it for the future.

I have fought hard for this funding because Swansea deserves better than fences, warning signs and delays.

The advice is clear: the risk here is bigger than one section of the seawall. If it is left as is, it will put pressure on the foreshore, the pathways and the roads. That is why the Minns Government is stepping in to get this moving.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

This is a great outcome for this community.

Without this work, the damage to the seawall would continue to get worse, and the cost and complexity of repairs would only increase.

That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering $7.5 million to get these urgent repair works moving.

I’d like to thank Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley for her strong advocacy on this issue.

This funding is an important step in ensuring we can reopen this asset for the community to enjoy once again.”

Mayor of Lake Macquarie City Council, Adam Shultz:

The Council welcomes this $7.5 million investment to repair and reopen the seawall.

This section of foreshore has been closed for too long, and we know how important it is to locals.

We look forward to supporting Transport for NSW in their delivery and getting these important repairs moving.”

City of Newcastle will charge towards a goal of net zero emissions by 2030 with a roadmap featuring 77 actions that address the root causes of climate change.

Councillors voted last night to endorse the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030, ensuring climate action will be considered across all City of Newcastle operations, including maintaining a 100% renewable electricity supply, expanding our battery network, and transitioning our fleet, plant and equipment to electric or low emission alternatives.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said achieving meaningful emission reductions requires rapid, transformative change.

“To achieve net zero emissions in our operations, we’ll need to invest an additional $42 million over the next five years,” Ms Kikken said.

“We’ll be seeking at least 50% of this through state and federal grants, commercial partnerships and other funding mechanisms.

“City of Newcastle has already secured $5 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to deliver a battery deployment program, including a 10MWh battery at the Summerhill solar farm, and another 3.8MWh in 11 batteries across our facilities.

“If the Climate Action Plan can be fully implemented, it’s estimated City of Newcastle would see a return of between $3.5 million to $4 million per year from 2030 thanks to revenue from the Community Energy Precinct, savings from solar and Battery energy storage systems, fuel savings and gas to electric savings.”

“The plan not only outlines City of Newcastle’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2030, but also supports a Newcastle wide transition to net zero by 2040, in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“The Climate Action Plan adopts a holistic approach to addressing climate change with a focus on creating flourishing lives for all Novocastrians. Climate action is not only about reducing emissions and managing risks, but also about supporting a healthy, resilient, inclusive and liveable city.”

The plan was developed using economic modelling, scientific research, cost-benefit analysis and extensive community consultation.

“Our community needs to see the Climate Action Plan as credible and deliverable so we’ve made amendments to the plan based on their feedback,” Ms Kikken said.

“A total of 239 submissions were received during public exhibition, with almost 80% agreeing climate action is a high priority, and 83% supportive of nature-based solutions, such as urban greening, tree planting and ecosystem restoration.

“Public feedback showed more than 70% of respondents agreed with the science-based targets contained in the plan.

“City of Newcastle is also conducting a feasibility study for a Community Energy Precinct at the Astra Street landfill site at Sandgate, which was supported by the community.”

The 60-hectare site operated from 1974 to 1995 before City of Newcastle started extensive environmental remediation to safeguard the water quality of surrounding wetlands, increase biodiversity and promote long-term native plant growth.

The proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct resonated strongly with respondents as a tangible project that brings together several priorities supported by the community including renewable energy, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and smart repurposing of underutilised land.

For more information about the adopted Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030 visit our website.

City of Newcastle will invest a record $458 million into projects and services across the local government area next year under a Budget driven by community benefits and financial sustainability. 

Councillors unanimously voted Tuesday night to adopt the 2026/27 Budget, which includes more than $128 million to maintain and deliver infrastructure across Newcastle to meet the needs of the growing population.

Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said a modest forecast operating surplus of $450,000 in 2026/27 will keep City of Newcastle well positioned to deal with potential unexpected costs as they arise.

“The current environment and growing cost of living pressures are challenging,” Mr Bath said.

“Maintaining an annual surplus in the past has allowed us to react when the community has needed us in situations like Wickham wool sheds fire, the Lambton landslip, and the recent Mayfield fire, without sending us into the red.

“This is a continuation of our responsible financial budgeting over the past decade, with City of Newcastle last year ranked ninth in the state for financial sustainability and the only local council in the top 20 ranked councils in NSW.

“We have a duty to be responsible with ratepayer funds, especially in a challenging economic environment where everyone is feeling the pinch of rising costs, and this Budget reflects our commitment to sound financial management and sustainability.” 

City of Newcastle’s Acting Chief Financial Officer Scott Moore said this Budget reflects the thoughtful and constructive feedback provided by the community, with 100 submissions received during its recent public exhibition.

“We had a record number of submissions this year, which reinforced the need for us to continue balancing our investment in services and infrastructure with careful financial management,” Mr Moore said.

“Key themes included a desire to see us focus on cost-of-living pressures, the impact of fees and charges on community groups and organisations, and equitable allocation of spending.

“This Budget meets those expectations, from providing everyday benefits in areas such as road renewal, cycleways, and footpaths, and delivering congestion relief for those who travel through our city’s Western Corridor, to continuing the ongoing renewal and maintenance of our assets across the city.

“In setting our fees and charges for the next financial year we’ve reaffirmed our commitments to equity, inclusion and access, with targeted concessions for charities and not-for-profit organisations who use facilities across Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle continues to provide highly subsidised access to Crown Land, with rent capped at $625 per year to enable groups like Surf Life Saving Clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, Men’s Sheds and sporting clubs to focus on delivering important services to the community.

Further support is provided through fee reductions at Summerhill Waste Management Centre for charitable organisations while funding will be provided in rates assistance relief for eligible customers experiencing financial hardship.

Council also voted last night for the continuation of the $2 entry fee at its inland pools at Beresfield, Wallsend, Mayfield and Stockton, and the implementation of a $2 entry fee for all concession card holders at Lambton Park War Memorial Swim Centre. 

The Council will seek to identify how the cost of these subsidised entry fees can be absorbed into the 2026/27 Budget as part of its September quarterly review.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering a major boost to public transport in the Hunter, with more than 100 additional bus services every week set to transform how people move around one of the fastest growing regions in NSW. 

Part of the Minns Government’s $150 million Bus Service Uplift Program, the investment will provide frequent, reliable and accessible public transport options for thousands of residents across the Hunter.

The addition of these new services means that more than 650 new bus services – both school and regular route – have been introduced by into the Hunter by the Minns Labor Government since March 2023.

In regional communities across the Hunter, buses are a critical part of everyday life. They make it possible to get to work, attend school, access healthcare, support local businesses and stay connected to the rest of their community. More services mean more flexibility and more opportunities to participate in their community.

The additional services will deliver more night-time and weekend travel options for communities including Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Singleton, Maitland, North Rothbury, Huntlee, Branxton, Greta, Lochinvar and Windella.

Importantly, the improved timetable will strengthen connections with other public transport services across Greater Newcastle, making journeys smoother and reducing reliance on private vehicles.

From 28 June, Route 164 between Cessnock and Maitland via Kurri Kurri, will receive an additional 32 services each week. Services will run hourly, seven days a week, providing improved access for the rapidly growing communities of Gillieston Heights, Cliftleigh and Heddon Greta.

From 19 July, Route 179 between North Rothbury and Green Hills Shopping Centre via Maitland, will receive an additional 70 services each week. For the first time, the route will operate on Sundays and public holidays, providing greater flexibility and accessibility for residents across the growing Huntlee and North Rothbury areas.

The service expansion is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering the services needed to support a growing Hunter, ensuring local communities remain connected, accessible and great places to live, work and raise a family.

For a summary of changes coming into effect from Sunday 28 June please visit: https://transportnsw.info/news/2026/hunter-bus-changes-from-sunday-28-june

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley: 

“The Hunter is one of the fastest growing places in New South Wales, and we’re making sure our region gets the services to match.

“Strong communities are built on strong connections, and these extra services are just one part of our plan to keep workers, students, and families moving.

“This is about better connecting the people who call the Hunter home and the many more choosing to come here.”

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison: 

“In regional communities across the Hunter, the distance between where people, live, work and access services can be significant.

“Rolling out over 100 new bus services for the Hunter recognises this reality, as well as the incredible growth we’re seeing across the region.

“These additional services will give people more options and more freedom – to get to appointments, pop down to the shops, visit family and friends, and stay connected to their community. Importantly, it will make everyday life that little bit easier.

“This investment by the Minns Labor Government reflects what local communities already know – the Hunter is booming, and we’re committed to making sure services keep pace with that growth.”

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr:

“These extra bus services are a big win for local residents, especially in growing communities like Cessnock, North Rothbury and Heddon Greta.

“I know how important public transport services are for our community, and this will make it easier for people to get where they need to go. More services -particularly in the evenings and on weekends—mean better connectivity, more convenience and stronger links to jobs, education and shopping across the region”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the Hunter Region

Bodhi McCaw, aged 14, was last seen on Horne Close, Greta, about 3.30pm on Tuesday 16 June 2026.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and his family have concerns for his welfare due to his young age.

Bodhi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair, and brown eyes.

He is known to frequent the Great area.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Singelton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle will invest a record $458 million into projects and services across the local government area next year under a Budget driven by community benefits and financial sustainability. 

Councillors unanimously voted Tuesday night to adopt the 2026/27 Budget, which includes more than $128 million to maintain and deliver infrastructure across Newcastle to meet the needs of the growing population.

Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said a modest forecast operating surplus of $450,000 in 2026/27 will keep City of Newcastle well positioned to deal with potential unexpected costs as they arise.

“The current environment and growing cost of living pressures are challenging,” Mr Bath said.

“Maintaining an annual surplus in the past has allowed us to react when the community has needed us in situations like Wickham wool sheds fire, the Lambton landslip, and the recent Mayfield fire, without sending us into the red.

“This is a continuation of our responsible financial budgeting over the past decade, with City of Newcastle last year ranked ninth in the state for financial sustainability and the only local council in the top 20 ranked councils in NSW.

“We have a duty to be responsible with ratepayer funds, especially in a challenging economic environment where everyone is feeling the pinch of rising costs, and this Budget reflects our commitment to sound financial management and sustainability.” 

City of Newcastle’s Acting Chief Financial Officer Scott Moore said this Budget reflects the thoughtful and constructive feedback provided by the community, with 100 submissions received during its recent public exhibition.

“We had a record number of submissions this year, which reinforced the need for us to continue balancing our investment in services and infrastructure with careful financial management,” Mr Moore said.

“Key themes included a desire to see us focus on cost-of-living pressures, the impact of fees and charges on community groups and organisations, and equitable allocation of spending.

“This Budget meets those expectations, from providing everyday benefits in areas such as road renewal, cycleways, and footpaths, and delivering congestion relief for those who travel through our city’s Western Corridor, to continuing the ongoing renewal and maintenance of our assets across the city.

“In setting our fees and charges for the next financial year we’ve reaffirmed our commitments to equity, inclusion and access, with targeted concessions for charities and not-for-profit organisations who use facilities across Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle continues to provide highly subsidised access to Crown Land, with rent capped at $625 per year to enable groups like Surf Life Saving Clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, Men’s Sheds and sporting clubs to focus on delivering important services to the community.

Further support is provided through fee reductions at Summerhill Waste Management Centre for charitable organisations while funding will be provided in rates assistance relief for eligible customers experiencing financial hardship.

Council also voted last night for the continuation of the $2 entry fee at its inland pools at Beresfield, Wallsend, Mayfield and Stockton, and the implementation of a $2 entry fee for all concession card holders at Lambton Park War Memorial Swim Centre. 

The Council will seek to identify how the cost of these subsidised entry fees can be absorbed into the 2026/27 Budget as part of its September quarterly review.

City of Newcastle will charge towards a goal of net zero emissions by 2030 with a roadmap featuring 77 actions that address the root causes of climate change.

Councillors voted last night to endorse the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030, ensuring climate action will be considered across all City of Newcastle operations, including maintaining a 100% renewable electricity supply, expanding our battery network, and transitioning our fleet, plant and equipment to electric or low emission alternatives.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said achieving meaningful emission reductions requires rapid, transformative change.

“To achieve net zero emissions in our operations, we’ll need to invest an additional $42 million over the next five years,” Ms Kikken said.

“We’ll be seeking at least 50% of this through state and federal grants, commercial partnerships and other funding mechanisms.

“City of Newcastle has already secured $5 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to deliver a battery deployment program, including a 10MWh battery at the Summerhill solar farm, and another 3.8MWh in 11 batteries across our facilities.

“If the Climate Action Plan can be fully implemented, it’s estimated City of Newcastle would see a return of between $3.5 million to $4 million per year from 2030 thanks to revenue from the Community Energy Precinct, savings from solar and Battery energy storage systems, fuel savings and gas to electric savings.”

“The plan not only outlines City of Newcastle’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2030, but also supports a Newcastle wide transition to net zero by 2040, in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“The Climate Action Plan adopts a holistic approach to addressing climate change with a focus on creating flourishing lives for all Novocastrians. Climate action is not only about reducing emissions and managing risks, but also about supporting a healthy, resilient, inclusive and liveable city.”

The plan was developed using economic modelling, scientific research, cost-benefit analysis and extensive community consultation.

“Our community needs to see the Climate Action Plan as credible and deliverable so we’ve made amendments to the plan based on their feedback,” Ms Kikken said.

“A total of 239 submissions were received during public exhibition, with almost 80% agreeing climate action is a high priority, and 83% supportive of nature-based solutions, such as urban greening, tree planting and ecosystem restoration.

“Public feedback showed more than 70% of respondents agreed with the science-based targets contained in the plan.

“City of Newcastle is also conducting a feasibility study for a Community Energy Precinct at the Astra Street landfill site at Sandgate, which was supported by the community.”

The 60-hectare site operated from 1974 to 1995 before City of Newcastle started extensive environmental remediation to safeguard the water quality of surrounding wetlands, increase biodiversity and promote long-term native plant growth.

The proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct resonated strongly with respondents as a tangible project that brings together several priorities supported by the community including renewable energy, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and smart repurposing of underutilised land.

For more information about the adopted Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030 visit our website.

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.