Category: Newcastle News

A new lawn area and event screen in Wheeler Place, better pedestrian and cycling connections, and more green spaces are being proposed under a concept plan for Newcastle’s historic Civic Precinct.

An artists impression of potential future upgrades for Wheeler Place that could form part of the Civic Public Domain Plan.City of Newcastle is inviting residents to provide feedback on the draft Civic Public Domain Plan, which will shape the future of an area that includes key streets such as King, Darby, Auckland, Merewether and Hunter, along with important spaces such as Civic Park.

The plan aims to preserve the character of the precinct while improving safety, accessibility and amenity, to create an environment where arts, culture, recreation, and events can thrive.

The intent is to ensure consistency in outcomes, regardless of whether new infrastructure is delivered by City of Newcastle, or by the private sector as part of future developments.

Public Domain Plan site mapCity of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said plans for the area will guide future development with a focus on increasing connectivity between important cultural institutions, while supporting the broader renewal of Newcastle’s city centre.

“This precinct has been the focus of significant change during the past 10 years, with major developments helping to shape the character of a key destination for residents, students, and visitors,” Mr Bath said. 

“The Public Domain Plan will solidify the Civic Precinct as our arts and cultural hub, and elevate Newcastle’s reputation as a destination for creativity and cultural expression, with increased opportunities for public art, events and activations.

“It’s designed to make the area between Civic Park and Honeysuckle more suitable for walking, riding, and using mobility devices, while also adding more green spaces to make the area more enjoyable and keep the city cooler during hot weather.

“Tree planting will also enhance and protect views of valued heritage items, such as the historic relationships between Newcastle City Hall, Civic Park, Wheeler Place and Christie Place.

“We now need community feedback to help inform key features of the final plan, which will ensure a considered and coordinated approach to future works within the city. All of these features will be reviewed and endorsed by key stakeholder groups, the community, and City of Newcastle.”

An artists impression of potential future upgrades for Civic Park that could form part of the Civic Public Domain Plan.Newcastle RSL Sub-branch President Peter Griffiths said as a stakeholder with a long connection to Civic Park, the RSL is keen to be involved in the process.

“The RSL wants to ensure the precinct continues to honour the men and women who have served in the Australian Defence Forces,” Mr Griffiths said.

“It currently features the WW1/WW2 War Memorial, Vietnam and National Service Memorial, the Folded Wings RAAF Memorial and the Memorial Grove, which includes the Legacy tree.

“We’re proud to work with City of Newcastle on this Public Domain plan which acknowledges the fact memorials in Civic Park will continue to be armed service related.”

The draft Public Domain Plan is designed to create a seamless and engaging experience for visitors moving between the Newcastle Art Gallery and other nearby cultural institutions such as City Hall, Newcastle Library, Newcastle Museum and the Civic Theatre.

It includes proposed designs for new pedestrian crossings, new and upgraded plazas, as well as footpath and cycleway improvements. 

Traffic upgrades to Auckland Street and Darby Street intersections are also proposed, as well as improvements to Christie Park, and acknowledgements of First Nations history and early European settlements.

The draft Civic Public Domain Plan is open for feedback via City of Newcastle’s website until 20 May 2025. 

Community members can also join interactive “walkshop” events through the precinct on 2 and 3 May or visit City of Newcastle staff at the Olive Tree Markets in Civic Park on 3 May.

To find out more visit haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/civicpdp

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting (items adjourned from 25 March) of Tuesday 15 April. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

Newcastle 2040 Review

Council voted unanimously to endorse the revised Community Strategic Plan Newcastle 2040, which provides the basis for the ongoing alignment of the City of Newcastle’s decision-making processes, strategies, and activities with the vision of the Newcastle community.

City of Newcastle Advisory Committee annual reports

Council voted unanimously to receive City of Newcastle’s Advisory Committee Annual Reports for 2024.

Tabling of Petition – off-leash dog area for small to medium dogs – Newcastle East

Council noted the tabling of a petition to establish an off-leash area for small to medium dogs in Newcastle East.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2025.

Notices of Motion

Bequest from the estate of the late Anne Powell to New Lambton Community Centre

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge and celebrate the bequest of almost $64,000 from the Estate of the late Anne Geraldine Powell to the New Lambton Community Centre to benefit community groups that utilise the centre.

Relocating the Wickham Return and Earn

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to write to TOMRA Cleanaway, the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the State Member for Newcastle, reiterating ongoing issues with the location of the Wickham Return and Earn facility and request that it is relocated to a more suitable location.

Notice of Motion to receive a petition: Petition against the introduction of permit parking scheme – George, Mary, Power, Phoebe and Morgan Streets, Islington

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to receive a petition from 115 Islington residents against the proposed introduction of a Permit Parking Scheme in George, Mary, Power, Phoebe and Morgan Streets, Islington. 

Council noted the petition was generated in relation to a matter that was under an open public consultation process. This consultation process has now been completed and over 98% of submissions noted an objection to it. Given the results of the consultation, it has been resolved the proposal will not progress and there will be no changes to the on-street parking regulations in this area.

Protecting the integrity of the Hunter Estuary in Newcastle

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to seek an update on behalf of the community of the actions underway to mitigate and redress the impacts from development on, and rehabilitation of, our wetlands ecosystem in Newcastle, particularly in Minmi and Fletcher. Council requests a briefing with representatives from the NSW Local Land Services, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and Council officers.

A man has died in a single-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Valley.

Emergency services were called to a bridge near Glendon Lane, Glendon, near Singleton, about 2.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 16 April 2025), and found a ute had crashed over the bridge and down an embankment.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle – a 49-year-old man – had died at the scene.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District will preparea report for the coroner.

A man has died in a two-vehicle crash in the Hunter Valley region.

About 5.30pm on Tuesday (15 April 2025) emergency services were called to Maitland Street, Muswellbrook, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found a motorbike and a ute had collided.

The rider of the motorcycle – a man aged in his late teens – died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

The driver of the ute and his passenger – both men aged 19 – were uninjured.

The driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting (items adjourned from 25 March) of Tuesday 15 April. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

Newcastle 2040 Review

Council voted unanimously to endorse the revised Community Strategic Plan Newcastle 2040, which provides the basis for the ongoing alignment of the City of Newcastle’s decision-making processes, strategies, and activities with the vision of the Newcastle community.

City of Newcastle Advisory Committee annual reports

Council voted unanimously to receive City of Newcastle’s Advisory Committee Annual Reports for 2024.

Tabling of Petition – off-leash dog area for small to medium dogs – Newcastle East

Council noted the tabling of a petition to establish an off-leash area for small to medium dogs in Newcastle East.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2025.

Notices of Motion

Bequest from the estate of the late Anne Powell to New Lambton Community Centre

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge and celebrate the bequest of almost $64,000 from the Estate of the late Anne Geraldine Powell to the New Lambton Community Centre to benefit community groups that utilise the centre.

Relocating the Wickham Return and Earn

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to write to TOMRA Cleanaway, the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the State Member for Newcastle, reiterating ongoing issues with the location of the Wickham Return and Earn facility and request that it is relocated to a more suitable location.

Notice of Motion to receive a petition: Petition against the introduction of permit parking scheme – George, Mary, Power, Phoebe and Morgan Streets, Islington

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to receive a petition from 115 Islington residents against the proposed introduction of a Permit Parking Scheme in George, Mary, Power, Phoebe and Morgan Streets, Islington. 

Council noted the petition was generated in relation to a matter that was under an open public consultation process. This consultation process has now been completed and over 98% of submissions noted an objection to it. Given the results of the consultation, it has been resolved the proposal will not progress and there will be no changes to the on-street parking regulations in this area.

Protecting the integrity of the Hunter Estuary in Newcastle

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to seek an update on behalf of the community of the actions underway to mitigate and redress the impacts from development on, and rehabilitation of, our wetlands ecosystem in Newcastle, particularly in Minmi and Fletcher. Council requests a briefing with representatives from the NSW Local Land Services, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and Council officers.

City of Newcastle has taken another step in its long-term financial plans to ensure it can meet the need for infrastructure and services across the city into the future. 

Councillors signed off last month on the purchase of a significant commercial landholding in Taree, which is operated by Bunnings under a 10-year lease. 

This is the first property acquired under City of Newcastle’s Future Fund strategy, which was established to seek better financial returns through a range of strategic investments. 

Executive Director of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said the Future Fund allowed City of Newcastle to diversify its revenue base to cater for both the growing population and aging assets. 

“We’re continuing to think outside the square when it comes to how we deliver for our city,” Mr Clarke said. 

“City of Newcastle manages $2.7 billion worth of infrastructure assets on behalf of the community.  

“While these assets have long, useful lives, they do need greater levels of investment over time as they age, which is why we put aside funds each year to ensure we are able to cover the cost of their future renewal. 

“The Future Fund allows us to increase investment of our cash reserves into a diverse portfolio of land, buildings and City of Newcastle’s commercial operations. 

“This will provide the growth we need as we balance financial stewardship with innovation, ensuring that every decision we make today contributes to a thriving city for generations to come.” 

The Bunnings purchase was vetted by the Future Fund Governance Committee in line with its adopted investment strategy and follows the review of more than 20 properties during the past 12 months. 

The Committee’s membership includes representatives of City of Newcastle and the elected Council, as well as two independent members with appropriate professional capabilities and an independent Chairperson.

Newcastle’s Ironbark Creek will be transformed by a re-elected Albanese Labor Government.

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will contribute $10 million towards the $62 million flood mitigation and naturalisation project in Wallsend.

This project will convert a degraded and graffiti-covered urban drain to a living stream by providing new aquatic habitat to link restored upstream riparian corridors with the internationally significant Hunter Wetlands – home to more than 200 species of birds.

Wallsend has experienced severe flooding events in 2007, 2015, 2016, 2020 and 2021 which saw significant impacts to the community, the local environment, disrupting lives, businesses, infrastructure and local development.

The project will also widen the channel which will reduce the impact of flooding on local communities and infrastructure.

This project builds on the very successful Albanese Government Urban Rivers program that has funded over 100 projects to clean up local rivers and waterways and improve much needed green spaces in our cities and suburbs.

Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants are in urban areas. Their survival relies on healthy rivers, creeks, wetlands and estuaries.
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Federal Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek:

“We know Australians care deeply about nature and want to do their bit to protect the environment for their kids and grandkids.

“This project means a degraded drain will become a thriving creek which will provide vital habitat to native species and improve flood resilience for local communities.

“We’ve seen the real impact projects like this we’ve already support through our Urban Rivers program has had for nature and communities, with projects like removing invasive weeds and rehabilitating the Lane Cove River corridor to better protect the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, restoring more than 3 hectares of native oyster reefs that had been decimated by disease in the Georges River, and habitat restoration and improving wetland connectivity to support fish populations in Cairns.

“After a decade of environmental vandalism by the Liberals and Nationals, Labor has made record investments to undo the damage done.

“We’ve protected an extra 100 million hectares of Australian ocean and bush, approved enough renewable energy to power more than 10 million homes and increased recycling capacity by over 1 million tonnes a year. We’re also investing more than half a billion dollars to save our native plants and animals from extinction.

“The choice at the election couldn’t be clearer. Labor who will protect nature, fund essential science, invest in threatened species, and act on climate change. Or the climate deniers and wreckers of the Liberal and National parties who haven’t made a single commitment that would help improve nature.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP:

“For too long our community has lived with the shocking consequences of major flooding, which has caused significant distress for residents, while also constraining economic development in Wallsend.

“This $10 million commitment from the Albanese Labor Government is another great example of government’s working together to deliver for our community.

“I want to thank Wallsend residents for their steadfast advocacy on this issue – Labor has got your back.”

NSW Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery MP:

“This $10 million contribution from the Albanese government is very welcome. This project is vital for the residents and businesses in the low lying areas of Wallsend to protect against future flooding events like we saw in 2007 and 2015.

“I want to thank Sharon Claydon who has always been a fighter for better infrastructure out here in the West of the City. I’ve been working for this project for years so to see this contribution means a great deal to me.”

The sights and sounds of sport will soon return to Smith Park following City of Newcastle’s delivery of a multimillion-dollar upgrade of the Hamilton North site.

The playing surface has been significantly improved by the installation of new drainage and irrigation, the realignment of fields used for cricket, football and Oztag, as well as the repositioning of three synthetic cricket wickets.

Chair of the Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said City of Newcastle is committed to delivering spaces that bring people together for active living and social connection.

“We’re proud to have worked closely with the community and sporting groups to improve this 56,000 sqm park,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This project contained a significant scope of works. Drainage improvements include 13 new stormwater pits, more than 330 metres of stormwater lines and more than five kilometres of subsoil drainage lines.

“Irrigation upgrades feature a new pump station, two water tanks and more than 3.7 kilometres of irrigation lines with sprinklers for watering.

“These improvements represent stage one of the Smith Park Masterplan and are consistent with the long-term vision for the park, meeting the needs of all users including Hamilton Azzurri Football Club, junior and senior cricket, and Newcastle Oztag.

“Future works proposed for Smith Park include carpark realignment, a community building, a multi-sports court and lighting.”

The upgrade was delivered by City of Newcastle with support from a $2.56 million grant secured by the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association through the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said projects like these show the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering fit for purpose infrastructure that benefits all members of the community.

“Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and these improvements will allow the fields to cater for more participants and more playing time,” Minister Kamper said.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said he’s pleased to be part of a Government that is committed to ensuring green spaces such as Smith Park meet the needs of our community.

“Upgrading green space in the city is crucial to supporting local communities and provides a safe place for people to gather and connect,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“I look forward to seeing our local sporting talents benefiting from these fantastic upgrades.”

President Andrew Cornwell said Newcastle Junior Cricket was thankful to the NSW Government and City of Newcastle for delivering this much-needed upgrade.

“Smith Park will now provide a first-class hub for our junior cricketers and will support the growth of cricket into the future,” Mr Cornwell said.

“Our cricketers will now have access to quality grounds that will be more resilient to wet weather and drought.

“The project is a great example of what can be achieved when sporting codes work together with Council.”

Smith Park isn’t the only popular park receiving an upgrade, with City of Newcastle also installing a new irrigation system at Wallsend Oval One and Two.

The improvements are being delivered by City of Newcastle in collaboration with Wallsend District Cricket Club, which successfully secured a grant from the Federal Government under the Investing in Our Communities Program.

The project also includes the installation of irrigation tanks and pump shed infrastructure, with the works likely to be completed in June.

A multi-agency search is currently underway for a missing swimmer at a beach in Newcastle.

About 4.35am today (Sunday 13 April 2025), emergency services were called to Newcastle Beach, Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle, following reports of a missing swimmer.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District arrived and were told an unknown woman had entered the water about 4.25am and had not returned.

Police with assistance from Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter immediately commenced a multi-agency search to locate the woman.

She was last seen wearing a pink top, black pants and no shoes.

Police are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the woman to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

It’s been almost 40 years since an English Queen last visited Newcastle, but Novocastrians are giving a royal welcome to SIX of history’s sassiest for their three-week reign in the city.

The curtains have gone up on the first performances of SIX The Musical this week, with the global phenomenon to grace the stage at the Civic Theatre until 4 May.

(Front row) Cr Jenny Barrie, Australian producer Louise Withers, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Cr Sinead Francis-Coan and Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace celebrate the three-week season of SIX The Musical at the Civic Theatre with the SIX Queens (back row). Picture credit: Peter Stoop Photography.Theatregoers from across the country are travelling to Newcastle for the production, which tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII as they step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.

The Australian production has just wrapped up a season in New Zealand after sell-out shows in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, with Newcastle the first non-capital city included on the national tour.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge welcomed the SIX cast and crew to Newcastle and encouraged everyone to take the chance to see this award-winning show in the iconic surrounds of the Civic Theatre.

“Strong support from audiences have ensured we’re receiving ongoing interest from the promoters of live theatre and musical productions, who are keen to add Newcastle to the national touring circuit,” Cr Kerridge said.

“This is indicative of support for our thriving live performing arts scene and is a fantastic outcome for theatregoers, who benefit from being able to see these types of productions right here in Newcastle.”

Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, said there was a demonstrated demand for international-quality touring productions in Newcastle.

“The historic Civic Theatre has long been a jewel in Newcastle’s cultural crown, but there is no doubt during the past few years we’ve hit a purple patch in attracting world-class productions to Newcastle,” Cr Barrie said.

“Theatregoers are coming from every state in Australia and right throughout NSW for the Newcastle season of SIX, which is also attracting new audiences to the Civic Theatre with around 35 per cent of ticket holders first time visitors.

“This clearly highlights the benefit of major events and the importance of attracting productions of this calibre, which deliver a cultural, economic and tourism boost to the city.

“We would like to thank the Producers, Louise Withers, Michael Coppel and Linda Bewick for bringing this first-class, brilliant production to Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones, Cr Sinead Francis-Coan, Cr Jenny Barrie, Australian Producer Louise Withers and Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace with the cast members of SIX in Wheeler Place. Picture credit: Peter Stoop Photography.

SIX The Musical debuted on the West End in 2019 and has won 35 major international awards, including two Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, and a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this modern pop-inspired musical brings to life the historical figures of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars in their own right. 

Producer of the Australian production, Louise Withers, said the musical has been a hit around the world, where it is enjoyed by more than 3.5 million each year.

“SIX is truly a global phenomenon and in Australia has enjoyed rapturous acclaim by both critics and audiences alike,” Ms Withers said.

“We are thrilled that SIX has finally made it to Newcastle and we look forward to welcoming our fantastic SIX fans, and the new theatregoers, at the Civic during this exciting three-week season.”

SIX will be on stage at the Civic Theatre Newcastle from 10 April to 4 May 2025. Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information.