Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is inviting feedback from the community as it finalises plans for Camp Shortland as part of the staged remediation of the former Newcastle 500 track.

In recent years the coastal precinct has become a hub for active recreation with community members utilising temporary fitness, sport and play equipment that was installed on the former racetrack area in between events.

Fitness, sport and play equipment at Camp Shortland.Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said City of Newcastle wanted to understand how the community has been using the space, to guide the potential retention of some elements.

“In 2017 the community told us they wanted us to activate the racetrack area within Camp Shortland in between each staging of the Newcastle 500,” Ms Jones said.

“Following that feedback, we installed temporary elements including fitness stations, a children’s maze and hopscotch area, and a half basketball court, which were able to be easily removed for major events.

“It’s now time for us to finalise a plan for what is happening in that space post Supercars.

“We’re looking for feedback as to how the community wants to interact with Camp Shortland into the future, including whether they want to retain any of the temporary recreation elements.

“When rectifying the site, we’ll also upgrade existing infrastructure, including barbecues, shelters, seating and the historical signage.

“These upgrades will enhance the functionality of the space, so it can be enjoyed for years to come.”

City of Newcastle staff will be on hand at Camp Shortland to provide more details from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday 26 April and between 6.30am and 10am on Friday 9 May.

Community members are also encouraged to visit City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page for more details, with submissions open until 5pm on 6 June.

https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/camp-shortland

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Charles Lowry, aged 24, was last seen at Mereweather about 11:30am on Wednesday (16 April 2025).

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

Police and family hold concerns for Charles’ welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm-175cm tall, of medium build, with a fair complexion and light brown hair.

He was last seen wearing green shorts, a white shirt, brown hoodie and runners.

Anyone with information on Charles’ whereabouts is urged to call Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle is looking to the future with a long-term framework that will guide Newcastle’s development over the next decade.

Councillors voted last night to endorse the Community Strategic Plan known as Newcastle 2040, a shared vision reflecting the aspirations of the local community.

Newcastle 2040 guides decision-making across key areas and supports the city’s continued growth, ensuring all council projects and initiatives contribute to a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city.

Following the election of the new Council term last September, the review invited community feedback on the draft plan with public consultation closing in January 2025.

Overall, there was strong community support for the Newcastle 2040 vision endorsed by council in 2022.

Since its endorsement in 2022 City of Newcastle has delivered a range of projects and improvements that enhance livability and inclusivity such as local centre upgrades, improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and investments in sporting facilities and stormwater drainage.

Almost 6,000 pieces of feedback have shaped Newcastle 2040 to date, including face-to-face conversations, workshops, surveys, online feedback, advisory committees and stakeholder engagement.

City of Newcastle will continue to engage with the community throughout the life of the plan to ensure Newcastle 2040 aligns with the evolving needs and priorities of the city.

For more information on Newcastle 2040 visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/newcastle2040

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.”