Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC)

My opposition is to the proposed location, not to the establishment of an Indoor SportsCentre at an appropriate location within the Newcastle area.
Green spaces are a valuable strategic public resource of which there are already too few in the greater Newcastle urban region. The location for the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre proposed by the Newcastle Basketball Association currently one such area. It is comprised of a number of well utilised playing fields/ovals and also doubles as a popular recreational area that provides a green corridor linking central New Lambton and Lambton to several major sporting centres and entertainment facilities. Development of an extensive indoor sporting facility would rob the local community and Newcastle in general of yet another open green area, that should be treasured not degraded.

I strongly object to this project.
I believe the impact of taking away sports areas that Lambton High frequently use, outweighs the ‘benefits’…
The increased traffic around the area would be extremely detrimental to locals that have no choice but to use those roads.. The traffic is already bad enough.
I feel, as a local, that I’ve been practically railroaded into accepting this development.

Please! Find somewhere else for this development!

I object to the proposed location of this application

The existing basketball stadium site in Broadmeadow should be considered for renovation. This could work out to be the most effective use of the public purse. Rather than constructing a new build, in a different suburb, and swallowing up other existing sporting fields

This is well over due, the site is perfect to create a sports hub. It would be a mini Moore Moore Park Entertainment District. It would bring money into the area, new businesses. I can’t see a negative here.
Denying this again, just wastes so much money. The Hunter needs a quality indoor sport location. Having a Newcastle NBL team one day would be amazing!

Concerned about traffic congestion as well as loss of green space.

With climate change , cities are increasingly under threat from 50 degree temperatures. One way to minimise the threat is by having green urban spaces.
The last thing we should be allowing is the concreting over/building over of existing green spaces as is being planned over the current sports fields.

I support the project. Relevant documentation notes impacts can be adequate managed. I support the range of social and economic benefits of the development and believe the site is in a suitable location given it is adjacent to the existing football stadium and areas earmarked for higher density residential rezoning at Broadmeadow.

Building the Hunter sports /basketball centre on wallarah oval would be detrimental to the area due to many reasons. My daughter attends lambton high school and using these ovals for basketball centre means the school would have no areas where they can play sport without travelling away from school. The area was subject to large flooding in June 2007 and I am worried this development would cause further issues. The car parking and loss of green space is of course a concern for me. I don’t believe there was adequate discussion with locals by basketball or the local council. The discussion groups and info sessions by basketball were few and far between . I worry for the people that live close to the development area as it is already a nightmare when the knights and jets play. There are no foot paths and people walk on the roads which is unsafe for all. There has to be a better place to build this basketball sporting centre .

Do not use the green ovals at New Lambton for the new Basketball Stadium as this would wreck hundreds of local peoples' ability to use the fields for exercise, jogging, walking, picnics and all kinds of outdoor activities. It would also mean many junior and senior sporting teams would no longer be able to practice netball, and play cricket and footballs games on these parks. It would take away young children's playgrounds and make dog-walkers have to seek new places to play with their pets. Also, cyclists and walkers would have to divert around the new basketball facilities. When viewing the plans for the basketball stadium it only appears to have the same number of courts that they already have in their current stadium, therefore this does not adequately plan for future expansion of their sport. The carpark also appears to have only about as many spaces as their current carpark which is often currently inadequate. The area proposed at New Lambton is a flood prone area that from time to time will be seriously inundated with flood waters.
An area west of Newcastle, for instance, perhaps near West Wallsend or Cameron Park which both have many open spaces and Crown land which should be considered for the new basketball facilities, not New Lambton an old suburb with already established local uses for their land.
Or the land that the existng Basketball Stadium occupies would also be an ideal place to redevelop for the new stadium. The Broadmeadow area is said to be being planned to develop for public housing and sporting facilities, surely the basketball courts could stay exactly where they are now. Perhaps that is the best solution, rather than using their land for different purposes.

The current basketball stadium is falling apart. No air conditioning in summer, the kids are overheating.

Newcastle is in desperate need of a new basketball stadium, and the proposed project certainly ticks the box.

The kids need this fast! They currently have to play in hot and sweaty non air conditioned war time plane hangers. We need more available courts so 12 year olds don’t have to wait to 8pm to play weekly games.

This will be a great place for sport activities including basketball and other sports. This will replace the near 60 year old building of broadmeadow basketball stadium.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development on existing parkland located at Wallarah and Blackley Ovals. This project raises several significant concerns that warrant serious consideration before moving forward.
Loss of Green Space
The development of this parkland represents a profound loss of vital green space within our community. Parks are not just areas for recreation; they are essential for the physical and mental well-being of residents. Numerous studies highlight the benefits of green spaces in promoting physical activity, reducing stress, and improving overall mental health. The proposed development will diminish these crucial benefits, negatively impacting the community's health and quality of life. As a Clinical Psychologist I work daily to help people engage in physical activity for their well being. Engaging in this in nature (not man made structures) is well documented to be beneficial for individual and community mental health. The ongoing loss of access to these spaces in urban areas is of major concern.
Urban Heat Islands
Additionally, the construction of new buildings in place of parkland contributes to the urban heat island effect. Green spaces play a critical role in regulating temperatures by providing shade and cooling through evaporation. The removal of natural landscapes will exacerbate heat retention in the area, leading to increased energy consumption, higher temperatures, and associated health risks during heat waves.
Increased Traffic Concerns
The influx of new residents or visitors to the area as a result of this development will inevitably increase traffic congestion. The existing roadways are already strained during business and schools peak hour, and particularly when the the hockey and McDonald Jones stadiums are being used. The current plan for entry and exit is not at all efficient in mitigating this. The anticipated rise in vehicle numbers will compromise safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. This increased traffic poses a significant risk to the community and detracts from the quality of life for residents.
Loss of Recreation Space
Moreover, this parkland serves as a crucial recreational area for schools and sporting groups. The loss of accessible green space limits opportunities for children and adults alike to engage in sports and outdoor activities. Recreational facilities are essential for fostering community spirit, encouraging physical fitness, and providing safe spaces for youth to gather and play. Lambton High in particular will suffer from extra time taken to access new facilities being removed from PE lessons and sport. Young people need to be encouraged as much as possible to continue to engage in physical activity, particularly young women, for health and physical benefits. It does not make sense to place more barriers in the way of school delivered recreation.
Alternative Development Locations
I urge the govt to consider alternative locations for this development that do not encroach upon our precious parkland. There are numerous underutilized areas within the city that could serve as more appropriate sites, allowing for development while preserving the invaluable green spaces that our community relies on. Please consider areas beyond Newcastle City Council, which is already at risk of losing green and passive space for development.
In conclusion, I respectfully request that the govt reconsider this proposal in the current location. The implications of developing on parkland extend beyond immediate economic benefits; they affect the health, well-being, and sustainability of our community. Preserving our parks is essential for a vibrant, healthy future.
Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to your response.

Keep the land for the basketball stadium

I wish to object to the location of the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre.
As a resident who will be affected adversely by increased traffic and parking I was taken aback when I heard the announcement about the location. I was never informed that this was even being considered - where was the community involvement?
City of Newcastle have continually denied being involved but they have been a part of the 20+ meetings that have been held between City of Newcastle, Newcastle Basketball and State Government. “…the Basketball Association of Newcastle, as the proponent, has entered into an agreement with Newcastle council as the Crown Land managers of that site to construct the facility on the Lambton site.” “City of Newcastle has provided in-principle support to enable the development application to progress” – From City of Newcastle website.
I am concerned about the loss of green space which will never be replaced. The budget is also worrying especially when Newcastle Basketball do not have the funds to complete the entire project. Especially I am concerned about the increased traffic and parking issues.
My understanding is that the proposed spot is outside of the area designated as a sporting precinct (on the other side of Turton Road which incorporates the McDonald Jones Stadium, hockey fields, paceway track etc). Blackley & Wallarah Ovals are not part of the defined precinct area. During the planning of the sporting precinct all involved stated that it would be vital that existing green space be retained. This development adjoins the declared precinct, proposes to permanently displace multiple existing sporting users of the fields, convert the green space to development & carpark, & add 22,000 patrons per week to our traffic & parking problems. The location is totally inappropriate. For a city that prides itself on their sustainability credentials, City of Newcastle are proposing to seal over a very large grassed area that acts as both a water sink and a cooling space. Please do not take green space from multiple outdoor sport and community users to erect a multi storey indoor basketball complex.
The numbers are in the reports. They say 22.000 per week so roughly 3000 per day. Peak times 4-8 with 500 visitors per hour. You have a concentration of people/vehicles departing/arriving all at the same time via one driveway. If you arrive too early, the car park will be full/ arrive too late and the car park is still full. This is why people will prefer to park where they can, ie the surrounding side streets. Weekdays you’ll have training starting at 6am. Day time use is generally less intense. Weekends, training again from 6am, both days in season. Some weekends you will have carnivals where all courts will be used for games on the hour all day, into the evening. There would be a number of these events across the year. Seniors will then play usually Saturday afternoons, evenings or maybe Sunday afternoon. This will draw a crowd, at present around 1000+ people to the show court.
If cars are traveling along Turton Rd to enter the proposed stadium from the northern direction, will they turn onto Young Rd, then go around the block - Young Rd, Womboin Rd, Monash Rd and back onto Turton Rd to enter the parking area? TRAFFIC STUDIES FOR THESE SIDE STREETS ARE NOT IN ANY REPORT. No more than 4-5 cars will fit into the right turning lanes at Young Rd and Monash Rd. Any more will have to wait in the adjacent lane blocking the through traffic right back to Griffiths Road. What happens when Young Rd is closed for a major McDonald Jones Stadium event? The right turn into Monash from Turton Rd is also closed on major event days. The flow on will put more traffic turning right at the main intersection of Turton and Lambton Road then coming through residential streets to get to Monash.
Loss of residential amenity with surrounding residential streets used as a car park. Mental health and wellbeing of local residents affected by lack of parking outside their homes (for visitors, carers, delivery drivers), difficulty of getting out of driveways in narrow streets. Disturbing levels of through traffic siphoned onto local roads, 50 zones, school zones, impacting resident, pedestrian and student safety. The parking problems that are experienced now once or twice a week will now occur 7 days and 7 nights each week. Yes Basketballers need a new complex but not at the expense of other sporting codes and community green space.

My son daughter in law and grandchildren live in close proximity of the park. One of the many concerns is the water run off and the drain overflowing as it did on the June Long weekend 2007.. causing homes in nearby streets to flood. Because of this the house insurance has escalated to nearly unaffordable costs. My other concern is the traffic and parking.. The streets around Rex Gloucester and Duke etc are incredibly narrow and parking on both sides of these streets does not allow cars to move freely through. .. even if you decide to build car parking.. I’m am sure you will charge parking fees to try and recoup the incredible cost of this stadium.. hence like the knights and jets games people choose to not pay parking and park in the nearby streets. There is so many problems with this project and surely there is somewhere else in the WHOLE of Newcastle/Lake Macquarie that can be considered and in an appropriate space that won’t cause so many problems to homes, streets, flooding, parking, schools, and traffic !!!

I object to the Hunter Indoor Sports Complex being built on the current well utilized Blackley Oval & Wallarah Ovals 1 & 2.
The community engagement report states there was a designated website - I did not find it. The residents were not included in the targeted presentations nor was there any ongoing local residential engagement. As a resident I was blindsided by the decision of the location. Perhaps if the City of Newcastle and Newcastle Basketball had taken the community along with the decision making then the correct location could have initially been found instead of no community involvement and the wrong location earmarked. Glendale and Maitland both have better sites available & are more accessible to many more people rather than keeping it in inner Newcastle. This is a NSW state grant so the complex does not have to be in City of Newcastle region.
I am concerned about the significant loss of open community green space for generations to come. Quoted from Climate change, green cover and open spaces | AdaptNSW “Green cover and open spaces are important aspects of NSW towns and cities. They provide health, wellbeing and ecological benefits, and help to combat the effects of climate change…These areas of green cover and open space help protect us and our built environments against some of the impacts of climate change, such as increased urban heat and natural hazards.” Newcastle has just lost significant green space due to the Newcastle Inner City ByPass. If we do not protect our current greenspace now before we know it there will be none left. (City of Newcastle have said that green space will be created in the Broadmeadow sporting precinct but it is already green now so how can you replace green space with green space?)
The Budget report is also concerning. Newcastle Basketball do not have the funds to complete the project. How will the facility be maintained to a high standard? Will stage 2 be built? If not then we have lost so much for only 2 extra basketball courts.
I also note that the 2 outdoor half courts & outdoor gym on Monash Road side have not been included in any accountability reports for noise, safety or lighting. What impact will the outdoor seating and gathering areas on the bike path opposite houses have on the nearby residents? I cannot see anything in the reports related to this area.
A major concern is also the traffic and parking. The study did not show the impact on the local streets which will be used only Turton Road. Please can I see the report on these streets. With only one access from Turton Road northbound surely users will be coming from all directions.
Lambton High students will also be affected but I am sure they will be objecting themselves.
Finally please reconsider the site - greenspace cannot be lost, traffic gridlock will happen and residents will be subjected to blocked driveways with no access to their houses as happens now on Knights and Jets days as well as other major events.

I find it amazing that an open green space in a major city, which is used daily by large numbers of students from the adjoining High School and also used by numerous community sporting groups, could even be considered for development by a small minority group. Surely we should be doing all we can to protect such spaces for those who use them and for posterity. There have been enough errors in the past without adding to them by allowing this proposal.

I object to the development strongly for the following reasons:
- this development will remove access to green space for 1100+ children on a daily basis
- with no access to green space for mental health and well being, there is the additional economic impact on current and future students who will be required for the most part to participate in sports offsite
- I would like to note that teenage years are a turbulent time in terms of mental health - and green spaces referred to in your own Open Spaces policy - teenagers are facing so many issues, and to remove these green spaces for not only these teenagers, but future teenagers also can only have a damaging effect.
- this requires a bus fee to be paid by parents, and the cost of the sport (ice skating, bowling, surfing etc) incurring an estimated cost of $150 per term ($50 bus fee per term and $10 activity fee per week); and estimated additional $600 in sports fees per student per year.
- the fields provide an emergency assembly point for students and staff which will not be available if the ovals become otherwise utilised
- community sport and activities take place there throughout the year (soccer, cricket, family, community exercise)
- there are other available sites for this development which haven't been examined
- parking, traffic, flood mitigation strategies all remain significant and are not addressed in the EIS in any meaningful way. The minor roads will be very heavily impacted with heavy traffic being forced into their streets while parking is simply not provided in the proposal
- with climate change, there is an increased probability of significant rainfall. Lambton has had been adversely affected by flooding in the major storms in recent years - concreting these surfaces will only exacerbate this issue.
- the McDonald Jones Stadium already creates havoc parking, along with the hockey stadium, with any kind of event (musical or football or hockey)
The funds have already been promised to be honoured by Chris MInns NSW Premier should this SSD be rejected, which it should be.
Also, the cost is estimated to blow out beyond the $25-30million to over $80million. Not sure where these funds are supposed to come from.
The community consultation process has been atrocious, with little regard for council funds which have paid large amounts already for consultants to progress this far.