Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC)

Submission Opposing the Proposed Hunter Indoor Sports Centre Development
Location: Wallarah Road and Blackley Ovals
Reference: SSD-65595459
I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC) on Wallarah and Blackley Ovals. My concerns are based on numerous inconsistencies in the development plans, vague details, and the potential adverse impact on residents and the surrounding environment.
1. Inadequate Waste Management Strategy
The waste management plan outlined in the Operational Management Plan (OMP) is inconsistent with the Waste Management Plan found in Appendix EE. The OMP lacks clear details on how waste will be managed during different phases of development, which raises concerns about environmental risks. This lack of clarity could lead to operational inefficiencies, particularly regarding waste collection schedules and staging during construction.
2. Unclear Licensing Arrangements
The fact that licensing arrangements are still being finalized is problematic, as this creates uncertainty about the lawful operation of the facility. Such fundamental details should be resolved before the project moves forward.
3. Noise and Vibration Impacts
The noise management strategies presented are vague and insufficient to protect the surrounding community. The plan’s reliance on "crowd noise management" and signage fails to address how noise from large events will be effectively controlled, especially during peak periods.
4. Traffic and Parking Impacts
The traffic impact assessment is contradictory and underestimates the negative effects on local traffic flow and parking:
Peak Traffic Impact: Although the report states that traffic impacts will be "negligible," it also acknowledges that certain intersections, such as Turton Road/Griffiths Road, will require traffic signal optimization. This contradiction highlights the need for more thorough traffic management strategies.
Parking Demand: The report claims that parking demands will be fully met onsite, yet also suggests that attendees may park on nearby Monash Road. This inconsistency is alarming, as local streets are already overburdened during events at McDonald Jones Stadium, the Hockey Centre, and other nearby venues. Increased traffic will lead to congestion and safety concerns for residents and visitors.
5. Flood Risk
Flood risks associated with the site have been significantly downplayed. The area is affected by local catchment flooding during both the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) and the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) events, as identified by the Throsby, Styx, and Cottage Creek Flood Study (Rhelm, 2023). Despite these clear risks, the SEARs document provides only a vague mention of flood impacts without offering concrete flood mitigation strategies. This lack of detail is a serious oversight, especially given the large floodway that bisects the site.
6. Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
The Social Impact Assessment has not adequately considered the impact of this development on local residents. The current proposal does not provide sufficient detail on how the community will be consulted or how their concerns will be addressed. Furthermore, the SIA should clearly define what constitutes "local residents" and include a robust methodology for engaging them.
7. Construction Traffic Management
The Construction Traffic Management Plan does not fully address the potential impacts on local residents and road users:
Parking Overflow: Although the plan states that construction parking will be contained onsite, it acknowledges that overflow may occur on Monash Road. This will increase the burden on an already congested area, posing safety risks to residents and pedestrians.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: There is a lack of clarity on how pedestrian and cyclist pathways will be managed during construction, especially given the high volume of foot traffic in the area. The vague reference to "short-term" disruptions without clear detour plans raises concerns about public safety.
8. Contradictions in Night Work Plans
The Construction Traffic Management Plan initially states that no night works are anticipated, but later mentions that night works may be required for access construction on Turton Road. This inconsistency causes confusion and raises concerns about potential noise disturbances during nighttime hours, which will significantly affect the local community.


9. Non-Alignment with Strategic Planning
The proposed development does not align with broader strategic planning initiatives, such as the Broadmeadow Place Strategy. The failure to ensure consistency with this framework may lead to uncoordinated infrastructure development, further exacerbating the negative impacts on the surrounding area.
In summary, the proposed development is fraught with contradictions, lacks detailed mitigation strategies for key environmental and social impacts, and presents significant risks to local traffic, parking, and flood management. The inadequate consideration of community concerns, especially regarding noise, waste management, and flood risks, demonstrates that this development is not suitable for the proposed site.
In addition to the technical and logistical concerns outlined above, I must also speak on behalf of the many long-term residents who have made this quiet neighbourhood their home. For years, they have enjoyed a peaceful and stable environment that has fostered a strong sense of community. This proposed development threatens to disrupt the tranquillity that has been cherished for so long.
The influx of traffic, noise, and large crowds will not only strain the already limited infrastructure but will also deeply affect the daily lives of residents. Many who chose to live here for its quiet streets and neighbourly atmosphere, far removed from the chaos of large-scale developments. The proposed stadium would change the character of the neighbourhood permanently, turning it into a bustling, congested area where peace and quiet are sacrificed for the convenience of commercial activity.
We understand the need for growth and development, but it should not come at the cost of the well-being and quality of life of those who have built their lives here. This neighbourhood has been our sanctuary, and the proposed development would rob us of the peace and security we have worked so hard to maintain. I implore you to consider the human impact this will have on the long-term residents who have invested not just in their homes but in the fabric of this community.
Sincerely,
Tracey Gardiner

Submission Opposing the Proposed Hunter Indoor Sports Centre Development
Location: Wallarah Road and Blackley Ovals
Reference: SSD-65595459

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC) on Wallarah and Blackley Ovals. My concerns are based on numerous inconsistencies in the development plans, vague details, and the potential adverse impact on local residents and the surrounding environment. Below are the key points for my opposition:
1. Inadequate Waste Management Strategy
The waste management plan outlined in the Operational Management Plan (OMP) is inconsistent with the Waste Management Plan found in Appendix EE. The OMP lacks clear details on how waste will be managed during different phases of development, which raises concerns about environmental risks. This lack of clarity could lead to operational inefficiencies, particularly regarding waste collection schedules and staging during construction.
2. Unclear Licensing Arrangements
The fact that licensing arrangements are still being finalized is problematic, as this creates uncertainty about the lawful operation of the facility. Such fundamental details should be resolved before the project moves forward.
3. Noise and Vibration Impacts
The noise management strategies presented are vague and insufficient to protect the surrounding community. The plan’s reliance on "crowd noise management" and signage fails to address how noise from large events will be effectively controlled, especially during peak periods.
4. Traffic and Parking Impacts
The traffic impact assessment is contradictory and underestimates the negative effects on local traffic flow and parking:
Peak Traffic Impact: Although the report states that traffic impacts will be "negligible," it also acknowledges that certain intersections, such as Turton Road/Griffiths Road, will require traffic signal optimization. This contradiction highlights the need for more thorough traffic management strategies.
Parking Demand: The report claims that parking demands will be fully met onsite, yet also suggests that attendees may park on nearby Monash Road. This inconsistency is alarming, as local streets are already overburdened during events at McDonald Jones Stadium, the Hockey Centre, and other nearby venues. Increased traffic will lead to congestion and safety concerns for residents and visitors.
5. Flood Risk
Flood risks associated with the site have been significantly downplayed. The area is affected by local catchment flooding during both the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) and the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) events, as identified by the Throsby, Styx, and Cottage Creek Flood Study (Rhelm, 2023). Despite these clear risks, the SEARs document provides only a vague mention of flood impacts without offering concrete flood mitigation strategies. This lack of detail is a serious oversight, especially given the large floodway that bisects the site.
6. Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
The Social Impact Assessment has not adequately considered the impact of this development on local residents. The current proposal does not provide sufficient detail on how the community will be consulted or how their concerns will be addressed. Furthermore, the SIA should clearly define what constitutes "local residents" and include a robust methodology for engaging them.
7. Construction Traffic Management
The Construction Traffic Management Plan does not fully address the potential impacts on local residents and road users:
Parking Overflow: Although the plan states that construction parking will be contained onsite, it acknowledges that overflow may occur on Monash Road. This will increase the burden on an already congested area, posing safety risks to residents and pedestrians.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: There is a lack of clarity on how pedestrian and cyclist pathways will be managed during construction, especially given the high volume of foot traffic in the area. The vague reference to "short-term" disruptions without clear detour plans raises concerns about public safety.
8. Contradictions in Night Work Plans
The Construction Traffic Management Plan initially states that no night works are anticipated, but later mentions that night works may be required for access construction on Turton Road. This inconsistency causes confusion and raises concerns about potential noise disturbances during nighttime hours, which will significantly affect the local community.


9. Non-Alignment with Strategic Planning
The proposed development does not align with broader strategic planning initiatives, such as the Broadmeadow Place Strategy. The failure to ensure consistency with this framework may lead to uncoordinated infrastructure development, further exacerbating the negative impacts on the surrounding area.
In summary, the proposed development is fraught with contradictions, lacks detailed mitigation strategies for key environmental and social impacts, and presents significant risks to local traffic, parking, and flood management. The inadequate consideration of community concerns, especially regarding noise, waste management, and flood risks, demonstrates that this development is not suitable for the proposed site.
In addition to the technical and logistical concerns outlined above, I must also speak on behalf of the many long-term residents who have made this quiet neighbourhood their home. For years, they have enjoyed a peaceful and stable environment that has fostered a strong sense of community. This proposed development threatens to disrupt the tranquillity that has been cherished for so long.
The influx of traffic, noise, and large crowds will not only strain the already limited infrastructure but will also deeply affect the daily lives of residents. Many who chose to live here for its quiet streets and neighbourly atmosphere, far removed from the chaos of large-scale developments. The proposed stadium would change the character of the neighbourhood permanently, turning it into a bustling, congested area where peace and quiet are sacrificed for the convenience of commercial activity.
We understand the need for growth and development, but it should not come at the cost of the well-being and quality of life of those who have built their lives here. This neighbourhood has been our sanctuary, and the proposed development would rob us of the peace and security we have worked so hard to maintain. I implore you to consider the human impact this will have on the long-term residents who have invested not just in their homes but in the fabric of this community.
Sincerely,
Tracey Gardiner

I strongly object to this project for several reasons. It will be a significant loss of parkland that is used by Lambton High School, local Cricket and Soccer teams and other sporting teams. The parking issues are a great concern due to the proximity to Hunter Stadium and the very large crowds that attend events there-particularly Knights games and an increasing number of concerts. Turton Road is closed on a regular basis during the football season and it is grossly unfair on local residents who are already inconvenienced by parking during multiple events. The loss of green space is very worrying-the cycleway runs alongside the park and there are often birds there. Please reconsider this site as there are much better options available including the old Gasworks site. Thank you

Firstly, let me say I understand the issues with the current basketball facility and support the need for an upgrade. My eldest son has played competition basketball for years, so I have skin in the game for that happening.
Just not for where it is proposed.
My main objection is for the impact this will have on Lambton High School. It entirely changes the amenity and functionality for an important public school that should be being protected, not being placed under threat by, the Government and the Community it serves. The land in question is currently used by the school for its PDHPE classes, as on overflow for lunchtime play, and as an emergency evacuation area. The current and future generations of Lambton children deserve to be considered more significantly by those in temporary custodianship of the decisions.
My other objection is to the traffic and parking implications on an area already dealing with those issues. Having an entry/exit on Turton Road where the only way in or out is via the North bound lanes, will force traffic coming from or going in the other direction back into the local streets. People coming in from areas to the west, such as Wallsend, will also end up in residential streets to gain access to the north-bound lane of Turton road for access to the parking area. The other proposal to have an exit past the west of the High School out onto Womboin Road is just plain ludicrous, forcing all of the traffic into local residential streets.

THE PARK LAND ASSIGNED FOR THIS PROJECT IS GREATLY UTILISED BY VARIOUS SPORTING TEAMS AND THE HIGH SCHOOL THAT SITS ADJACENT TO THIS PARK, PLUS MANY LOCAL PEOPLE USE IT FOR EXCERSISE.
THE PARKING WILL BE AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE, WHEN THE NRL OR THE A LEAGUE ARE ON ITS ALREADY A FULL HOUSE, WHEN WE HAVE MAJOR ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS AS ONE OF OUR MAJOR ENTERTAINMENT VENUES SITS ACROSS FROM THE PROPROSED DEVELPMENT ITS CRAZY TO PARK ANYWHERE AND THEN YOU ADD THE HOCKEY, LOCAL WEST LEAGUE FOOTBALL AND LAMBTON JAFFAS SOCCER ALL WITHIN THE VACINITY OF THESE OVALS, THE EXTRA CARS WILL CAUSE MAJOR TRAFFIC AND PARKING PROBLEMS. THIS AREA IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO LOW LYING WATER AND FLOODING SO BUILDING AN UNDERGROUND CAR PARK WILL ONLY CAUSE MAJOR WATER PROBLEMS, THIS AREA IS SURROUNDED BY A DRAINAGE SYSTEM WHICH WOULD NOT COPE WITH ANYMORE DEVELOPMENT. I WOULD NOT PARK MY CAR IN THE UNDERGROUND CAR PARK. THE MAJOR ROADS AROUND THE AREA ON GAME DAY AND ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS ALREADY HAVE MAXIMUM VEHICLE TRAFFIC PLUS THE END OF OUR STREET YOUNG RD, BETWEEN TURTON RD AND WOMBOIN RD IS CLOSED FOR THESE SPORTING AND ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS, I CAN ONLY IMAGING THE EXTRA CHAOS THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WILL CAUSE, WITH NO GOOD OUTCOME AND MANY MANY, MANY, MANY MORE HASSELS FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED.
PLEASE HAVE A GOOD LOOK BEFORE JUST SAYING IT LOOKS LIKE A GOOD SPOT TO BUILD COME ON GAME DAY OR WHEN THERE IS AN ENTERTAINMENT EVENT ON AND SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT IS LIKE AROUND HERE AS THERE ARE SO MANY MORE ELEMENTS THAT WILL BE GREATLY IMPACTED IN A VERY NEGATIVE WAY IF IT GOES AHEAD.

The loss of green-space by the development of this project is not acceptable. Once lost, it will never be returned. A large proportion of the project is carpark. Newcastle needs as much green-space as possible. Potential flooding consequences must follow when the ground is covered by asphalt/concrete. Traffic is already a problem for this area with the busy commuter flow through Turton Rd at peak times. There must be other sites that are more suitable. e.g. the rehabilitated Gasworks site, or the Pacing site at Broadmeadow.
It is not clear from the plans what will happen to the current cycle path from Broadmeadow to Lambton.

I am writing to formally oppose the proposed construction of the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre on Wallarah and Blackley Oval. While there may be stakeholder support to address the demand for indoor sporting facilities in Newcastle, this is not an appropriate location.
1. Loss of Green Space
Green spaces are vital to the health and wellbeing of urban populations. The removal of this green space would deprive the community of a natural environment, negatively impacting the quality of life for residents of Lambton, New Lambton and surrounding suburbs. The loss of this green space would affect all users of the ovals, including community sporting groups and staff and students of Lambton High School, who rely on the fields for physical education, sports, and as an emergency evacuation assembly point. There is already an undersupply of grounds across Newcastle to meet sporting requirements, and the relocation of current users to accommodate more infrastructure is shortsighted and would be a significant loss for the local community.
2. Increased Flood Risks
Green spaces play a crucial role in managing flood risks. They absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and mitigating the impact of heavy rainfall. The removal of the green space at Wallarah and Blackley oval and for the construction of an indoor sports stadium and associated car park would significantly increase the risk of flooding in the surrounding areas. This area is already established to be at heightened flood risk, and residents already feel the impact of current weather events. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change, the loss of this green space could lead to higher flood risks, potentially causing damage to properties and infrastructure and posing a threat to public safety. While flood modelling has been undertaken for this proposal, climate change will result in more frequent and extreme rainfall, leading to flash floods and prolonged flooding events. Flooding projections fail to take this into account.
3. Impact on Local Traffic
The construction of an indoor sports centre is likely to lead to an increase in traffic. Per the Scoping Report, the proposed stadium expects 22,500 weekly visitors, or one million visitors each year. This results in more vehicles on the road, leading to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Congestion not only causes delays but also increases fuel consumption and vehicle emissions, contributing to air pollution. The existing infrastructure around Turton Road is not equipped to handle the additional traffic, leading to longer commute times for residents, frequent traffic jams and reduced efficiency of the public transport network.
The proposal includes the construction of 205 car spaces. For a stadium expecting 22,500 weekly visitors, this is wholly inadequate and will result in visitors parking on local streets. With the streets being crowded with parked cars, residents will face great difficulty in parking at their residences, disadvantaging locals and potentially causing traffic flow issues. For residents with disabilities or mobility issues, inadequate street parking can be particularly problematic.
4. Noise pollution
High impact building construction and higher traffic volumes would contribute to increased noise pollution, which would affect the health and wellbeing of local residents.
In conclusion, the proposed construction of an indoor sports stadium on Wallarah and Blackley Oval poses significant risks and disadvantages to our community. I urge you to reconsider this proposal and explore alternative locations.

I have read through all the provided materials on the proposal and am a user of the existing basketball stadium. I completely support the new location and the addition to the sporting precinct.

There are nowhere near enough basketball courts in the region and kids are being turned away as a result. This development is the first step to making the sport more accessible at all levels.

Please see attachment for comprehensive OBJECTION to this Submission.

I am not objecting to the need for a basketball stadium per say. I am objecting the location. Newcastle has seen a large increase in higher density accomodation and it looks as thought this will only increase in the future.
As living densities increase the need to protect our green spaces becomes increasingly important.
The proposed site for this sports centre will reduce the green space available for other sports and activities of a large number of Novocastrians. The parking and vehicular access is insufficient and poorly planned.
The decision to locate the sports centre here did not involve the community and was a "thought bubble".
The location of this centre needs to be re-evaluated and other options discussed. Over the past months there have been several ideas mooted by the community.
No sports centre is better than a poorly planed, top down decision.

We experience
-MOST IMPORTANT- lots of issues with flooding in the area that have not been resolved by government, which could be exasperated by loss of green space.
- there are other facilities for entertainment in the area and it’s making it more busy for the locals to enjoy some peace and quiet.
- traffic issues exasperated

Lambton parks and playing fields are an important part of what makes Lambton such a beautiful place to live and work. Removing these will have a significant negative impact on the health and well-being of local residents.
Further to this, there are numerous issues with parking, traffic flow and traffic control already on this road, being such an important thoroughfare for many Novocastrians. Adding further amenities on this street will further degrade access.

I object to this proposal as the proposed location for this development is entirely unsuitable for many reasons. Firstly, it raises tremendous concerns for the safety of the students and staff at Lambton High School, who use it as an evacuation point. The high school also uses the fields for sports and other activities, which is vital as the school is surrounded by housing and major roads. The students need this space, which is easily accessible from their school. They don't need to cross roads to access it now. It needs to be retained for their use and safety.
Secondly, the area is already incredibly congested. Adding in further traffic from a basketball stadium will make it very difficult for local residents. Parking is also very concerning. The plans show very insufficient parking. If you go past the current stadium when basketball games are on, you see there are cars EVERYWHERE – the current carpark is full, the field next to it is also full and all on street parking in the surrounding streets is full. Each child playing is driven to basketball by a parent. A quick break down of the issue: Players: With 12 courts and 12 players per team (5 on the court and 7 substitutes), that would mean 144 players if all courts are in use. If each player arrives in a separate car, that alone would almost entirely fill the 146 spaces. Coaches and Officials: Adding coaches, referees, officials, café workers (at least 2-3 per game), you could see another 24-36 people needing parking spaces. Spectators: Even if a small number of spectators attended, like grandparents, parking is clearly insufficient. Newcastle is not well known for its use of public transport, we drive up here. There is no train service close to the proposed site. The buses aren't adequate either. Particularly concerning is when there will be an event on at McDonald Jones stadium at the same time. The parking situation around the stadium during games and concerts is already dire and the local residents suffer the consequences now. A basketball stadium would make the situation even worse.
Thirdly, the proposed stadium is right next to a storm water channel which will flood it. That is a guarantee, the only unknown is when it will happen. Grassed areas absorb water and lessen flooding events. It makes no sense to build something when you know it will be flooded. We know with climate change that storm events will increase, that is also certain. Newcastle has suffered through many east coast lows in the past. I don’t want my tax dollars spent on a substantial development which will be damaged in coming years, and who knows how much insurance will cost.
I will support a new basketball stadium being built in a suitable location, but the proposed location is entirely unsuitable. The former Newcastle Council should not have supported it, and have now been booted out in the recent Council elections. The new Mayor does not support this development in the proposed location. The development needs to be rejected and a new site found.

This will be a great development for the area and the health of the people surrounding it.

I can not support this proposed location. It’s a flood zone, pasha bulker storm 2007 , mega storm a few years later are a couple of recent examples. You could argue that so is most of Newcastle now but this right next to a major storm drain.
When there is an event on at McDonald Jones stadium across the road, steets are closed and traffic mayhem. Cars are parked illegally consistently much to the council’s financial benefit, but not the safety of the public. The hockey fields across the road also add further pressure on traffic/parking. The high school which backs onto these established playing fields has its own traffic/parking requirements.
There is plenty of available land around this area, Chatham rd, Clyde st for example or is it just take the easy option?

This facility is desperately needed for the local community, and the proposed location is perfect.

Much needed, great for Newcastle and everyone involved.

I am opposed to this project proceeding in this location, as it will take valuable parkland and green space from the community, sporting groups and local schools.
This space is now available to everyone, not just persons registered with an organisation that will use this facility.
Green space is a valuable asset to our city.
Parking, traffic and flooding issues have not been sufficiently addressed.
As a person that lost their home to flooding in this area in 2007, it is not an issue that should not be thoroughly investigated.

I object to the project on the grounds of it being an extreme overdevelopment on a public parkland. The parkland in question for the development is highly used by sporting codes, Lambton High School and the general public and like all existing parklands in Newcastle this parkland is regarded as a highly valuable recreation asset by the community and should not be considered for development such as this.