Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC)

Please build the stadium

I am writing to strongly support the development of the new Hunter Indoor Sports Centre. As someone who has proudly played basketball in the Hunter region for more than 30 years, I have seen firsthand the enormous value that basketball and indoor sports bring to our community, as well as the pressing need for improved facilities.

For three decades, I have been a regular player at the current Newcastle Basketball Stadium. While it has been a much-loved home for the sport, the truth is that the venue is outdated, tired, and no longer fit for purpose. The facilities have not kept pace with the growing demand for basketball and other indoor sports in the Hunter.

Most concerningly, games are often cancelled or disrupted due to leaks in the roof and maintenance issues. This not only impacts players, referees, and volunteers, but also families and supporters who dedicate their time and energy to being part of the local sporting community. It is incredibly disheartening to see teams turned away or competitions rescheduled because of something as basic as a roof that can’t keep out the rain.

Despite these challenges, the passion for basketball in the Hunter has only continued to grow. We now have one of the fastest-growing participation rates in Australia, with basketball becoming a truly inclusive sport for people of all ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. I have witnessed children as young as five step onto the court for the first time, older adults rediscovering their love for the game, and people of all abilities finding joy, connection, and confidence through participation.

The new Hunter Indoor Sports Centre would be an investment in the future health, well-being, and connectedness of our community. It would provide modern, accessible, and reliable facilities that allow basketball and other sports to flourish, while also creating opportunities to host regional, state, and national competitions. This in turn would bring significant economic benefits to the Hunter, attracting visitors, boosting local business, and strengthening the region’s reputation as a hub for sport and recreation.

From a personal perspective, after 30 years of playing basketball in facilities that are well past their use-by date, it would be extraordinary to see a world-class venue finally delivered for the next generation. It would mean that young players won’t have to experience the same frustrations of cancelled games and sub-standard conditions that my teammates and I have endured for far too long.

The Hunter deserves a facility that reflects the size, diversity, and passion of its sporting community. I respectfully urge the NSW Government to prioritise and deliver the new Hunter Indoor Sports Centre—not just for those of us who have been playing for decades, but for the thousands of players, families, and volunteers who will continue to build the future of sport in our region.

Thank you for considering this submission.

Hunter basketball stadium is in need of improvement.
Basketball is a sport enjoyed by men, women, children, adults and the disabled. It is centrally located and doesn’t require regional travel. It’s important to support such a development, not only for the sport but the community, as the stadium can also be used for other purposes.

Our kids will love it

I wish to express my strong support for the proposed indoor sports centre and basketball stadium in our local community.
I believe this facility will bring significant benefits, particularly for the young people in the area and local school children having access to safe, engaging and healthy environment to participate in sports and physical activity. The centre will encourage active lifestyles and physical activity, teamwork, resilience and a sense of belonging in the community.
This facility will bring significant benefits for a whole range of people in the community.
Any initial concerns have been addressed through consultation with the planning team and I am now confident that the project will be a valuable and positive addition to our community.
The centre will offer opportunities beyond basketball. With facilities that can support a range of other sports.
I commend this project and urge its approval for the benefit of our community both now and into the future.

It is embarrassing that the second largest city in NSW has a below par indoor sports centre, and I am writing to express my strong support for the project. This facility is long overdue and represents a crucial investment in our economy and more importantly the development of local children and sports.
Sport provides physical health and mental wellbeing, and is essential in every community.
The current facilities are poor, and the ongoing maintenance requirements are growing every day. A new sports centre will be a catalyst for large regional competitions that will also benefit the local economy.
Investing in this stadium is an investment in our community’s youth and in the future of local sports. I urge the NSW government to support the development of the Hunter Indoor Stadium. This project promises to strengthen our community, improve our children’s well-being, and inspire a new generation of athletes.
There will never be a perfect location, and the cost will only go up with every delay.

Youth desperately need

The Hunter region desperately requires a multi person sports facility for indoor court sports like basketball and volleyball with facilities to host crowds for professional sporting events multiple courts and training facilities. The Broadmeadow precinct is central and the best location for the region.

I am concerned about parking when the NRL is on.

100% support project, it will be a great asset for the local community.

Great for basketball in Newcastle

This would be an asset to the community, sports & sporting events in Maitland & the Hunter Valley

This project must go ahead for the community and for future generations

I support the application for a new Basketball stadium to be built for the hunter. The current building is extremely old, too small for the high number of competitions being played, leaks significantly in the rain, and walls have gaps and made of metal that is not safe for players to fall into. A new basketball centre is long overdue for Newcastle.

We need a new stadium- the new location is perfect

Really needed

I support the project

I strongly object to this project and have attached my submission regarding my concerns.

This is a facility that is desperately needed by the community and although there will be an unavoidable loss of playing fields, the use of the indoor sports centre and number of users that will benefit far exceeds the current use of the land. All year round, unaffected by weather, overall it is a better outcome for the community.

We need this facility desperately. Current facilities are substandard and do not support people in sports effectively.