Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC)

Traffic and parking
- Their overflow parking for events up to 1700 people is adjacent streets
- There is no evidence there have been any studies done to see if these adjacent streets can take this number of cars, no modelling done
- Boom gates into carpark is back in and turning lane is gone – could lead to traffic back up on Turton Rd (appendix dd traffic and event management plan)
- Focuses heavily on vehicle movements with limited analysis public transport capacity and accessibility impacts and pedestrian and cycling safety considerations
- For big events they suggest cars can park at McDonald Jones stadium, Richardson park (where they have the circus), The entertainment centre and Wanderers oval - all but McDonald Jones says they can’t be used in wet weather (appendix dd)
- still discussing 80 parking spots on Monash rd despite council stating these needed to be tarred and guttered and basketball saying they won’t be doing that

Flooding
- Flooding is still not mitigated
- Risk management is still focused on the site and its patrons
- Minimal mention of impact on surrounding residents and houses
- Turton Rd was closed in the last East Coast low
- Increase of rain and flooding events in 2025
- no explanation of the impact of removing natural absorption of the ovals and concreting over - where will run off go? How will drains cope?
- Flooding and flood risk has not been communicated in a way to help residents feel certain their streets won’t flood
- The site will have flood detention basins however, these will be released into the stormwater drain that already overflows and fills very quickly
- No discussion with residents despite there being an understanding that lived experience of flooding events is helpful in informing “real life” scenarios

Social impact
- Inadequate measure of social impact on local residents, in fact stated there will be “no adverse environmental, social or economic impacts will result from the proposal” pg 95 Rts report
- Green space loss is dismissed as manageable through "alternative venues"
- Diagram depicting green space in the area is inaccurate – shows McDonald Jones stadium, hockey fields, netball courts, bowling green, Harker oval and Arthur Edden – all of which are not green space for the community or school
- Overemphasis on positive impacts while minimizing negative consequences. Emphasis on demonstrating the benefits over the impacts on residents
- No accountability framework for delivering promised community benefits
- Makes a note that submissions have raised concerns about negative impacts on emotional and physical health and wellbeing but provides no mitigation measures other than saying we can use other ovals

I fully endorse the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC) as a transformative investment in the future of sport and community wellbeing across Newcastle. Replacing the outdated Newcastle Basketball Centre, this new facility will provide a modern, high-capacity venue that meets the evolving needs of our region.
Importantly, the HISC is more than just a sports upgrade—it’s a catalyst for broader urban renewal under the Broadmeadow Place Strategy. It contributes to a more vibrant and connected city. The centre will cater to a diverse mix of sports including basketball, netball, futsal, volleyball, badminton, and pickleball, and is purpose-built to be inclusive and accessible. It will foster physical activity, social connection, and community pride for people of all ages and abilities.

I strongly support the development of the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC) as a vital upgrade to the aging Newcastle Basketball Centre. This new facility will safeguard the future of indoor sports across the region, offering a modern, multi-purpose venue that meets the growing needs of our community.
More than just a sporting hub, the HISC is a cornerstone of the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, unlocking opportunities for new housing and driving urban renewal in a key part of Newcastle. Its design supports a wide array of sports—including basketball, volleyball, badminton, netball, futsal, and pickleball—while prioritising accessibility and inclusion. It will be a welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can stay active, connect socially, and thrive in a vibrant community setting.

We need a waterproof basketball stadium. It is a really popular and growing sport so better facilities will only increase uptake. We need to encourage young people to be active and provide safe places for that. Please finally get this done

Build

Build this

A development like this should not be approved. There will be significant impact on the community with losing valuable green space that is currently available to all as well as the impact on the local area in regards to traffic and parking in residential areas. This is already being experienced on a daily basis and even more impact on days where events are on at the Stadium and surrounding fields.
The land should be accessible to all not just basketball players. Just do up the current facility

I think this is a terrific use of the space, which pulls together all of the different sporting activities that are being created in the new precinct.

I am writing to express my full support for the development of a new basketball stadium in the Lambton area. The current facility, which has long served as a cornerstone for our local basketball community, has deteriorated significantly over the years. Issues such as roof leaks and general wear have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a safe and functional environment for players and spectators alike.
Basketball is a rapidly growing sport in our region, with participation spanning all age groups—from young children to adults. Due to the overwhelming demand for court space, games and training sessions have been forced into high school halls that are often slippery and unsuitable for competitive play. This not only compromises safety but also fragments our community, as teams and families are scattered across multiple venues.
A new, purpose-built stadium would allow us to bring everyone back under one roof. It would foster a stronger sense of community, provide a safe and high-quality environment for athletes, and support the continued growth of basketball in Newcastle. Such a facility would benefit current players, future generations, and the broader local economy through events, tournaments, and increased engagement.
On behalf of myself, my children, and countless others who rely on basketball as a source of connection, health, and personal development—I wholeheartedly support the proposal for a new stadium in Lambton.

This is an essential facility for the Hunter region sporting community. The discussions have gone on for a very long time now and really need to be wrapped up and the facility build as soon as possible.

It’s essential for the 6000 current members to have a facility available as soon as possible and this is in the perfect location. We really look forward to seeing the development come to fruition.

I am representing my family of four, three of which use the Newcastle basketball stadium daily for games and training,
We support the project for the new stadium wholeheartedly

This will be outstanding for the students of Lambton high school.

As a resident of New Lambton, someone who drives along Turton Road daily and as the parent of a Lambton High student, I object to the location of the proposed basketball centre. The location chosen will place disruption to already high traffic area, it's in a flood zone, it will remove valuable green space that is used for sport by Lambton Football Club and Lambton High School.

I support the proposal for a new basketball stadium as this is needed within the community. The location of this stadium is in the wrong place so I cannot support this submission based on the proposed location. I appreciate the long term planning of co-locating sporting precincts near each other and wonder why the old gasworks site on Chatham Road in Hamilton North isn't being considered for this project.

There is strong community objection to this proposal, purely based on the location. I do encourage Planning NSW listen to the local community, reject the current proposal and recommend that an alternative location is sourced for this project.

I support the decision for a new stadium

We need a new stadium

As NSW’s second largest city with a 55 year old delapidated leaking basketball centre providing an inadequate facility for our children and developing basketballers, the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre provides a generational opportunity to pursue a fit-for-purpose facility deserved of such a rich sporting region.

I support the project because Newcastle has a strong basketball competition and new facilities are needed.

Because I love playing sport and the old basketball stadium is falling apart
I have been playing since I was 4 yrs old

Really want the project to succeed as the current basketball facilities do not meet the needs of the community