Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC)

There is already an overload of congestion and limited parking in this area, along with limited green space that this project would reduce even further. This project would be better built closer to broadmeadow train station.

This application should be supported given it will not result in significant environmental or social impact and is in the public interest.
The sport of basketball is quickly growing in popularity and the current facilities for Newcastle Basketball are inadequate to cater for the growth in the sport. The current facility has long been in disrepair, with a leaking roof and is potentially structurally unstable, risking the safety of the community. It is the only indoor sporting venue where games are called off due to rain or heat.
It is acknowledged that the proposed location is not supported by a section of the community, however the proposed site is seen as a last resort, with other suitable locations and development applications previously being rejected due to similar community concerns.
Newcastle Basketball are being forced out of their current facility. It would make sense to knock down and re-build on the current site however this is not possible given land use conflict with the proposed Broadmeadow Place Strategy. As I understand, the organisation only has a couple more years in which to vacate the premises, at which time if another facility is not built, there will be a serious blow to the future of the sport in Newcastle.
A state significant development application can take years to prepare and the construction of the facility could be another 1-2 years. It is therefore not feasible to withdraw the application and find an alternative site as this would not meet the timing restrictions for the current facility and the sport would have no home.
Newcastle Basketball are currently turning away hundreds of children and young adults who wish to engage in the sport because they simply do not have the facilities to accommodate the demand. We should always promote children wanting to exercise and obtain social interaction through sport.
The facility is also an embarrassment to the city of Newcastle with professional NBL1 games televised across the country. The Newcastle facility is decrepit in comparison to other basketball organisations in Maitland, Central Coast and Sydney. As NSW' second largest city we deserve a state of the art facility as soon as possible.
Despite some degree of localised community objection for this site, for the greater public interest the development should be approved for the benefit of citizens of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie local government areas.

With McDonald Stadium, the hockey fields, and Lambton High School all in close proximity, our area already experiences significant traffic congestion and parking strain. On game days, when visitors avoid paid parking, they flood nearby side streets, including ours, which is two to three blocks away. It’s not uncommon for residents to be unable to park in front of their own homes.

Now, with the proposal to replace a well-used open field with a recreation centre, many of us are left questioning the rationale. That green space isn’t idle. It’s actively used by local sporting teams as well as school students and community members for informal play and connection. Isn’t that the very essence of recreation?

This plan feels rushed and out of step with the needs of a predominantly residential area. The introduction of a large facility like this will inevitably impact the surrounding homes, through increased traffic, noise, and loss of accessible green space. We’re not lacking in resources here. Wouldn’t it make more sense to invest in under-resourced communities, where such a centre could expand access and opportunity, rather than diminish what little open space we have left?

An upgraded basketball stadium for NSW’s second largest city is well overdue. This is our nation’s fastest growing junior sport and Newcastle is quickly falling behind almost all other regions in what it can provide. Now is the time to start building. This community has waited too long.

I strongly object to the proposal for the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (SSD-65595459) at Wallarah / Monash Road New Lambton. While I support investment in sporting infrastructure for the Hunter region in principle, this particular proposal and site selection are fundamentally flawed for reasons of environmental protection, community amenity, traffic and parking, inadequate consultation and site suitability. The application as exhibited (including the EIS and associated technical reports) does not adequately or credibly resolve these concerns. See project details on the Major Projects / Planning Portal.

Grounds for Objection
Below are the primary, evidence-based grounds on which I object. For each point I note what additional information, reassessment or outcomes I expect the Department and SSD Assessment Panel to require.
1. Loss of irreplaceable community open space / green space
The proposed footprint will permanently remove playing fields and public open space (Wallarah / Blackley Ovals) currently used by local community groups, schools and informal recreation. Loss of urban green space has long-term social and environmental consequences (recreation, heat mitigation, mental health, passive recreation) and is not meaningfully offset by the proposal. Community submissions raised this point strongly during exhibition.
Requested action: The Panel must require a clear, quantified assessment of net loss of open space, alternatives analysis showing why other sites are unsuitable, and demonstration that the public benefit of the development outweighs the permanent loss of open space.

2. Inadequate community consultation and transparency
Multiple public submissions note that consultation was inadequate and that the site choice was effectively a “decide-and-defend” process rather than a genuine options assessment. An adequate SSDA must show how community concerns were considered and either addressed or rejected with reasons.
Requested action: Require further genuine community engagement and a revised consultation report that documents alternative sites considered, the criteria used, and how community feedback changed (or did not change) the project.

3. Traffic, parking and event management concerns (insufficient TMP)
The Traffic Management Plan and parking proposals do not credibly address peak event scenarios, cumulative impacts with other Hunter Park events (McDonald Jones Stadium precinct), nor the likely increase in on-street parking, pedestrian safety risks, and pressure on surrounding residential streets. Independent technical submissions requested a full assessment of these conditions and additional work on the TMP.
Requested action: Require a comprehensive, independently peer-reviewed Transport Impact Assessment that models worst-case concurrent events, provides enforceable parking and traffic mitigation measures, and secures funding/guarantees for required intersection upgrades, parking facilities and traffic control.

4. Amenity impacts: noise, light spill, and crowd / vehicle movements
Night-time activities, amplified announcements, and large crowds will generate noise and light that materially affect neighbouring residents’ amenity. The exhibited documents do not provide sufficient, independent modelling of event noise for multiple simultaneous courts and large spectator events.
Requested action: Require robust noise and lighting impact assessments (including multi-event modelling), details of hours of operation and event caps, and binding mitigation measures (e.g., reduced hours, acoustic bunding, lighting cut-offs, number of large spectator events per year).

5. Impact on existing users and sporting clubs
Wallarah / Blackley Ovals are currently used by other sporting clubs and for casual recreation. The proposal displaces these users and may create inequitable outcomes for clubs that have planned around the current facilities. The EIS must fully quantify the displacement and show realistic relocation or replacement facilities.
Requested action: Require the proponent to provide detailed plans and funding commitments for replacement playing surfaces and community access arrangements prior to any approval.

6. Site suitability and planning justification (alternatives and strategic fit)
Council motions and formal advice indicate the City of Newcastle requested consideration of other sites and has raised concerns about the choice of Wallarah / Blackley Ovals as the preferred location. The application must provide robust evidence that this site is the most appropriate location when assessed against alternative sites and the strategic context.
Requested action: Require a full, independent alternatives analysis (including non-Council land and brownfield sites) and an assessment of how the proposal aligns with local planning controls and precinct masterplans.

7. Environmental / biodiversity and trees
The proposal will remove mature trees and alter landscape values. The EIS must include a full biodiversity and habitat assessment, a tree removal schedule and offsets that meet the required tests (avoidance first, then minimisation, then offsets). Public submissions express real concern about the loss of mature vegetation and urban habitat.
Requested action: Require a complete vegetation / tree impact assessment, and binding commitments to avoid high-value trees where feasible or to provide like-for-like on-site replacement with secure funding and long-term maintenance guarantees.

8. Cumulative impacts on the Hunter Park / precinct and infrastructure capacity
The site is adjacent to an evolving Hunter Park precinct with multiple venues. The SSDA does not fully consider cumulative impacts (traffic, emergency access, utilities, parking and community congestion) from existing and proposed uses in the precinct.
Requested action: Require a precinct-wide cumulative impact assessment and enforceable infrastructure contributions or works schedules to ensure the precinct can absorb additional demand.

9. Incomplete or inadequate technical reporting in the EIS / need for independent peer review
Several public and agency submissions requested additional information and independent review of key technical studies (stormwater, flood risk, traffic, noise). The proponent’s subsequent response to submissions appears to be in progress, but these documents must be subject to independent peer review prior to determination.
Requested action: Defer any approval until independent peer review reports are completed and publicly released, and until the Department is satisfied that the EIS meets the required standard.

10. Precedent and long-term public interest
Approving large indoor stadiums on active playing fields sets a precedent for further erosion of community open space. The Panel should consider the wider public interest and long-term strategic outcomes for Newcastle’s liveability and equitable access to recreation.

Requested determination / outcome
On the basis of the above, I request that the Department and SSD Assessment Panel do one of the following (in order of preference):
Refuse SSD-65595459 for the Wallarah / Monash Road site, on grounds of unacceptable loss of public open space, unresolved traffic/parking and amenity impacts, inadequate community consultation, and inadequate information in the EIS; or
Alternatively, defer determination until the proponent provides:
an independent alternatives analysis showing no suitable alternative sites;
independently peer-reviewed traffic, noise, lighting, biodiversity and flood / stormwater assessments that address cumulative precinct impacts;
binding, funded commitments to fully replace any lost community playing fields and open space, and a credible precinct infrastructure delivery plan; and
genuine further community consultation and demonstrated changes to the proposal that address material issues raised by submissions.

How I wish my submission to be treated
I wish to be kept informed of any further information, responses to submissions, and hearing dates.
I request that my submission, name and contact details be made available to the Panel and proponent as part of the public record in accordance with the exhibition process. (Follow the Major Projects submissions procedure when lodging.)

Evidence and references (key documents)
NSW Major Projects / Planning Portal — Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (SSD-65595459). (project page and publicly exhibited documents).
City of Newcastle advice / Council motions regarding site options and consideration of other sites.
Public submissions opposing the development citing loss of green space and consultation concerns.
Technical review / submissions raising Traffic Management Plan and TMP inadequacies and requesting full assessment of peak and concurrent events.
Newcastle Basketball project updates and Response to Submissions material (confirming the EIS, RtS and the proponent’s progress).

Newcastle desperately needs a new basketball stadium. My son has played representative basketball for the Newcastle Falcons for the last 2 years and hence we spend a lot of time at the stadium and travelled a lot to other venues within NSW. Comparing our old stadium to other places makes me realise how overdue we are in needing a brand new facility.

I wish to lodge a strong objection to the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre proposal on Turton Rd, New Lambton.
My family do not have any affiliation with basketball and we do not live in an area affected by the proposal. Nor do our children attend Lambton High School (LHS). However, we have experienced first hand the terrible traffic congestion in and around the proposed development site whenever there is an event on at McDonald Jones Stadium (MJS). I cannot imagine the emotional impact on the surrounding residents who are so affected by this situation almost every weekend.

My son plays hockey at the International Hockey Centre on Turton Rd, New Lambton. It adjoins the MJS and both venues are immediately opposite the three ovals under application to be developed. The median strip along Turton Rd is fenced to prevent people walking across this 4 lane road which is a major artery in this area. There is a set of pedestrian lights opposite the ovals to allow pedestrians & cyclists to cross Turton Rd safely. These pedestrian lights cause major disruption to the traffic flow in peak periods, but they are essential as there is a footpath/cycleway that runs for many kilometres, including adjoining the ovals under application.

We have, on a number of occasions, been severely hampered by traffic chaos when trying to access the hockey centre for my son’s games. Usually we drive through Lambton onto Young Rd (fronting LHS), turn right onto Turton Rd at the traffic lights and then left into the hockey centre. At any time when there is an event at MJS, this (and many other routes) are impassable. Roads are closed, residential streets are completely parked out, pedestrians walk on the roads where there are no footpaths (and often poor street lighting), vehicles double park to let passengers alight, and drivers are slowing all traffic down as they crawl along looking for an available parking space.

MJS provides a fraction of the parking required for the tens of thousands of patrons that attend each of their events. We find ourselves turning around, retracing our steps, heading back west and north and then queuing to access Griffiths Rd. Once on Griffiths Rd we have to stay in the right hand lane as it feeds traffic into the southern direction on Turton Rd. We can wait multiple light changes before we access Turton Rd – again, with pedestrians not walking all the way to traffic lights and walking across these busy roads.

Once on Turton Rd the traffic moves almost at a walking pace as people look to drop off passengers, seek parking and inevitably get stopped by a red light at both the Young & Turton Rds intersection and the pedestrian traffic lights I mentioned previously. Even when we arrive at the entry into the hockey centre, it’s so difficult to drive across the footpath into our parking area, as the footpath has a non-stop stream of pedestrians walking from the southern end of the road. I’m surprised there have not been any serious accidents arising from all this mayhem.

The area is already a traffic hotspot, with significant issues for both motorists, pedestrians and local residents. In addition, patrons taking up all parking provided for local businesses such as Broadmeadow Medical Clinic (which operates extended evening hours & seven days a week), Vet Vision veterinary clinic (again, needing carparks available at all hours), Red Cross Blood Bank (open seven days a week until 7pm), etc must have a detrimental effect on their trade. Now a Woolworths Supermarket has been approved in the immediate location of the aforementioned businesses.

I am not aware of any attempt to minimise or mitigate these issues for all parties involved, be they sports patrons, local residents, local businesses or passing motorists. Whilst I understand that Newcastle Basketball requires a new venue, I strongly object to any additional sports centre, function centre or any other development being built on the community ovals, as it will only exacerbate the current problems in this location.

I have no doubt that local residents find themselves in an intolerable and stressful environment on game days. In addition, those on the southern side of the stormwater drain next to the ovals have experienced major flooding and even the drowning of a local person in the stormwater drain. Their streets are too narrow for emergency vehicles to access them when the whole area is overtaken by patrons’ vehicles because of the existing lack of parking. To compound this problem by approving another sports centre that will attract over 25,000 patrons per week with little to no on-site parking would be utter madness and show nothing but contempt toward local residents.

The three current sporting clubs who use the ovals will have to relocate over half an hour away from where their players live. This will no doubt result in children having to drop out of their sport as they cannot walk to training and, if parents are working, the everyday gridlock of traffic on the way to and from Beresfield and Tarro will be too big an ask for many to endure.

The effect on Lambton High School and its students, for all time, will be insurmountable. The school was built next to the ovals and have been leased for over fifty years for students to enjoy outdoor activities, recreation and sport during school hours. The other two adjoining ovals near the high school have high fences around them, are locked to the public and Newcastle Council has stated that they are unable to be used by the high school. There are nearly 1,200 students at this school. The effect on the high school would be a travesty for the lifetime of the school. Add to the loss of the ovals, the 17 metre high building that will be constructed next to their classrooms, the year or two of daily construction noise whilst classes are conducted, and the whole proposal appears to have insurmountable issues.

I ask that you refuse the development for the reasons given above, and no doubt many more reasons raised by those more seriously affected by the proposal.

Basketball in Newcastle has a long and proud history. The current state of the facilities that exist at Broadmeadow are embarrassing, there are "dead spots" where the wood has lost contact with the beams below and the ball doesn't bounce, we have been washed out of games due to the roof leaking and there is a lot of dust generally which makes the court surface unsafe and unhygienic.

A new basketball facility would drive participation, invite exhibition matches for NBL and other leagues and boost the profile of the city as a sporting destination.

There are pros and cons to all development but this is one that must move forward.

Basketball facilities in the Hunter are not sufficient to support the growing demand for the sport. Other regional areas (including Tamworth and Port Macquarie) have excellent facilities which allow them to host major basketball tournaments which brings tourism into the region.

Currently the basketball facilities at Broadmeadow are not capable of meeting demands and people are being turned away from the sport. With the unpredictable weather basketball is becoming even more popular due to being an indoor sport. The region needs facilities to support this growth.

This is a vital and necessary resource for the city of Newcastle. I wholeheartedly support this project to improve the health and well-being for future generations. Our current indoor resources are not fit for purpose and immediate action is crucial.

I support this development of this much needed complex for our future basketball players. This is well overdue.

Newcastle needs to offer children across the region a place to play basketball. The basketball stadium will be used by all basketball players and clubs in the area, every night of the week. Not just one or 2 teams from 1 soccer club for half the year. It’s a much better value for money outcome for government.

Newcastle urgently needs a modern indoor sporting facility to support our growing community.
Basketball, netball, futsal, and other sports are struggling with limited access to suitable venues.
A new multi-purpose centre would also benefit schools, community groups, and local events.
It would promote health, inclusion, and youth engagement across the region.
Investing in this facility is investing in Newcastle’s future.

I support the project. No alternate site are suitable

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my strong positive support for the proposed Hunter Indoor Sports Centre. As a former Newcastle basketball player, former club manager, Junior Coach and now watching my granddaughter play, I know firsthand, the importance of updating the current stadium to a larger facility, to be known as the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre, to provide more opportunities for our children to play sport all year round.
The proposed Indoor Sports Centre would fill a critical gap and become a true multi-purpose community asset - open seven days a week, 50 weeks a year. The Centre would be designed to welcome everyone providing a safe, inclusive space for physical activities, team building and community connection. The facility can be utilised for competitions, school programs, basketball, futsal, pickleball, volleyball, netball and table tennis. Currently, there is not a facility large enough in the Newcastle Region that allows this opportunity. The increased court capacity will make it a more accessible, year round, indoor sporting facility in our area.
The economic benefits are also clear. The Indoor Sports Centre will create jobs during construction and in its daily operations. It will attract visitors for tournaments and events, benefiting local businesses such as cafes. Most importantly, it will give our young people somewhere to go, something to be part of, and a reason to stay active and engaged.
I urge you to approve and prioritise the development of this much-needed facility. This is an investment in health, inclusion, youth development, and community strength. It is a facility that will serve our area every week of the year and for generations to come. It will have an immediate and lasting impact on the health and well-being of our entire community.

I am a local resident and strongly oppose the application to build the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC) at 24 Wallarah Road & 2 Monash Road, New Lambton.
There are many serious concerns building the development at this site including;
1. Flooding - the site has long been recognised as a flood zone. The green space of the 3 ovals acts as an important sponge in times of heavy rain to reduce the runoff into the stormwater drain. Destruction of this green space will have serious detrimental impacts on residents by increasing the risk of flooding to their properties.
2. Environmental - the many local birds that frequent the ovals will be adversely impacted by more loss of valuable green space.
3. Social - the physical & mental health of the many walkers & cyclists utilising the site will be compromised.
4. Sporting - the many sporting bodies that currently utilise the site will lose their grounds and will need to seek new grounds in an already overpopulated area.
5. Education – these ovals are extensively used by the neighbouring high school and are necessary for the physical & mental wellbeing of students.
6. Destruction of existing amenity - it is criminal to destroy a much loved, utilised and valuable green space used by a wide range of individuals, community groups and flocks of birds to be replaced by a Sports Centre which will inflict environmental damage & will be used by only a select few.
7. Traffic and parking issues – there is limited parking in this area as it is primarily a residential area with narrow streets. The nearby McDonald Jones stadium attracts large crowds causing traffic congestion and an aggravation to this is existing problem is unwarranted.
Please reject the application to build the HISC at 24 Wallarah Road & 2 Monash Road, New Lambton.

Good for the community.
No alternative for lots of sporting communities

I believe this is an invaluable project that has been needed in our area for far too long. The Hunter Broadmeadow basketball court is in urgent need of repair and improvement. Our community also needs an expanded space to play indoor sports in a central, easily accessible location.

The opposition based on a supposed lack of space is, in my view, unfounded. From my experience, the surrounding grounds are not being fully utilised, while the existing basketball stadium struggles with insufficient facilities, poor-quality courts, and limited protection from weather conditions. This situation is simply unacceptable for our community and for those who want to participate in physical activity.

As a father of teenage girls, I see firsthand how important it is to have safe, accessible, and high-quality facilities that encourage young people to stay active. This project will especially encourage greater participation in women’s sport. Having quality facilities will inspire more girls and women to take part in basketball, pickleball, and other indoor sports, building confidence, community, and healthier lifestyles.

There is more than enough green space in the area to accommodate improvements, and the concerns about parking do not stand up to scrutiny. I strongly and fully support this project as a vital investment in the health, wellbeing, and future of our community.

The new indoor basketball stadium would be great for the Newcastle community.

We need a basketball stadium, but the proposed site is not a good choice.
Newcastle has form when it comes to poorly considered infrastructure. Let’s not see a repeat of the planning nouse that led to the abomination that is the Newcastle Monorail.
When the footy is on, and the hockey, and the basketball, where do people park? An expanded sporting hub needs parking and/or transport links. The proposed site offers neither.
We need sporting fields.
The school use these fields daily and sporting teams on weekends.
Couldn’t we build the stadium on the any of the plethora of vast derelict industrial sites that litter this city, or on government owned land nearer a transport hub?