Hello,
I am a 7 year old boy who lives in the local Lambton area. I will be going to Lambton High School in a few years time and I am worried I won't have enough green space to run around, play sport and have fun.
Please find somewhere else for the basketball stadium.

Basketball Australia supports the proposal for the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre, to help address the identified shortage of indoor basketball facilities in New South Wales and meet rapidly rising demand for basketball facilities.

Basketball Australia also supports Basketball NSW's position on this proposal.

kids NEED to hoop

I run the largest basketball association in NSW based in north west Sydney. As such, my comments refer to the demand for indoor sport. I have no detailed knowledge of the proposed site. Newcastle Basketball is one of the larger basketball associations in NSW with a long history of success in the sport. Based on conversations with colleagues in Newcastle, I understand that demand in that area is similar to our own.

Over the past 30 years, we have grown from 4 to our current 9 courts (2021). Throughout that period, demand continued to outpace available court space. This situation remains today with over 1,000 people on our wait list for competitions and skills programs.

Demand for court space is not restricted to basketball. While it remains our anchor sport, we also host netball, futsal, badminton, pickleball, floorball along with various wheelchair sports.

Community voices across Australia often lament the amount of time spent online by younger people, noting that sport would be a healthier alternative. The Hunter Indoor Sports Centre would appear to be an opportunity to put some money where many people's mouths are.

Community demand for Basketball court access is strongly increasing. Infrastructure to support this community demand is required.

The Newcastle basketball stadium was built in 1969—the year I was born—and after more than 50 years, it is no longer fit for purpose. The game has grown significantly, and Newcastle Basketball will need to vacate the facility by the end of 2028, which presents a serious challenge.

I have a long history with this stadium. I first played here when I was 16, and now, at 55, I still remember the excitement, friendships, and lessons the court gave me. This place has been more than just a building—it has been a community hub, a place where dreams began, and where generations of players learned to love the game.

What happens at Newcastle Basketball goes far beyond teaching basketball skills. Every program is an opportunity to foster teamwork, resilience, and confidence, and provide a safe and inclusive space where people at all levels can enjoy the game. The current facility, however, is outdated. It does not meet modern standards for safety, accessibility, or amenities, and maintaining it is increasingly difficult.

A modern, purpose-built facility would ensure that these opportunities for growth, learning, and connection can continue. It would allow the next generation of players to experience not just basketball, but also the life lessons and community spirit that the game provides.

I hope this submission will be approved so that Newcastle Basketball can continue providing a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for players of all ages. A modern facility will ensure the game—and the life skills it teaches—can be enjoyed by generations to come, just as it has shaped mine.

Basketball and community sport is the key to a happy, thriving community.
Basketball is critical to the greater basketball landscape, and the future of basketball in NSW. Newcastle Basketball has a rich history in NSW and provides a pathway for kids in the region, to go onto bigger, greater things.

The town needs this new indoor sports centre. the old one is falling apart. Keep kids active and able to play sport.

Whilst I do believe an indoor sports centre will be an asset to the Hunter region. The area proposed for the development is not at all suitable.

The New Lambton area proposed for the centre are parkland and ovals used by the Greater community. Local preschools, day rates, primary schools and new Lambton High School all use these community facilities. What ovals/green space will they be able to use if this is built?

The area is already has a stadium and other sports centres. Events in these areas already cause major issues for parking and traffic conditions in the area. It does not make sense to add more facilities without minimal infrastructure change yo this area. Especially when there have been other proposed areas that will have a great deal less negative impact on the local community.

Let's keep the green space for the local community, especially with other viable options put forward by mp Sonia Hornery.

Building the Future of Basketball in Newcastle: Why a New Stadium is Essential

For more than half a century, Newcastle Basketball has been at the heart of the local sporting community. Since its construction in 1969, the current Newcastle Basketball Stadium has served as a hub for thousands of athletes, families, and fans. It has been the birthplace of countless memories: championship games, grassroots competitions, and the development of young athletes with dreams of playing at the highest level.

However, while the passion and participation in basketball have grown exponentially, the facility itself has not kept pace. The reality is simple: the current stadium is no longer fit for purpose, and unless action is taken, Newcastle Basketball will have to vacate the facility by the end of 2028. Without a new home, the future of one of the region’s most significant sporting organisations is in jeopardy.

A Community Built on Basketball

Newcastle Basketball is more than just a club; it is a cornerstone of the community. With 7,000 active members, it is one of the largest associations in New South Wales and serves as a vital pathway for athletes of all ages and skill levels. From young children taking their first dribble to elite athletes competing at state and national levels, Newcastle Basketball provides opportunities for everyone to participate, grow, and excel.

The association doesn’t just focus on competition—it promotes health, inclusion, and community engagement. Basketball is a sport that transcends barriers, offering a safe and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds. For many families, the stadium has become a second home, a place where friendships are formed, and life skills are learned.

But this incredible impact is under threat. Without a new facility, these 7,000 members risk losing access to the programs, competitions, and pathways they depend on.

A Facility Stuck in the Past

The current stadium, built in 1969, was designed for a very different era. At the time, it was considered state-of-the-art, but more than five decades later, it struggles to meet even the most basic requirements of a modern sports facility. The growth of basketball has far outstripped the building’s capacity, leading to significant issues that affect both players and spectators.

Key limitations of the current stadium include:

Insufficient court space: Demand for court time far exceeds availability, limiting the ability to run programs and competitions effectively.

Aging infrastructure: The building has outdated amenities, poor accessibility, and inadequate safety features compared to modern standards.

Spectator challenges: Seating and viewing areas are cramped, impacting the experience for families and fans.

Limited parking and transport links: The facility cannot handle the traffic and attendance numbers generated by large events.

Inflexibility for growth: With no capacity to expand, the stadium cannot meet future demand or attract major tournaments.

These problems not only limit current operations but also hinder the region’s potential to host high-profile events that could bring economic and social benefits to Newcastle.

The Urgent Timeline: Vacate by 2028

The need for a new stadium has shifted from a matter of growth to one of survival. By the end of 2028, Newcastle Basketball must vacate its current facility. This firm deadline leaves just a few short years to plan, design, fund, and construct a new home.

The stakes could not be higher. Without a new stadium in place, there will be no central venue for competitions, training, or community programs. Thousands of athletes could be left without a court to play on, and the development pathway that has produced state, national, and even international players will be disrupted.

This is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about protecting the future of basketball in Newcastle and ensuring that the next generation has the same opportunities as those who came before.

Why a New Stadium Matters for the Entire Region

Building a new stadium is about more than simply replacing an old one—it is about investing in the future of Newcastle and the surrounding region.

Here’s what a modern facility will deliver:

1. Expanded Opportunities for Participation

With additional courts and modern amenities, Newcastle Basketball will be able to increase its programs significantly. This means shorter waitlists, more opportunities for young athletes to play, and greater inclusion for people with disabilities, culturally diverse communities, and women and girls.

2. Elite Pathways and Talent Development

Newcastle has a proud history of producing elite basketball talent. A new stadium will provide a world-class training environment, ensuring local athletes can develop without needing to leave the region. This supports not only player development but also coaching and officiating pathways.

3. Economic and Tourism Benefits

A modern stadium will position Newcastle to host state, national, and potentially international tournaments. These events bring visitors, boost local businesses, and showcase the city on a larger stage.

4. Health and Well-Being Outcomes

Basketball is a sport that promotes physical activity, mental health, and social connection. By creating a space where more people can engage in sport, the new stadium will have a lasting positive impact on community health.

5. A Hub for the Community

Beyond basketball, the stadium can serve as a venue for school programs, local events, and other sports, becoming a multi-use community hub that benefits a wide range of groups.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

If a new stadium is not built, the consequences will be severe:

Displacement of 7,000 members, leaving families scrambling to find alternative venues.

Loss of talent pathways, forcing aspiring athletes to travel to other regions or abandon their dreams.

Economic setbacks, as Newcastle misses out on hosting lucrative tournaments and events.

Decline in community engagement, as one of the city’s most inclusive sports loses its home base.

The cost of inaction far outweighs the investment needed to build a new facility.

A Call to Action

The timeline is clear, and the need is urgent. With the deadline to vacate the current facility looming at the end of 2028, planning must begin now. This project requires the support of local, state, and federal governments, as well as partnerships with businesses and the broader community.

Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia, and Newcastle has a proud tradition of excellence. By working together, we can ensure that this tradition continues and that future generations have access to the facilities they need to thrive.

Conclusion: Building More Than a Stadium

A new stadium is not just a building—it is a symbol of hope, growth, and community pride. It represents the countless hours that volunteers, coaches, players, and families have dedicated to the sport. It reflects Newcastle’s identity as a city that values health, inclusion, and opportunity.

For over 50 years, the current stadium has served the community well, but its time has passed. Now, we have the chance to create something extraordinary: a facility that meets the needs of today and inspires the dreams of tomorrow.

The clock is ticking toward 2028. Let’s seize this moment and ensure that Newcastle Basketball has a home worthy of its history, its people, and its future. With 7,000 members depending on us, failure is simply not an option.