Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 29 April 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 29 April 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Acknowledging the significant contribution of the late Brian Suters AM

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted with great sadness the passing of leading architect and Freeman of the City, Brian Suters AM, and acknowledged his significant body of work and contribution to our city’s look, feel and cultural landscape.

Ordinary business 

Adoption of Council Policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the Asset Management Policy, Community Infrastructure Incentives Policy, amended Compliance and Enforcement Policy and amended Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.

Endorsement of public exhibition for draft 2025/26 Delivering Newcastle 2040

Council unanimously adopted an amended motion to publicly exhibit the draft 2025/2026 Delivering Newcastle 2040, draft 2025/2026 Fees and Charges and draft 2025-2035 Long-Term Financial Plan for 28 days prior to the final consideration by Council.

1/21 Railway Street, Wickham - exhibition of draft planning agreement

Council voted unanimously to place the draft planning agreement and explanatory note for 1/21 Railway Street Wickham on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. Council will receive a report following the conclusion of the public exhibition.

Endorsement of public exhibition for reclassification of land parcels from Operational Land to Community Land

Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the proposed reclassification of 22 public land parcels from Operational Land to Community Land, or road segment to Community Land, and the categorisation of these land parcels as Natural Area, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Lease for Newcastle Maritime Museum Society collection

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to extend storage support to the Newcastle Maritime Museum Society's privately owned collection under the Public and Members grandstands at the Newcastle Showground for a further and final 12 months until 20 March 2026 to facilitate transition to an ongoing sustainable NMMS collection storage outcome.

Newcastle Airport briefing to Councillors

Council noted a report summarising the Newcastle Airport briefing provided to Council on 18 March 2025, which included an update and overview of the financial performance, strategic growth trajectory and governance arrangements of Newcastle Airport.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2025.

Notices of Motion 

Support for sporting field upgrades in the western corridor

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting that City of Newcastle’s 2020 Strategic Sports Plan identified the need for improved sporting facilities in the western suburbs in Newcastle to accommodate the existing and future population. The motion noted the election commitment by the Federal Member for Newcastle to fund $3 million towards much-needed field drainage and irrigation upgrades and accessibility upgrades to the car park at Upper Reserve in Wallsend. Council will investigate funding opportunities for the remaining amenities and lighting upgrades required at Upper Reserve, consistent with the Strategic Sports Plan and other strategic priorities.

Public buses in Newcastle 

Council supported an amended notice of motion to acknowledge and understand the state of service provision on buses in the Newcastle Local Government Area and request greater advocacy from NSW Members of Parliament for positive action in improving public transport servicing in the region.