Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 28 November 2023 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 November 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Mayor Shinozaki and the Ube Sister City delegation visit to Newcastle

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledges City of Newcastle's long, rich and mutually beneficial Sister City relationship with Ube City, Japan, and thanks Ube City for re-confirming their commitment to our Sister City relationship during their recent visit and reaffirms the profound impact of our past interactions and the importance of continued exchange across diverse fields for the mutual growth of our cities, rooted in mutual trust and cooperation.

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show success

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that notes that City of Newcastle, in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), welcomed around 100,000 spectators to the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 over the weekend, delivering an estimated economic output of $19.5 million, with hotels reporting a 97% occupancy rate over the weekend.

Ordinary business

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest (for the period 1 August to 31 October 2023) by the CEO.

Adoption of 2024 council meeting cycle

Council unanimously voted to adopt the schedule for Council Meetings to be held in the 2024 calendar year.

Endorsement of the 2022/2023 Annual Report and adoption of the financial statements

Council unanimously voted to endorse City of Newcastle’s (CN) 2022/23 Annual Report and to adopt CN's audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023.

September quarterly performance report

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program - September Quarterly Performance Report and adopted the revised budget.

New Annual council commitment

Council voted to commit to delivering and funding the New Annual festival for a further five years until at least 2028, in order to provide necessary strategic forward planning to enable future growth for the flagship cultural festival.

Adoption of the Wickham Public Domain Plan

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Wickham Public Domain Plan, which provides a framework for the delivery of high-quality streetscapes and public spaces in Wickham as outlined in the 2021 Wickham Masterplan.

Variations to development standards

Council received the report on development variations approved between 1 July 2023 and 31 October 2023.

Broadmeadow to Hamilton East cycleway

Council unanimously voted to approve the cycleway treatments between Chatham Street Broadmeadow and Gordon Avenue Hamilton, as a section of the broader Adamstown to Newcastle West cycleway connection.

Jesmond cycleway improvements

Council unanimously voted to approve a cycling connection along William Street and Blue Gum Road, Jesmond, as the first stage of the Jesmond Cycleway.

Laman Street, Cooks Hill - pedestrian improvements and traffic calming

Pedestrian improvements and traffic calming infrastructure in Laman Street Cooks Hill, at the intersection with Auckland Street, were laid on the table until the conclusion of the revision of the Cooks Hill Local Area Traffic Management project and the Civic Public Domain Plan.

City of Newcastle planning for housing and the national housing accord

Council reaffirmed City of Newcastle's (CN) commitment to planning for housing supply, acknowledging its leading role in prioritising housing diversity.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for October 2023.

Tender report - Gregson Park Hamilton playspace and amenities upgrade

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for the Gregson Park Hamilton playspace and amenities upgrade.

Notices of Motion

Restoration of roads and public domain - Newcastle East

Council supported a notice of motion that notes the resolution of 31 October 2023 concluding the City’s relationship with Supercars, and instead resolved to support Cessnock City Council with the proposed Wine Country 500 as an alternative major event for the Hunter region. City of Newcastle will now commence road and public domain restoration works in Newcastle East, as previously committed to the community and Heritage NSW, prioritising the replacement of temporary pedestrian crossings with permanent infrastructure. Council will receive a memo advising of next steps, including proposed community consultation before further works in the Heritage Conservation Area are undertaken.

Request for joint briefing with Lake Macquarie councillors

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that council request a joint briefing with councillors from both Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Councils, and relevant planning directors, regarding a development on land that straddles the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle LGA boundary along the Newcastle Link Road.

Celebrating Stead Cycles' 100^th birthday

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that congratulates the Stead family on celebrating the 100th birthday of Stead Cycles in 2023 and recognises its contribution to our community.

Protecting and valuing Newcastle's heritage

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that the City of Newcastle values the unique heritage and character of its buildings, streetscapes and landscapes and that further work needs to be done to protect the heritage and character of the city’s buildings, streetscapes and landscapes by identifying Heritage Conservation Items, Heritage Conservation Areas and preparing Character Statements of suburbs.

2023 Youth Mock Council

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that congratulates the Newcastle Youth Council on the Youth Mock Council held in July 2023. Council noted the Youth Mock Council developed and adopted three motions and requests that a report be provided to Councillors by the relevant Council officers assessing the viability, cost, and merits of each proposal, if they were to be adopted as policy of the Council.