Basketball NSW calls on the City of Newcastle Council to uphold its commitment to the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC) project, as a Council decision to withdraw support for the proposed location at Wallarah and Blackley Ovals, New Lambton, would be a significant setback for indoor sports in the region and the thousands of participants who depend on the facility.
Basketball is thriving in the Hunter region, but the current stadium built over 55 years ago—is no longer fit to meet the demands of contemporary sport. Newcastle’s ageing indoor sports facility has reached capacity and no longer meets the standards expected by today’s players and communities. With more than 20 courts needed to adequately serve the lower Hunter region, a new indoor sports facility is essential for meeting the needs of local athletes and residents.
The HISC project is more than just a solution for Newcastle Basketball’s members; it is a regional opportunity to foster community connections, increase opportunities for women’s sports and disability access, and promote a healthier and more active lifestyle for all ages. The current stadium, located at Broadmeadow, must be vacated by early 2028 as part of the Broadmeadow Place redevelopment, leaving thousands of users across basketball, volleyball, pickleball, school sports, and other community groups without a place to play if no replacement facility is secured.
As a State Sporting Organisation, Basketball NSW stands with Newcastle Basketball in their journey to secure this new facility. Since 2019, extensive work has been done to explore viable sites across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, culminating in the current proposed location as the only feasible option. An estimated $1 million has already been invested in planning and environmental assessments, all designed to address community needs and meet contemporary standards.
The State Significant Development Application (SSDA), submitted on September 20, 2024, includes over 45 expert reports prepared in collaboration with the City of Newcastle. This rigorous SSDA process, overseen by an Independent Planning Panel, is the appropriate channel to evaluate the site’s suitability, taking into account feedback from all stakeholders and ensuring every voice in the community is heard.
BNSW fully supports the project in New Lambton, which will not only see a new facility for basketball and other indoor sports being completed – the facility is further planned to be of regional significance and will act as a regional excellence hub in the Hunter for basketball. This will continue to build on Newcastle’s rich heritage in developing talent as well as the opportunity to re-establish elite teams playing at the highest level of the sport in Australia in the city where the National Basketball League once started. A delay to this once in life-time project which is already behind plan will see the state funding at high risk of being withdrawn which will put the whole project in jeopardy and the $1m already spent going to waste. Broadmeadow will from 2028 see significant development through the Broadmeadow Places strategy which is currently in draft. This will see the precinct rezoned with major development for new housing and community services. This facility fits nicely into the future plans but must be completed prior to 2028 otherwise 10,000 people + will be displaced from participating in basketball and other indoor sports using the venue at Broadmeadow. We understand that the users of the greenspace have been provided upgraded facilities elsewhere which they are very happy with. Finally a project of this magnitude is a flag in the cap for Newcastle and will drive significant money to the local economy over many years. Let us all get behind it and support this project which is much needed and deserved.” said Maria Nordstrom – CEO Basketball NSW
For the Hunter Region, the HISC project represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish an inclusive, modern sports facility that will benefit the entire community. The facility would support increased court availability, fostering access to sport for thousands of people across the region while helping alleviate the significant shortfall in indoor sports courts.
Basketball NSW urges the City of Newcastle Council to continue its support for this vital project. Ensuring the future of the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre is a shared investment in the region’s wellbeing, community spirit, and the development of indoor sports in New South Wales.
As someone who has dedicated my life to basketball, I know firsthand the importance of facilities like the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre to foster talent and provide a community hub for all. Over a million dollars has already been invested in this project, and it would be a devastating waste of time, resources, and opportunity if it were not to proceed. Beyond supporting our players and community, this centre would attract jobs, boost tourism, and give the local economy a real lift through the events and competitions it could host. This is about building a future for indoor sports in the Hunter Region, not only for current players but for generations to come. Let’s give our community the facility it deserves and invest in a stronger, more vibrant future. – Suzy Batkovic, local basketball icon, three-time Olympian, FIBA World Championship medalist and WNBL all-time leading scorer
If you’d like to support this proposal, please visit https://www.newcastlebasketball.com.au/support/