As 2026 dawns, residents of Newcastle are voicing their hopes for the new year, presenting a clear wishlist for the City of Newcastle council with a unifying theme: returning assets and access to the community.
Three Key Resolutions for a Stronger Community
In a letter to the editor published on January 1, 2026, Merewether resident Dayne Steggles put forward three community-focused resolutions for the local government. Steggles, while praising the council, emphasised these items are of equally high importance for strengthening the community.
The first is restoring open community access to Campbell Park from Llewellyn Street in Merewether during daylight hours. Steggles notes this access was a provision made by previous generations for the public.
The second resolution calls for the return of the Newcastle Maritime Museum, describing it as "so sorely missed to the disadvantage of our children."
The third focuses on sporting infrastructure, seeking a resolution for a new and proper location for a basketball stadium. The key condition is that this should not come at the expense of existing natural grass sporting fields or to the detriment of children and other sports that currently use them.
Concerns Over Proposed Stadium Site at Wallarah Oval
The call for a carefully considered stadium location is timely, as debate continues over a proposed site at Wallarah Oval in New Lambton. In a separate letter, Jacqui Rosewood challenges recent characterisations of the oval as "the most suitable" site, pointing to serious unresolved issues raised by the NSW Department of Planning.
Rosewood notes the department's formal 'key issues' letters have highlighted concerns about flooding and evacuation risks, traffic access on Turton Road, cumulative impacts, parking assumptions, and the loss of open space used by Lambton High School. These matters are reportedly still under assessment.
While supporting the need for better indoor sports facilities, Rosewood argues that labelling the site as "most suitable" before these state-identified problems are solved "risks confusing urgency with good planning." The fundamental question remains whether a flood-prone, access-constrained location that displaces school and community open space is the right choice.
Broader Community Sentiment and National Political Echoes
The letters section of the Newcastle Herald also reflected ongoing national political divisions, particularly regarding the response to the Bondi tragedy. Letters revealed starkly contrasting views on the call for a royal commission.
Some writers, like Robbie Gratton of Newcastle, expressed disgust at conservative politics for turning the tragedy into a "cynical point-scoring exercise" and deflecting blame from systemic failures. Similarly, Colin Rowlatt of Newcastle thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a controlled response, criticising the Opposition's approach as "hysterical" and designed for cheap political points.
Conversely, writers like James Williams of Hamilton North argued that the federal Opposition's role is to hold the government accountable for "appalling policy errors." Williams and others, including John Cooper of Charlestown, supported the Herald's editorial calling for a royal commission, suggesting it would expose why the PM was reluctant to hold one.
Daryll Hadfield of Redhead extended the call for scrutiny, questioning whether an inquiry would also examine "the highly intrusive and pervasive influence that the Jewish lobby" has on Australian political and social life.
Other correspondence touched on local sports, with Bruce Cook of Adamstown criticising the Newcastle Jets for preventing young players from representing their country, arguing the players themselves should have a say.
As Newcastle moves into 2026, the community's priorities are clear: practical, local improvements that return value and access to residents, coupled with a keen awareness of how national debates play out in the Hunter region.
