LABOR PLEDGES 12 NEW PLAYGROUNDS & LAUNCHES PLAYGROUND SHADE PROGRAM

A re-elected Newcastle Labor-led Council has pledged to increase the number of playground renewals in the next term of Council, with a $5.6 million commitment which will deliver 12 brand-new playgrounds across the City over the next term of Council.

Novocastrian Park Playground at New Lambton is an example of the new playgrounds delivered under Labor.

Adding to the commitment, Newcastle Labor Councillors have also launched a new Playground Shade Program - with a $200,000 funding commitment.

Since 2017, Newcastle Labor Councillors have ensured 15 suburban playgrounds have been renewed, including at Novocastrian Park New Lambton, and today's commitment will see even more suburban parks receive upgraded playgrounds for local families to enjoy.

Under the current Labor-led Council, City of Newcastle has delivered regional level playgrounds including the $2 million Stockton Active Hub, the $1.5 million Blackbutt Reserve Adventure Playground, and the $1.2 million Stevenson Park Playground at Mayfield West. 

Having sought community feedback, the playgrounds that Labor will renew under this $5.6 million commitment are: 

  • Minmi Park, Minmi

  • Bernborough Avenue Park, Maryland

  • Harold Myers Park, Birmingham Gardens

  • Adamstown No.2 Oval, Adamstown

  • Vera Wilson Park, Beresfield

  • Avon Street Reserve, Mayfield

  • Kotara Park, Kotara

  • McCauley Park, Tarro 

  • Waratah Park, Waratah

Major regional level playgrounds:

  • Foreshore Park Newcastle ($3.25 million, major regional level playground)

  • Gregson Park, Hamilton ($1 million upgrade)

  • Wallsend Active Hub, Wallsend ($1.5 million upgrade)

Cr Peta Winney-Baartz and Cr Carol Duncan at Harold Myers Park Playground which will be replaced with a branch new playground under Labor’s policy commitment.

Ward 3 Labor Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the Newcastle Labor team is committed to expanding the City's Playground Replacement Program and will deliver upgraded playgrounds right across our suburbs. 

"Today's announcement will see new playgrounds delivered at Birmingham Gardens and Beresfield, Tarro, Maryland and Minmi, as well as Waratah, Adamstown, and Kotara, under Labor's $5.6 million pledge to deliver brand new local playgrounds right across our local government area."

"As a mum of four, I know how important it is to have modern, safe and accessible parks and playgrounds for our kids and that's why I'm so passionate about ensuring that even more playgrounds are replaced right across our suburban parks, with a particular focus on our western suburbs where these upgrades are needed the most"

“Shade is a critical part of what makes Parks great. I’m proud to launch Labor’s new Playground Shade Program which will ensure our children can play in a sunsmart way”, Cr Winney-Baartz said. 

Ward 2 Labor Councillor Carol Duncan said that today's commitment builds on Labor's work over the current Council term to ensure families have access to modern playgrounds and upgraded public park amenities across the entire City. 

"By replacing tired and outdated play spaces with brand new playgrounds and amenities, we've seen the complete rejuvenation and reactivation of many of our fantastic local parks and green open spaces."

Vera Wilson Park Playground at Beresfield will be replaced with a brand new playground.

"I'm very proud to be a part of the Newcastle Labor team that enacted the Playground Replacement Program and part of the team that is delivering these incredible upgrades for our community." 

Newcastle Labor Campaign Spokesperson Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said that the City's popular and successful Playground Replacement Program was delivered under successive budgets that John Church and the Newcastle Independents Party have voted against.

"Every playground and park upgrade delivered since 2017 has been opposed in the Council Chamber by John Church and his Newcastle Independents Party," said the Deputy Lord Mayor.

"Not a single swing, new park bench or upgraded sporting field can be attributed to John Church who has voted against every Council budget since 2017.

“Newcastle Labor is committed to financial sustainability, and has the track record to prove it. We have made hard decisions to ensure we have the money that's needed to invest in amazing new playgrounds and public infrastructure."

"Newcastle is sick of fake independents, and they're sick of their fake, unfunded election promises."

Declan Clausen