Basketball NSW has called on City of Newcastle to retain its support for the proposed New Lambton stadium, describing the council's potential withdrawal as a "significant setback for indoor sports in the region".
The sport's state body issued a statement appealing to the council after a notice of motion was lodged by ward three councillors Mark Brooker and Sinead Francis-Coan seeking to pull City of Newcastle's in-principle support for the Wallarah and Blackley ovals site.
Plans for the proposed new $82 million stadium are open for public feedback after an environmental impact statement was lodged for the state significant application.
The proposed site has attracted fierce opposition from residents, sporting groups, school parents and community members.
Newcastle Basketball has spent an estimated $1 million on planning and environmental assessments since the proposal was floated in 2019.
Basketball NSW CEO Maria Nordstrom said the organisation "fully supports the project in New Lambton", which would "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," she said.
"A delay to this once-in-lifetime project which is already behind plan will see the state funding at high risk of being withdrawn, which will put the whole project in jeopardy and the $1 million already spent going to waste."
Newcastle-bred three-time Olympian and Basketball Australia board member Suzy Batkovic has also spoken out in support of the proposal.
"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," she said.
"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."
