
THE NSW State Planning Authority has created 'Greater Newcastle' encompassing five Lower Hunter councils: Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Port Stephens, and Maitland. For what purpose, I am not sure. However, I would presume one reason is to assist in cross-boundary developments.
Newcastle appears to be in a bind as to where a new basketball stadium could be located, with suggested options proving to be unsuitable for one reason or another.