City of Newcastle invites community to shape their Social Infrastructure Strategy

The City of Newcastle is inviting the community to help plan the City’s vibrant and accessible community spaces by sharing what they value about community, recreational, and cultural spaces and what the community’s needs are for the next 20 years.

City of Newcastle is developing a Social Infrastructure Strategy to ensure Novocastrians have better access to community assets now and into the future.

City of Newcastle is wanting to capitalise on opportunities to ensure Newcastle continues to be a thriving community and an enjoyable place to live, work, stay, and play.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes advises “we want people to tell us what they value; what community, recreational, and cultural spaces they use; and what they think Newcastle needs into the future.”

Newcastle’s ‘social infrastructure’, comprising community centres and halls, libraries, cultural facilities, parks and gardens, are valued community assets that support social cohesion and well-being.

City of Newcastle plays an important role in providing facilities and spaces for the community.  The importance of planning for growth and investing in the right infrastructure to meet the needs of their growing community is recognised by the City.

Lord Mayor Nelmes adds that social infrastructure benefits the entire community and plays a significant role in enhancing the lives of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities noting “people with access to great community places are healthier and happier than those who don’t. Our public spaces are vital to maintaining the physical and mental health of our community.

“We know how important community spaces are to our community, so we’re working on a plan to make sure everyone has access to the spaces and facilities they need.

“Quality community spaces support our health and well-being, build a stronger community and local economy, and are at the heart of our everyday life.” 

The community are encouraged to have their say via an online survey and an interactive map where pins can be dropped on a mapping tool to share ideas for better community places, spaces, programs and services across our neighbourhoods. 

The community survey and interactive map closes 5pm Monday 30th November 2020.

Image: City of Newcastle Ballast Ground playground courtesy of newcastle.nsw.gov.au/explore/parks/playgrounds-and-parks