Newcastle Education Campus

I object to the proposed removal of up to 92 mature trees with development of this site.

All effort should be made to maintain and build around these mature trees. These trees in the inner city need to be saved as they are part of a corridor of tree from inland to the coast .These corridor ensure that all fauna and flora have a greater chance of survival for future generations.
This is one of the essential habitats for the vulnerable Grey Headed Flying Fox.
It is ironic that Sunday was National tree day. Tree Day is a community event which brings many individuals and organisations together to support and celebrate our natural environment

National Tree Day started in 1996 as a way to build a greater understanding of how people can help create a better environment for future generations.29 July 2017.


I object to the Newcastle Education Campus, Application No. SSD41814831 proposal in its current format as a biodiversity assessment has not been undertaken. This proposal needs an environmental review.

I declare I have not made any political donations in the last 2 years.

I acknowledge and accept the department's disclaimer and declaration.

Thank you

Department of Education’s Notice of exhibition – Newcastle Education Campus (SSD-41814831)

Notification has been received regarding the Department of Education’s development application of State significant development (SSD) with regards to Notice of exhibition – Newcastle Education Campus (SSD-41814831).

Newcastle High School is located in the heart of the Hamilton South - Garden Suburb - Heritage Conservation Area (HCA). The school has been in situ since the 1930’s and the main building in particular has a visually pleasing aspect. Local residents are comfortable with its proximity and activities and it does not appear to cause any major concerns.

The potential upgrading of the school offered an excellent opportunity to further enhance its presence in the community with updated facilities and functionality within its existing site whilst acknowledging its location in the area (HCA). It is therefore disappointing to see the placement of the proposed new buildings, the Learning Hub in particular, on what was a mainly green and passive space. This space included a calming native garden with special significance for many students and the tennis courts, and sits directly across the road from numerous residential properties.

This space offered great potential to further ground the school main building visually as a solid part of the HCA, with the existing courts turned into a landscaped green space, opening up greater visual access to the main heritage school building. This would have created a visually appealing view of the school whilst incorporating varying outdoor functionality for students and staff, together with welcoming and including the community into an attractive space.

However, from the proposed development application it is unclear why the proposed larger buildings have not been situated along the rear of the site (NE) – overlooking the Athletic field in National Park where the impact on the residential area would be absolutely minimal. The overall proposed plan addresses every requirement for the school facilities, students, staff, and many other stakeholders. All of these objectives are extremely important and essential to meet the ongoing and future educational needs for students. However, it does not seem to adequately address the impact on local residents, suburb and the community generally.

The opportunity to open up the existing main building and surrounding frontage on Parkway Avenue, National Park Street and Smith Street as a more passive green space which would sit within the residential area is lost, particularly with the proposed construction of the new three-storey Learning Hub on the SW corner of the site. Ideally this upgrade and additional development would sit in conjunction with the surrounding residential neighbours and complement the existing HCA guidelines.

The proposed Learning Hub on the SW corner of the site is a large three-storey building which will greatly change the face of this area. It is similar to an office block and, together with proposed tree removal and desire to open up the SW corner itself to strengthen the school’s visual presence, it is hard to understand how this is considered acceptable with regard to the HCA guidelines and particularly to those residents opposite the school.

This proposed development shows little regard for the group who will have to live with the greatest impact of this development – neighbouring residents. They are not just having a fleeting glimpse of the school as they drive past each day, or as they drop off and pick up children during the school terms. This impacts neighbouring residents greatly, every single day. The buildings are large and will greatly impact and change the face of Hamilton South - Garden Suburb, an area which is very much appreciated within the Newcastle community.

The streetscape will undoubtedly change with the removal of a significant number of mature trees (currently 94 trees but work has not yet commenced so this number may increase). These trees offer a wonderful street canopy, particularly in the summer and warmer months. Reduction of this canopy will be a significant loss. Without the trees surrounding the school, residents and the community are left with a very changed streetscape – very exposed and limited shade cover within the vicinity. New trees planted will take a considerable time to reach maturity and may not adequately offer the same softening of the proposed new development. It is important that any new trees are planted not just within the boundaries of the site but also on the surrounding footpaths to screen the planned large, more prominent buildings and soften the overall impact they will have. The list of proposed trees to be used in landscaping do not appear to offer the same screening properties but only time will tell!

With the new buildings in the proposed development application directly opposite many homes, and with reduced tree cover to offer screening, lighting within the school will have a great impact. The proposed building will possibly have some lighting at night and may create light pollution in the area.

It is so disappointing that the State significant development seems to prioritise raising the profile of the school over and above any local consideration. Newcastle City Council has strict guidelines for any development within this area and it is therefore so sad to see this development proposal which will change the face of the suburb and have significant impact on local residents. This is very much a Garden Suburb area but the State significant development proposal does not show a lot of regard for the local residents and community. This plan feels as though it is more of a commercial development than a school.

This submission is not an objection to the upgrade and development of the school itself. The school was here long before many residents moved into this area and this is not a request to stop the project. It is a question as to why the development has not adequately addressed how this proposed layout of large office-like buildings accommodated any real regard for its placement within the area in relation to residents, the local community and blending/complementing with the surrounding suburb. Not too certain that many people would be happy to suddenly find themselves living opposite an office-like development. Are any of the major stakeholders impacted? It had all the potential to continue successfully as part of the community with the larger buildings located on a section of the site that had minimal impact but instead the development appears to be just about the building ‘bigger and better’ with extremely high visibility. All fine as long as it is only impacting others!

Change and updating is part of life but when an area has been under strict planning conditions to retain its character, it is unbelievable that the need to push for this high in-your-face development can over-ride all that has been valued within the community for many years. The design of the buildings internally certainly meets every requirement of invested stakeholders – but the placement of the buildings does not in any way complement their surrounds.

It is important to voice these concerns and perhaps there could be some opportunity for re-consideration on behalf of the State government, Department of Education and those involved with developing this development application. This is a long-term project with great repercussions and more consideration of the local residents and community would certainly ease the path going forward.

Presumably there will be an opportunity to be involved as this project progresses but it is very important that the State government review how this plan has come about. No real alternative layout has been offered to the community for consideration – but maybe my notification got lost in the letterbox drop! Significant development information needs to be addressed personally to relevant parties impacted – an update in the letterbox is not guaranteed viewing, often seen as rubbish and therefore of little value as a means of communication. And it should also be acknowledged that many local residents feel they will not be listened to in any case - rightly or wrongly.

Such a shame and such a wasted opportunity to create something which could have been so much more complementary to this special area - not overwhelming it.

As I mentioned in our conversation, I wanted to put in a submission regarding the inconsistency in plans around the potential pedestrian crossing on National Park Street.
I consent to my name and address being mentioned in submissions.
I believe that there needs to be pedestrian crossings on:
National Park Street at Parkway Ave end.
Smith street at Parkway Ave. end.
Parkway Ave. at National Park end.

Some of the trees also leave a dangerous number of roots making the footpath on eastern side dangerous for pedestrians.
My address is 23 Dumaresq Street Hamilton East NSW 2303.

I object to the number of unnecessary tree removals proposed in this redevelopment - see attachment

I object to the proposal for the following reasons.

The negative impact of the proposal to remove 92 mature trees from the site. Mature trees are a scarce resource particularly in an urban environment. Surely the site can be developed creatively in sympathy with the existing tree stock.

These trees are also very important and increasingly scarce habitat for local fauna including the Grey Headed Flying Fox.

Trees provide an excellent visual contrast to a built environment.

This is a great opportunity for visionary design.

I request an environmental review.

I have not made any reportable political donations in the last two years.

I acknowledge and accept the department’s declaimer and declaration.

Re: Newcastle Education Campus - Documents - SSD-41814831

Objection to loss of tree canopy and habitat on the site.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment on the redevelopment proposal at Newcastle High School.

I write to oppose the removal of so many trees (94) from your site, which was part of a gift to the city of Newcastle by the AA Company for the recreation needs of the city.

The site of the current Newcastle High, formerly Newcastle Girls High and Hunter Girls High, was excised from that “gift” along with a few other parcels (Bowling Club, tennis courts, Sports Admin centres).
This gift of land south of Parry Street was a large swamp area; long regarded as the edge of white settlement, this was drained and filled 100yrs ago providing land for sports grounds, parkland, later the high schools and Hamilton South garden suburb plan.
The leaders of Newcastle HS have actively encouraged tree planting on the site over many years.

The reason for my opposition is the loss of canopy and the loss of habitat on the development site and there has been no study of the contribution of those established trees to the general area of Newcastle West and Hamilton East and South.

I am therefore urging the Department to reconsider the amount of the loss of established trees and to make plans with Newcastle City Council to contribute to a fund to plant established trees in the local area to compensate for the loss of canopy

On a recent walk many opportunities were discovered that would add back to the amount of tree canopy in the general area – indeed there are whole sections of National Park that are not sporting fields where an amount of shade would be welcome for passive use.

I am writing to the councillors encouraging support for the contribution to a fund to plant trees in the local area as compensation to the removal of so many at the school site.

I object to the additional traffic that this proposal will generate during construction and operation. My residence is on National Park St. The Traffic Plan for this Education Campus works does not satisfactorily demonstrate the current and increase traffic on National Park Street. Nor does it address how the exiting highly constrained parking for residents will be further compromised by additional trip generation. It also has construction traffic using National Park St when there is a mass restriction on this road.

There is a historical traffic vibration issue on National Park St and I can mobilise additional residents if required to support my discussion on this issue. Load restrictions and traffic calming was put in place on National Park Street several years ago partially due to this issue as advised by my long term neighbors. My house receives an unreasonable amount of vibration due to vehicles hitting the traffic calming device ( raised threshold speed bump) adjacent to my property. The vibration may cause damage to my family's property and certainly affects our human comfort and amenity. This is caused by heavy vehicles including buses ( that shouldn't, but do use this road every day - photos can be provided if required as evidence) .

The speed bump needs to go ( put it in front of someone else house and see what the response would be), better traffic calming, enhanced speed signage (Difficult to see that this street is permanently posted at 40km.hr), and additional traffic and speed compliance measures need to be implemented.

I've attached some previous emails but further and better details can be provided.

I request that approval for this project not be granted until a way forward with my issues can be resolved.

I would be happy to discuss further at the first available opportunity.

I have comments about the Traffic Impact Assessment and pedestrian crossings. In Figure 20 there are pedestrian crossings across National Park St and Smith St. In Appendix A Vehicle Access management plan the crossings are not on the plan only the Parkway avenue crossings are there. Crossings on National Park and Smith St are definitely required for the safety of the students.
Also I have comments about the Aborist report. I note that the London Plane trees (eg. No 248 and 255) on National Park St are to be retained. These large deciduous trees drop a huge volume of leaves which frequently block the gutters. The gutter on the corner of National Park and Dumaresq St needs to be regularly cleared out by residents to prevent flooding of the street .

I am writing in regard to the proposed major works at Newcastle Campus (High School) at 25a National Park, Newcastle West 2302.

The majority of my concerns relate to the fact that a Biodiversity Assessment has not been carried out in respect to the proposed major works, the removal of 92 mature trees and the resultant loss of shade as well as the loss of wildlife habitat including the vulnerable Grey Headed Flying Fox.

Trees are a valuable asset, mature trees especially so. With global warming and climate change now a reality, to remove so many mature trees will not only remove shade for students and classrooms but will mean higher temperatures in that micro-climate.

Of course, mature trees also provide habitat for many species of wildlife and this should be investigated through an environmental review before such a drastic step to remove 92 mature trees from the site is carried out.

Newcastle Education Campus Application number SSD-41814831
I object to the proposal because it involves the removal of 92 mature trees, it is the habitat of the vulnerable grey headed fox and no biodiversity assessment was completed.
My reasons are as follows:
Environmental
Removal of 92 mature trees will have a significant impact on an already limited urban habitat. 100 trees have already been removed adjacent to the school to make a car park. This would mean a total of 200 trees will be removed from this area within a couple of years.
The area is the habitat of the grey headed fox listed as a vulnerable species
The planned removal of this many mature trees and the subsequent dispossession of this bird and animal population will result in the contribution to the decline of many species, especially the larger and migratory birds.
The further concerns of increase in CO2 emissions, increase traffic due to additional students using the site and increased pollution are in direct conflict with the governments stance on environmental protection.
Financial
I object to spending on the new sports courts, additional parking for staff and a new outdoor learning space when there are already facilities in existence for staff and students to use.
Impact on the future generation
As a father I want to protect the environment for my children and future generations. I find it very distressing and irresponsible to our children that there is no biodiversity impact study for this project The impact of removing so much of the natural environment will have immeasurable negative impacts on our children's well being, mood and future.
Please do not let this project go ahead.
I have not made any reportable political donations in the last two years.
I acknowledge and accept the department’s disclaimer and declaration

Regarding Newcastle Education Campus Application number SSD41814831

I object to the current Newcastle Education Campus Proposal.

My reason for objection is that a biodiversity assessment has been waived despite the planned removal of >90 mature trees in the development area. As such there is no independent assessment regarding any threatened species and ecological communities in this area and on the impact the tree removal and construction would have on these.

I generally support the redevelopment of the education campus and feel that the redevelopment plans will promote learning for local students. I appreciate the historic and cultural considerations in making the plans. I note that the proposed re-landscaping will result in a greater tree canopy coverage percentage than current and I support greater vegetation long term, but as outlined above have concerns about the imminent tree removal effects.

I have no affiliation to a political party and have not made any political donations in the last two years.

I acknowledge and accept the disclaimer and declaration details regarding making a submission outlined online; https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/help/disclaimer-and-declaration as viewed on 31/7/2023.

I understand the project involves cutting down 94 trees.
I feel this is excessive. In our current times of climate change I would have thought cutting trees would have a negative effect on the environment. It will also destroy the habitat of many bird and animal species.

I object to the project due to the environmental impact, loss of more than 90 trees and that it is a habitat of the vulnerable Grey Headed Flying Fox.
My objections are outlined further below;
- Environmental
Removal of 92 mature trees will have a significant impact on an already limited urban habitat. 100 trees
have already been removed adjacent to the school to make a car park. This would mean a total of 200
trees will be removed from this area within a couple of years.
The area is the habitat of the grey headed fox listed as a vulnerable species
The planned removal of this many mature trees and the subsequent dispossession of this bird and animal
population will result in the contribution to the decline of many species, especially the larger and migratory
birds.
The increase in CO2 admissions, increased temperatures, poor air quality, increase noise levels and lack
of shade and cooling from such an action seems averse to any government’s environmental stance re
global warming, carbon storage and environmental protection.
The increase of traffic to the inner city as a result of an additional 200 students using the site, resulting in
traffic congestion, increased pollution and noise.
Any replacement trees will take 20 years to provide any significant shade or habitat. Often replacement
trees are chosen for their ornamental appearance (see architectural plans) rather than providing any
significant environmental contribution.
Lastly the removal of these trees undervalues the aesthetics of nature and what it brings to an urban
environment.
- Financial
I object to spending on the following:
New sports courts when the school is situated in easy access to extensive playing fields, netball courts,
track and field and football facilities.

Additional staff parking when parking is already available across the road from the school. A modern
city should be concentrating on reducing traffic into the city centre rather than increasing it.
Circular drive and drop off and pick up. I question the need to bring cars/buses onto school grounds
when there is adequate safe pick up and drop off points around the school perimeter. Surely vehicles on
school property is a greater safety risk to students?
New outdoor learning areas. I find it inexplicable that destroy natural outdoor leaning areas should be
replaced by man-made ones of concrete and shade cloth. A natural outdoor learning centre currently
exists.
Increased electricity costs for cooling as trees are replaced by buildings and concrete and the natural
shade and cooling effects of 92 trees is lost.
-Social and mental health
There is an increase in anxiety and depression amongst adolescents today. As a GP I see this in my daily practice. There is good evidence to suggest natural environments aid in reducing stress and anxiety. Much of the anxiety that the youth experience is due to fear of the future of out planet. Removing the natural environment at this school would further exacerbate this as the young people are being taught about the importance of preserving our environment whilst seeing it being removed right in front of them. This is a very confusing and contradictory message to send.

I wholeheartedly object to this project and would strongly urge you to reconsider going ahead with it.

I am concerned that this project that includes the removal 92 mature trees has not included an environmental review and adequate consultation with the community. I understand that the high school needs suitable facilities however these trees can not be replaced.I would urge consideration of development that is inclusive of the environment

Although i highly value the need for quality educational facilities i find it unacceptable that there needs to be such a decimation of mature trees in the centre of Newcastle. Apparently there has been no environmental review - there absolutely needs to be!
Urban habitat such as provided by MATURE trees is vital for our fauna and overall environment. Besides their aesthetic value, these tress provide an incalculable asset for our community and the students who are to inherit a soon-to-be-overheated world.
Just as our environment has been undervalued for decades, mature trees continue to be seen as "just something in the way" before less-than-creative develpers/architects/bureaucrats sketch their grand plans.
Surely the educational example demonstrated by overzealous chainsaw use is not what we need to be passing on to the next generation!!?

I support that the school requires suitable facilities, however I object to the removal of NINETY-TWO mature trees which will force the removal of habitat. I believe a Biodiversity Assessment needs to be conducted.
Thank you

I would like to strongly object to the absurd proposal of removing 92 mature trees from the campus and surrounds of Newcastle High School.
The grounds of NHS are stunning because they are leafy, attracting beautiful wildlife - birds and the grey headed flying fox.
Where is the biodiversity assessment for this proposal?

Please keep me updated.

I have been made aware and have accessed the relevant documentation in relation to the above application.

I hereby object to this proposal going ahead without an Environmental Review. I take this view as I understand it includes the removal of 92 mature trees from the site. This seems to me to be excessive especially as it will impact the habitat of vulnerably listed grey headed flying fox. I understand the need for Newcastle High School to improve and grow its facilities however it appears that it has been planned without appropriate consideration for the huge impact it will have.

I urge the NSW government to ensure that the appropriate biodiversity assessment be conducted and published prior to the project proceeding.

We are not against the whole project for the redevelopment of Newcastle Education Campus. In fact, we applaud it.

However, we are concerned that, according to our information, 92 mature trees will be removed. We have also been advised, that some of these trees are the habitat of the Grey Headed Flying Fox, and a Biodiversity Assessment has not been conducted.