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in council »  Policies and plans

Policies and plans

Council listens to the people of Newcastle and involves them in decision making about the future development of our city.

Newcastle City Council's policy and strategic documents are listed below in alphabetical order. 

Copies are also available for you to look at in Council libraries and at the Customer Enquiry Counter at the Council's Central Administration Centre in King Street, Newcastle.

Copies of some of the documents are available to take away for a set fee (as listed in the fees and charges register) and others are subject to a photocopying charge.

A request to inspect any Council held document can be made at:

City Administration Centre Telephone: 02 4974 2000
282 King Street Fax: 02 4974 2222
Newcastle
Opening hours: 8.30am - 5.00pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

Enquiries concerning documents should be addressed to:
Public Officer
Newcastle City Council
PO Box 489
NEWCASTLE NSW 2300

  • Aboriginal Employment Strategy - 101.2 kb pdf - The Aboriginal Employment Strategy is designed to increase employment opportunities and job retention for Aboriginal people and empower Aboriginal people to achieve self-sufficiency.

  • Access Policy - 27.8 kb pdf - The Access Policy aims to ensure social equity by eliminating barriers for people who have a disability or may have in the future. A barrier is created by others and can be physical, as in poor design, or social, by attitude or personal perception.

  • Affordable Housing Strategy - 326.8 kb pdf - The Affordable Housing Strategy describes the housing context in Newcastle, identifies issues to be addressed and proposes strategies that could be implemented.

  • Airshed Management Action Plan - 848.6 kb pdf - The Airshed Action Management Plan aims to provide Council and the community of Newcastle with appropriate strategies and actions for the improvement of local and regional air quality.

  • Bushlands Plan of Management - 781.1 kb pdf - A Plan of Management sets out goals and objectives for managing public or community land.

  • Code of Conduct - 336.5 kb pdf - The Community Development Policy sets out Council's commitment to developing the capacity of individuals, local groups and organisations to participate in planning, decision making and community action.

  • Code of Meeting Practice - 393.4 kb pdf - The Code of Meeting Practice sets out the rules of Council meetings and meetings of Council Committees.

  • Communications Strategy - 591.2 kb pdf - The Communications Strategy describes a range of strategies to improve the way Council keeps the community informed and involved.

  • Community Development Policy - 55.7 kb pdf - Newcastle City Council is committed to developing the capacity of individuals, local groups and organisations to participate in planning, decision making and community action.

  • Community Plan - 580.1 kb pdf - The Community Plan covers cultural, recreational and social issues in Newcastle to inform Council's planning processes.

  • Companion Animal Management Plan - 833.4 kb pdf - The Companion Animal Management Plan sets out Council's objectives and actions in companion animal management.

  • Conservation of Biodiversity Policy Statement - 25.2 kb pdf - Newcastle values its biodiversity and its ecosystems and will maintain, manage and enhance them as an asset of the City.

  • Crime Prevention Plan - 318.1 kb pdf - The Crime Prevention Plan looks at strategies to develop stronger communities which discourage crime.

  • Cultural Framework Strategy - 1.1 mb pdf - The Cultural Framework looks at how people’s involvement in their culture contributes significantly to personal wellbeing and vibrant communities.

  • Cultural Industry Policy - 100.5 kb pdf - The Cultural Industry Policy 1999 sets out cultural development strategies for Newcastle's development as a model sustainable city.

  • Detailed Budget 2006 - 2007 - 905.0 kb pdf - The Detailed Budget is part 2 of the Management Plan which outlines budgets for each area of Council and outlines major projects, the major assets preservation program, minor capital program and fleet replacement program and actions.

  • Detailed Budget 2007 - 2008 - 801.9 kb pdf - The Detailed Budget is part 2 of the Management Plan which outlines budgets for each area of Council and outlines major projects, the major assets preservation program, minor capital program and fleet replacement program and actions.

  • Disability Action Plan - 225.7 kb pdf - The initiatives in the Disability Action Plan will improve access to information, Council services and facilities, build work opportunities and reduce access barriers across the LGA.

  • DISPLAN - 588.0 kb pdf - The Newcastle Local Disaster Plan (DISPLAN) details arrangements that prevent or mitigate, prepare for or respond to, and recover from emergencies within the Newcastle Local Government Area.

  • Dispute Resolution Policy - 355.2 kb pdf - The Dispute Resolution Policy outlines the process for the orderly resolution of disputes that involve or relate to Newcastle City Council.

  • Draft Biodiversity Strategy 2005 - 1.3 mb pdf - The Draft Biodiversity Strategy describes Newcastle's biodiversity, describes issues resulting from the continuing loss of Newcastle's biodiversity, and provides a framework for prioritising and implementing actions.

  • Economic Development Strategy - 468.9 kb pdf - The Economic Development Strategy sets out Council's approach towards building the economy of Newcastle in a sustainable manner.

  • EEO Management Plan 2005-2008 - 74.8 kb pdf - The EEO Management Plan is designed to ensure that its policies, procedures and actions reflect and value the social and cultural diversity in Council and the community it serves.

  • Element 4.2 Contaminated Land - 57.8 kb pdf - Element 4.2 of the Consolidated DCP outlines the use and/or development of land that is or may be contaminated.

  • Ethnic Affairs Policy  - 208.5 kb pdf - The Ethnic Affairs Policy acknowledges the valuable contribution of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

  • Ethnic Affairs Policy Statement - 257.4 kb pdf - The Ethnic Affairs Policy Statement aims to ensure that members of the CALD community have equitable access to Council services and to participate in Council's planning processes, and ensure Newcastle is a 'Welcome City' to new and existing migrants.

  • Fees and charges 2006 - 2007 - 745.5 kb pdf - The Fees and Charges Register is part three of the 2006 - 2007 Management Plan and outlines fees for 2006/2007.

  • Fees and charges 2007 - 2008 - 715.8 kb pdf - The Fees and Charges Register is part three of the 2006 - 2009 Management Plan and outlines fees for 2006/2007.

  • Flood Policy: A technical manual - 1.2 mb pdf - The Flood Policy is a preliminary floodplain risk management policy prepared in accordance with the Floodplain Management Manual.

  • Foreshore Plan of Management - 10.5 mb pdf - The Foreshore Plan of Management outlines the goals and objectives for managing The Foreshore.

  • GAIN Plan 2001-2008 - 5.8 mb pdf - The Greenhouse Action in Newcastle Plan sets out a series of actions for Council and the community to reduce their impact on the environment.

  • Heritage Policy 1998 - 249.3 kb pdf - Council is committed to conserving the significant elements of our city's natural and built environment as evidence of our inhabitant's indigenous, historic, social, aesthetic and scientific heritage and for the benefit of present and future generations.

  • Human Services Policy - 21.5 kb pdf - The Human Services Policy provides a context for the provision and delivery of human services as agreed between Council and the community.

  • Information Communication Technology Strategic Plan - 1.9 mb pdf - Information and Communication Technology (ICT) will be used to facilitate connections to build a strong and sustainable community in Newcastle.

  • Land Reclassification Policy - 257.0 kb pdf - The Land Reclassification Policy provides criteria for determining requests or proposals for the reclassification, sale or lease of community land as operational land.

  • Library Service Delivery Model - 311.9 kb pdf - The Library Service Delivery Model looks at the future service provision of library services by Council.

  • Management Plan 2006 - 2009 - 1.3 mb pdf - The Management Plan is a summary of Council's activities and projects. It includes the detailed budgets for each area of Council and the fees and charges register for the year.

  • Management Plan 2007 - 2008 - 844.7 kb pdf - The Management Plan is a summary of Council's activities and projects. It includes the detailed budgets for each area of Council and the fees and charges register for the year

  • Model Privacy Management Plan for Local Councils - 147.6 kb pdf - Model Privacy Management Plan for Local Councils - This Management Plan has been adopted by Newcastle Council and details how Newcastle Council will deal with personal information.

  • Museum Access Policy - 45.3 kb pdf - The Urban Water Cycle Policy recognises the importance of water management to the health, well being, economic and ecological security of Newcastle.

  • NCC Customer Service Charter - 46.8 kb pdf - The Customer Service Charter provide rules and set sstandards for Newcastle City Council's service delivery to residents and ratepayers.

  • Newcastle Archaeological Management Plan Vol 1 1997 - 9.1 mb pdf - Archaeological management plan for the inner city. Vol 1, 1997.

  • Newcastle Biodiversity Strategy - 1.6 mb pdf - In 2006 Council adopted a biodiversity policy and a supporting Strategy to guide planning and management for biodiversity within the local government area.

  • Newcastle City Council Award 2006 - 450.4 kb pdf - The Newcastle City Council Award 2006 sets out the terms and conditions of employment at Newcastle City Council.

  • Newcastle Coastline Management Plan - 3.0 mb pdf - The Newcastle Coastline Management Plan provides a management framework for the coastline and its conservation.

  • Newcastle Environment Management Plan - 1.5 mb pdf - The Newcastle Environment Management Plan provides a set of principles, a process, and tools of action that will be applied across Council’s planning and operational activities to achieve a sustainable Newcastle.

  • Newcastle Regional Museum Education Policy - 43.1 kb pdf - The Newcastle Regional Museum Education Policy sets out the role of education in achieving the mission of the Newcastle Regional Museum.

  • Newcastle Urban Strategy (Updated 2005) - 1.9 mb pdf - The Newcastle Urban Strategy describes the policy direction for the city over the next few decades.

  • Noxious Weeds Declaration 2006 - 66.6 kb pdf - The weeds currently listed as noxious in the Newcastle local control area are listed in the Noxious Weeds Declaration.

  • Outdoor Dining Element 2005 DCP - 422.0 kb pdf - There are guidelines you need to follow to get approval to establish an outdoor dining area. Outdoor dining regulations are contained within Element 4.9 of the Newcastle Consolidated DCP.

  • Park Bookings Policy - 1.3 mb pdf - The Park Booking Policy is designed to assist Council officers and customers effectively manage park bookings.

  • Park Memorials Policy - 48.6 kb pdf - To provide a framework for Newcastle City Council to manage the naming of existing features in parks and private memorials in parks.

  • Parking Fees Charges - 15.1 kb pdf - Parking fees and charges are included in the Fees and Charges Register, part of the 2006 - 2009 Management Plan.

  • Payment of expenses and provisions for expenses for Lord Mayor and Councillors  - 172.1 kb pdf - The purpose of the policy is to ensure that there is accountability and transparency in the reimbursement of expenses incurred or to be incurred by Councillors. The policy also ensures that the facilities provided to assist councillors to carry out their civic duties are reasonable.

  • Pest Notification Plan - 275.9 kb pdf - Council will ensure that pesticides are applied to public places in a safe, responsible manner, minimising harm to the community or the environment. The plan sets out how Council will notify members of the community of pesticide applications made by Council to public places. It covers all of the Newcastle Local Government Area.

  • Public Art Placemaking Policy - 75.3 kb pdf - The Public Art Placemaking Policy is a strategy for the ongoing provision of public art in the City of Newcastle.

  • Public Voice Policy - 243.7 kb pdf - The Public Voice Policy establishes an orderly process to enable members of the public to communicate opinions or concerns directly to councillors by way of an address to the Council.

  • Recreation Plan 2006 - 2.3 mb pdf - The 2006 Recreation Plan provides strategies and actions, informed by community consultation, for the future direction of recreation in parks, sport, beach and swimming facilities.

  • Respect Policy - 32.2 kb pdf - Newcastle City Council is committed to the promotion and development of a culture that treats all people with fairness, dignity and respect. Council values and understands diversity and equal employment opportunity in the workplace.

  • Road Safety Strategic Plan - 552.2 kb pdf - The Road Safety Strategic Plan aims to reduce the incidence and severity of road crashes in the Newcastle LGS by 2010.

  • s355BBC Housing Business Plan 2005 - 2009 - 599.5 kb pdf - The s355 Housing Management and Development Committee Business Plan outlines the progress and role of the s355 Housing Management and Development Committee.

  • Section 94 Development Contributions Plan No 1 2005 - 124.5 kb pdf - The Development Contributions Plan outlines how Council collects contributions in the Newcastle Waterfront Precinct and the Blue Gum Hills Contribution Catchment for community facilities, open space and recreation, traffic management and car parking.

  • Section 94 Development Contributions Plan No 1 2005 - Current Rates - 86.0 kb pdf - This document sets out the current rates for contributions as at 1 August 2007.

  • Section 94 Development Contributions Plan No 4 2006 - Current Rates - 93.6 kb pdf - This document sets out the current rates for contributions as at 1 August 2007.

  • Section 94 Development Contributions Plan No 4 2006 - Transport Facilities in Blue Gum Hills - 647.3 kb pdf - Development Contributions Plan No. 4, 2006 became effective on 14 August 2006 and repeals and replaces the former Section 94 Contributions Plan No. 4, 1997. Development Contributions Plan No 4 2006 collects contributions in the Blue Gum Hills corridor for a variety of transport infrastructure including traffic signals, footways, shared bicycle paths and lanes, and road improvements.

  • Section 94A - Development Contributions Plan 2006  - 1.3 mb pdf - The Development Contributions Plan outlines how Council collects contributions in the City Centre for community facilities, open space and recreation, traffic management and car parking.

  • Section 94A Development Contributions Plan 2006 - 1.1 mb pdf - This Plan collects contributions for industrial, commercial and urban housing development which has an estimated cost of over $100,000. The plan applies to the entire LGA except for Blue Gum Hills and the Newcastle Waterfront Precinct and collects for various works including community facilities, open space, cycle ways and traffic management.

  • Senior Citizens Centres Policy - 181.1 kb pdf - The Senior Citizens Centres Policy sets out the policy and guidelines for the use of Senior Citizens Centres in Newcastle.

  • Senior Novocastrian Policy - 72.3 kb pdf - Council acknowledges the importance of Senior’s ongoing contribution to the vitality and the rich heritage of Newcastle, through the strength of their work and caring role in the community, their stories, memories, relationships, values and spirit.

  • Social Impact Assessment Policy - 246.7 kb pdf - The Social Impact Assessment Policy provides a guideline to help all concerned consider the social impacts of development proposals.

  • Social Plan Review 2005 - 407.5 kb pdf - The Social Plan Review provides an overview of the key actions and outcomes of the Social Plan for its five year duration.

  • Sports Policy - 115.6 kb pdf - The Sports Policy outlines Council’s intended position, strategy and actions in relation to sport in the future.

  • Statement of Affairs - 95.0 kb pdf - The Statement of Affairs is a very useful source of information for members of the community to understand how Newcastle City Council works, and how they can have an effect on Council operations.

  • Stormwater Management Plan - 3.7 mb pdf - The Stormwater Management Plan provides a framework for community and organisational partnerships to deliver improved outcomes for stormwater quantity and quality.

  • The Community Portal Strategic Direction 2007 - 2009 - 2.9 mb pdf - The Community Portal is Newcastle City Council's gateway to the World Wide Web. It brings together information and offers services to extend community knowledge, activity and interaction.

  • Urban Water Cycle Policy - 952.1 kb pdf - The Urban Water Cycle Policy recognises the importance of water management to the health, well being, economic and ecological security of Newcastle.

  • Website Links Protocol - 61.1 kb pdf - Council applies the standard Best Practice model for Government with regard to providing links to other websites.

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