Newcastle Show president Peter Evans OAM has launched a petition amid concerns over the future of the event and showgrounds.
With more than 3,000 signatories across online and printed formats, it’s clear many Novocastrians share his unease.
Mr Evans is opposed to the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, which he says paves the way for high-rise residential development on land traditionally reserved for community use.
“The strategy was unanimously adopted by City of Newcastle (CN) on 25 March, yet the implications for the showground were not clearly communicated to the public,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We are talking about homes for 20,000 people and 25-storey buildings being proposed for the site.
“It’s outrageous.”
According to Mr Evans, the removal of stables and agricultural buildings would make it impossible to run the Newcastle Show in its traditional form.
“If you take the stables, you can’t run an agricultural and industrial show the way it’s meant to be done,” he said.
“We are one of three top tier shows in NSW, and we feed directly into the Royal Easter Show.”
Mr Evans says the more than 120-year legacy of the Newcastle Show could be lost if the grounds were redeveloped.
“This area was a swamp that was filled in by our ancestors at their own cost between 1895 to 1902,” he explained.
“Now everything these people built for the local community, including the grandstands and pavilions, are at risk of being destroyed.”
The petition was officially launched during this year’s show to rally public support against the proposed changes.
“We gathered over 3,000 signatures in just a short time.. and we’ve only just begun,” Mr Evans said.
“Everyone we speak to is opposed to the plans.
“We urge the NSW Government to ensure that full ownership remains with the Newcastle Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Association Inc to protect the historical and cultural significance of the site for future generations.”
The petition, titled Save Our Newcastle Showground, is hosted on Change.org and continues to gain traction online and in the local community.
Mr Evans is now calling for stronger action from residents, urging them to learn more about the implications of the Broadmeadow Place Strategy for the show and to support efforts to preserve the showground for future generations.
“This is a public asset,” he added.
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
“We need Newcastle people to rise up and say: this is not to happen.”
To learn more or to sign the petition, visit the “Save Our Newcastle Showground” page on change.org.
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