City of Newcastle Government Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal found that Newcastle City Council was not "fit for the future", it was recommended that the City of Newcastle merge with Lake Macquarie City Council. However, the Minister for Local Government subsequently proposed that Newcastle City Council instead merge with Port Stephens Council to form a new council with an area of and support a population of approximately 230,000. The outcome of an independent review was completed by mid–2016. On 14 February 2017, the NSW Government announced it would not be proceeding with further regional council mergers, including the Newcastle City Council and Port
Newcastle City Hall In response, a 13,000 name petition against closure was presented to Newcastle City Council on 31 January 2013 by members of the Facebook 'North East Music History Group'. The City Pool has since closed, although the City Hall remains open. In April 2016 it was announced that the Theatre Royal Trust had taken over management of the venue. In July 1970, Lindisfarne made their debut appearance at Newcastle City Hall. On 7 May 1971, country rock band The Byrds performed there as part of their 1971 UK Tour in front of a sell out crowd. This was the same tour