THE FIRST rainbow pedestrian crossing on a public street in Newcastle could soon be painted into the city's history.
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Newcastle Labor councillor Paige Johnson will move a notice of motion at a City of Newcastle meeting on Tuesday proposing "rainbow pride crossings" on Beaumont Street at Hamilton.
She announced the plans at Newcastle Pride Fair Day at Gregson Park on Saturday.
Her proposal, which she said would be backed by Labor and other Newcastle councillors, would see the plans for pride crossings on Beaumont Street put forward for exhibition in the council's next draft operational plan.
"I've received many supporting letters from locals, LGBTIQA+ community organisations, venues, and the Hamilton Business Improvement Association backing this in as well as further projects to celebrate pride across the city," she said.
"Newcastle is a welcoming, progressive, and inclusive city, and displaying that visibly on our streets means a lot to people.
"Many other cities around Australia and the world have successfully delivered rainbow crossings, and now is the right time to bring this to Newcastle too."
Cr Johnson has also launched a community petition where people can sign to show their support.
She said she had nominated Beaumont Street due to the rich LGBTIQA+ history shared between Hamilton and Islington, and following representations received from constituents and the community.
The motion also requests City of Newcastle proactively investigate further opportunities for pride artwork areas.
Cr Declan Clausen welcomed the push.
"For more than a decade, City of Newcastle has worked to make equality and inclusion visible in our public spaces, from the Rainbow Walk in Islington Park to the growth of Newcastle Pride as a major celebration for our city," he said.
"A rainbow crossing on Beaumont Street would build on that legacy and reflect who we are today: proud, diverse and welcoming."
He supported notices of motions notices of motion supporting investigations for a rainbow crossing in 2015 and 2022.
Past investigations identified technical challenges, leading to earlier proposals falling over.
But Cr Johnson, who is also a civil engineer, said she was working with council staff to find a way to deliver the rainbow crossing in a low-speed environment that was in line with best practice safety and compliance requirements.
The motion proposes forming a working party with experts, community groups and businesses to have input.
