Kotara South crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
42 recorded in this period, compared with 29 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Kotara South
Kotara South is a predominantly residential suburb located in the Hunter region of New South Wales, within the City of Lake Macquarie local government area and carrying the postcode 2289. Situated approximately 9 kilometres southwest of the Newcastle central business district, the suburb is characterised by its elevated topography, sloping terrain, and leafy streetscapes that border the boundary with the Newcastle LGA. Demographically, it functions primarily as a quiet, established residential area favored by families and commuters seeking suburban housing within close proximity to major regional employment and commercial hubs.
Local life in Kotara South is centered around suburban living, with residents relying on surrounding areas for major retail and commercial services. While the suburb itself is largely residential, it is immediately adjacent to Kotara, home to the Westfield Kotara shopping centre, which serves as a major commercial and dining destination for the region. The area is serviced by local parks, recreational spaces, and nearby educational facilities, while transport links provide road access to Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the broader Hunter Valley via major arterial roads.
The history of Kotara South is closely tied to the broader development of the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle coalfields and suburban expansion during the mid-20th century. Originally bushland utilized for timber and resource extraction, the area underwent significant residential subdivision in the post-World War II housing boom as Newcastle's urban footprint expanded southward. The naming of the suburb derives from the Aboriginal word meaning "kookaburra," a naming convention shared with neighboring Kotara.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 9 | 2 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 7 | 6 |
| Sexual assault | 6 | 1 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 5 | 4 |
| Breach bail conditions | 4 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 3 | 2 |
| Fraud | 2 | 2 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 2 | 3 |
| Cultivating cannabis | 1 | 0 |
| Malicious damage to property | 1 | 3 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1 | 3 |
| Steal from dwelling | 1 | 1 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,267 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.