It was a positive step forward for Cessnock City Council with the adoption of Council's 2022-26 Delivery Program, which incorporates the 2022-23 Operational Plan and Budget, at Wednesday night's extraordinary council meeting.
The community can now look forward to hundreds of exciting projects, with far-reaching benefits, delivered under an impressive $146 million 2022-23 budget – a budget which is forecast to remain in surplus.
The budget incorporates a record $59.8 million Capital Works Program, of which more than 50% is grant funded. There has also been an increase in resourcing to fast-track this largely grant funded program of works, as well as an investment in trainee and apprentice roles.
Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said Council has listened to the community and heard loud and clear that our road network needs to be a top priority.
"Local roads and pathways will receive a $28.2 million investment in 2022-23, and the roads maintenance budget will see a 14.3% increase to $5.8 million," Mayor Suvaal said.
"Key road and pathway projects will include a $2.1 million upgrade to Old Maitland Road, Sawyers Gully, $1.9 million for the renewal of Sandy Creek Road, Quorrobolong, and $3.2 million for the Bridges Hill Park to Wine Country shared pathway."
"Council will also invest $6.7 million in our local parks, playgrounds, pools and community facilities, which all play a vital role in making our community a wonderful place to live."
Other highlights of the 2022-23 Budget include:
- Commencement of the RFS Aviation Base project
- $4.1 million for Kurri Kurri Town Centre upgrades
- $3 million to complete the Branxton to Greta Cycleway
- Completion of the Cessnock Airport upgrade
- Black Spot road renewal works at George Downes Drive, Bucketty and Oakey Creek Road, Cessnock
- Watagan Creek, Laguna bridge replacement
To view the 2022-26 Delivery Program, 2022-23 Operational Plan and Budget, which sets out the key actions Council plans to achieve, visit this page on Council's website.
