Cessnock City Council wants your feedback on the draft 2021-22 Operational Plan and draft Budget for the next year. Despite the economic impact of COVID-19 Council has managed an impressive $35 million Capital Works Program and remains in surplus.
Cessnock City Mayor Councillor Bob Pynsent said continued sound financial management over the last few years has enabled Council to maintain a strong position and continuing delivering for the City of Cessnock.
"Our Council is resilient and we've continued a prudent approach to our budget to ensure long term sustainability. The draft Budget indicates this is working as we have come out of a year of total financial uncertainty in a solid state."
"We have experienced outstanding success in securing grant funding. We have a clear vision for this community and we want to deliver it as fast as we can. Funding this vision is the biggest barrier but this Council is extremely successfully at attracting funding, in fact, this year, we will spend more than $20 million in grant funding."
Cessnock City Council's General Manager, Lotta Jackson encouraged the community to provide feedback.
"The voices of our residents are critical to ensure we're meeting their needs, so please take the time to give us valuable feedback. It's going to be another busy year delivering our near-record infrastructure program to our growing community. The community will be pleased to know this includes $12 million to be invested into local and regional roads."
Highlights of the 2021-22 draft Budget include:
- Cessnock Airport upgrade
- Installation of the Cessnock Pool Splash Pad
- Over $10 million on the renewal of local roads and $2 million on regional roads
- Upgrades of Old Maitland Road and a section of Wollombi Road, Millfield
- The bridge construction program is valued at a healthy $2.5 million. This will include the replacement of Yango Creek Bridge in Wollombi, Kline Street Bridge in Weston and the demolition of Cunneens Bridge in Wollombi.
The draft 2021-22 Operational Plan is on public exhibition. To view the Plan and undertake a quick survey visit the Have your say page.
