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City of Newcastle will invest a record $458 million into projects and services across the local government area next year under a Budget driven by community benefits and financial sustainability. 

Councillors unanimously voted Tuesday night to adopt the 2026/27 Budget, which includes more than $128 million to maintain and deliver infrastructure across Newcastle to meet the needs of the growing population.

Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said a modest forecast operating surplus of $450,000 in 2026/27 will keep City of Newcastle well positioned to deal with potential unexpected costs as they arise.

“The current environment and growing cost of living pressures are challenging,” Mr Bath said.

“Maintaining an annual surplus in the past has allowed us to react when the community has needed us in situations like Wickham wool sheds fire, the Lambton landslip, and the recent Mayfield fire, without sending us into the red.

“This is a continuation of our responsible financial budgeting over the past decade, with City of Newcastle last year ranked ninth in the state for financial sustainability and the only local council in the top 20 ranked councils in NSW.

“We have a duty to be responsible with ratepayer funds, especially in a challenging economic environment where everyone is feeling the pinch of rising costs, and this Budget reflects our commitment to sound financial management and sustainability.” 

City of Newcastle’s Acting Chief Financial Officer Scott Moore said this Budget reflects the thoughtful and constructive feedback provided by the community, with 100 submissions received during its recent public exhibition.

“We had a record number of submissions this year, which reinforced the need for us to continue balancing our investment in services and infrastructure with careful financial management,” Mr Moore said.

“Key themes included a desire to see us focus on cost-of-living pressures, the impact of fees and charges on community groups and organisations, and equitable allocation of spending.

“This Budget meets those expectations, from providing everyday benefits in areas such as road renewal, cycleways, and footpaths, and delivering congestion relief for those who travel through our city’s Western Corridor, to continuing the ongoing renewal and maintenance of our assets across the city.

“In setting our fees and charges for the next financial year we’ve reaffirmed our commitments to equity, inclusion and access, with targeted concessions for charities and not-for-profit organisations who use facilities across Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle continues to provide highly subsidised access to Crown Land, with rent capped at $625 per year to enable groups like Surf Life Saving Clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, Men’s Sheds and sporting clubs to focus on delivering important services to the community.

Further support is provided through fee reductions at Summerhill Waste Management Centre for charitable organisations while funding will be provided in rates assistance relief for eligible customers experiencing financial hardship.

Council also voted last night for the continuation of the $2 entry fee at its inland pools at Beresfield, Wallsend, Mayfield and Stockton, and the implementation of a $2 entry fee for all concession card holders at Lambton Park War Memorial Swim Centre. 

The Council will seek to identify how the cost of these subsidised entry fees can be absorbed into the 2026/27 Budget as part of its September quarterly review.

City of Newcastle will charge towards a goal of net zero emissions by 2030 with a roadmap featuring 77 actions that address the root causes of climate change.

Councillors voted last night to endorse the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030, ensuring climate action will be considered across all City of Newcastle operations, including maintaining a 100% renewable electricity supply, expanding our battery network, and transitioning our fleet, plant and equipment to electric or low emission alternatives.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said achieving meaningful emission reductions requires rapid, transformative change.

“To achieve net zero emissions in our operations, we’ll need to invest an additional $42 million over the next five years,” Ms Kikken said.

“We’ll be seeking at least 50% of this through state and federal grants, commercial partnerships and other funding mechanisms.

“City of Newcastle has already secured $5 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to deliver a battery deployment program, including a 10MWh battery at the Summerhill solar farm, and another 3.8MWh in 11 batteries across our facilities.

“If the Climate Action Plan can be fully implemented, it’s estimated City of Newcastle would see a return of between $3.5 million to $4 million per year from 2030 thanks to revenue from the Community Energy Precinct, savings from solar and Battery energy storage systems, fuel savings and gas to electric savings.”

“The plan not only outlines City of Newcastle’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2030, but also supports a Newcastle wide transition to net zero by 2040, in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“The Climate Action Plan adopts a holistic approach to addressing climate change with a focus on creating flourishing lives for all Novocastrians. Climate action is not only about reducing emissions and managing risks, but also about supporting a healthy, resilient, inclusive and liveable city.”

The plan was developed using economic modelling, scientific research, cost-benefit analysis and extensive community consultation.

“Our community needs to see the Climate Action Plan as credible and deliverable so we’ve made amendments to the plan based on their feedback,” Ms Kikken said.

“A total of 239 submissions were received during public exhibition, with almost 80% agreeing climate action is a high priority, and 83% supportive of nature-based solutions, such as urban greening, tree planting and ecosystem restoration.

“Public feedback showed more than 70% of respondents agreed with the science-based targets contained in the plan.

“City of Newcastle is also conducting a feasibility study for a Community Energy Precinct at the Astra Street landfill site at Sandgate, which was supported by the community.”

The 60-hectare site operated from 1974 to 1995 before City of Newcastle started extensive environmental remediation to safeguard the water quality of surrounding wetlands, increase biodiversity and promote long-term native plant growth.

The proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct resonated strongly with respondents as a tangible project that brings together several priorities supported by the community including renewable energy, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and smart repurposing of underutilised land.

For more information about the adopted Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030 visit our website.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 16 June. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Acknowledging King’s Birthday 2026 honours recipients

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed acknowledging and congratulating the Novocastrians recognised on the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List and extending congratulations to the many other recipients from across the Hunter Region who were recognised. 

Acknowledging twelve months without Sinéad

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed that acknowledged the anniversary of former Councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan’s last Council meeting and the anniversary of her passing on 23 June 2025. 

It highlighted the passion and commitment Sinead brought to her role as a Ward 3 Councillor and the outpouring of support and love for Sinéad over the months following her passing, which showed her deep connection to the Newcastle and wider community.

Ordinary business 

Adoption of Code of Meeting Practice

Council voted unanimously to rescind the previously adopted Code of Meeting Practice, adopt the exhibited 2021 Code of Meeting Practice and adopt a revised schedule for Council and Committee meetings to be held during the remainder of the 2026 calendar year. 

Adoption of the Newcastle Climate Action Plan

Council voted for an amended motion to endorse the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026-2030, which is City of Newcastle’s road map to achieving net zero emissions from its operations before 2031 and supporting the transition of the Newcastle Local Government Area to net zero emissions by 2040.

Review of inland swimming pool reduced entry fee trial

Council voted for an alternate motion to adopt an entry fee of $2 at each of the inland pools (Beresfield, Wallsend, Mayfield and Stockton) and a $2 entry fee for all concession card holders at Lambton Park War Memorial Swim Centre. 

Council resolved to account for the inclusion of the adopted entry fees in the September quarterly review of the 2026/27 Budget (2026/2027 Delivering Newcastle 2040).

Adoption of the Local Streets Plan

Council voted unanimously for an amended motion to endorse the Local Streets Plan 2026-2030, which is a 10-year framework that sets out the vision, objectives, and actions to support the transformation of Newcastle’s local street network in alignment with the community’s key priorities.

Interest on overdue rates and charges

Council voted unanimously to adopt the maximum rate specified by the Minister for Local Government on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. 

All interest is waived for ratepayers who, on the basis of financial hardship, enter into an agreement to pay outstanding rates over an agreed period of time.

Adoption of Delivering Newcastle 2040 and making of the Rates & Charges

Council voted unanimously for an amended motion to adopt 2026/2027 Delivering Newcastle 2040 and the 2026/2027 Fees and Charges Register. 

Endorsement of public exhibition for draft planning agreement and explanatory note

Council unanimously endorsed the recommendation to place the draft planning agreement and explanatory note for 347, 357, 365, and 369 Hunter Street, Newcastle, on exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. 

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for May 2026.

Appointment of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee independent member

Council voted unanimously to appoint a new independent member to City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. 

Notices of Motion 

Open and transparent council briefings

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to review City of Newcastle’s Public Voice and Public Briefings policy to confirm it provides for open briefing sessions for Councillors to be delivered through the application of that policy. 

A report will be prepared for Council outlining any recommended amendments to the Public Voice and Public Briefing Policy and a proposed framework for the conduct of workshops and briefings.

City entrance signage and presentation

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion requesting staff review existing city entryway signage, and develop designs for new signage at key entry points to the LGA/city, noting that potential sites for signage have already tentatively been identified by City of Newcastle staff in collaboration with Transport for NSW (TfNSW). 

Staff will also engage with TfNSW to develop designs for improved landscaping and presentation of key main roads in our city.  

Community attitudes towards 30km/h zone in Honeysuckle

Council supported an amended notice of motion to write to the NSW Government requesting they undertake community consultation regarding satisfaction with the 30 km/h zone in place from Honeysuckle Drive to Wharf Road, Nobbys Beach. 

Transport for NSW will be asked to brief Councillors on the outcomes of that community consultation.

Men’s Health Week 2026

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to write to the Australian Men’s Health Foundation to advise on planning and programming options for Men’s Health Week activities, and deliver a community-based program in 2027 at City of Newcastle Libraries for Men’s Health Week. 

Late item

Live sites for Novocastrians to watch the Socceroos in the World Cup

Council supported a notice of motion to request that the Lord Mayor urgently write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Sport and Members for Newcastle & Wallsend asking that the NSW Government include a free, family-friendly site for Newcastle and surrounds to celebrate and cheer on the green and gold, noting that Newcastle has the capacity to host a live site if the NSW Government agrees to offer a site in Newcastle.

A tasting passport will guide visitors through seven global cuisines and the stories behind them as part of a Refugee Week event designed to create community connections. 

Delivered by City of Newcastle in partnership with the Village in the City Working Group, the Bright Nights Bazaar and Tasting Trail will showcase the talents of craft makers, stallholders, musicians and dancers from newly arrived and refugee communities.

: Carolyn Schofield (Left) who runs programs at Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, pictured with an attendee at the first event, ‘Twilight Village Kitchen and Market’ in May.Chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, said the event reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion and belonging. 

“This event forms part of a program that was launched last year to mark the 10-year anniversary since Newcastle reaffirmed the city as a Refugee Welcome Zone,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Through food, arts, sport and community events, the Neighbourly Newy program builds connections across our community, creating a place where people feel welcomed and proud to belong.

“Refugee Week is an important opportunity to celebrate and strengthen understandings of the contributions and resilience of people from refugee backgrounds, and strengthen our community.”

The tasting trail will offer $5 sample dishes from Sri Lankan, Egyptian, South Indian, Arabic and various Afghan cuisines. Visitors will receive a stamp at each stall and learn about the origins of the dishes.

The Bazaar will feature live music from refugee artists including local singer Regikay, Earthern Rhythms drumming, an African dance group from Jesmond Public School and an emerging young DJ mentored by the Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre. 

A community dessert competition will also be judged as part of the event, with recipes from all entries to be compiled into a community cookbook in partnership with BaptistCare Jesmond.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager of Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the Bazaar was one of three events being delivered with the Village in the City Working Group across May, June and July to support communities in Jesmond experiencing social and geographic isolation. 

“The initiative is designed to provide a culturally safe space for residents experiencing challenges such as social isolation, racial tensions and limited access to inclusive community activities,” Ms Duffy said.

“These events respond directly to those challenges, helping strengthen connection and wellbeing in communities that may face barriers to participation due to discrimination, which is part of achieving the goals set in City of Newcastle’s social strategy.” 

“While the events are designed with the Jesmond community in mind, they are open to everyone to come along and enjoy.”

Sixteen-year-old City of Newcastle Youth Council member Hamza Mamond, who is originally from Afghanistan, said these events provide an important opportunity for connection and inclusion. 

“Coming from a refugee background, I understand how important it is for people to feel included, supported and represented,” Mr Mamond said. 

“Events like this help people share their stories, celebrate culture and build understanding between communities. They create connections and show that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.” 

The free community events kicked off in May with a Twilight Village Kitchen and Market, featuring cooking stations, market stalls, facepainting, live entertainment, workshops and reptile encounters. 

The Bright Nights Bazaar Tasting Trail will be held this Friday from 4pm – 7.30pm at the Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre.

The series will wrap up at Heaton Park on 17 July with the Lantern Night Picnic & Community Showcase, which will bring the community together for a winter picnic with music, poetry and performances.  

Refugee Week is an annual national initiative coordinated by the Refugee Council of Australia to promote greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face and the contributions they make to the Australian community. This year it runs from 14 to 20 June with the theme “A Million Stories”. 

The future of Maitland Grossmann High School has been secured, with the Minns Labor Government today announcing that it will relocate and expand the school to ensure students and teachers have world-class facilities for generations to come.

The expanded Maitland Grossmann High School will deliver modern, purpose-built facilities on a larger site for up to 1,500 students, ensuring the school is equipped to meet the needs of a growing community while continuing its proud legacy of public education.

The school is set to open on a new site in 2030; in the meantime it will continue operating from its current site, ensuring continuity of learning for students. Further details, including the new location, will be shared with the community later this year once commercial negotiations for the site have been finalised.

Significant refurbishment and revitalisation works have been undertaken on the existing school site to respond to the necessary closure of Block E after years of neglect under the Nationals and Liberals.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison shared the plan with the school community while touring recent improvements to existing facilities.

Completed works include new covered walkways, shade structures and outdoor seating, a vocational education and training (VET) hospitality kitchen, replacement of timber retaining walls, and fresh external paintwork.

The school’s 140-year legacy and heritage will be honoured as part of the design process for the new buildings.

Funding to support the relocation of Maitland Grossman High School will be included in the Minns Labor Government’s 2026-27 Budget, which also includes a brand new public school and preschool in rapidly-growing Chisholm.

These projects further expand the Minns Labor Government’s pipeline of new and upgraded schools across growing parts of the Hunter region, ensuring local families have access to a world-class public education close to home.

This includes a new public preschool, primary school, and high school in Huntlee, the redevelopment of Gillieston Public School, the upgrade of Thornton Public School, and the brand-new Medowie High School, as well as 12 new public preschools across the broader Hunter region.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Maitland families are watching their community grow every day, and the Minns Labor Government is ensuring we support that growth by delivering world-class new and upgraded schools in growing neighbourhoods.

“The relocation and expansion of Maitland Grossmann High School on a new site will ensure the next generation of Maitland students have access to the world class public education they deserve.

“The story of Maitland Grossman High School, which was neglected and ignored by the Nationals and Liberals, shows the important of having a government and local member which prioritises public education.

“I want to thank teachers and students for their patience during what has been a difficult time, but I am proud the Minns Labor Government can now give them certainty that a new school is on the way.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:

“Maitland Grossman High has an important place in the history of our city. One of the first high schools alongside Maitland High, and originally in Church Street Maitland, the school has more than outgrown its current site.

“A brand new site will ensure current students get to continue their learning journey without the disruption of construction, while we build Maitland’s first 21st century public high school.

“When I met with students and staff from Maitland Grossman High School last week, they were excited to know that a new school would be built while we continue to work on improving their current learning environment.

“I am incredibly proud to welcome this investment for our community.”

Maitland Grossman High School principal Neil Fara said:

“As principal of Maitland Grossmann High School, I feel an enormous sense of pride and optimism following this announcement.

“This investment is a powerful acknowledgment of the advocacy of our students, families, staff and broader community, who have worked tirelessly over the last three years to ensure Maitland Grossmann High School’s future is supported.

“It reflects the strength of our growing community and ensures future generations of young people will have access to world-class learning environments and opportunities close to home.”