NSW · Hunter · Local council, made simple
Cessnock City Council
A large, mostly rural Hunter Valley council west of Newcastle — around 69,000 people across the Coalfields towns of Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Weston and the Hunter wine country around Pokolbin. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, libraries, parks, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Open for your feedback
See all →Things Cessnock City Council wants your say on right now. Your view counts for more before the deadline.
- Open — see source for the closing date
Speak with the team - Contaminated Lands Register
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Becoming Resilient and Ready Together
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Road Naming - Millfield Rise, Millfield
Have your say →
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2026–27 rate peg: 3.8%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 6 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyCessnock's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
2 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Daniel Watton (Cessnock Independents)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 4993 4100
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~69,000 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
37 updatesAuto-collected from Cessnock City Council's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Policy
Doyle Street Bridge Opens Following Successful Upgrade
Published on 02 November 2026 Council is celebrating the completion of the new Doyle Street Bridge, delivering a stronger, safer and more reliable connection for the Cessnock Local Government Area.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
Dive into new learn-to-swim and aqua moves classes
Published on 30 October 2026 Council is running a bumper program of swim classes at Cessnock and Branxton pools from November 2026 to March 2027, with enrolments now open for the first lessons.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
Cessnock community comes together for Christmas Appeal
Published on 29 October 2026 Residents across the Cessnock LGA are encouraged to embrace the spirit of giving this festive season by donating to Council’s annual Christmas Appeal.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
Applications open for Local Heritage Fund grants
Published on 30 October 2026 There is still time to apply for Council’s 2026/27 Local Heritage Fund grants – with up to $2,000 available per project to assist in the maintenance of heritage-listed properties.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Have your say
Visitor Information Centre Weekend Hours Trial
Project Overview We are trialling new weekend operating hours at the Visitor Information Centre from 31 October 2026 to 30 June 2027 . The trial will help us understand how visitors use the centre on weekends and whether the revised hours continue to meet visitor needs while maintaining access to visitor information services.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Proposed Licence of Community Land - Cessnock Dog Club Incorporated
Project Information You can see the Public Notice of the Proposed Licence of Community Land via Documents on the right of this page. Cessnock City Council advises that it is the owner of land classified as community land in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 ("the Act").
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Meta must remove videos targeting Council workers
Published on 20 October 2026 The United Services Union and Cessnock City Council have condemned Meta’s failure to remove Facebook videos targeting Council employees, demanding the company act immediately to protect workers from online abuse.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Have your say
Road Naming - Lovedale Farm, Lovedale
Project Information Notice is given that Cessnock City Council in accordance with the New South Wales Roads Act 1993 is seeking public comment in regard to a road naming proposal in connection with the new subdivision known as Lovedale Farm at 1058 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Proposed Licence of Community Land - Cessnock District Hockey Association Inc
Project Information You can see the Public Notice of the Proposed Licence of Community Land via Documents on the right of this page. Cessnock City Council advises that it is the owner of land classified as community land in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 ("the Act").
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Stockrington and Black Hill - Swamp Catchment Flood Study
About the project Cessnock City Council is working in partnership with the NSW Government, City of Newcastle and Maitland City Council on a flood study for the Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Catchments. City of Newcastle as the lead agency engaged a specialist consultant to carry out a flood study to help us plan for and manage existing and future flood risks.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Draft Cessnock LGA Wide Overland Flood Study
Project Overview The Draft Cessnock LGA Wide Overland Flood Study maps flooding from overland flow and minor watercourses across the Cessnock Local Government Area. It has been prepared for Council by BMT Commercial Australia Pty Ltd.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Road Naming - Millfield Rise, Millfield
Project Information Notice is given that Cessnock City Council in accordance with the New South Wales Roads Act 1993 is seeking public comment in regard to a road naming proposal in connection with the new subdivision known as Millfield Rise at Mount View Road Millfield.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Election
Mayoral Column - September 2026
Published on 25 September 2026 I had the privilege earlier this month of being at Cessnock Waste Management Centre as the first load was put into the new landfill area at the site.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
Trees in Town: Street tree planting
About the project - Trees in Town Increasing the tree canopy across the Cessnock LGA Cessnock City Council is delivering the Trees in Town - Increasing the Canopy Across Cessnock LGA project through funding provided by the NSW Government's Greening our City Program.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Fifty-nine people to become Australian citizens in Cessnock
Published on 22 September 2026 Nigerian-born Victor Pepple arrived in Australia in 2016, determined to build a successful life in the land down-under. A decade on, the Cessnock LGA resident is one of 59 people who will become Australian citizens at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock on 23 September.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
Nominations now open for Cessnock LGA 2027 Australia Day Awards
Published on 21 September 2026 If you know a person, group or event that has made a positive mark on the community, Council wants to hear about them!
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Election
Councillor Sarah Pascoe elected Deputy Mayor
Published on 18 September 2026 Councillor Sarah Pascoe has been unanimously elected Deputy Mayor of Cessnock City Council in a vote by councillors at the Ordinary Meeting on 16 September 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
Applications open for Community, Sporting and Environment Grants
Published on 16 September 2026 A $96,000 pool of funding is available for local community, environment, and sporting groups, with applications now open for Cessnock City Council’s 2026 Community, Sporting and Environment Grants.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
Draft On-Site Sewage Management (OSSM) Strategy 2026-2031
Project Overview Council has prepared the Draft On‑Site Sewage Management (OSSM) Strategy 2026-2031, which outlines how Council manages and regulates on‑site wastewater systems across the Local Government Area.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Get handy tips and tricks to forget your worries with weeds
Published on 02 September 2026 Have you got weeds taking over your garden? Help is at hand!
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
Share a yarn at Wollombi storytelling evening
Published on 01 September 2026 The community is invited to an intimate storytelling evening hosted by Cessnock City Council at Wollombi General Store from 6pm-7. 30pm on Friday 4 September 2026, as part of Council’s development of a new Heritage Strategy and update to its Heritage Policy.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
New landfill site ready for use after EPA approval
Published on 03 September 2026 The new landfill site at Cessnock Waste Management Centre has received its first load after recent approval from the NSW Environment Protection Authority – a significant milestone in the Cessnock Waste Management Centre Landfill Extension Project.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Event
Council holds free workshop on how to guard against online threats
Published on 21 July 2026 Cessnock City Council is hosting a free workshop for the community on cyber security at the Council Chambers from 5. 30pm-7pm on Thursday 30 July.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
Upgraded Weston Bears Park to host A-League team for Australia Cup
Published on 23 July 2026 The new-look Weston Bears Park will host an Australia Cup football match at 2pm on Sunday 26 July, as Weston Bears FC take on A-League side Melbourne City FC in the tournament’s round of 32 fixture.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Policy
Share a story and help Council preserve our heritage
Published on 30 July 2026 Cessnock City Council is encouraging people of all ages to contribute stories to help shape the future of heritage management in our local government area – ensuring its richness and diversity continue to be valued and preserved.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Election
Mayor and General Manager to answer questions at community forum
Published on 20 August 2026 Cessnock local government area residents are invited to a town hall-style community meeting at Greta Workers Club from 6pm on 24 August 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Election
Mayoral Column - August 2026
Published on 25 August 2026 It was wonderful to hear voices from across Cessnock local government area recently, as Cessnock City Council General Manager Natalia Cowley and I took part in another town hall meeting – this time at Greta Workers Club.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Cessnock City Council — News
- Development
Apex Park Redevelopment - Concept Design
About the project The Apex Park Redevelopment Project, located at the intersection of Allandale Road and Maitland Road Cessnock, aims to deliver much-needed improvements to the purpose and usability of the Park. The project involves the revitalisation of Apex Park into a safe, attractive and welcoming community space highlighting the entry to the Cessnock CBD.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Draft Road Safety Plan 2026-2030
Project Overview Council has developed a Draft Road Safety Plan 2026-2030 to help make our roads safer for everyone who lives, works and visits the Cessnock Local Government Area. The plan focuses on road safety education, awareness and behaviour change, and outlines practical actions Council will take to reduce road trauma across our community.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Anambah to Branxton Draft Structure Plan
About the draft Anambah to Branxton Structure Plan The draft Anambah to Branxton (A2B) Structure Plan is a high - level framework that guides how future population growth can be managed in a sustainable way. It takes a different approach by putting infrastructure and community needs at the heart of planning from the outset.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Cessnock Event Strategy
About the Project Council is developing an Event Strategy to guide Council hosted and supported events into the future. The purpose of the Strategy is to ensure Council-led events reflect community wants and expectations and support the thriving social and economic fabric of our Cessnock region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Heritage Strategy and Updated Heritage Policy
Image 1: Interview with Catherine Parsons as part of Seniors Festival 2025. Stories that shaped you in Cessnock City We are inviting our community to share the stories that have shaped them and shaped Cessnock City over the years.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
IPART does not approve Cessnock's proposed special rate variation
IPART declined Cessnock City Council's application for a permanent special rate variation that would have raised its general income by a cumulative 39.9% in 2026–27. The council can instead increase general income by the standard 3.8% rate peg for 2026–27.
What this means for you: The large proposed rates increase will not go ahead for 2026–27; rates income is limited to the 3.8% peg. The council's financial-sustainability page below explains its position and next steps.
- Election
Jack Franklin elected Ward C councillor by countback
Following the resignation of Councillor Mark Mason, the NSW Electoral Commission conducted a countback of the 2024 Ward C ballots. Jack Franklin was declared elected on 1 May 2026.
What this means for you: Ward C has a new councillor without a fresh by-election; a countback re-examines the original 2024 votes. The NSW Electoral Commission records countbacks in all four Cessnock wards since 2024: Ward A (July 2025), Ward D (November 2025), Ward B (March 2026) and Ward C (May 2026).
Source: NSW Electoral Commission — Cessnock City Council (councillors and countbacks)
- Have your say
Speak with the team - Contaminated Lands Register
About the Contaminated Lands Register Under NSW State guidelines Councils are strongly recommended to have a policy to provide clear guidance about dealing with land that may be impacted by contamination.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Becoming Resilient and Ready Together
What does your community need to strengthen community connection, capacity and preparedness, for shocks and stresses, including natural hazard emergencies? About the project Council is developing a Cessnock Community Resilience Plan.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Waste
Food scraps now accepted in the weekly green (FOGO) bin
From 30 June 2025, Cessnock's weekly green-bin service accepts food organics as well as garden organics (FOGO). Households received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners to collect food scraps.
What this means for you: You can now put food scraps (cooked or raw) in your green bin with garden waste for weekly collection and composting, instead of landfill. Organics enquiries: 1800 870 250.
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Cessnock City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.