NSW · Hunter · Local council, made simple
Maitland City Council
A fast-growing river city in the Lower Hunter, part of Greater Newcastle — around 98,200 people across Maitland, East Maitland, Rutherford, Thornton and historic Morpeth. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, libraries, 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.
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.
2025–26 rate peg: 5.8%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 5 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyMaitland's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
Most major offences above the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Philip Penfold (Penfold 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) 4934 9700
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~98,200 (2024)
Open →What's happening
2 updatesRecent items from Maitland City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
New Disability Inclusion Action Plan adopted
The council adopted a new Disability Inclusion Action Plan to improve access and inclusion across the city.
What this means for you: The plan guides upgrades to facilities, services and information so they're easier to use for people with disability.
Source: Maitland City Council — News
- Development
New bridge opens to improve flood resilience
A new bridge opened to boost flood resilience and connectivity in Maitland.
What this means for you: If you travel in the affected area, the new bridge improves access and reduces flood-related disruption.
Source: Maitland City Council — News
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