Plans and strategies

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Action Plan 2025-2029, acknowledges the rich local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures within the local government area. The plan builds on Council’s two previous Reconciliation Action Plans, continuing our commitment to walking together.

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan (ACHMP) is a guide to help protect and respect Aboriginal cultural heritage in the Cessnock area. It provides clear steps for landowners, Council staff, and anyone submitting development applications to ensure Aboriginal cultural heritage is properly considered. The ACHMP also includes actions and commitments from Council to work closely with the Aboriginal community, to recognise and safeguard this important heritage for future generations.

The Apex Park Masterplan was adopted on 19 Oct 2022 as per GMU25/2022 and Resolution 300/2022.

Cessnock City Council community’s asset include 123 open spaces, 9 cemeteries, 7 swimming pools, and infrastructure that provides a service to those who frequent these locations (BBQ's, seats, picnic tables).

The plans define the services to be provided, how the services are provided and what funds are required to provide the services.

The Asset Management Strategy (AMS) is prepared to assist Council in improving the way it delivers services from infrastructure including roads & road infrastructure, bridges, footpaths, stormwater drainage, parks & recreation and buildings.

We have developed a Masterplan for Baddeley Park and Carmichael Park to provide a vision for the future development and character of the sportsgrounds. The Masterplans and associated documents are set out below.

The overall objective of a biodiversity strategy is to set in place a number of processes, mechanisms and initiatives which lead to improved biodiversity protection and resilience for future generations. The Cessnock Biodiversity Strategy is in two parts.

Branxton Sub Regional Land Use Strategy and Structure Plan

The Land Use Strategy and Structure Plan has been jointly prepared by Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council to guide the future development of the sub region through a period growth and change. 

It sets out considerations for specific areas and an indicative program to guide the servicing and release of lands in the coming years.

Branxton Town Centre Masterplan

The Land Use Strategy and Structure Plan is accompanied by a Masterplan for the Branxton Town Centre. The Masterplan details the planning and design guidelines for Branxton's Town Centre.

It aims to support Branxton's transition from a highway town to a local centre.

Branxton Public Domain Plan and Implementation Plan

A vision for Branxton's Town Centre was composed by the community during the preparation of the Land Use Strategy and Structure Plan and the Town Centre Masterplan.

The Public Domain Plan and Implementation Plan was developed to help achieve that vision for Branxton. It includes specific actions and provide greater details for public domain works.

The Masterplan includes artists impressions and probable costs for the Bridges Hill Park Playground.

Council manages ten cemeteries across the Cessnock LGA. The Cemeteries Masterplan Report(PDF, 26MB) contains general recommendations for each cemetery. 

 Individual cemetery masterplans can be viewed below: