Mayoral Column - 22 October 2025

Published on 22 October 2025

Here in the Cessnock local government area, we are lucky to be home to a large piece of one of Australia’s most celebrated wine destinations. The Hunter Valley wine region, as a whole, supports more than 150 wineries and generates about $256 million in total wine sales, with more than 2,500 people working in the viticulture industry revolving around Pokolbin.

That’s why Cessnock City Council drafted its Vineyards District Place Strategy, which was formally adopted by Councillors at the October ordinary meeting, following 28 days on public exhibition.

The viticulture industry in our LGA is significant from both historic and economic perspectives, as prominent family businesses continue across generations and people come from around the globe to visit our vineyards and cellar doors – often spending money at local businesses and choosing from our wonderful range of places to stay.

Our Vineyards District Place Strategy aims to support a resilient and diverse rural economy and protect the long-term prospects of our viticulture industry. The Strategy contains a range of tools we can use – such as minimum lot sizes – to protect valuable and significant wine-producing land and keep viticulture the main allowable land use in that area. It supports tourism-focused land uses that support the viticulture industry as a major economic driver, such as boutique accommodation, provided those uses are compatible with their surroundings. Future residential growth is being directed towards our dedicated urban release areas at Bellbird North, North Rothbury, and Greta-Branxton. I encourage you to look at this important document online and see how we are planning for the future.

Meanwhile, there’s still time to nominate a local legend for some well-earned recognition as part of Council’s Australia Day Awards. These annual awards are the perfect chance to celebrate the unsung individuals in our community who go above and beyond for others. The awards program spans 10 categories – including Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, and Sporting Award - and is open to individuals, groups, and events that have made their mark on us. Nominate someone who inspires those around them by 10 November, by searching ‘Australia Day Awards’ on Council’s website.

Finally, the next in our regular Meet the Mayor sessions will be held at the end of this month. Drop in to Arthur’s on Cooper Street at Cessnock (between the Vincent Street intersection and the Coles shopping centre) on Wednesday 29 October from 10am for an informal discussion about anything related to Council or the community. I’ll be at the café with some other Councillors and Council staff, so come along for a chat about the things in our great LGA that matter to you!