Mayoral Column - 24 September 2025

Published on 24 September 2025

It’s strange, but true: the NSW Government considers Cessnock local government area to be metropolitan – when it comes to charging a waste levy.

Since a redraw of waste levy boundaries brought the Hunter and Illawarra into the metro fold in 2006/07, Cessnock City Council has paid much higher charges than it would have if it was properly classified as a Regional Levy Area.

Being a Metropolitan Levy Area costs our council an extra $73.90 per tonne ($174.20 per tonne as opposed to $100.30 per tonne for regional areas) – the same rate applied to Sydney councils. It means Cessnock pays about $739,000 per year more at 10,000 tonnes. At 20,000 tonnes, it’s almost an extra $1.5 million. The ongoing NSW Waste Levy Review is a chance for the NSW Government to correct this inequity.

After my Mayoral Minute at the September council meeting received unanimous support, Council will write to NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe and the three state MPs whose electorates include part of our LGA, urging a change to our classification.

I encourage you to write to your local state MP, whether it’s Clayton Barr in the Cessnock electorate, Jenny Aitchison in the seat of Maitland, or Dave Layzell in Upper Hunter, and help advocate for our LGA to be rid of this needless waste of money.

The metropolitan classification, despite our wonderful community clearly being regional, places a significant burden on ratepayers. Reclassification will reduce costs for Council and ratepayers, and better reflect the reality of our community. To me, it’s pretty cut and dry – we are simply being overcharged.

Congratulations to Clr Tracey Harrington on being elected Deputy Mayor of Cessnock City Council at our September meeting, and thanks also to Clr Mitchell Hill for his service to the community in the role for the past year. Clr Harrington is a lifelong local and has run a business in Cessnock for more than two decades. I look forward to working closely with Clr Harrington over the next 12 months.

Finally, don’t forget to think about those exceptional individuals, groups and events in our community deserving of recognition. Nominations are open for Cessnock City Council’s 2026 Australia Day Awards. From outstanding community service, to environmental leadership and sporting excellence, these awards are the perfect chance for our community to publicly appreciate those who inspire us. There are 10 categories to choose from – including Citizen of the Year. Get your nominations in by November 10. Visit this page of Council’s website for more information.