Mayoral Column - 5 November 2025
Published on 05 November 2025
You would have heard that Cessnock City Council has indicated it intends to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Variation on rates for next financial year, with rigorous work currently taking place by independent experts.
Earlier this year, Council engaged Professor Joseph Drew and his team of three professors to support our drive towards financial sustainability. Their investigation, analysing audited financial data, will form the basis for an application to IPART. In the latest important step in this process, Councillors voted to commence an extensive community consultation.
The distribution of a fact sheet and survey is underway across the LGA. I urge residents to read-up on the issue and look at the data and independent analysis with an open mind.
We’ll be holding a range of face-to-face opportunities in November, including six public meetings and 10 pop-up sessions.
The six public meetings are:
- Friday 21 November
4pm to 6pm – Wollombi Tennis Club
- Saturday 22 November
11am to 1pm – East Cessnock Bowling Club
5pm to 7pm – Kurri Kurri Senior Citizens Centre
- Sunday 23 November
12pm to 2pm – Branxton Community Hall
6pm to 8pm – East Cessnock Bowling Club
- Monday 24 November
5.30pm to 7.30pm – Council Chambers (digital session via Council’s YouTube channel)
The pop-up sessions are scheduled between 13-19 November at locations around the LGA. Check out Council’s Financial Sustainability webpage (www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/financialsustainability) for the details. You’ll also find plenty of resources on the page including the financial sustainability report, FAQs, useful videos recorded by Professor Drew, and a digital version of the fact sheet and survey.
Our extensive community consultation is designed to support accessibility and provide broad avenues for community participation. A final decision is yet to be made and community feedback is important.
Meanwhile, Council is calling on passionate young people aged 11 to 18 who live, work or study in Cessnock LGA to apply for the 2026 Youth Ambassador Program. The voices of young people are very important in our community and this program gives youth representatives a unique platform to influence local decision-making and help shape the future of services and initiatives relevant to them and their peers. I encourage those interested to apply by 17 November via the expression of interest form on Council’s website. Parent/guardian consent is required.
The holiday season is approaching so now is the time to get your best singing voice ready for Carols in the Park at Cessnock Sportsground on Friday 5 December. Gates open at 5pm, carols start at 6.30pm, and fireworks are at 9pm. Bring a picnic rug, family and friends, and some Christmas cheer! Visit the Carols event page here, for more information on this free, family-friendly event.