newy.com.au – City of Newcastle will spend a record $458 million on projects and services in 2026/27 after councillors unanimously adopted a budget designed to balance community investment with financial sustainability.
The budget, endorsed on Tuesday night, includes more than $128 million to maintain and deliver infrastructure across the local government area as Newcastle’s population grows. It also forecasts a modest operating surplus of $450,000, which the council says will help it respond to unexpected costs without falling into deficit.
Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said the approach continued the council’s focus on responsible budgeting during a difficult economic period.
“The current environment and growing cost of living pressures are challenging,” Mr Bath said.
“Maintaining an annual surplus in the past has allowed us to react when the community has needed us in situations like Wickham wool sheds fire, the Lambton landslip, and the recent Mayfield fire, without sending us into the red.
“This is a continuation of our responsible financial budgeting over the past decade, with City of Newcastle last year ranked ninth in the state for financial sustainability and the only local council in the top 20 ranked councils in NSW.
“We have a duty to be responsible with ratepayer funds, especially in a challenging economic environment where everyone is feeling the pinch of rising costs, and this Budget reflects our commitment to sound financial management and sustainability.”
Acting Chief Financial Officer Scott Moore said the adopted budget reflected community feedback, with 100 submissions received during public exhibition. He said the responses highlighted concerns about cost-of-living pressures, fees and charges for community groups and organisations, and the equitable allocation of spending.
“This Budget meets those expectations, from providing everyday benefits in areas such as road renewal, cycleways, and footpaths, and delivering congestion relief for those who travel through our city’s Western Corridor, to continuing the ongoing renewal and maintenance of our assets across the city,” Mr Moore said.
“In setting our fees and charges for the next financial year we’ve reaffirmed our commitments to equity, inclusion and access, with targeted concessions for charities and not-for-profit organisations who use facilities across Newcastle.”
The budget continues subsidised access to Crown Land, with rent capped at $625 a year to help groups such as surf life saving clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, Men’s Sheds and sporting clubs focus on community services. Charitable organisations will also receive fee reductions at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, while funding will be provided for rates assistance relief for eligible customers experiencing financial hardship.
Councillors also backed the continuation of $2 entry at pools at Beresfield, Wallsend, Mayfield and Stockton, as well as a $2 entry fee for all concession card holders at Lambton Park War Memorial Swim Centre. The council will consider how the cost of the subsidised pool entry fees can be absorbed into the 2026/27 Budget as part of its September quarterly review.
