Newcastle residents can now have their say after councillors this week endorsed the public exhibition of the draft 2026/27 Budget and Delivering Newcastle 2040 plan.

It comes after City of Newcastle (CN) voted on 28 April to place the proposed budget, operational plan and fees and charges on display for 28 days.

The budget outlines a $458 million spend for the upcoming financial year, alongside a projected $1.4 million surplus.

This marks what would be the council’s fifth consecutive positive result.

CN’s executive manager finance and acting chief financial officer Scott Moore said the result reflected long-term financial discipline.

“We have delivered nine budget surpluses in the past 12 years… and this one sets us up to do so once again,” he stated.

“It has been developed so we can continue to meet the changing needs and expectations of our community, while ensuring we’re financially healthy now and into the future.”

A major focus of the draft plan is infrastructure, with $128.5 million earmarked for upgrades and new projects across the city.

CEO Jeremy Bath said the balance between maintaining existing assets and delivering new projects was key.

“After many years of measured and deliberate decision-making, council is well-placed to continue investing sustainably in Newcastle’s future,” he explained.

“We’re forecasting a modest surplus, which means we can confidently commit to the high level of service delivery the community expects, while also being well positioned to weather unforeseen challenges.”

Highlights of the budget include:

• $29 million on road renewal and road upgrades, including the Western Corridor Road Upgrades at Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue
• $20.1 million on City and Civic venues, aquatics and recreation and sports improvements, including the Foreshore Park play space
• $8.1 million on waste management and Summerhill Waste Management Centre
• $7.6 million on footpath and pedestrian access and mobility projects including citywide renewal programs
• $7.0 million on bridge renewal and upgrades including bridge replacement at Cottage Creek, Hunter Street
• $6.4 million on city-wide stormwater upgrades, flood planning and management works, including Union Street, Cooks Hill stormwater drainage rehabilitation
• $5.2 million coastal, city, and urban centres including Georgetown Local Centre and East End Hunter Street Mall
• $4.3 million on coastal management including seawall repairs at Mitchell Street, Stockton
• $4.3 million on cycleway projects including Broadmeadow to Hamilton East, Lambton Park to Croudace Street, and the trial Hunter Street cycleway
• $3.4 million on climate action and sustainability initiatives including community energy projects, electric and low‑emission transport, and solar and battery initiatives
• $3.4 million on street and park trees, bushland and watercourses, and Blackbutt Reserve
• $1.9 million on affordable housing including the Rail Bridge Row Affordable Housing Project.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said community input would play an important role in shaping the final plan.

“Inviting people to have input gives them an opportunity to influence what we’ll deliver across Newcastle,” she added.

“Taking the time to get familiar with the plan is a great way for residents to learn more about what council does and to understand what is proposed for the next 12 months.”

Residents can review the draft budget and provide feedback during the exhibition period before the final plan is considered by council.

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