Newcastle councillors have voted to publicly exhibit the draft budget for the 2026-27 financial year, which includes nearly $50 million for roads, venues, and recreational improvements. The budget, endorsed on April 28, outlines a $128.5 million infrastructure program and forecasts a $1.4 million surplus.
The infrastructure program allocates $29 million for road renewal and upgrades, including the completion of the western corridor road widening at Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue. An additional $20.1 million has been set aside for city and civic venues, aquatics, and recreation and sports improvements, such as finalising the Foreshore Park play space.
Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of the 100-year-old Cottage Creek Bridge replacement and the extension of the Hunter Street cycleway. She noted that the budget was being developed during an uncertain time due to the war in the Middle East, which has affected diesel prices. The council has not raised the domestic waste service charge, absorbing the cost of diesel price increases, unlike many other councils.
Labor councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk successfully moved an amendment to consider continuing the $2 pool entry fee and expanding it to Lambton pool in the following budget, pending a report on the $2 pool trial due in May. She also requested a public briefing for councillors, including the incoming lord mayor, on how the budget was created.
