For years, Cessnock Council has boasted a strong financial position, but a closer examination reveals a disturbing reality—its budget is artificially propped up by state and federal grants, along with natural disaster payments. Buried in this month’s council agenda is an alarming detail: Cessnock Council’s net operating budget is forecast to be in deficit by nearly $30 million. The question is, who is responsible for this financial disaster, and will residents soon be hit with a special rate variation to bail out the council?
Councillors Jessica Jurd and first-time Councillor Quintin King raised concerns about financial transparency, only to be shut down when King attempted to press the General Manager on the budget’s true state late last year. The signs are clear: Labor-run councils are once again cooking the books, setting up the newly elected independents to take the fall for their fiscal mismanagement.
Meanwhile, ratepayer money is being wasted on unnecessary expenditures. Did you know Cessnock Council funds meals for councillors and staff after every meeting? Apparently, these officials can’t afford to buy their own food, despite being responsible for millions in spending. This kind of wasteful practice is common across councils, but at a time of economic uncertainty, it’s an insult to the hardworking residents who foot the bill.
The Quarterly Budget Review Statement (QBRS) also exposes further financial juggling:
- The capital works program has been cut by $5.6 million, dropping from $89.3 million to $83.7 million.
- As of December, $39 million had been spent on capital works, largely on disaster grant-funded projects and road renewals.
Adding to the absurdity, the federal government has thrown $14 million at a so-called ‘upgrade’ to Apex Park—a small, awkwardly located park wedged between two busy roads, complete with a major stormwater canal running through it. This blatant election sweetener from Labor does nothing for real infrastructure needs. Meanwhile, the state government has failed to fund a proposed rail line from Bellbird to Maitland—a project that could reduce congestion and emissions, delivering actual benefits to local residents. The Fedral Government is throwing at the Wollombi Road project, which won’t even solve Cessnock’s traffic issues but unlock more housing causing more congestion
This is what happens when three tiers of government—local, state, and federal—consistently fail to get things right. Labor’s financial mismanagement, pointless spending, and refusal to invest in critical infrastructure are pushing Cessnock toward a crisis. Will residents be forced to pay the price with skyrocketing rates? Time will tell, but one thing is certain—Cessnock deserves better leadership and real accountability.
But let’s be clear—the Independents can’t just throw their hands up and blame Labor. They need real solutions, and fast, before frustrated residents come knocking with pitchforks. Leadership isn’t just about pointing out the failures; it’s about fixing them. The time for action is now.