Maitland City Council prioritises financially sustainable services and infrastructure delivery in draft Operational Plan
- intouch Magazine
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Maitland City Council invites the community to have their say on the draft plans that address service delivery, financial sustainability and infrastructure investment for the next financial year and beyond with a number of strategic documents now on public exhibition until Sunday 24 May 2026.
The suite of documents open for public feedback include the Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 incorporating the Operational Plan and budget 2026-27, Draft Fees and Charges 2026-27, Draft Long-Term Financial Plan 2026-2036 and the updated Partnerships and Advocacy Strategy 2026-27.
General Manager Jeff Smith said “We’ve utilised our long-term vision in Maitland’s Future, our Community Strategic Plan, to inform the actions we will deliver in this Operational Plan. These efforts are essential to maintaining a balanced budget while delivering long-term benefits for Maitland.”
"We review these plans annually to ensure we remain on the right track. This exhibition is about receiving our community’s input for how we will turn our shared vision of a connected city with thriving communities into practical action," Mr Smith said.
“In delivering this plan, our focus will remain on providing valued services and infrastructure to our community while remaining financially sustainable. We plan to invest over $224 million, including $56 million in capital works, into our city, delivering key services and infrastructure that will bring our community’s vision to life.”
“Our Partnerships and Advocacy Strategy has also been reviewed to align with the development of the Operational Plan to emphasise what we will be advocating for over the coming year.”
“We’re strengthening our advocacy efforts, using our Community Strategic Plan and informing strategies to identify how we can work with other levels of government and stakeholders to push for the support and investment Maitland needs.”
Highlights of the draft plans include:
The development of Council’s first-ever Social Strategy, including supporting plans for multiple specific community groups.
Thornton road network improvements.
Footpath improvements around Maitland Railway Station as part of the ReVITALise grant funding.
Construction of the Stage 3 transformation of the Maitland Resource Recovery Facility.
The planned delivery of the Hunter Estuary Coastal Management Program.
Construction of the new sportsground at Chisholm Sports Complex.
Progressing remediation works at the NSW Government owned Walka Water Works site.
Council is encouraging residents to explore the draft plans and have their say.
"This is the community’s chance to see what we're planning to deliver and help refine it," Mr Smith
said. "We want to ensure our delivery is as strong as our vision, and community feedback is integral to
achieving that."
To read the plans and make a submission, visit mait.city/DPOP26-27 before 24 May 2026.
