We acknowledge the Wonnarua People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land within the Maitland Local Government Area. Council pays respect to all Aboriginal Elders, past, present and future with a spiritual connection to these lands.
Message from our Mayor and General Manager
Reporting to our community
Our community satisfaction survey
Our Operational Plan 2022 - 2023
Capital works program
Let’s connect with each other
Let’s create opportunities
Let’s live sustainably
Let’s lead together
Our Councillors
For more information about this document contact: Maitland City Council PO Box 220, Maitland NSW 2320 maitland.nsw.gov.au ©2022 Maitland City Council
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information.
July 2022 Floods
Photograph supplied by Hayden Blais.
Welcome to this edition of On the Move, capturing the activities of Council in delivering the Delivery Program 2022 - 2026 for the period 1 April to 30 September 2022.
This is our first On the Move aligned to our Delivery Program, a statement of commitment to the community from our newly elected Council, translating the community’s vision and priorities from Maitland +10 into clear actions. This edition of On the Move is presented under the four themes of the Delivery Program.
While we may have thought the challenging years were behind us, July 2022 floods have shown us these challenges are still ever present in our lives. But through it all, one thing has continued to shine‘Maitland’s spirit’. Collectively, we have shown we are a city that is resilient in times of crisis. In a time of isolation, we showed that togetherness, community strength and solidarity will get us through whatever is ahead of us.
We have worked hard to continue to deliver despite the challenges and this is a recap of our last six months.
A key focus of the Delivery Program is making our neighbourhoods great with investment in a new playground and shade structure at Bolwarra Lookout, creating an inclusive space for all to play.
Our sporting facilities are also receiving significant upgrades, with $1.7 million of works commenced at Robins Oval, improving the grandstand, change rooms and amenities and construction of a new canteen expected to be finished by the end of 2022. A new shared footpath at Telarah has been completed creating connection with the cycleway on Bungaree Street.
Construction is also to start on a four way intersection at Government Road and Raymond Terrace Road with an investment of $9.5 million received from the NSW Government Housing Acceleration Fund.
Our community and local business people came together with Council to generate ideas and opportunities for Maitland’s future to inform a new Economic Development Strategy.
It was exciting to see so many events return with the Aroma Coffee & Chocolate Festival, Live at The Levee, Maitland River Run, Pipes and Drum’s 75th Celebration, Maitland Heritage Festival, Warming the Streets Mini Markets, Foreign Film Nights, After Dark and five Street Eat Gatherings across our city.
Philip Penfold Mayor David Evans PSM General Manager
Maitland Regional Art Gallery launched its winter community focused exhibitions. A development application was approved for the Maitland Gaol tower alterations.
The Hunter Estuary Alliance met for the first time to inspect and understand the Hunter River from Newcastle to Morpeth, with a focus on developing a Hunter Estuary Coastal Management Plan.
The ever popular recycling event, the Mattress Muster saw 2,137 mattresses diverted from landfill and planting days saw over 3,100 seedlings planted and 1,640 given away.
Our community had their say to help inform the preparation of Maitland’s first Environmental Sustainability Strategy and our upgrade to the community recycling centre is one step closer with the tender awarded in June.
Maitland +10, our new Community Strategic Plan, was endorsed after an extensive engagement process with community, setting the priorities for Delivery Program and Operational Plan, our commitment for delivery to the community over the next four years.
A pleasing result given the customer centric focus of our organisation, community satisfaction with Council’s performance (satisfied to somewhat satisfied) rose to an all time high of 91%, a 3% improvement on our results in 2018 and 96% rated their quality of life living in Maitland as good to excellent.
Our Annual Community Grants Program saw Council provide $55,000 grants funding to 15 local community groups.
We hope you find this update informative.
TOGETHER, WE MAKE
REPORTING TO OUR COMMUNITY
On the Move is a report to our community on our achievements for each of our communities four themes, demonstrating our commitment to deliver on our Maitland +10 vision and activities in our Delivery Program.
In addition to meeting our legislative obligations, the aim of On the Move are to:
• communicate our vision, themes and outcomes to the community
• instil community confidence in our ability to show strong leadership and deliver on our promises
• demonstrate our commitment to being open and transparent
• celebrate the achievements and acknowledge the challenges of our organisation
Scan the QR code for more information about out our Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
that Council
in Maitland
and the Delivery Program, the
by Council after community consultation. It identifies
over a 12 month period commencing from 1 July.
A plan for Thornton Road network will see Council construct a four way intersection and traffic lights at the intersection of Government Road and Raymond Terrace Road, which will significantly improve traffic flow along the busy stretch. The project has received $9.5 million worth of funding from the NSW Government’s Housing Acceleration Fund.
Construction will begin in late 2022 and is expected to take approximately a year to complete, subject to conditions.
A new playground and shade structures have been installed at Bolwarra Lookout, creating an inclusive space for all to play. The site upgrades feature a farm based playspace, footpaths suitable for kids on bikes, a new toilet block, three shaded structures with seating and a BBQ, and improved park and car parking access. Funding for this project came from the Australian Government’s Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Program.
Upgrades commenced at Robins Oval with $1.7 million of works now in the early stages of construction. Improvements to the site will include reconstruction of the existing grandstand seating, refurbishment of the existing change rooms and amenities underneath the grandstand, and construction of two new buildings for storage and a canteen. Weather pending, the works are expected to be completed by the summer holidays.
Maitland will see thousands of netballers from across NSW compete at Maitland Park in June 2023 after the city wins hosting rights to Netball NSW State Titles. Netball in Maitland has recently undergone a big transformation, thanks to the rejuvenation of the precinct jointly funded by the NSW Government, Maitland City Council and Maitland Netball Association. The attraction of this significant event to the region is testament to the quality facilities provided in Maitland.
A new shared footpath is now open and connecting the cycleway on Bungaree Street through the lagoon pathways and up onto Telarah Street, and across the rail bridge. To help get the community there safely by car, Council has also installed ten brand new car parking spaces on Bungaree Street, near the picnic area.
Morpeth Lookout and Morpeth Oval carparks work completed
New shared pathway connections in Telarah and Largs
Maitland Aquatics launch winter season with family open day
Melville Ford Bridge reopened following flood damage remediation
Council commences a journey to healing with Reconciliation Action Plan
50 tonnes of asphalt used to fill potholes in one week during July floods
$1.54 million secured for remediation works at Walka Water Works
Maitland Regional Art Gallery awards the 2022 Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Prize Scholarship
Maitland Regional Sports Complex announced as Newcastle Jets training ground for 2022 - 2023
Stage 2 of Maitland Park Netball Courts opened in July 2022
East Maitland Pool closed for maintenance repairs
Maitland Park Bowling Club closes
The Draft Rural Land and Local Housing Strategies were placed on public exhibition in September for the community to have their say. These two important planning documents will guide how Council plans and manages Maitland’s rural lands and housing for the next 20 years. The draft documents are based on extensive community consultation and stakeholder engagement.
Futurist urban thinker James Tuma of Urbis led conversations with the community and local businesses to generate ideas for Council’s prospective Economic Development Strategy. Council facilitated workshops and events to explore future economic scenarios designed to get the mind thinking about future Maitland. The feedback received will inform the next phase of consultation that will test themes and ideas for the strategy, which will consider opportunities for our city, outline how these trends will impact Maitland, and identify future opportunities.
Council signed a funding agreement to provide $25,000 to the ‘It Must Be Morpeth’ Incorporated business association to support the growth of Morpeth’s profile as a destination hub for visitors. This funding aligns with Council’s plan to build awareness of Morpeth as a destination, highlight key experiences and showcase the township’s historical significance. It will afford ‘It Must Be Morpeth’ Incorporated the opportunity to work in partnership with Council to ‘build and broaden Morpeth’s reputation as a must see daytrip and overnight destination in the Hunter’.
The Levee was transformed into an altered world of darkened shopfronts transformed into vibrant and curious performance spaces. After Dark - A Midwinters Night was piloted for a new, winter based event for the city with a focus on activating spaces after dark. The event, which utilised shopfronts as well as The Levee Shared Zone, drew over 7,000 people to Central Maitland, with a number of businesses reporting a significant boost in trade as a result of the event.
Funding has been secured to improve High Street, Central Maitland as part of the NSW Government’s Your High Street grant program. The $594,000 awarded to Council will provide works including shade, garden and green spaces, a parklet, additional seating suitable for outdoor dining, creative street and footpath treatments, and an enhanced shared zone experience in nearby streets.
The project was developed after consultation with the public and businesses and seeks to create a vibrant, engaging and greener public space, complementing local heritage character and supporting the mix of businesses.
TO
MAITLAND
TO
TO
Maitland Taste, Maitland Aroma and Foreign Film nights, return to The Levee
Maitland Rural Lands and Local Housing Strategies placed on exhibition
Maitland Regional Art Gallery launched winter community focused exhibitions
Laneway installation unveiled in East Maitland in partnership with Studio John Fish
$14 million hotel investment in High Street Maitland underway
Development application approved for Maitland Gaol tower
Development application and construction certificate applications and approvals remain consistent
Cancellation of Hunter Valley Steamfest 2022 due to flood events
The Hunter Estuary Alliance met for the first time for an inspection of the Hunter River Estuary from Newcastle to Morpeth to understand the good, bad and potential of the tidal part of the river. Championed by Maitland City Council on behalf of five Hunter coastal councils, the alliance will focus efforts across the region to help heal the estuary for social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the community both now and into the future. The next steps for the group will be to develop the Hunter Estuary Coastal Management Plan.
The first phase of an upgraded Community Recycling Centre (CRC) is underway after Council awarded a tender. Stage one of the works at the site will see the development of a modern Maitland Resource Recovery Facility to increase recycling and maximise circular economy opportunities. Upgrades to the recycling area will include the construction of sealed roads and drop off areas to improve customer experience and expand the range of on site recycling materials.
During July and August, Council undertook a community environmental attitudes survey as a part of the preparation of the Maitland Environmental Sustainability Strategy. The survey included phone and web surveys to engage the community on their thoughts, concerns and priorities in relation to the local environment. The survey outcomes will be used to prioritise future environmental actions.
Landcare and tree planting programs have been growing from strength to strength in the past twelve months. Activities have included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hunter Region Landcare Network and commencement of a new Landcare site at Bolwarra, and through a series of community planting days, which have been well attended by individuals, families and community groups.
Urban heat data to guide future tree canopy coverage Council completed its urban heat mapping project, which found heat island effect in Maitland, including hotspots identified. The urban heat data will be used to guide Council’s own and community based tree planting programs, the prioritisation and planning for future urban release areas, and other heat reduction initiatives.
Image: Gillieston Heights Planting Day, April 20222
2021 2022
2,494 2,533
WASTE COLLECTED AT KERBSIDE (TONNES, APRIL TO SEPTEMBER) 2021 2022
12,367
GARDEN ORGANICS COLLECTED AT KERBSIDE (TONNES, APRIL TO SEPTEMBER) 2021 2022
4,355 4,881
Comunity planting days hosted at Telarah Lagoon, Chisholm, Aberglasslyn, Largs and Gillieston Heights
Mattress Muster hosted at Maitland Showground
Maitland schools environmental program continued. 375 shrubs planted by 15 schools on School Tree Day
Water saving kits delivery to schools for World Water Day 2022
March and July flood recovery response
Walka Water Works closure continued pending remediation
Fire at Mount Vincent Road Waste Management Centre
Maitland +10 is our Community Strategic Plan and provides a ten year vision for Maitland, along with strategies for how we will get there. The plan is the result of listening to our community through an extensive engagement process, where they identified priorities and aspirations for the future.
Our four year Delivery Program forecast funding of $780 million will allow the services and operations of Council to continue at the levels expected by our community and keep moving us towards our priorities set in Maitland +10.
Maitland faced its biggest flood clean up in 15 years after floodwater inundated properties, isolated entire communities, and blocked roads in several suburbs in July this year, the second in just four months. The flood event resulted in damage to infrastructure across the city, with recovery efforts underway and projected to take many months to complete.
Council stood as one to keep our community safe and dry. Our libraries and community centres became a place of refuge and comfort for many and crews across Council worked day and night tirelessly to help keep Maitland running and safe for the community.
Three qualified independent members were appointed to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee in June. Charged with a focus on risk management, financial management, governance and compliance, the committee will report annually to Council.
Councillors have approved $55,000 in grant funding for 15 local community groups and clubs. From local arts and culture to support programs and sports initiatives, the grants are designed to assist in the establishment of programs that benefit the community and foster community partnerships.
In honour of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Council invited community members to attend Maitland Library or Maitland Regional Art Gallery to sign a condolence book. Ministers Park was announced to be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Park and images were displayed on the front walls of Maitland Library as part of Walls That Talk.
TO SEPTEMBER)
TO SEPTEMBER
POTHOLES
REPAIR
DOGS
BINS
INFRINGMENT
Community provides input on future Communication and Engagement Strategy
Ministers Park Maitland to be renamed in honor of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Endorsed High Achievers Grant for seven young local sportspeople
Continued advocacy and interagency work on levee bank repairs, Thornton road network, Testers Hollow, Walka Water Works remediation, old Hospital site vision, Greater Cities Commission
vision is to deliver consistently great service regardless of how customers choose to interact with us.
Customer Experience Team received 31,838 calls from April 2022 to September 2022, which is a slight reduction in comparison to the previous reporting period.
website has increased compared to the previous quarter with 4,334 chats. Council has nominated turnaround times it aims to meet for each customer service request category,
to
live chat service via the
seriousness of the issue.
range from three days for waste related matters, ten days for pothole repairs and 15 days for footpath
Of all the requests finalised over this time, 72% were completed within service level timeframes.
In 2022 - 2023 Council has budgeted $163 million to provide services and facilities to more than 90,000 people. We manage $1.7 billion worth of assets including roads, bridges, halls, recreation and leisure facilities, drains, libraries and parks. We generate income to fund services and facilities via rates on property, government grants, interest on investments and user charges. This income is then spent on construction, maintenance, wages and other services to the community like libraries, pools, sporting facilities, parks and waste facilities. The following information aims to provide a brief summary of our financials for 2022 - 2023.
you pay
Council
maintain the
as discussed above.
Rates in arrears can be an indicator of how affordable annual rates are for the community.
These figures do not include any overdue instalments from the current financial year.
The NSW Department of Planning & Environment’s (DPE) population projections released in 2022 estimates that the population of Maitland will grow by an additional 54,800 residents between 2021 (from 89,750) and 2041 (to 144,550), based on a ‘common planning’ scenario. This represents a forecast population growth of 61% or the compound average growth rate of 2.4% for the 20 year period.
Maitland continues to be one of the fastest growing inland cities in Australia. Our approval statistics provide an indication of the level of building and development activity across the city, as well as the efficiency of our processing systems. Our median processing times remains well below the Premier’s target. 90% of the DAs processed in under 40 days.
Elected in December 2021, our Council has the highest representation of females in its history. Scan the QR code to get to know who is representing you.
PO Box 220, Maitland NSW 2320 info@maitland.nsw.gov.au maitland.nsw.gov.au
