Population Growth 

Cessnock’s population is on the rise and the LGA ranked with the 16th highest rate of growth in NSW between 2006 and 2016, following our neighbouring Hunter population centre of Maitland with 24.9% and ranked 8th in NSW. Official data shows that Cessnock LGA experienced 19.7% growth in population over the ten years, where NSW only experienced 15.0%, and Australia 18%. Cessnock LGA’s growth rate surpassed Greater Sydney with 18.2% where the rest of NSW saw only 9.0%.

Cessnock City is a nominated growth area, with over 20,000 additional dwellings to be developed over the next decade.  Residential growth has fuelled opportunities and a rise in demand for construction trades and businesses servicing populations.

Tourism

The Hunter Tourism Region attracts approximately 2.3 million visitors per year, of which 1.4 million visit the Hunter Valley Wine Country. Hunter Valley Wine Country is internationally renowned, with food and wine tourism being a major drawcard. The area is also known for high profile entertainment and concerts and a range of additional attractions and activities bring leisure visitors.

Shopping 

Cessnock City is a major regional retail centre, with active CBDs in Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Branxton, each with active main street activity. The Hunter Expressway and population growth is driving greater potential for development in the Kurri Kurri and Branxton areas.

Cessnock’s growing retail centre includes a number of large retail operations, 3 prominent complexes, with major supermarkets, and several leading mixed retail chains (Target, Big W) mingled with small and vibrant cafés and dining as well as mixed retail and service business operators.

Kurri Kurri has three full sized supermarkets and expanding retail and service opportunities as a growing lifestyle centre.

Branxton and Greta are changing townships due to population growth. Services and essential retail are growing, and there is an emerging commercial centre planned for nearby Huntlee.

Heritage

We value our rich history, with many of Cessnock’s villages emerging from a prominent coal mining history. Today Cessnock City is still home to Australia’s oldest surviving wine region. Cessnock City has more than 300 known Aboriginal sites, as well as being home to many relics of the Convict built Great North Road. Cessnock City has fine heritage structures and a strong and proud Scottish and Welsh ancestry.

Open Space and Natural Areas

We also boast a rich hinterland and an outstanding natural environment in our National Parks, State Forests and Conservation areas – all of which are naturally beautiful and untouched.

24% of the land in Cessnock City is protected National Park. The wild and beautiful Watagan Mountains encircle the Hunter Region and offer a range of leisure experiences from passive recreation such as bushwalking and climbing to experiences such as four wheel driving.

Leisure and Recreation 

A large array of parks, pools, playgrounds and sporting facilities support a recreation culture for Cessnock City. These facilities provide an invaluable contribution to the landscape of the region which is demonstrated through high community engagement in sports and recreation.

Entertainment

Enjoy top international acts on your doorstep with Hunter Valley Wine Country a much loved venue for international performers such as Tom Jones, The Eagles, Carole King, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John.

The Cessnock Performing Arts Centre has a full calendar of events, concerts, plays, operas, comedy shows and light entertainment is available throughout the year. Cessnock Regional Art Gallery exhibits locally produced arts and crafts.

Health

There are two hospitals in Cessnock City – Cessnock and Kurri Kurri. There are also community health centres in Cessnock and Kurri Kurri and a range of supportive healthcare services operating across the whole Hunter Region. The Hunter Region has one of the most advanced health and medical systems in NSW, administered by Hunter New England Health.

Schooling 

There are a selection of quality public and private schools within Cessnock City. Highly commended selective schools for academic, creative arts and sporting achievements also operate within the Hunter region.