The budget was boosted by more than $27 million in grant funding, and despite the economic impact of COVID-19, a surplus is forecast.

General manager Lotta Jackson said council staff are prepared for the busy year ahead.

"We understand our community want to see more upgrades of our roads and local infrastructure," Ms Jackson said.

"Council is working extremely hard to meet these expectations while also making sound financial decisions.

"The significant Capital Works Program is largely possible due to council securing grant funding from the NSW and Federal governments. We're focused on ensuring we seek out every opportunity on offer and this proactive approach has seen us secure more than $27 million in external funding."

Highlights include $8.8 million towards upgrading Cessnock Airport, and more than $2.1 million to be invested in the Kurri Kurri town centre, including the upgrade of Lang Street and Col Brown Rotary Park.

Big ticket road projects include Old Maitland Road ($2.3 million); Cessnock Road, Weston ($1 million); Mitchell Avenue, Kurri Kurri ($1 million) and just under $840,000 towards works on Wollombi Road at Millfield, plus safety upgrades on Sandy Creek Road, Quorrobolong ($1 million) and George Downes Drive, Bucketty ($1.7 million).

The budget also includes more than $4 million worth of bridge works at Yango Creek and Cunneens Bridge in Wollombi; Watagan Creek, Laguna; Kline Street, Weston and Westcott Street, Cessnock.

Councillors endorsed the operational plan and budget 11 votes to one at last Wednesday's meeting, with independent councillor Ian Olsen the sole opponent.

Cr Olsen said he has "serious concerns" about how council does its accounting, and that there is no money in the budget for repairs in Cooper Street and Frame Drive.