Coffs Harbour residents are being invited to help shape the City’s priorities, with a wide-ranging draft plan of projects, services and spending now on public exhibition.
The City of Coffs Harbour has released its draft 2026/27 Operational Plan, draft 2025–29 Delivery Program and draft Fees and Charges, outlining how it intends to invest in local infrastructure, services and community facilities over the coming years.
At its 23 April meeting, Council endorsed the documents for a 28-day public consultation period.
“The Operational Plan is the City’s immediate to-do list and it contains specific, measurable objectives around the City’s service delivery commitment to the community,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“It’s a roadmap to invest in the places that locals use the most – our beaches, parks, community facilities and road network.”
The draft plan centres on day-to-day services and long-term planning across Coffs Harbour, with initiatives aimed at improving waste services, water infrastructure and youth engagement.
Among the local measures proposed are upgrades to bulky goods collection, a new Water Mains Replacement Plan, and the development of a Youth Strategy to help young people in Coffs Harbour stay connected and participate in community life.
Seasonal pool hours at Woolgoolga and Sawtell are set to be extended, while work will continue on the Post Bypass Renewal Plan, which will reshape the former Pacific Highway corridor through the city once the bypass opens.
Residents would also see more flexible payment options for rates and water bills, alongside continued investment in the City’s holiday parks and tourism sector.
City General Manager Murray Wood said the Delivery Program would help manage growth across Coffs Harbour while maintaining essential assets.
“There are always financial constraints on what we can afford but the City has a strong and coordinated capital works program,” Wood said.
“Road resealing and pavement renewal, targeted upgrades to bridges, culverts and key corridors and ongoing investment in our water and waste networks are crucial.”
Major works flagged across Coffs Harbour include road upgrades at Emerald Beach, improvements to the Park Avenue bus interchange, and ongoing remediation of the Coffs Harbour Jetty.
Other projects include flood mitigation works in North Boambee Valley, water main duplication between Mullaway and Corindi, upgrades to the Water Reclamation Plant, and active transport improvements on Lyons Road.
Investment is also planned for community facilities, including upgrades at Nana Glen and improvements to playgrounds such as Coramba Park.
The City currently manages about 99,500 assets across Coffs Harbour, valued at $3.4 billion.
“The opening of the Bypass and how we manage that shapes as a generational opportunity for our community,” Williams said.
“We are facing a period of significant change in Coffs Harbour, one that arrives with challenges and gateways. These include some State Government settings like the Jetty Foreshores revitalisation and the Great Koala National Park.
“And we will work with the NSW Government to plan and deliver the Coffs Harbour Workplace Hub, which will enable 600 State staffers to work from our City Centre. That will open the door for further improvements of our public domain spaces and boost general economic activity in our CBD.”
The draft budget forecasts a $13.347 million surplus before capital revenue, with gains across the General, Water and Sewer funds.
Fees and charges are proposed to increase by an average of 3.7 per cent.
“The draft Operational Plan does not account for possible inflationary pressures stemming from global fuel supply disruptions and ongoing geopolitical instability,” Chief Financial Officer Amy Mott said.
“We may well see increased fuel and transportation costs, which in turn may flow through to higher prices for goods, services, and contractual obligations. The City will actively monitor and update financial assumptions and forecasts as required through regular budget reviews and reporting cycles.”
The draft plans are available for public viewing, with submissions open until 5pm on Tuesday, 26 May.
North Coast Times is new! Connect with us by sending press releases to newsdesk@nctimes.com.au or enquire about advertising with us by emailing ads@nctimes.com.au.