Coffs Harbour residents are being asked to help shape practical initiatives aimed at saving money, strengthening local connections and preparing the community for future challenges.
The City of Coffs Harbour has placed its draft Growing Together discussion paper on public exhibition, seeking feedback on community-led approaches to climate mitigation and adaptation.
The paper follows a series of challenges for the region in recent years, including the Black Summer bushfires, COVID-19 pandemic, flooding, cost-of-living pressures and high fuel prices.
Developed by the City’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, Growing Together: Save Money, Build Resilience, Strengthen Community outlines potential actions covering food security, energy efficiency, waste reduction and support for local food producers.
“We believe a community conversation is the most meaningful way to identify practical ways to make our local government area more resilient,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“Some of the concepts in the discussion paper are a plant exchange library; how to make the most of a seasonal harvest by learning about food preservation and simple tips on making your home more energy efficient.”
Sustainability Advisory Committee chair Councillor Jonathan Cassell said Growing Together aimed to strengthen the community’s resilience in the face of a changing climate.
“Think of this as a way community can lead and the City can support good ideas which build resilience,” Cassell said.
“The 42-day public exhibition gives our community the opportunity to contribute to a plan which can help save money, strengthen our connections, and build long-term preparedness across Coffs Harbour.”
The City has allocated $10,000 in its 2026-27 Operational Plan to help deliver a project identified through the community engagement process.
The draft paper proposes five key areas: information sharing, skill building, seed and plant libraries, support for local food producers and community activities.
Proposals include a Coffs Resilience Map, improved climate communication and practical workshops covering food growing, energy efficiency, waste reduction and foraging.
The paper also proposes expanding the existing seed library, establishing a plant-sharing library and helping local food producers through mapping, promotion, knowledge sharing and pathways for new growers.
Community initiatives could include awareness campaigns, market activities, food swaps, seasonal events and an annual festival.
“Feedback on the draft report will help inform Council so we can consider the community’s ideas and priorities. It’s about giving our community a genuine opportunity to share their ideas on practical ways to mitigate and adapt to future challenges,” Cassell said.
The draft Growing Together discussion paper is available through the City of Coffs Harbour’s Have Your Say website, with submissions open until November 18.
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