Coffs Harbour’s fast-tracked development approvals could deliver a $1 million boost for new community infrastructure at Moonee Beach.
City of Coffs Harbour Council has become eligible to apply for funding under the NSW Government’s Faster Assessment Incentive Program, which rewards councils that reduce development application timeframes.
At its 19 March meeting, council resolved to nominate the proposed Moonee Community Hub as its priority project for the funding.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the funding would help progress a key project for the growing northern suburbs.
“There are a number of capital works projects in the 2025-’29 Delivery Program which are unfunded, and staff have identified the Hub – which may comprise a community centre and a park on the corner of Moonee Beach and Sullivans roads – as the best fit for the funding,” Cr Williams said.
“The Hub project is currently in the planning and design stage and is estimated to come in at around $3 million all up.
“$1m from the State will complement the near $2.2m already collected from developers through the Moonee-Sapphire Contributions Plan.”
The proposed hub is expected to include a multi-purpose community space and amenities, with the final design to be shaped through consultation with local residents.
Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said the city’s strong performance in assessing development applications has positioned it well to secure the funding.
“We are performing strongly in an area that has become a statewide focus given the challenges in the housing supply market,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“By strengthening our systems, streamlining processes, improving communication and delivering a more responsive customer service, we’ve been able to make solid progress to the point where we are now significantly ahead of the average assessment timeframe by NSW councils.”
In the 2024–25 financial year, Coffs Harbour recorded an average development assessment time of 90 days, four days faster than the state benchmark. So far this financial year, the average has improved further to 76 days, placing the council 13 days ahead of the target.
The Faster Assessment Incentive Program is administered by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and aims to improve housing supply by encouraging more efficient approvals.
Any project funded under the program must be completed by 30 June 2029.
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