A library upgrade, a new pedestrian and cycle bridge at Woolgoolga, and further improvements to Brelsford Park in the Coffs Harbour CBD were among the major capital works completed during the first three months of 2026.
The City of Coffs Harbour’s Quarterly Progress Report for January to March shows the council remains in a “satisfactory” financial position while tracking the delivery of capital and operational projects.
The City’s revised consolidated 2025–26 budget to March records a net surplus of $31 million and an operating surplus before capital revenue of $13.1 million.
“We continue to be in a solid financial position but need to keep an eye on the future needs of ageing infrastructure – particularly water and wastewater, which will require significant investment,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“That said, the report notes a significant number of projects which have been delivered in the past quarter for the benefit of the community.”
Among the completed projects was a $292,000 refurbishment of Woolgoolga Library, including new flooring, furniture, paintwork, storage facilities and audiovisual equipment.
The January–March quarter also saw completion of the new West Woolgoolga pedestrian and cycleway bridge, delivered under budget at $128,000.
The removal of the ageing tennis court complex in the north-east corner of Brelsford Park was also completed as part of the current financial year’s Operational Plan.
“Of the 276 projects in the plan, 221 have either been completed or are on-track,” City General Manager Murray Wood said.
“Twenty-two are listed as on hold or are yet to start and 33 are facing disruption.”
Quarter three highlights
Key results for the January–March quarter included:
- 77,889 visits to City libraries and 204,374 items borrowed
- 21 school visits and 14,302 visitors to Yarrila Arts Museum (YAM)
- Six business support initiatives and 12 city centre marketing activities
- 115 marketing activities promoting visitor attraction
- A 13 per cent increase in online bookings at Coffs Coast Holiday Parks
- A 16 per cent profit margin achieved by Coffs Harbour Laboratory
- 148 occupation certificates issued by the City
- 38,431 visitors to the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
- 100 per cent attendance by councillors at council meetings.
Other significant capital works completed during the quarter included upgraded lighting for the second field at Ayrshire Park, Boambee ($128,000), renewal of amenities at Woolgoolga Community Hall ($73,000), footpath renewal on Arthur Street between York Street and Ocean Parade ($81,000), and security improvements at the City’s Marcia Street Depot ($121,000).
“The City maintains 324 kilometres of walking and cycling paths. 96 per cent of this extensive network is rated as in fair or better condition,” City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick said.
Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said the number of onsite sewage management system inspections increased significantly during the quarter, with 361 inspections completed compared with about 240 in each of the previous two quarters.
Business Services Director Steve Bayliss said the City’s four holiday parks continued to perform strongly despite broader economic pressures.
“Our cabin occupancy across all of our parks was sitting at near 90 per cent, and site occupancy was greater than 70 per cent,” Bayliss said.
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