Major upgrades to Toormina’s sports precinct are among a series of capital works projects completed by the City of Coffs Harbour in the final quarter of the 2025-26 financial year.
The City’s latest Quarterly Progress Report, covering the three months to June, was endorsed by councillors at their 20 August meeting and outlines key achievements and challenges during the period.
Among the major projects completed was a new football field, car park, access road and walkways next to the Toormina Velodrome, with a budget of more than $1.4 million.
Acting Mayor George Cecato said sporting events also delivered a significant economic boost to the region during the financial year.
“I was especially pleased to see the economic impact of events held at our C.ex Coffs International Stadium and Coffs Coast Sports and Leisure Park were quantified at more than $61 million for the year,” Cecato said.
“That shows the substantial value of that asset – attracting athletes and supporters from across the nation which in turn generates widespread economic benefit for our region.
“It also provides context for our Draft Events Strategy which is currently on public exhibition for community input.”
Other projects completed during the quarter included a $753,639 pedestrian crossing on Harbour Drive and a $959,790 shared path between Diamond Head Drive at Sandy Beach and Waterways Drive.
More than $1.13 million was budgeted for the renewal of storm-damaged infrastructure across the Coffs Harbour local government area, while $935,000 was allocated to a water main between Duke Street and Coff Street via Vernon Street.
Sewer main relining across the local government area had a budget of $1.2 million.
The report also recorded 91,050 visits to City libraries during the quarter, with 187,993 items loaned.
Yarrila Arts and Museum welcomed 17,744 visitors and hosted 50 school visits, while 39,154 people visited the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.
Online bookings at Coffs Coast Holiday Parks increased 13 per cent and the City undertook 121 marketing activities aimed at attracting visitors.
Thirty occupation certificates were also issued during the quarter.
City Business Services Director Hayley Harris said the Coffs Harbour Laboratory continued to record strong growth.
“Revenue at the Coffs Harbour Laboratory grew by 16.5 per cent – around double the growth recorded in each of the two preceding quarters,” Harris said.
“That result – part of a consistent trend of the Lab’s upward trajectory – shows why the pending move to a modern and purpose-built new facility on Christmas Bells Road is an investment for the community.”
With the new financial year underway, the City is now working to deliver its 2026-27 Operational Plan, the second year of its four-year Delivery Program.
The plan sets out actions across the City’s four directorates – City Infrastructure, Business Services, City Planning and Communities, and the Office of the General Manager.
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