City of Coffs Harbour Council has released a new investment prospectus designed to supercharge the region’s diverse $5 billion annual economy.
Mayor Nikki Williams unveiled the 72-page INVESTCOFFS investment prospectus at a local business event today, detailing the key metrics and opportunities of the fast-growing regional city.
“We’re home to Australia’s first ‘big thing’ (The Big Banana) and this initiative shows thinking big is in our DNA,” Mayor Williams said.
“The prospectus is a roadmap of what we have, where we’re going and a climb-on-board invitation for those looking to grow with us.”
With a population of 81,000 and rising, and 6,700 businesses, the coastal and hinterland region boasts the nation’s most livable climate, the Mayor said. She said the region’s outstanding attributes include the enviable relaxed lifestyle and logistical connectedness – Coffs sits on the Pacific Motorway roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and boasts a busy regional airport.
“The prospectus notes the value of our environment as we are New South Wales’s first certified ECO Destination which shows our commitment to sustainable tourism,” said Council Acting General Manager, Andrew Beswick.
“Our human capital is also robust with 36% of residents holding a tertiary qualification.
“Health and construction are the biggest players in our economy while our emerging industries are headlined by advanced manufacturing, digital and creative ventures and allied health.”
Signs of accelerating growth in the built environment are abundantly evident, says the Council. The $2.2 billion Coffs Bypass is due to open late next year (completion in 2027) while the Russell Crowe-touted Pacific Bay Resort movie studios project continues to gather a head of steam.
“This privately-funded $600 million project will be a financial godsend for the Coffs Coast,” said fellow star actor and local resident Jack Thompson OAM,” said Mayor Williams.
The NSW State Government is also committed to a multimillion-dollar revitalisation of the Jetty Foreshores precinct.
“The transformation and progress of Coffs Harbour can be seen across the Local Government Area – none more so than in the Coffs City Centre.”
“Yarrila Place has come online as a state of the art cultural and community hub, the new CODA residential and mixed-use development has changed the skyline, and the State Government is pressing forward with plans to build a workplace hub for its employees.”
Coffs Harbour is also thought to be in pole position as the location for a game-changing North Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“A comprehensive investment prospectus – a first for Coffs Harbour and a rare play by a regional NSW Council – is our statement of ambition backed by hard facts,” Mr Beswick said.
“It shows the breadth of our goods, services, skills and assets – right through to our C.ex Coffs International Stadium which hosted Elton John and has become a summer mainstay for a Big Bash League cricket clash.”
INVESTCOFFS is available in hard copy and digital (investcoffs.com.au) formats and will be promoted Australia-wide and overseas, from Singapore and Hong Kong to Dubai.
“We’re not messing about. All the ducks are lined up for Coffs Harbour to progress and prosper. The prospectus is our invitation to the domestic market and the world showcasing the extraordinary opportunities right now, and the ones ahead,” Mayor Williams said.
