Coffs Harbour council endorses funding plan for Jetty Strip reimagination

City of Coffs Harbour Council has endorsed a Development Contribution Plan to establish a funding stream for some of the infrastructure and associated works required to redevelop and improve Coffs Harbour’s prized Jetty Strip precinct

The move comes on the back of Council voting in July to allocate funding for the detailed design work necessary for the Jetty Strip project.

“There’s about half-a-billion dollars worth of development – by private companies and for government sites – touted for the Jetty Strip precinct so we’re cracking on to get the upgrade happening,” said Acting Mayor, George Cecato. 

“This project has been on the books for a long time but it needs to be prioritised as it’s one of the most important parts of the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area – as the gateway to the Jetty Foreshores.” 

A draft Coffs Harbour Jetty Contributions Plan (and associated Development Control Plan amendment) was placed on public exhibition earlier this year, attracting 22 submissions. 

The now adopted plan authorises the Council to collect contributions of money, land or both from developers to build the necessary infrastructure at the Jetty Strip. 

The contributions plan would apply to new development in two precincts: The immediate Jetty Strip area and the remainder of the Local Government Area (LGA) excluding Woolgoolga which has its own already established contributions plan. 

The Jetty Strip contributions plan will see an apportioned cost per conventional lot/dwelling of $6,381.32 in the immediate area and a rate of $789.10 in the remainder of the LGA. 

“It’s expected the contributions plan will generate around $8m, about a quarter of the estimated money needed for the infrastructure to reimagine the Jetty Strip,” said City Planning and Communities Director, Ian Fitzgibbon. 

“The City will work to identify funding sources for the other 75%.” 

Infrastructure works will include beautification and improved functionality of the Harbour Drive Jetty Strip, including footpaths, dedicated bicycle lanes, landscaping including medium to large tree plantings in a centre-of-road median strip, and outdoor dining zones. Works include the realignment of Harbour Drive and traffic lights at the Harbour Drive/Orlando St/Marina Drive intersection. 

“The Jetty Strip Structure Plan focuses on road and active transport links – but these are needed to cater for the development anticipated in the area,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. 

“The goal is to develop a well-designed, connected neighbourhood which is in keeping with the subtropical character of Coffs Harbour while at the same time making provision for active lifestyles.” 

The Coffs Jetty Strip Streetscape Plan provides a vision and direction for the future development of the area, with a focus on improving:

• Traffic movements through the area;
• The current choke point at the Harbour Drive, Marina Drive and Orlando Street intersection;
• Pedestrian movement and safety; and  
• Cycle connectivity through the area.