City of Coffs Harbour Council has released its draft 2026/27 Operational Plan, draft 2025-29 Delivery Program and draft 2026/27 Fees and Charges for public feedback.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the Operational Plan was the City’s immediate to-do list and contains specific, measurable objectives around the City’s service delivery commitment to the community.
“It’s a roadmap to invest in the places that locals use the most – our beaches, parks, community facilities and road network,” said Mayor Williams.
The draft plan includes detailed actions for the City’s four directorates (City Infrastructure, Business Services, City Planning and Communities and the Office of the General Manager).
Key highlights of the draft Operational Plan include:
- Better promote and improve accessibility and effectiveness of the bulky goods collection service;
- Complete the development of a Water Mains Replacement Plan;
- Develop a new Youth Strategy to support young people to participate, thrive and feel connected to their community;
- Extend daily operating hours at the City’s Woolgoolga and Sawtell pools during the traditional season period;
- Progress the Post Bypass Renewal Plan, incorporating a concept design for the existing Pacific Highway through the CBD and a streetscape design guideline for the full 10.2km stretch of what will become the ‘old highway’ when the Bypass opens;
- Introduction of more regular, flexible payment options for rates and water accounts;
- Continued investment in the City’s four holiday parks which provide a significant financial return for ratepayers; and
- Continued prioritisation of tourism including the attraction of flagship events which boost economic activity across the region.
Council General Manager, Murray Wood said the longer-term Delivery Program in particular is tailored to cover asset maintenance, renewal and new infrastructure to meet the needs of a fast-growing community.
“There are always financial constraints on what we can afford but the City has a strong and coordinated capital works program,” Mr Wood said.
“Road resealing and pavement renewal, targeted upgrades to bridges, culverts and key corridors and ongoing investment in our water and waste networks are crucial.”
Mayor Williams said proposed major capital works include:
- $3 million for the renewal of Fiddaman Road at Emerald Beach and upgrades to culverts and drainage to support long-term reliability;
- $1.2m for the Park Avenue bus interchange upgrade;
- $750,000 toward remediation and maintenance of the Coffs Harbour Jetty;
- $200,000 for the renewal of amenities at Nana Glen Sportsground and improvements at the Nana Glen Equestrian Centre;
- $5m for a new flood detention basin in North Boambee Valley;
- $1.85m for duplication of water main on Solitary Islands Way, Mullaway to Corindi;
- $5m for capital projects at the Coffs Harbour Water Reclamation Plant for the treatment and disposal of biosolids;
- $1.579m for a new footpath and bike lane improvements on Lyons Road (De Castella Dr to Toormina Rd);
- $3m for North Boambee Road bridge replacement and road raising (west of Bishop Druitt College);
- $1.016m for beach access stair renewal, Murrays Beach, Sawtell;
- $1.7m for Coffs Harbour Waste Transfer Station planning and associated capital works;
- And multiple playground works including $460,000 for amenities, shelter and playground renewal at Coramba Park.
The Council currently manages 99,500 individual assets ranging from buildings and roads to water meters and road signs, valued at $3.4 billion.
“The opening of the Bypass and how we manage that shapes as a generational opportunity for our community,” Mayor Williams said.
“We are facing a period of significant change in Coffs Harbour, one that arrives with challenges and gateways. These include some State Government settings like the Jetty Foreshores revitalisation and the Great Koala National Park.
“And we will work with the NSW Government to plan and deliver the Coffs Harbour Workplace Hub, which will enable 600 State staffers to work from our City Centre. That will open the door for further improvements of our public domain spaces and boost general economic activity in our CBD.”
The 2026/27 budget result forecasts an estimated surplus (before capital revenue) of $13.347m. This includes an estimated surplus of $568,000 for the General Fund, $3.904m for the Water Fund and $8.875m for the Sewer Fund.
The City’s draft Fees and Charges are proposed to increase by an average of 3.7%.
“The draft Operational Plan does not account for possible inflationary pressures stemming from global fuel supply disruptions and ongoing geopolitical instability,” said Chief Financial Officer, Amy Mott.
“We may well see increased fuel and transportation costs, which in turn may flow through to higher prices for goods, services, and contractual obligations. The City will actively monitor and update financial assumptions and forecasts as required through regular budget reviews and reporting cycles.”
The draft Operational Plan, Delivery Program, and Fees and Charges can be viewed here. Submissions close 5pm, Tuesday 26 May.
