A leafy new subtropical oasis in the heart of Coffs Harbour is proving popular as a community asset valued by locals and treasured by tourists.
More than 50,000 people poured through the gates of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden (pictured) in the first three months of the current financial year, City of Coffs Harbour Council has revealed.
The impressive visitor number is captured in the Quarterly Budget Review and Progress Report, which tracks the Council’s performance for the period 1 July-30 September 2025.
“With koalas and gliders and plants from around the world, the garden is a jewel to explore,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“Maintained by the City and the Friends, the garden has featured regularly on lifestyle TV shows and entry to the sprawling grounds is free.”
The Quarterly Report – endorsed by Council at its meeting on 27 November – details the achievements and challenges in delivering the City’s services, projects and key operational activities for the quarter.
The report keeps tabs on 269 projects contained in the Council’s Operational Plan which spans the 2025-26 year. Twelve of these projects were completed in the first quarter. Of the remaining 257, 184 are listed as ‘on track’, 33 are on hold or yet to start and 40 are experiencing a disruption.
A highlight project completion was the new Hogbin Drive/De Haviland Way roundabout intersection.
“This major upgrade significantly improves traffic flow and safety at what will become one of the City’s key intersections,” said Infrastructure Director, Andrew Beswick.
“This was a challenging build due to it being an active road corridor. It was a high-profile project within the community, and it was delivered in close partnership with the Australian Government.
“The end result has enhanced road safety and traffic flow, with consideration for pedestrians and cyclists as well. It will prove to be a great piece of enabling infrastructure for our community.”
Other achievements noted in the Quarterly Report include:
- Library services – 95,728 physical visits, 86,460 items borrowed
- 17,383 visits to Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM). 82 per cent of these were by locals
- 241 onsite sewage management inspections completed
- 18 per cent increase in online bookings at the City’s four holiday parks
- 1630.94 mega litres of drinking water produced
- 94 per cent of calls made to the City’s contact centre were answered within 90 seconds; and
- Mayor and Councillors attendance rate at Council meetings – 100 per cent.
The Quarterly Budget Review Statement records a net surplus of $34.0 million and an operating surplus before capital revenue of $9.9 million (after carry-forwards and approved variations).
The expected year-end General Fund operating surplus before capital revenue is $13.4 million and after capital grants is a deficit of $1.2 million.
“Regular reporting to the community shows the organisation’s commitment to accountability,” said General Manager, Murray Wood.
“The Quarterly Report lists what’s been achieved, what’s underway and where we might need to adjust our plans to ensure we stay on track with delivering the outcomes you’ve told us matter most.”
