City of Coffs Harbour Council has today released its draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan for public exhibition.
The Council says the plan is a “blueprint for an ambitious but financially responsible schedule of capital works” in the new financial year.
The draft documents outline a path to the future for the powerhouse regional city, tracking expected income, expenditures, rate charges and fees.
“The draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan are a window on where we are heading, and the package of documents include long term financials which trace the City’s remarkable turnaround to a solid and sustainable footing,” said Council General Manager, Natalia Cowley.
Capital works projects for 2024-25 include:
- $941,000 Renew Nana Glen Sportsground amenities;
- $830,000 Park Beach Holiday Park new pool complex;
- $1.08m New football field, car park, access road and walkways next to Toormina Velodrome;
- $1.07m New Sandy Beach cycleway;
- $1m West Woolgoolga pedestrian/cycleway;
- $2.75m De Havilland Way roundabout (Hogbin Dr);
- $1.5m pavement renewals;
- $1m Sewer main relining;
- $900,000 Lyons Rd, North Bonville Rd intersection and cycleway; and
- $2.02m Road resealing program.
The draft documents also outline proposed changes to rates. The ‘average’ residential property can expect a total rates and charges increase of approximately $178.18 per annum (or $3.43 per week).
The 4.6% rate peg, plus 1% growth factor, was announced by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in November under the Local Government ‘Rate Pegging’ legislation.
“It’s worth noting that unlike many other regional councils, we have not had to go for a Special Rate Variation in recent times and this is in part due to the measures we have taken to live within the City’s means,” Ms Cowley said.
“We are looking to progress services and facilities for the community to make City of Coffs Harbour an even better place to live, work and play but that needs to be done in a responsible and considered way.”
The draft documents will be placed on a minimum 28-day public exhibition period, with the community encouraged to provide feedback during that time here.