Asset Renewal Continues in Third Year of Delivery Program

The Coffs Harbour community is being encouraged to provide feedback on Council’s Draft 2017-2021 Delivery Program (Year 3). The document, which includes the Draft 2019/20 Operational Plan, Draft 2019/20 Fees and Charges, and Draft Delivery Program Budgets 2019-2021, is on public exhibition from Monday, May 13, until Monday, June 10, 2019.

The general fund budget result for 2019/20, excluding capital revenue, is projected to be a $1.207 million surplus.

“Council developed this four-year Delivery Program in 2017 with a focus on asset renewal across the local government area, and that work will continue in 2019/20,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight. “We need to ensure that our infrastructure is of a high standard to support a comprehensive range of services and facilities to help take Coffs Harbour into the future.

“Year 3 of the Delivery Program will see the continuation of a number of major projects including the Coffs Coast Regional Sports Hub, advancing the Cultural and Civic Space development initiative in the Coffs Harbour City Centre, Safer Communities Coffs CCTV and Security Lighting, the roll-out of a solar power network under Council’s Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan and the adoption of the revised Local Growth Management Strategy by Council.”

In 2019/20, significant funding allocations are proposed for other works across a range of asset categories. These include:

Major roadworks totalling $6.7m including Beach Street in Woolgoolga, Second and Third Avenues at Arrawarra Headland and Headland Road, Sapphire; Bridge renewals and upgrades worth $916,192; $2.8m worth of footpaths and cycleways including Moonee to Sapphire, Sandy Beach Reserve and King Street, Coffs Harbour; Flooding and drainage infrastructure ($2.9m); The extension of the public amenities program ($597,500), including the Boronia Park, Sawtell, amenities upgrade; and Extensive water ($10.3m) and sewer ($8.8m) infrastructure upgrades.

Strategic priorities in the coming year include:

Advocate for the best Coffs Harbour bypass; Implement the City Centre Masterplan, including investing in the Cultural and Civic Space Project; Develop a framework for place-making and implement enhanced precinct planning; Invest in sport through the Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park; Invest in tourism and the community through the redevelopment of the Jetty Foreshores; and Stimulate economic growth through the development of the Airport Enterprise Park.

Council’s General Manager, Steve McGrath, urged the community to consider and comment on the draft documents.

“We believe we’ve developed a constructive and responsible direction for Council to follow in 2019/20, maintaining the delivery of programs and services while aiming for surplus results in the General Fund as well as the Water ($559,000) and Sewer ($472,000) Funds,” said Mr McGrath.

“The Draft Delivery Program documents are on display for 28 days. It’s a great opportunity for the community to see what Council is proposing to do in 2019/20 and provide us with feedback.”

The draft documents – and details of how to make a submission – are available on Council’s Have Your Say website – haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au Printed copies will also be displayed at Council’s Customer Service Centre and local libraries. Submissions close at 5pm on Monday, June 10, 2019.