Six-Monthly Progress Report (11 September 2020)

At the last Council Meeting in August, I was really pleased to be able to present to Councillors the latest ‘Six-Monthly Progress Report’, which covers January to June 2020.

These reports are provided as a regular update to the elected Council on the progress the organisation is making on the community’s priorities in regard to facilities and services.

But this particular period covered the months that we have been dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and, despite these major impacts to day-to-day operations, we were still able to show that we are continuing to provide an excellent service to the community.

In particular, it is worth highlighting that we have remained focused on local infrastructure and planning projects that will help our local economy recover from the COVID-19 shock.

This kind of development activity is vital in providing employment, as well as injecting much-needed cash into the area, particularly at a time in which we were – and still are – facing unprecedented challenges.

It’s also worth flagging that we were able to continue this progress, while at the same time we were also introducing innovative ways to assist local businesses and residents with COVID-19 support measures.

The projects that moved significantly ahead during the six-months included:

Announcement of a $10m Federal Government grant towards the West Woolgoolga Sports Complex; Construction of the Coffs Harbour Airport Enterprise Park began after the Federal Government delivered $10 million for the project; The Local Growth Management Strategy – Rural Lands Component was adopted; Plans for a Youth Space for 8-15 year olds at Sandy Beach Reserve moved a step closer following the announcement that the NSW Government is providing $150,000 funding towards the $300,000 project; Polwarth Drive Oval lighting was completed; and The Positive Ageing Strategy and Library, Museum, Gallery Strategic Plan was adopted.

Many more achievements are highlighted in the ‘Six-Monthly Report January – June 2020’, which can be found on Council’s website.