Hinterland, Harbour, Home: Winter 2024

Winter 2024

GREEN AND GOLD

Coffs crowned ECO champ again IT’S HEATING UP Endless summer coming to Coffs Pool

SHHH… SECRET’S OUT

Everyone’s loving our modern library

ALSO INSIDE: What’s On, Top Tips and answers to your Burning Questions

City of Coffs Harbour acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Gumbaynggirr people, who have cared for this land since time immemorial. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging, and commit ourselves to a future with reconciliation and renewal at its heart.

Garlambirla-gundi-yu City Junyirrigam-bu jungangarraynggi yaanga gungangulam wajaarrgundi yilangandi ngiyaa gawbarri: yaam Gumbaynggirr girrwaa yaamangandi yaam wajaarr jalumbawnyarr ngarraynggang. Ngiyalagay garla-ngarraynggi yanggidamgundi Guuyunga, Jurruya jalumbawnyarr, giili, waybunyjigam. Baya ngiyalagay yilaana minggiiya gunganbuwa ngayinggirra Girrwaanbiya; garra-buugili.

LOCAL FOCUS: Look at Me Now Headland, Emerald Beach, by Jade Wilson.

“I love living here because the view is breathtaking, making it the perfect way to start and end each day.”

Want to share your images of home, the beautiful place we live, work and play? Email comms@chcc.nsw.gov.au

PASSIONATE ABOUT PROGRESS

BY MAYOR PAUL AMOS

Welcome to City of Coffs Harbour’s new digital magazine: Hinterland, Harbour, Home

A new edition every season of the year aims to inform the community and provide confidence in the way the City of Coffs Harbour delivers for you. It will shed light on recent achievements, on the culture we hope to inspire, and flag to the community the City benchmarks we are setting ourselves.

I get a lot of purpose being an elected representative on Council, as do my Councillor colleagues.

You get a great insight and appreciation of the diverse services and programs we can sometimes take for granted in our everyday lives - the essential services to our homes and properties; driving on our roads or riding on our

cycleways; swimming at patrolled beaches; enjoying recreation in our parks, playgrounds and gardens; competing or spectating at sporting venues; being entertained at the libraries, galleries or theatres. And so much more.

As a lifelong resident of the Coffs Harbour region, I’m passionate about its progress. I would encourage any resident with a creative, positive and enduring yearn to contribute to communitybased decisions to stand at this year’s Council elections. There are candidate information sessions occurring 5 June and 22 July.

It can be consuming, it can be hard work, but it is rewarding for those who want to make a positive difference to their community and people’s lives.

JUMP ON A FREE BUS

I’m so pleased the City is partnering with local companies, Busways Coffs Harbour and Forest Coach Lines, to offer free bus travel on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through to 14 July.

This free bus initiative really does tick all the boxes for a community that is connected, sustainable and thriving.

I encourage everyone to give it a go, whether it’s a work commute, the weekly shopping trip, or exploring the wonderful region we call home. Plan your free bus trips on the City’s website here.

BOLD STEPS TOWARDS THRIVING FUTURE

BY GENERAL MANAGER NATALIA COWLEY

From Woolgoolga and the Northern Beaches south to Bongil Bongil and west to the lush hinterland, we’re an unrivalled location with a diverse, growing and evolving population.

The first edition of this quarterly magazine is a snapshot of that – and how City of Coffs Harbour is building and nurturing greatness.

We are a City without a ceiling –from the thriving cultural beehive of Yarrila Place’s state-of-the-art library, museum and gallery and the new world-class boat ramp through to an outstanding suite of sports facilities such as the C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Wiigulga and the nitrocharged Sportz Central.

The good news doesn’t end with bricks and mortar – as what is meaningful is how they improve the community’s life.

Our libraries are a case in point – we now have more than 55 per cent of the City’s population signed up as members. That’s an extraordinary buy-in that many other cities would only wish for.

We are NSW’s first and one of the very few eco-certified destinations in Australia – a holy grail for a commitment to sustainable tourism.

And we’ve just been rated Australia’s best mid-sized City by a renowned urban strategist.

Steve Burgess raves about Coffs Harbour’s unblinking determination

to beat the bland and encourage smarter ways to develop our public places such as roads.

There will always be the misery merchants, and agenda-driven keyboard warriors consumed by trash-talking Council and running down the community. The good news is that while others talk and type, we deliver. We are focused on building a connected, sustainable and thriving present and future for generations to come.

The picture at right was drawn by a 13-year-old, who I later had the chance to meet. It was feedback after the Harry Bailey Memorial Library was closed for a day for a previously-advertised technology systems upgrade. It’s the kind of ‘pi$$ed off postcard’ I welcome, as it shines a light on the needs of our future generation which is invested in education, opportunity and the future.

Our shared journey to the mantle of becoming Australia’s No.1 regional powerhouse is underway.

At its core is a sharpened commitment to innovate and work together in a respectable manner. The City team is here to make a difference and we are accountable.  This debut magazine shines a light on our progressive paradise-in-themaking.

City of Coffs – built different. Proudly so.

BRIGHT ROAD AHEAD

PLAN TO KEEP BUILDING A BETTER LIFESTYLE

More than $56 million is flagged for capital works, including $9.7m on upgrading roads, as part of the 2024-25 Operational Plan – the City of Coffs Harbours detailed commitment to the community.

Footpaths and cycleways also feature strongly, with $6.2m assigned for work that can help encourage more active transport options for safer and healthier communities.

The significant investment in roads includes a $2.2m resealing program, and $2.75m for the De Havilland Way roundabout in Coffs Harbour (Hogbin Dr). Other projects are spread throughout the region, including:

• renewal of Nana Glen Sportsground amenities ($941,000)

• a new football field and improvements next to Toormina Velodrome ($1.08m)

• a new Sandy Beach cycleway ($1.07m)

• the West Woolgoolga pedestrian/ cycleway bridge ($1m).

“We are continuing to progress services and facilities so we can raise the lifestyle of residents, be a hub for visitors and make the City of Coffs Harbour a regional powerhouse,” City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley said.

“We’re undertaking all this work in a responsible and considered way, which means we have not had to go for a Special Rate Variation in recent times like many other reginal councils.”

The draft documents also outline rate charges and fees for 2024-25. Rates account for 48 per cent of the City’s operating income, with other revenue sources coming from userfees, grants, and dividends from business units such as City-owned holiday parks.

City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley

$56M PROPOSED CAPITAL WORKS SPEND IN 2024-25 INCLUDING:

$9.7m on road upgrades

$6.2m on footpaths and cycleways

$5.8m on water infrastructure

$4.5m on sewer infrastructure

$3.7m on buildings

$3.2m on parks and reserves

IT’S HEATING UP

ENDLESS SUMMER COMING TO COFFS POOL

Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool is turning up the heat for a project that will extend the swim season year-round, expand spaces available for community programs, and turn it into one of the hottest tickets in town when it comes to attracting regional sport events.

The main 50m pool will be set at a comfortable 27 degrees through the cooler months when the installation of a heat pump is completed in mid-2024.

Coffs Pool already has about 160,000 visitations each year, but the bulk of activity is squeezed into the warmer months from October through to March. Heating the 50m outdoor pool will add to the heated 25m indoor pool, providing more water space throughout the year.

“There’s already big demand on the pool space as we have everything from learn-to-swim and competitive training squads, through to hydrotherapy sessions and aqua fitness classes,” said Karlene McKeown, City of Coffs Harbour's Group Leader Events, Sport and Cultural Services.

“Heating the 50m pool will have a fantastic ripple effect across the region. It will create a better experience for current users by easing pressure on the indoor facilities during winter, plus it gives us the chance to grow opportunities and build a strong annual calendar of events for things like school carnivals and representative sporting championships.

The project is co-funded by the City of Coffs Harbour and the NSW Government.

Among the happy pool users is North Coast Swim Academy coach Dan Bannerman. He has some 200 athletes under his wing, aged from eight to seniors, including four multiclass swimmers recently back from the national championships.

“We’ve got the biggest squad we’ve had for 20 years,” Dan said. “Having the 50m pool heated will be a great thing for the community. It’s good to be able to mix the training up across both pools and we’ll be able to cater for more people.”

Heating

the

50m

pool will have a fantastic ripple effect across the region. It will create a better experience…

Karlene McKeown, City of Coffs Harbour's Group Leader Events, Sport and Cultural Services

Photo: Swim coach Dan Bannerman and squad members, Grace Davies and Saxon Bannerman.

27 degrees Celsius – the water temperature through winter

pool visitors in 2022-23

$997,308

163k heated pools, 50m outdoor and 25m indoor 2

project funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund ($797,308) and City of Coffs Harbour ($200,000)

HAVING A BALL

SPORTZ CENTRAL UPGRADE A HUGE WIN FOR REGION

Coffs Harbour’s reputation continues to rise as a major regional sports hub, with a multi-million dollar facelift at Sportz Central proving a gamechanger.

Step inside the new-look Sportz Central facility on Bray Street and it’s a hive of activity. Basketball, volleyball, netball, roller derby, futsal, martial arts, pickleball and fitness classes are just some of the sports available, with cricket and skateboarding on the grounds outside.

The long-standing facility already attracts some 100,000 active participants per year, but the addition of an extra indoor court and modern refurbishment means it can continue to deliver even more community sport seven days a week.

Like the Wiigulga Sports Complex and C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Sportz Central also gives Coffs Harbour the firepower to attract more premier regional and state sports events.

“As much as any other facility in the region, Sportz Central has made such an impact on young people’s

lives through sport,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said.

Basketball is the biggest user of the facility, boasting over 100 teams from junior to senior leagues. “We’ve got good numbers across the board with plenty of people having fun,” Coffs Harbour Basketball office manager Samantha Amos said. “These upgraded facilities allow us to grow.”

Basketballers have given their thumbs up to the improvements, headlined by a fully compliant new court, the refurbishment of two more courts and the addition of female-friendly change rooms.   Kobe Schmidt, 12, a representative with the Coffs Harbour Suns said: “The new court is really nice because it’s a lot cooler and there’s more natural light. It’s full size so you’re not limited to anything.

Alexis Plater, 16, another Suns representative, said: "It gives us an opportunity for more training, events and tournaments, and the bathrooms are a huge improvement.”

As much as any other facility in the region, Sportz Central has made such an impact on young people’s lives through sport. City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos

Photo: (Inset) Coffs Harbour Suns basketballers, Felix and Kobe Schmidt.

$8.38m 100k+ IMPROVEMENTS NEW

upgrade jointly funded by City of Coffs Harbour, Commonwealth and NSW Governments

current number of users at Sportz Central each year

female-friendly change rooms, additional parking, solar power and safety lighting include a new indoor court and two refurbished courts, an outdoor skate park and cricket nets.

GREEN AND GOLD

CEMENTING OUR POSITION AS ECO CHAMPIONS

It’s an independent seal of approval that entices responsible visitors to come to the region, but it’s also an ongoing commitment to preserve the natural slice of paradise we all call home.

City of Coffs Harbour has been recertified as an ECO Destination, having become the first NSW region to be accredited in 2021, and just the second in Australia, alongside Port Douglas, Queensland.

Tourists spend about $747 million in the Coffs region annually* and ecotourism is one of the fastestgrowing sectors of the tourism industry world-wide. It also supports the local economy, including 10 local businesses now recognised as ‘ECO champions’ in the region.

These businesses include stand-up paddleboard tours led by Aboriginal guides, a zipline experience through the treetops, eco-stays in the Orara Valley, kayaking, diving and surfing in the Solitary Islands Marine Park and a rainforest oasis in the heart of the City at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden.

Beyond the economic return, ECO Destination Certification is importantly about making a commitment to improving sustainable practices that help protect the region’s people, places and culture.

“As the only place in Australia where the Great Dividing Range touches the sea, we have a unique offering of nature experiences,” City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley said. “Certification positions us as a world-leader in sustainable tourism and links us with a global network of like-minded destinations all dedicated to best practice.

“This is also the place we all call home and, as the region grows, the tools and frameworks of ECO Certification will help guide the way forward and protect our natural resources for future generations.”

* The ‘Value of Tourism to North Coast 2022’

City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley

WHAT'S ON

MARK THESE IN YOUR CALENDAR

ALL ONE UNDER THE SUN: Join the celebration of cross-cultural Coffs Harbour at North Coast Botanic Gardens. City of Coffs Harbour is a proud financial supporter. MORE

ARTEXPRESS 2024: Visit Yarrila Arts and Museum to see outstanding artworks created by NSW Visual Arts students for the 2023 HSC. MORE

COUNCIL MEETINGS: See the schedule of upcoming Council Meetings for 2024, including the latest agendas and minutes. MORE

FRIDAY DOUBLE FEATURES: Free films, community connection and information on disaster preparedness. Featuring at Coramba and Red Rock-Corindi. MORE

SALTWATER FRESHWATER ARTS 2023: A celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture from the Mid North Coast at Yarrila Arts and Museum. MORE

NRL RETURNS: The Cronulla Sharks return to C.ex Coffs International Stadium, this time to take on the Gold Coast Titans. MORE

SAWTELL CHILLI FESTIVAL: Experience the taste, aromas and entertainment of this great foodie festival! MORE

THE VEGETABLE PLOT: Award-winning musical comedy show packed full of veggie bangers, rotten jokes and irresistible ear worms, for young children and families. MORE

OZTAG ACTION: More than 30 nations, across various age groups, will compete in the Australian Invitation Challenge at C.ex Coffs International Stadium. MORE

NAIDOC WEEK: The Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Awards celebrate the positive work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the local community. MORE

FRENCH CULTURE: For lovers of French music and culture, indulge in the famous songs of Edith Piaf and Charles Aznavour. MORE

OPEN DAY: Come along to the C.ex Coffs International Stadium precinct for the City of Coffs Harbour open day, with displays, simulated activities, and hands-on experiences.

EXCITING NEW CHAPTER

MODERN LIBRARY ALREADY A COMMUNITY MAGNET

“Shhh” is something you’d hear in libraries of the past, but the secret is out that Coffs Harbour now boasts a state-of-the-art community hub, which regularly features kids’ laughter and the soft fluttering of dozens of little feet.

More than 200,000 visitors stepped inside the ultra-modern Harry Bailey Memorial Library at Yarrila Place in its first six months where anyone can choose their own adventure:

• The Digital Studio, with sound recording booth for podcasting and music production, and green screen for video and stop animation;

• The children’s Story Space, with auditorium for group reading programs and dress-ups;

• The youth space, complete with PlayStation 5 and big screen;

• Junior STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) kits, including bug viewers, robotics and Technic Lego kits;

• The Make Space, with everything from a 3D printer and laser cutter to sewing machines;

• Unique loan collections including cake tins and outdoor games for special occasions;

• The Learning Lab, study booths, and community collaboration spaces available for bookings.

Build it and they will come. City of Coffs Harbour City Planning and Communities Director Chris Chapman said there had been a spike in library memberships, with 44,500 library members across the region - 55 per cent of the population!

“This is an incredible facility for the community here and now, and also a wonderful gift for future generations,” Chris said. “It’s four times bigger than the original library, and still jammed with opportunities for everyone. It’s a community magnet that is more accessible to all because you can borrow instead of buy.”

City of Coffs Harbour Libraries also has branches in Woolgoolga and Toormina, supporting more than 35 local book clubs.

“There’s also Baby Rhyme Time introducing babies to stories and language, free online tutoring  for senior high school students via Studiosity, and popular Justice of the Peace services for all your important documents.”

44,500+ library members –55% of the region visitors to Harry Bailey Memorial Library in the first six months

200k+ 60 READ MORE

Library programs years of library services to the region

LET'S PLAY

BRELSFORD PARK PROJECT PROGRESSING

An outdoor performance amphitheatre for major events, a new amenities block, picnic shelters, seating, gardens - all connected by a series of wide and well-lit paths.

These are some of the improved features the community will be able to enjoy when stage one of the Brelsford Park project is completed mid-year.

In the heart of Coffs Harbour, Brelsford Park is already a popular community and recreation space for its playground and skatepark, while also hosting events like Coffs Coast Carols. The major transformation aims to deliver a more attractive, userfriendly and enhanced green space.

“A feature of the improvements will be the amphitheatre in the south-

east corner of the site which will lend itself to performance,” City of Coffs Harbour City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick said. “While the works progress we’ve been able to keep the playground and skate park open, and key existing trees have been retained.”

The $4,997,620 project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, with works being undertaken by Van Mal Group Pty Ltd.

You can follow this project, and others, on the City of Coffs Harbour website HERE.

Photo: Upgrades to Brelsford Park will add to facilities already there, like the playground.

BURNING QUESTIONS

YOU’VE ASKED, AND HERE’S THE ANSWERS

Why is our rubbish sent to Queensland?

The existing Englands Road Waste Facility has limited capacity and therefore cannot take red bin waste. The City continues to investigate the possibility of a local landfill site to eventually replace this facility. A land survey a few years ago did not find a suitable location, neither did discussions with neighbouring councils. Transporting waste to Queensland is the most costeffective solution. The City is developing a longer-term waste strategy, including plans to build a Transfer Station within the next five years. Transfer Stations are designed to enhance recycling and reduce waste sent to landfill. The City is also in discussions with the NSW Government about suitability and access to any state land for local landfill.

What are plans for car parking in the Coffs Harbour CBD?

There are about 4,000 public car parking spaces in the Coffs city centre and the City is planning ahead as the region grows. The community has recently been invited to participate in a survey on current parking habits and issues to inform a City Centre Parking Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to

work out future parking supply and management to support the needs of businesses, customers, shoppers, workers and visitors. A Draft Parking Plan will be reported to Council later in 2024 and, with Council approval, will be placed on Public Exhibition for further community feedback. You can follow here for more information.

Where can I find visitor information, including centres?

There are currently seven Visitor Information Outlets spaced across the region where visitors can connect face-to-face, pickup brochures, and find local recommendations. You can locate them on this online map. You can also find more than 70 visitor information brochure racks at all major attractions (including The Big Banana, Botanic Gardens and Butterfly House), resorts, holiday parks, shopping centres, and accommodation providers throughout the Coffs Coast. The City is also bringing visitor information to your fingertips, with the new Coffs Coast Explorer app. It will be complemented by interactive information kiosks spread throughout the region. For more vistior information, check out the City’s Coffs Coast site coffscoast.com.au

How can I track public mowing in my area?

The City’s mowing team is responsible for maintaining a public area of approximately 5 million square metres – that’s about 500 football grounds! There are four mowing teams and two tractor slashing teams. A new remotecontrol mower is now helping to tackle trickier areas like severe slopes safely and efficiently. A dedicated Horticultural team also undertakes mowing, amenities cleaning, garden

maintenance and maintenance of footpaths, cycleways and boardwalks at areas like the Jetty Foreshores and Woolgoolga Beach Reserve. A total 4.6 per cent of customer requests to the City between July 2023 and 31 March 2024 were related to mowing and, despite the wet weather, the team has cracked on with the job to get things on track since then. You can access the upcoming schedule of mowing on the City’s website here. It can be subject to change, especially due to weather and this region’s high rainfall.

Coffs ranked No1: Coffs Harbour has been rated Australia’s best regional city for its efforts to make the place more livable. MORE

Shining light on region's history: A community event was staged for an historic anniversary of the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic, now holding pride of place at the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores. MORE

The iconic Boambee Creek rail footbridge, providing pedestrian access from Sawtell to Boambee Beach is set to be built anew. MORE

Super citizens recognised: Meet the winners of the 2024 Citizen of the Year, the Mayor’s Community Spirit Award and Sport & Recreation Award. MORE

New Boambee Footbridge:

Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) presents a dynamic program of contemporary art and social history exhibitions, artist talks, guided tours, workshops, free family activities and artmaking.

Sign up to our mailing list to stay in the loop on upcoming exhibitions and events.

Discover what’s on at the website

Images: Clockwise from top left: Installation view, Harbour, Headlands, Hinterland, 2023; Exhibition view, Yaamanga Around here; Exhibition view, STILL National Still Life Award 2023; Children’s artmaking activities in the YAM Workshop.

TOP TIPS

ANIMAL AND PET MANAGEMENT

For many, pets are part of the family. Since July 2023, the City's Animal Management Centre has found new owners and homes for 55 adopted pets!

The City’s Animals and pets page is your purr-fect guide when it comes to caring for our furry friends.

1. What do I do if I find a stray animal?

Report stray dogs to us on 02 6648 4000 and we can send our rangers to pick them up. Our rangers do not collect stray cats, legislation allows cats to roam. Please contact us to make a query about cat management.

2. Where can I walk my dog off leash?

We have several designated offleash parks and beaches for you to enjoy. Find full list of on and off leash beaches and parks here.

3. Do I need to register my pet?

Yes. All dogs and cats (unless exempt) must be microchipped from 12 weeks of age and lifetime registered from 6 months of age. The registration fee is a once-only payment

Photo by Liana Higham

There are lots of ways to get regular updates from City of Coffs Harbour and access services and information.

Social media

City of Coffs Harbour cityofcoffshabour coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au

Newsletters

Subscribe to our newsletters here, including the fortnightly City Enews.

Online services

A range of everyday transactions can be completed using the City’s online services. You can even opt to get your rates and water notices by email.

Find the most common City transactions at coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au

Customer Service Centre

Our customer service team is ready to assist you in person, online and via phone.

Visit our new Customer Service Centre at Yarrila Place, 27 Gordon St Coffs Harbour. We’re open 9am3.30pm Monday to Friday, closed on Public Holidays.

Phone: 02 6648 4000

Email: coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au