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.
Local focus: Afternoon storm, Karangi, by Rebecca Ludstrom. Want to share your images of home, the beautiful place we live, work and play? Email comms@chcc.nsw.gov.au
Australia Day Awards 2026
Do you know an inspiring individual or group making a positive contribution to the Coffs Harbour community?
Nominate them for a City of Coffs Harbour Australia Day Award in one of four categories!
Nominations close on Sunday 30 November 2025
City blooms with events this spring
By Mayor Nikki Williams
Spring in Coffs Harbour is truly something special – and with it arrives a renewed energy across our beautiful city.
As the days grow longer and the air fills with the scent of blossoms, the coast comes alive with a vibrant mix of activities, events, and community spirit.
The unseasonably warm and enjoyable weather has put a spring in everyone’s step and it’s clear we’ve officially entered the start of the tourist season – with the Labour Day long weekend and spring school holidays drawing visitors to our region in great numbers.
The City of Coffs Harbour too is buzzing with activity. From a bumper school holidays program packed with free and low-cost activities to the Spring Family Fun Day that saw locals and visitors alike enjoying everything from face painting to arts
and crafts, to live music, all designed to bring our community together. Speaking of community celebrations, nominations are open now for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, which will shine a light on the unsung heroes that make Coffs Harbour life all the better. It’s a chance to nominate and say thank you to the people who inspire you.
The energy continues at C.Ex Coffs Harbour International Stadium, where a myriad of events are keeping the calendar full and the community engaged. Whether you're gearing up for the AFLW final fixture in November or cheering on your favourite Oztag team, there's something for everyone.
And as we look ahead, I’m especially excited for the All One Under The Sun Festival on 29 November. This festival is a beautiful celebration of unity and diversity – and a reflection of what makes Coffs Harbour so special: our shared commitment to City that is connected, sustainable, thriving – and welcoming to all.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to making Coffs Harbour a place where community spirit shines.
As the days grow longer and the air fills with the scent of blossoms, the coast comes alive with a vibrant mix of activities, events, and community spirit.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams
Local projects bearing fruit
By Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick
I hope you are enjoying the start of spring in our beautiful City and region. There’s always plenty happening, and I am excited to share a few recent highlights.
Let’s start with roads, paths and bridges. We know how important safe and reliable connections are for everyone, whether you are heading to work, dropping the kids at school, or exploring the coast. Our teams have been busy with road resurfacing works right across the city, making travel smoother and safer for all. Over in Woolgoolga, two new footbridges are open or nearing completion, linking neighbourhoods and making it easier for walkers, cyclists and scooter users to get around. These upgrades are all about making it easier and safer to move through our community, and I am grateful for your patience while works are underway. Playgrounds are getting a refresh too. If you have little ones, you might
have noticed new equipment popping up in Emerald Beach, Park Beach, Lowanna and Ulong. We want every child to have a safe, fun place to play, and every parent to have a spot to relax and connect with others.
Our coastline is one of our greatest assets, but it does come with its challenges. Erosion has been a big issue with weather events this year, including at Sawtell, where the old lifeguard tower had to be removed for safety. The good news is we now have a brand new tower in place, designed to keep lifeguards high and dry and give them a great view up and down the beach. We have also installed temporary aluminium steps at Sawtell and Diggers Beach to make sure everyone can still access the sand safely. There is lots more happening, from the awarding of community grants to the development of an Active Transport Strategy and the opening of Australia Day Award nominations. If you want to stay in the loop, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow the City’s Facebook page. Thanks for supporting the work we do. I am looking forward to seeing what we achieve together in the months ahead.
These upgrades are all about making it easier and safer to move through our community, and I am grateful for your patience while works are underway.
Nominate a Local Legend
Australia Day Awards nominations open
Do you know someone who makes Coffs Harbour a better place? Nominate them for a City of Coffs Harbour Australia Day Award! These awards celebrate individuals and groups who inspire others and contribute to our vibrant community through efforts such as volunteering, leadership, sporting achievements, the arts, and innovation.
Last year’s ceremony was a true celebration of local heroes. Mayor Nikki Williams unveiled the winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards, honouring Phil McMullen, Nathan Armstrong, Barry Powells, and Scott Cordwell for their passion, dedication, and selflessness. Phil McMullen was named Citizen of the Year for his work as a football coach, youth mentor, and advocate for local refugee families. Nathan Armstrong received Young Citizen of the Year for his role as a radio presenter and mentor, helping seniors stay connected. Barry Powells was recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year for his decades of service to the Coffs Harbour Show Society, the NSW Rural Fire Service, and Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare. Scott Cordwell received the Aussie Spirit Award for his commitment to community connections and mental health support.
Receiving
an Australia Day Award is a
Mayor Williams said, “Today is all about recognising the extraordinary people who go above and beyond to make a difference. Receiving an Australia Day award is a testament to the positive impact one person or group can have on the lives of others and the vibrant community we all cherish. Let these local legends serve as inspiration to us all.”
Award categories for 2026 include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and the Aussie Spirit Award. To nominate, fill out the online form or pick up a hard copy at Yarrila Place or any library branch. Entries close on 30 November, with winners announced at the Australia Day Awards ceremony.
Australia Day celebrations will take place across Coffs Harbour on 25 and 26 January, with a full program of community events, entertainment, and activities for all ages. The highlight will be a celebration at Brelsford Park on 26 January, where this year’s winners will be announced and congratulated.
Let’s celebrate the people who make our city special. Nominate someone today and help shine a light on Coffs Harbour’s unsung heroes.
testament to the positive impact one person or group can have on the lives of others.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams
Art, science, smiles
Spring Family Fun Day at Yarrila Place
Yarrila Place was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, 11 October, as families from across Coffs Harbour gathered for the Spring Family Fun Day. The event delivered three hours of hands-on free entertainment, and the turnout exceeded expectations, with children of all ages and young families enjoying a vibrant mix of activities.
“There’s always so much to do in Coffs Harbour but this special event was a true boredom buster at the end of the school holidays,” said Mayor Nikki Williams. “The demonstrations and interactive events were centred on the ground floor of Yarrila Place and flowed out into the CBD.”
Visitors explored the STILL: National Still Life Award 2025 exhibition at Yarrila Arts and Museum, followed the children’s trail, and designed spring suncatchers to take home.
The Harry Bailey Memorial Library’s Citizen Science corner was a hit, with STEAM challenges engaging curious minds. In the Story Space, families
enjoyed student-created animations and films in the Digital Studio.
The City Centre Street Art Trail proved popular, guiding participants through 15 curated artworks that celebrate the spirit of the Coffs Coast. Many continued their day with exhibitions at Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance and The Laneway Gallery.
“It was wonderful watching families dive into art, science, and games all over Yarrila Place. The energy was contagious, and you could tell everyone was genuinely having a great time,” said Museum and Gallery Service Leader Carrie Kibbler.
All materials were supplied and no bookings were required. Children attended with their families and enjoyed art making, DJ Salty’s music, free bells for bikes, games, giveaways, and much more.
The Spring Family Fun Day was another memorable celebration of community, creativity, and connection in the heart of Coffs Harbour.
It was a treat watching families dive into art, science, and games all over Yarrila Place. The energy was contagious and you could tell everyone was genuinely having a good time.
City of Coffs Harbour Museum and Gallery Service Leader, Carrie Kibbler
filled the CBD with colour and excitement sparked through hands-on art and science fun free activities and entertainment for all ages came together for a day of connection and play
Spring smiles
Spring Family Fun Day at Yarrila Place
Big moves for Coffs Harbour
A bold plan for active transport
A bold new blueprint is set to make getting around Coffs Harbour easier for everyone, whether on foot, bike or scooter. The City’s Draft Active Transport Plan is on public exhibition until 11 November, aiming to help more people travel under their own steam with the right infrastructure in place.
Active transport brings wideranging benefits, from improved mental and environmental wellbeing to economic savings and stronger social connections.
“Making it easier to walk or ride around our area is something the community has identified as a high priority,” said Mayor Nikki Williams.
“Older people have cited transport as a challenge to them accessing health and aged care services. A lack of transport options can also be a hindrance for our culturally diverse community to access education and employment opportunities.”
Currently, about seventy per cent of streets in the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area have no active transport links or are disconnected. The Draft Plan highlights the potential to expand walkways, bicycle routes and shared paths, noting that individual behaviours have shifted since the 1980s when more people chose to walk or ride.
According to the 2016 Census, twentyfour thousand residents travelled to work on a typical day in Coffs Harbour,
but just one per cent of these trips were by bicycle and three per cent on foot. Statewide, only one in seven children walk or ride to school today, compared to three in four forty years ago. About half of students are driven to school, even though most live within a twenty-minute bike ride.
The Draft Plan focuses on three key areas: making it easier and safer for kids to walk and ride to school, delivering connected and continuous strategic paths to link centres and precincts, and addressing missing links for key walking corridors and bike paths along busy roads.
Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said, “One of the best things the City can do is make it easier and safer for kids to walk or ride to school. We are looking to develop school safe access plans in collaboration with schools and other stakeholders to inform the City’s prioritisation of active transport links to schools.”
The City’s long-term ambition includes strategic paths like the West Coffs Shared Path Network, with major projects dependent on external funding. Community feedback is encouraged as the City works towards a future where getting around is easier, safer and more sustainable for everyone.
Have your say here: Draft Active Transport Plan | Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
11 November 70% 24,000 1 in 4
closing date for public feedback on the Draft Plan of local streets currently lack active transport links children walk or ride to school today, compared with 3 in 4 forty years ago residents commute to work daily in Coffs Harbour
New Australians welcomed
Citizenship celebrated at Yarrila Place
Coffs Harbour’s Yarrila Place was filled with excitement and pride as people from all corners of the globe became Australian citizens during two official ceremonies. The event, held on Gumbaynggirr Country, brought together families and friends to celebrate a significant milestone in the lives of the conferees.
Presiding officer and Mayor Nikki Williams addressed the new citizens, saying, “Citizenship is a common bond which unites all Australians. Coffs Harbour in particular prides itself on its diversity. Australia’s future success depends on how we all work together.”
Mayor Williams also reminded those who had taken the Pledge for Australian Citizenship that they now enjoyed the “same rights and responsibilities as any other Australians.”
The ceremonies welcomed people from more than a dozen countries, including Myanmar, New Zealand, Ethiopia, Iran, South Africa, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Philippines, United Kingdom, Burundi, Argentina, Nepal, and Spain. Many participants wore traditional
dress, adding vibrant colour and a sense of cultural pride to the occasion. After the formalities, the new Aussies joined Mayor Williams and Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, for a keepsake photo, marking the beginning of their journey as Australians.
The event was part of hundreds of citizenship ceremonies held across Australia, with thousands of people officially becoming citizens on or around Australian Citizenship Day.
“Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian,” Mayor Williams said.
“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for individuals, schools and community organisations to reflect on the contributions of all citizens, new and old, to our local communities.”
The River Oak Room at Yarrila Place was alive with celebration, unity, and hope for the future. The City of Coffs Harbour continues to welcome new citizens, strengthening the community’s rich tapestry of cultures and stories.
Citizenship is a common bond which unites all Australians. Coffs Harbour in particular prides itself on its diversity.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams
Tap into time
Exploring Coffs Harbour’s rich history
A fun new way to explore Coffs Harbour’s magical past has arrived, with a self-guided Heritage Trail now available on the popular Coffs Coast Explorer app, offering both entertainment and enlightenment for locals and visitors.
“This is all about using new technology in the form of the app to discover our rich past,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“The idea is to use the app as you move about the CBD to places of interest. These include the Coffs Hotel, Jack Simmons, the old Post Office, the Showground and the Plantation Hotel.”
The Heritage Trail begins at the permanent Yaamanga Around Here exhibition at Yarrila Place. This exhibition captures all things Coffs, and visitors can settle in to watch a short film from yesteryear and experience the Tasma Theatre. The Tasma opened in 1937 and was a grand facility with seating for hundreds. It was demolished in 1969 to make way for a department store, but its memory lives on in the exhibition.
“The set-up at Yaamanga allows you to watch an old flick, sit in an original seat from the Tasma, with an original projector at your back,” City Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick said. Once finished at Yarrila Place, users can continue their journey around town using the Heritage Trail on the app.
“When you reach a place of interest on the app, simply tap the icon on the map and it will reveal a story about the site’s past, complete with photos, so you can compare these with how it looks today,” Mr Beswick said.
The Heritage Trail takes about ninety minutes to complete and covers a two-kilometre journey, with more stops to be added in the future. The Coffs Coast Explorer app is free to download and includes guides to places to visit, eat, stay, and enjoy, as well as a fun game for families.
Coffs Harbour’s history is now just a tap away, making it easier than ever to connect with the stories and sites that shaped the city.
When you reach a place of interest on the app, simply tap the icon on the map and it will reveal a story about the site’s past.
City of Coffs Harbour Acting General Manager. Andrew Beswick
Download the FREE Coffs Coast Explorer app for heritage trails & more.
A gift that saves lives
Blood donations honour City colleague
This year’s Local Government Blood Drive carried a heartfelt message for the City of Coffs Harbour.
The campaign, which ran from July to September, was dedicated to the memory of Jared Amies, a former City employee who passed away in 2025 after receiving multiple blood transfusions during his treatment.
“Jared was a much-loved team member whose warmth and generosity left a lasting mark on the team,” said Mayor Nikki Williams.
“We are incredibly proud to honour his legacy.”
Jared’s partner, Sarah Amies, is now sharing his story to inspire others to donate.
“With his passing this has now taken on a much greater meaning for us and we want to share his story to encourage anyone who can to donate because even though you may never know the impact you will
have there are families out there like us who are eternally grateful for your selfless act of giving,” she said.
The Blood Drive is part of a nationwide initiative where industries and organisations unite to make a life-saving impact, City of Cofffs Harbour made 33 donations during the drive, saving up to 99 lives.
“The Blood Drive is about more than friendly competition. It’s about coming together as a community to make a real difference,” said Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick.
“While the Blood Drive is officially over, I’d still encourage people to consider donating. Whether you’re donating for the first time or the hundredth, you’ll be honouring people like Jared and helping others who rely on this vital lifeline.”
To check your eligibility and book a donation, visit lifeblood.com.au
Even though you may never know the impact you will have, there are families out there like us who are eternally grateful for your selfless act of giving.
Sarah Amies
33 donations 99 lives July-Sept 1 legacy
made by City of Coffs Harbour during the drive potentially saved through those donations honouring colleague Jared Amies campaign period for the Blood Drive
Step right up, Woolgoolga
Footbridges make getting around a breeze
Two major infrastructure upgrades are making it easier than ever to move around Woolgoolga. Delivered on budget by the City of Coffs Harbour, the new Dalgety Street footbridge and soon-to-be-completed Melaleuca Avenue crossing are transforming local connectivity.
The Dalgety Street bridge now links the fast-growing West Woolgoolga precinct to Dalgety and Nash streets. Built with durable, environmentallyfriendly materials, the bridge offers a scenic route across Woolgoolga Creek.
“The bridge is perfect for walkers, cyclists and mobility scooter users,” said Mayor Nikki Williams.
“It’s an inviting walk too as the bridge winds its way through the trees.”
This new crossing is a key part of the City’s planned West Woolgoolga path network.
“The network will link West Woolgoolga's residential areas to the Solitary Islands Way shopping and business precinct, Wiigulga
Sports Complex and future residential developments around Newmans Road and Bark Hut Road,” said City Infrastructure Acting Director Daniel Noble.
The Dalgety Street bridge was jointly funded by the City ($134,419) and the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program ($1,122,477).
Meanwhile, work is underway to replace the old wooden footbridge between Melaleuca Avenue and Lakes Road. The new structure will be wider, safer and built with the same environmentally-conscious materials.
“The Melaleuca bridge will also be built using durable, environmentallyfriendly materials and support active transport and easier long-term maintenance,” Mr Noble added. While construction continues, an alternative route is available via the footbridge between Haines Close and Kim Close. Weather permitting, the new bridge is expected to open before the end of October.
The network will link West Woolgoolga’s residential areas to the shopping precinct, sports complex and future developments.
City of Coffs Harbour Acting Director City Infrastructure, Daniel Noble
$1.12 million $134,419 2 bridges October
from the Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Program
City of Coffs Harbour co-funding expected opening for the new Melaleuca Avenue crossing Dalgety Street completed, Melaleuca Avenue underway
Building for tomorrow Grants boost
local facilities
Coffs Harbour is investing in the future with a fresh round of funding for public infrastructure projects that will benefit residents and visitors alike.
Seven local organisations have received support through the City’s Community Infrastructure Renewal Grants Program, with $150,000 allocated this financial year to help not-for-profit groups build new facilities or refurbish existing ones on City-owned or managed land.
“This is all about improving facilities where the work will bring direct benefit to the wider community,” said Mayor Nikki Williams.
Renewal projects were prioritised over new capital works, ensuring that upgrades to existing infrastructure could be delivered where they are needed most.
“All up, 12 submissions were received in a competitive process, and the applications were tested against criteria outlined in the City’s Community Funding policy and guidelines,” said Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick.
“Some applicants received less than what they were requesting,
but this put the City in a position to support more projects.”
Successful initiatives include a permanent all-weather shelter for students at Aspect Macarthur, a solar system upgrade for the Coffs Regional Community Gardens, roof restoration at Early Connections, and ventilation improvements for the Lowanna Community First Responders shed.
Sport and recreation also received a boost, with funding for cooling systems at Sportz Central, fencing repairs at Sawtell Tennis Club, and the refurbishment of four pickleball courts at Westside Tennis Club.
Pickleball, widely reported as Australia’s fastest growing sport, is set for an upward bounce in Coffs Harbour thanks to the new investment.
The City’s commitment to supporting a diverse range of projects highlights its focus on community wellbeing and sustainable growth.
“It is great to see such a diverse range of projects successful after an assessment process,” Mayor Williams said.
This is all about improving facilities where the work will bring direct benefit to the wider community.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams
$150,000 7 organisations 11 criteria 4 courts
for community infrastructure renewal projects receiving funding across the Coffs Harbour region refurbished for pickleball at Westside Tennis Club included in the assessment process
Leafier streets, healthier lagoons
Funding for local environment projects
Coffs Harbour is celebrating a new wave of environmental improvements, thanks to a fresh dispersal of funds from the City’s Environmental Levy major strategic programs pool. The latest round of funding is supporting three diverse projects: the ongoing remediation of Korora Lagoons, new street tree plantings, and a Vegetation Management Plan for the Jetty Foreshores precinct.
The revised Environmental Levy Policy, adopted by Council in May, increased the allocation for major programs from seventy-five to eighty per cent, equating to $133,000 this financial year. At its September meeting, Council resolved to spend $80,000 on the Korora Lagoons project, $40,000 for street tree planting, and approximately $10,000 to prepare the Vegetation Management Plan.
“These are three diverse projects. The City is bringing the magic back to the Korora Lagoons which were once a popular spot for wedding photography, but over the years they have been hit by sediment build up, weeds and
run-off,” said Mayor Nikki Williams.
“Additional tree plantings will make our streets leafier and more attractive, while the vegetation management plan at the Foreshores will provide us with an over-arching strategy for this key tourist area.”
Council also resolved to prepare a report on the merits of regular water testing for Corindi River at Red Rock.
City Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick said, “The Environmental Levy Program, funded through a special rate, supports projects that might not otherwise be undertaken through operational funding.
“The environment is always a core consideration as it’s a critical component which dictates the health and enjoyment of where we live. Additional street tree plantings also align with one of the key actions of our Public Realm Strategy. And that is to protect trees within our builtup environments and reverse the decline in the urban tree canopy.”
Round 12 v Essendon
Backing local brilliance 27
groups share in $34,000 funding pool
From football programs to festive celebrations, 27 local organisations have received a share of more than $34,000 through the City of Coffs Harbour’s Community Donations Program for 2025–26.
RISE Coffs Harbour was awarded $3,000 to support its football and wellbeing initiative, which combines technical training with healthy lifestyle habits for young people.
Festive events also received a boost, with $5,000 going to the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce for its Christmas street party and $1,500 to Woolgoolga & Northern Beaches Chamber of Commerce for Carols by the Sea.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the program reflects the City’s commitment to supporting grassroots efforts.
“The community is at the centre of everything we do, and these donations provide a step up for so many events and activities,” she said.
Rather than fully funding a few projects, the City chose to support more applicants with partial funding.
“Many applicants received partial support as that was considered to be a better way forward than having a fewer number receive their requested amount in full,” Mayor Williams explained.
“Partial support can also be seen as seed funding, as groups can leverage the City backing to attract additional money from other sources.”
Other recipients include the Australia Japan Society Coffs Harbour, BonvilleSawtell Lions Club, Coffs Harbour Agricultural Show, and Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Projects range from school awards and community playgroups to sea turtle conservation and cultural celebrations.
The Community Donations Program continues to empower local organisations to deliver meaningful projects that benefit the wider community.
The community is at the centre of everything we do, and these donations provide a step up for so many events and activities.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams
$34,000 27 groups 2025–26 Every dollar
in funding shared through the Community Donations Program supported across the Coffs Harbour region reinvested in the heart of the community funding round delivers on local impact
Featuring favourites from Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Carmen, La Traviata, Madam Butterfly, Turandot, Lakme, Westside Story, Cats and Chicago
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What's on
Mark these in your calendar
Shifting Landscapes Film Series Think globally, act locally and come along to the first screening and Q&A in the Story Space at Harry Bailey Memorial Library.
Legally Blonde: The Musical Elle Woods swaps fashion for Harvard Law in this upbeat, pink-powered musical comedy about selfbelief and ambition. Join Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company for the irresistible Legally Blonde!
Deeper: Exclusive screening hosted by SURG Hosted by Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group. Join Thai cave rescue hero Dr Richard “Harry” Harris in Deeper, Jennifer Peedom’s gripping documentary of danger, courage and discovery in the world’s deepest cave dive.
Tech essentials: introducing AI Learn technology at any age! Join this practical workshop on using AI specifically for adults and seniors, at Harry Bailey Memorial Library.
AFLW Round 12 Sydney Swans vs Essendon Bombers Excited to welcome the Sydney Swans AFLW back to the Coffs Coast. Saturday 1 November at 5:05pm C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
Craft & Connect Relax, create and connect over coffee. Bring your own project or join group crafts—perfect for all skill levels. First Wednesday monthly, Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Yarrila Place.Free, bookings requested
All One Under The Sun A vibrant, crosscultural community celebration held at Brelsford Park – with cultural performances, workshops, creative play, immersive food experiences, and a spectacular twilight finale and live music.
Burning questions
Welcome to the section of the City’s Magazine where we dive into the topics that matter most to our community. From local insights to pressing issues, this is your go-to spot for pressing questions and answers.
Can I park my registered caravan, boat, or trailer on the road, and for how long?
Yes, you can park a registered caravan, boat (on a trailer), or trailer on the road, as long as it complies with the Australian Road Rules.
However, there are some important limits to be aware of:
• Heavy or long vehicles (over 4 tonnes or longer than 7.5 metres) can only park for up to 1 hour in built-up areas. This rule is mainly aimed at trucks and semi-trailers, but some large vans or boat trailers may also be affected.
• A registered vehicle can remain parked in the same spot for up to 28 days, as long as it’s operable. If the vehicle is inoperable (e.g. damaged or missing parts), the limit is 15 days before any action can commence.
If a customer reports a vehicle, a Ranger must establish these time limits have been met. Once confirmed, the Ranger can manage the issue under the Public Spaces Unattended Property Act 2021 (PSUP).
Rangers may issue notices if the vehicle remains unmoved for a specific time period, and the owners are given a deadline to respond. If there is no response from the owners, and the vehicle is still parked in the same location after the deadline has passed, the City may remove the vehicle.
What can I do about a swooping magpie?
Springtime in Coffs Harbour brings many joys—but it also marks the start of magpie nesting season. During this time, some magpies become fiercely protective of their young and may swoop at people who come too close to their nests—usually within 100 metres.
While swooping only lasts a few weeks between August and October, it can be startling and sometimes cause injury. Here are some simple ways to stay safe and share space with our feathered neighbours.
How to avoid being swooped
• Don’t provoke or harass magpies—it can make them more aggressive.
• Leave the area quickly if you notice a swooping bird.
• Take an alternative route if you know where a swooping magpie is nesting.
• Wear protective gear like a widebrimmed hat and sunglasses, or carry an open umbrella.
• Add “eyes” to the back of your hat or umbrella—this may discourage attacks.
• Keep your eyes on the bird—magpies often swoop from behind.
• Put up a temporary warning sign to alert others.
Tips for cyclists
• If possible, avoid the area altogether.
• Dismount and walk through the magpie’s territory.
• Wear a helmet and sunglasses for added protection.
If a magpie is swooping on Citycontrolled property, you can report it. The City may install warning signs to help others stay safe.
It’s important to remember that magpies are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. It is illegal to harm them, disturb their nests, or collect their eggs.
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