Frequently Asked Questions

Why change anything?

The harbour needs maintenance, otherwise it will cease to operate as a harbour. It is infilling with sand at an increasing rate, making the entrance less safe and the inner harbour less accessible. The inner harbour has reached full capacity in terms of both marina berths and land base.

The site is pivotal to Coffs Harbour, being the primary destination for visitors and the city's playground.

State government funding priorities dictate that future costs for both the maintenance and further development of Harbour facilities and infrastructure will need to be met, as far as possible, from other sources.

In order to address these problems, and maintain the harbour and its infrastructure in the future, we need to find an innovative and sustainable balance between the needs of the range of harbour users - ranging from commercial fishing, landside industry and recreational users.

What area does the Harbourside Project encompass?

The project incorporates the City's waterside areas from the Harbour up to the intersection of Hogbin Drive and Harbour Drive, south to Howard Street and north to include Coffs Creek (see map). The Department of Lands is ultimately responsible for the Crown land around the harbour foreshore east of the railway line plus Jetty Oval and England's Park, while Council is responsible for the rest of the area west of the railway line.

Is there a current Harbour Plan?

No, there is no current plan for the Harbourside area. Consultants have developed a Plan of Management on behalf of the Department of Lands for the Crown Lands - the area east of the railway line, including Jetty Oval and Englands Park. A Development Control Plan is also being produced on behalf of Council for the rest of the precinct area west of the railway line.

What is the Harbourside Project's vision and what are its aims?

The vision is for a Harbourside Precinct that supports a dynamic and vibrant city by providing for family, fun, jobs, culture and the environment.

The aims of the Project are to provide for a safe outer harbour entrance; an expanded number of marina berths; an improved boat ramp and loading facilities; and improved recreation, commercial and tourism opportunities.

Why is it necessary to generate funds?

• The harbour in its current form is unable to generate the revenue necessary to maintain its existing infrastructure. Substantial revenue has to be generated in the future to maintain the harbour as a harbour.
• State government funding priorities dictate that future costs for both the maintenance and further development of harbour facilities and infrastructure will need to be met, as far as possible, from other sources.
• The removal of sand from the harbour and the maintenance of public infrastructure that underpins the operations of the harbour are essential to the long-term sustainability of Coffs Harbour.
• Improvements are also essential if Coffs Harbour is to continue to meet the recreational and commercial boating needs of residents and visitors.
• The harbour is a key focal point for Coffs Harbour - for residents, business, recreational users and tourists. 

I am a regular user of the Harbour, will I still enjoy the same level of access?

The Harbourside Project concepts documents outlined a number of non-negotiable inclusions:

• Access to the Harbour area by community groups must be continued - naval cadets, fishing club, local indigenous people and groups, volley ball players, volunteer patrol, junior sailing club, outriggers club, surf life saving club, yacht club, triathlon club, dunecare and landcare groups. 
• Access to the Harbour by commercial interests - local fishing industry, chandlery, maritime dependant industrial users, Deep Sea Fishing Club, charter boats, other retail interests - is to be maintained and facilities improved where possible.
• Access to the Harbour and Foreshore areas by recreational users and tourists is to be encouraged and enhanced in a way that provides for improved public safety and enjoyment.

What happens next?

Council's consultants are now preparing a draft Development Control Plan (DCP) on behalf of Council for the area west of the railway line, which is expected to come before Council to adopt it for public exhibition in 2008. After the exhibition period, the DCP will come back before Council for final adoption. This is expected to happen in 2008.

The Department of Lands engaged consultants to prepare a Plan of Management for the Crown Lands - the area east of the railway line and including the Jetty Oval and Englands Park. This was put on public exhibition for community consultation in 2008. The Department then adopted a final Plan of Management in June 2008 and is currently calling for Expressions of Interest for the design, building and operation of tourist and maritime facilities at the harbour. The Plan of Management and Expressions of Interest document are available on the Dept of Lands website.