Setting course for Coffs Harbour in 2035

Coffs Harbour’s most cherished list is captured in a document on public exhibition for feedback. 

The draft MyCoffs Community Strategic Plan 2035 (MyCoffs Plan) broadly details the long-term aspirations of the community, and it has been crafted following a community check-in about what matters most to the people of Coffs Harbour. 

The draft MyCoffs Plan includes eight high-level objectives: 

• A vibrant, inclusive place 

• An active, safe and healthy community 

• A thriving and sustainable local economy 

• A community achieving its potential 

• Liveable neighbourhoods with a defined identity 

• A natural environment sustained for the future 

• Our leaders give us confidence in the future; and 

• We have effective use of public resources. 

“The MyCoffs Plan is a blueprint of how we’d like Coffs to be,” Acting Mayor George Cecato said. 

“It’s important to know that while the City of Coffs Harbour (City) has a role in delivering upon the identified priorities, other important stakeholders such as the Australian and State governments, non-government organisations, the private sector and the community all have a role to play as well.” 

The draft plan has also been informed by a ‘Community Satisfaction Survey’ and by feedback through the City’s ‘Have Your Say’ portal. 

More than 400 responses to the satisfaction survey were received, highlighting perceived priorities:  

• Provision of housing 

• Cost of living 

• Maintaining / improving roads 

• General town maintenance, including updating infrastructure; and 

• Additional / better services and/or facilities. 

At its meeting on 10 April, Council resolved to endorse both the draft MyCoffs Plan and the draft Community Engagement Strategy for public exhibition. 

City Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick said the draft MyCoffs Plan is akin to a whole of community mission statement which asks: 

• Where are we now? 

• Where do we want to be in 10 years’ time? 

• How will we get there? 

• How will we know we’ve succeeded? 

“The My Coffs Plan will inform the City’s four-year Delivery Program, which is our commitment to the community about how the City undertake’s its role in advancing their vision during the current Council term,” Mr Beswick said. 

“We’re also seeking feedback on the draft Community Engagement Strategy, which aims to show the community how they can participate in the City’s decision-making processes.” 

Acting Mayor Cecato said it is crucial for the community to buy-in and help shape these key documents. 

“The future of our City is a shared responsibility – and your voice is vital,” he said. 

People can provide feedback on the draft MyCoffs Plan 2035 at https://haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/mycoffs2035 and on the draft Community Engagement Strategy https://haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/ces    

Submissions on both close Tuesday 15 May 2025.