Emerald Beach Reserve Upgrade

Project typeReserve upgrade
Project stageStart date mid September 2025

Emerald Beach Reserve will be upgraded in line with the endorsed master plan. The upgrade is being jointly funded by the City and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) through the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust.

The City is currently awaiting final approval from the NPWS to deliver upgrades at the site.

NPWS have advised that new information has been identified as part of the Regional Park’s broader Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR), with the site having a high potential for containing artifacts of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.

Therefore, NPWS will undertake an additional environmental assessment called an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP), before they approve the City commencing work to deliver a new playground and other amenities at the Reserve. The City acknowledges the importance of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and supports a thorough assessment before any works are undertaken.

The upgrades are now expected to commence in mid-September 2025, pending final approvals.

View the poster here(PDF, 254KB).

View a detailed design plan here(PDF, 10MB).

The works will include:

New playground

New amenities with lifeguard storage

New picnic / events shelter

Connecting paths/ supporting infrastructure

During construction, two portable toilets will be available, but please note that showers won’t be accessible. See the map for area of works here.(PDF, 254KB)

Dogs are prohibited on Emerald Beach. However, during the construction period, an exemption allows dogs on leash for direct access to Fiddamans Beach only. Please see the Map for beach access (PDF, 2MB)here(PDF, 199KB).

Examples of the proposed park items are available to view here: Proposed Park Items(PDF, 2MB)

City of Coffs Harbour invited the community to select a new playground design in August 2024, and the following design was chosen.

Emerald Beach Playground Design

During construction no showers will be available. The playground will be unavailable and two of the beach entries will also be closed.

Playground Design

FAQ'S

What is the start date?

Mid-September 2025

What has caused the delay in the commencement of the project?

The site has been identified as having a high potential for Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, and NPWS is preparing an AHIP to ensure that Aboriginal Cultural Heritage is protected and not harmed without adequate consideration and approval.

Will amenities be available during construction?

During construction two portable toilets will be available for use. The showers, and dog wash will be demolished and will be inaccessible behind a safety fence during construction

Will the playground be available during construction?

The playground will be unavailable during construction as the existing structure will be demolished and replaced with an upgraded version.

Can I access the beach?

Two beach entries will be closed during construction, but access will remain available through the southern entrance.

Dog Beach access

Dogs are prohibited on Emerald Beach. However, during the construction period, an exemption allows dogs on leash for direct access to Fiddamans Beach only.

Will parking be impacted?

There will be minimal impact to parking adjacent the work site – construction vehicles will need to enter/exit.

The master plan includes some designs that will be subject to future budget. Aspects of the design not yet funded include:

Road realignment with carparking and path
Additional overflow carparking
Picnic shelter and Landscaping

Coffs Coast Regional Park

Emerald Beach Reserve forms part of the Coffs Coast Regional Park, which covers 27 kilometres of coastline. It is governed by a NSW Government-appointed Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust Board of community representatives, including Aboriginal Elders and representatives of Coffs Harbour City Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Visit the Coffs Coast Regional Park page on NSW Parks and Wildlife website