The City of Coffs Harbour's 2022-2026 Delivery Program (Year 2), 2023/24 Operational Plan and supporting financial information have been finalised and adopted following community consultation.
The Program and Plan outline the projects, services and activities the City will provide, how much they will cost and when they will be delivered.
The Delivery Program and Operational Plan, which includes the 2023-2026 Delivery Program Income Statements, Long Term Financial Plan, 2023/24 Fees and Charges and 2023/24 Statement of Revenue Policy, were on public exhibition for 28 days during May 2023. In total, 13 submissions were received.
The 2023/24 Consolidated Income Statement forecasts an estimated operating surplus (before capital grants and contributions) of $13.429m, including an operating surplus (before capital grants and contributions) of $0.002m for the General Fund.
"We are maintaining a deliberate focus on ensuring the City's financial sustainability. The City's operational expenditure has been proactively constrained in order to fit within the available operational revenues," said City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos. "Unlike 17 other councils across the state that have this year applied for very significant special rate rises to cope with the post-pandemic economic climate, the City is in a very favourable and stable financial position.
"We have no need – or plans – to apply for any special rate rise beyond the annual increase set for all councils by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART)."
The major focus areas for the coming years outlined in the Program and Plan are:
- Realigning the current service levels and asset delivery to achieve the City's ongoing financial sustainability;
- Working with the NSW Government in developing the NSW Government's Jetty Foreshore Precinct masterplan, and projects that emerge from it, to create vibrant and inclusive places;
- Preparing for a post-bypass Coffs Harbour through urban design and planning outcomes, while supporting the community and businesses through the transition;
- Helping drive new housing opportunities by facilitating residential release areas and urban renewal;
- Supporting the community and City to better adapt to change – everything from waste and recycling, renewables, climate change through to a solid foundation to sustain us all before, during and after disasters and emergencies;
- Delivering active transport options to help foster and active, safe and healthy community; and
- Investigating innovative and effective waste landfill options.
Council also agreed to use $200,000 of the $672,891 Jetty Strip Detailed Design fund included in the 2023/24 Operational Plan for an additional 2023/24 capital project – Jetty Strip and First Avenue Sawtell Streetscape Renovations.
"These are key visitor destinations and they are currently looking pretty tired so would really benefit from some TLC in the form of painting, lighting, improved street furniture and so on," said the Mayor.
"Local businesses are all still doing it tough and this is a great way we can support them."
