Council seek ‘short term’ uses for Sandy Beach banana farm

COMMUNITY groups who may be able to make short term use of part of Morgans Farm at Sandy Beach are encouraged to lodge an expression of interest with the City of Coffs Harbour.

At its meeting on 22 May, Council resolved to break up the 80.5 hectare City-owned property which in the past had been used for growing bananas with recycled water and as a tree nursery.

Council has approved the subdivision and in-principle sale of two portions of the land north of Morgans Rd, while the residual land to the south will be retained for “public purposes and infrastructure”.

Specifically, a section of the land to the south of Morgans Rd has been identified as suitable for a water reclamation plant (WRP) that processes sewage.

The WRP would need to come online before 2045.

In the interim, Council has resolved to liaise with community groups to facilitate “short term community uses of merit” on the property.

“The land to the north of Morgans is now surplus to the City’s requirements but we are keen to hear from formal community groups with their ideas for a section of the remaining lot,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

City Infrastructure Acting Director Daniel Noble said Council has resolved to move ahead with a fresh strategic direction for Morgans Road Farm.

“It’s planned that the sale of two of the lots to the north – which would go back to Council for consideration – would assist in funding the maintenance and upkeep of the remaining lot,” Mr Noble said.

“In the short term, we are now calling for expressions of interest from community groups who may have an interest in utilising this residual property.

“Other uses may also be considered depending on the outcome.”

To find out more and to lodge an expression of interest email coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au, Attention: City Infrastructure Acting Director Daniel Noble.