CITY of Coffs Harbour (CoCH) Mayor Nikki Williams spoke at a packed Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast, outlining the council’s accomplishments and plans.
Emphasising the importance of restoring relationships, Cr Williams said that “nothing meaningful happens in local government” without them.
She spoke of having numerous conversations across all levels of government and supportive relationships, citing what has been achieved for Coffs through Minister Steve Kamper; securing the future of hockey; supporting the Mooney footbridge replacement; and “getting back in the room” on the Jetty Foreshores development.
Cr Williams touched on CoCH’s recent membership of the Local Governments Joint Organisation, which aims to improve regional planning, deliver projects across council boundaries, and provide a stronger voice for regional communities to drive their priorities.
She encouraged conversations about how to grow the Mid North Coast as a whole, so that it is seen the world over as a desired destination, and regular discussions with community groups to understand their needs.
Acknowledging volunteering is a challenge, Cr Williams said there are plans for the CoCH website to connect with local associations, allowing the community to easily view current needs and opportunities to participate.
As in other regional areas, youth crime is an issue, with ongoing bi-monthly community safety meetings being held with the Police.
“We’re looking at initiatives where we can share our CCTVs directly with the police station, where they can see it in real time.
“We’re also working on some of the challenges that we have around social housing, around drug use, around our bus stops.”
Cr Williams regularly engages with the multicultural community to ensure a strong and cohesive local community.
Speaking of higher education in Coffs, she said her regular meetings with Southern Cross University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin are very productive.
Current discussions are around introducing AI, and attracting new businesses such as IT to the City, instead of focussing solely on health.
“We do a great job in health, but what else can we do to drive more education here, keep more students here and get more investment.”
She advocates for focus within councils, not going off at tangents and getting to the destination, citing the Jetty Foreshores development as an important project to follow-through.
She also spoke of the revitalisation of the area, bringing back vibrancy to the restaurants, providing housing, empty-nester accommodation and attracting business and tourism to boost the area’s economy.
In revitalising the City’s CBD, CoCH has started a YAM (Yarrila Arts and Museum) Up Late program.
“We finally got the bars open and people are out there at nighttime, around the fig tree, it’s fantastic to see.”
Back to basics, the Mayor said that excellence in the three Rs – roads, rates and rubbish – comes first.
“If we can’t get them right, we can’t expect anyone to trust us to get the big things right”.
Looking to the future of the city, Cr Williams said, “If we want to compete nationally, we must invest like a city that intends to win – Coffs is an elite sports city and we must continue to invest in this space.”
She stated that hosting major sports events benefits tourism, small businesses, reputation, and highlights Coffs globally.
“Beyond the bypass” is a slogan driving the question ‘How do we create a revitalisation plan for Coffs Harbour that extends right through the Council and then out through our community?’
“What are our opportunities so that we can make the most of them?”
Summing up “how we get there”, Cr Williams said CoCH will be leading through change, making brave decisions and having honest leadership.
She cited the response to the recently released Aquatic Strategy as an example of the community’s lack of trust in the Council.
With the aim of getting data, CoCH actioned a consultant-led LGA-wide report.
The Council subsequently released the strategy for public exhibition and feedback.
“The community didn’t like the strategy… because it said that we should decommission Sawtell Pool.”
It caused concern in the community and Councillors did not support it.
“But how do we build trust if we’re influencing strategies before the community gets to see them?” Cr Williams added.
Her final segment was: “Who are we?”
“How do Coffs Harbour people describe their home city when speaking with people from around the world.
“It’s something we should be considering when we’re talking about growth, when we’re talking about post-bypass, we need to really understand who we are so that we can develop that, and everybody in our community comes along for the ride.”
By Andrea FERRARI
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