A RANGE of environmental projects across the Coffs Coast will share more than $400,000 in funding through the City of Coffs Harbour’s 2026/27 Environmental Levy Grants program.
Council approved the funding package at its 28 May meeting, supporting 11 community-led initiatives focused on biodiversity, habitat restoration, sustainability, environmental education and waterway health.
A further $95,000 in unallocated grant funding will be transferred to the Environmental Levy Strategic Program pool to investigate infrastructure improvements along the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the investment could help elevate the iconic coastal trail to international prominence.
“We want to improve the connectivity and accessibility of this unique walk between Woolgoolga and Sawtell and we will seek a matching investment from the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust for this initiative,” Mayor Williams said.
“This coastal walk has the potential to be not only nationally significant but to become a drawcard for outdoor experience travellers worldwide.”
City chief financial officer Amy Mott said the Environmental Levy Grants program continued to support important community-driven environmental outcomes.
“This will be topped up by $51,982 unallocated from the 2025/26 program, providing a total pool of $415,169 for the coming financial year,” Ms Mott said.
“$13,000 has been set aside from the Environmental Levy Grants to contribute toward the cost of site inspections and meetings with the successful community applicants.”
Major recipients include Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare, Jaliigirr Biodiversity Alliance, and Workways Australia, each receiving $50,000 for biodiversity and habitat restoration projects.
Other funded initiatives include a native stingless bee education program at Gumnut Cottage Child Care Centre, ghost trap removal in local estuaries, riparian habitat restoration along Friday and Narlu Creeks, and a student-led waste reduction program at Toormina High School.
Council will also investigate whether Kororo Public School can receive funding for an improved rubbish management project through its P&C Association.
By Sis HIGGINS
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