June 6, 2025
From the Mayor’s Desk: Cr Nikki Williams

From the Mayor’s Desk: Cr Nikki Williams

AS someone who grew up in Coffs Harbour, I’ve seen our Jetty Foreshores precinct evolve.

When I was a kid the playgrounds were new and there were businesses on the railway land – through to the recent additions that we see today.

Now, we have the opportunity to shape the precinct’s thriving, safe and vibrant future.

The NSW Government’s Jetty Foreshore planning proposal is on public exhibition until 30 June 2025.

This isn’t about final designs or construction, it’s about updating planning controls: things like land uses, heights, and foundational planning rules including design guidelines and design excellence processes, to guide future revitalisation.

The City is a key stakeholder and will review the proposal and prepare a technical submission for consideration by Council this month.

I’m personally supportive of the direction for the precinct, as it protects what makes the Jetty Foreshores special, while creating a vibrant waterfront reflecting our regional city.

The planning proposal facilitates what is possible in the illustrative masterplan.

It shows:

● Increased public open space including parklands and potential facilities like recreational courts, a village green for events, a nature-based playground, water play, and gathering spaces.

● Tourism and day and night activation opportunities through tourism accommodation rooms and apartment living.

● Commercial spaces for food and beverage outlets, marine-based businesses, retail shops, and office spaces.

● Improved connectivity through new and consolidated formal parking areas, safe accessible pathways, pedestrian access over the railway tracks and a beachfront boardwalk.

The planning proposal is accompanied by strong design standards and the Connecting to Country framework.

Over the coming weeks, you might hear different views, and that’s a healthy part of community conversation. I encourage everyone to look at the facts, not fear, and engage directly with the official information.

There are technical reports covering things like traffic and parking management, flora, fauna and coastal management, and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

You can read the proposal and have your say at: https://pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/under-exhibition/coffs-harbour-jetty-foreshore

Let’s ensure the Jetty Foreshores is a place we’re proud of.

By Nikki WILLIAMS, Mayor, City of Coffs Harbour

4 thoughts on “From the Mayor’s Desk: Cr Nikki Williams

  1. As long time residents (50 years) of Coffs Harbour we are proud of our city but have always maintained that the Jetty area is tired and could be enhanced and made more user friendly for all age groups. If this is done properly as per the proposal, we feel that the City will go ahead in leaps and bounds, drawing so many more visitors to our beautiful coastline. We are definitely all for the proposal put forward and can’t wait to see it come to fruition.

  2. Have been down to see the plans last Saturday and spent a good hour talking to all
    Parties involved. It really help me when writing my submission to voice what I like and wanted to see in that space. Let’s get this started!!!

  3. In acts of gross racism and disgusting neocolonialism the mayor is totally ignoring the Garlambirla Elders. The Elders are unanimous in saying that they want their public sacred gathering and healing lands at The Jetty Foreshore to remain for the public for gathering and healing forever. The mayor is pushing a massive new highrise suburb on these sacred lands. Eternal shame on her for such disgusting racist and abusive conduct towards The Elders.

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