LIKE many fast-growing centres on the North Coast, Coffs Harbour is facing something of a perfect storm on the housing front. Real estate prices surged during Covid, and more recently we’ve seen rents continue to climb.
Combined with a shortage of affordable housing stock and the broader cost-of-living pressures being felt across the nation, this has created real challenges for many in our community.
The City is taking steps to help.
We’ve launched a targeted Expression of Interest process for two City-owned blocks in Gordon Street, right in the CBD.
These sites are zoned for developments of up to 13 storeys, and we are seeking proposals from Community Housing Providers to deliver much-needed affordable housing.
This could include key worker and student accommodation, as well as social housing.
Alongside this, we’ve placed our draft Homelessness Strategy on public exhibition.
Homelessness is a significant issue here in Coffs Harbour.
While State and Federal governments have the greatest responsibility for funding and service delivery, the City has a vital role to play in advocating for our community and working alongside frontline agencies.
We’ve also been able to provide some welcome financial relief for our local sports clubs.
After one of the wettest winters in recent memory, many fields were unplayable for weeks at a time. Council has resolved to refund a portion of seasonal hire fees for City-owned and managed sports fields, equivalent to four weeks of hire.
It’s a modest measure, but one that has been warmly received by our sporting community.
On a brighter note, it was a pleasure to welcome a group of students from our sister city of Sasebo, Japan.
Hosted by families from Bishop Druitt College, the students spent a week enjoying the best of Coffs Harbour – from the Botanic Garden and Muttonbird Island to the essential photo at The Big Banana. Having visited Sasebo privately earlier this year, it was a special privilege to now welcome their students here in return.
And finally, last weekend we proudly welcomed home 725 Squadron with their Freedom of Entry Parade.
It was an unforgettable moment to see hundreds from our community line the streets to honour their service and share in a spectacular day that included the Seahawk helicopter landing in Brelsford Park.
The pride in our Navy, our country, and our community spirit was on full display.
By Nikki WILLIAMS, Mayor, City of Coffs Harbour
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