THERE is a great deal happening across Coffs Harbour, but our focus remains clear – delivering on Council’s core responsibilities: strong infrastructure, well-maintained public spaces, sound financial management and services that support our community every day.
As we prepare for the opening of the Coffs Harbour Bypass later this year, our role is to ensure the city is ready for the practical opportunities and changes it will bring.
Careful planning and steady investment in essential infrastructure remain central to that work.
We continue to maintain and enhance the public assets our community values most.
Works to renew the scenic mangrove boardwalk at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden are progressing well, ensuring this much-loved space — welcoming more than 120,000 visits annually — remains accessible and protected.
Following last year’s coastal erosion impacts, renewed beach access at Macauleys is now complete, and we are working to fast-track the design and survey work for rebuilding the Murrays Beach steps.
A significant regional priority remains Waterfall Way.
Repeated closures due to landslips and extreme weather have exposed the vulnerability of this critical east–west connection.
The impacts are being felt directly by local families, freight operators, emergency services and small businesses.
Together with Bellingen Mayor Steve Allan and fellow Mid North Coast and New England elected representatives, we are advocating strongly to the State Government for a permanent, future-proof solution – including sustainable alternative routes.
At the same time, we are supporting calls for immediate small business assistance for those suffering ongoing economic losses as a result of repeated closures. Businesses need both long-term certainty and short-term relief.
On the community front, Yarrila Arts and Museum will host RELICS: A New World Rises from 28 March, while Freestyle Kings and the Australian Kart Championship bring major sporting events to our city next month.
Through all of this, our commitment remains steady: practical decisions, responsible investment and strong advocacy – focused firmly on what matters most to our community.
By City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki WILLIAMS
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