FAQs
Ageing infrastructure that is costly to maintain
Rising operational and energy costs
Increasing compliance and safety requirements
Evolving community expectations around accessibility, programming and experience
Improve facility design, access, and amenities
Expand or adjust aquatic programs and services
Support broader community access and participation
Prioritise future investment based on need and benefit
Intercept surveys (random, in-person surveys) with community members at our pools and other busy public spaces
Workshops with key stakeholders such as schools, swim clubs, health organisations and community groups
Completing a short online survey
Making a written submission through our Have Your Say platform
What is the project about?
The City of Coffs Harbour Aquatic Facilities Strategy is a long-term plan to guide how the City manages, upgrades, and delivers public swimming pools, aquatic programs and services across the local government area over the next 15 years.
It will identify what’s working well, what can be improved, and what’s needed in the future to make sure our aquatic facilities continue to meet the needs of our growing and diverse community.
Why is the project needed?
Aquatic facilities are highly valued by our community - they promote health, wellbeing, safety and social connection.
But like many councils across Australia, we’re facing a number of growing challenges, including:
This Strategy will help the City plan for the future in a proactive and sustainable way - ensuring our facilities continue to serve the community for many years to come.
What does this mean by the City’s current swimming pools?
The Strategy will look closely at each of the four City-owned pools and consider opportunities to:
While no decisions have been made yet, the goal is to ensure our aquatic network remains safe, inclusive, well-used and cost-effective, now and in the future.
Will this affect the way I currently use the City’s swimming pools?
No - your access to existing pools, services and programs will not change while the Strategy is being developed.
Any potential changes or upgrades will happen in the future and only after further planning, funding, community consultation and Council endorsement of the Strategy. The current project focuses on listening and learning from the community and other expert stakeholders, to guide our future planning.
How can I provide feedback?
As part of developing the Draft Aquatic Facilities Strategy, we’re starting with early conversations to better understand the current use, challenges and future needs for aquatic facilities in the Coffs Harbour region.
This includes:
Once the Draft Strategy is released (expected in late October 2025), we’ll invite the broader community to have their say by:
Will my feedback be used?
Absolutely. Community and stakeholder feedback is central to this project.
Your input will help the City understand community needs, preferences and ideas — and shape the final Strategy. A report summarising the feedback received and how it was considered will be made available after consultation.
Who makes the final decision?
After community consultation, a final version of the Strategy will be presented to Council for consideration and adoption.
Only after this decision is made will any longer-term changes be explored - and these will involve further planning and engagement with affected users and stakeholders, and potentially be subject to funding applications.