FAQs
Delivery Program (2025–2029):
A four-year blueprint that lists the key services, projects, and priorities that will be deliver during the current Council term. It’s the link between the 10-year MyCoffs Community Strategic Plan 2035 and the City’s role in delivering its 4-year plans. All major decisions, plans, and funding allocations are tied to this program.Operational Plan (2025/26):
An annual plan for the delivery of the projects and activities detailed in the Delivery Program that includes the budget, service details, capital works, rates, and fees. Both documents ensure progress towards the community’s vision of Coffs Harbour, and guide quarterly and annual reporting.The10-Year Long Term Financial Plan (on public exhibition)
The Asset Management Strategy (to be presented to Council in June)
The Workforce Management Strategy (to be presented to Council in June)
General Fund: $0.29M surplus
Water Fund: $2.72M surplus
Sewer Fund: $7.01M surplus
Community needs are clearly understood
Plans are financially realistic and achievable
Progress is monitored and reported back to the community
- Transport & Connectivity: Jetty Strip Streetscape Design, footpath upgrades (Arthur Street, First & Second Ave Sawtell), Coffs to Woolgoolga Cycleway investigation, and Active Transport Plan funding
- Community Safety: $1.1 million for CCTV and improved public lighting
- Public Infrastructure: $19.6 million for road, bridge, footpath, and cycleway maintenance and upgrades
- Water and wastewater: $15.4 million for the design, construction, refurbishment and general maintenance of (waste)water mains and infrastructure
- Waste Management: $2.1 million to improve waste collection and recycling services
- Toormina Precinct Review and Masterplan
- Open Space Maintenance Efficiency Program
- 'Friends of the CBD' pilot
- Enhancements to the Bulky Goods Waste Service
- Investigation of a Regional Waste Solution
- Completion of Aquatic, Youth, and Sports & Active Recreation Strategies
- Community Safety Strategy development
Advocacy for an Affordable housing project at the Argyll Street Precinct
Adaptation Strategy (pending NSW Reconstruction Authority timelines and funding)
$0.668M is voluntarily forgone by the City
$2.386M is mandated under legislation
NSW Government reimburses about $1.312M
Net cost to Council: approx. $1.074M
What are the Delivery Program and Operational Plan?
These two documents work together to show how the City turns strategy into action:
What is the Resourcing Strategy and Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP)?
This strategy ensures the City has enough staff, funding, and assets to deliver services sustainably. It includes:
What are the draft Fees and Charges 2025-2026?
The draft Fees and Charges documents outline any changes or updates to service fees that may affect residents and businesses in our city. This includes both general fees and statutory charges, and it’s important that we hear your views on these proposed adjustments.
The draft 2025/26 budget?
This shows an underlying surplus of $10.02M before capital grants and contributions:
This reflects the The City’s financial plans also include commitment to a sustainable and achievable capital works program aligned with delivery capacity.
Why do we need these documents?
Under the NSW Local Government Act 1993, all cCouncils must use integrated planning and reporting (IP&R). This ensures:
The CSP, Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Resourcing Strategy ( including the, and Long-Term Financial Plan) collectively ensure the City remains strategic, transparent, responsive and accountable.
Were Councillors involved in shaping these plans?
Yes. In March 2025, Councillors participated in a strategic planning workshop. This gave them the opportunity to set operational and capital priorities for the next four years and beyond. Many of their priorities have been included in the draft plans, while others are being scoped for future inclusion.
What's being delivered in 2025/26?
The City’s draft Operational Plan 2025/26 outlines a $63.7 million investment in capital works to support community wellbeing, infrastructure renewal, and sustainable growth.
Some of the capital investments include:
Furthermore, 2025/26 will see the delivery of several operational plans and strategies, including:
Finally, we will see the continued development of ongoing initiatives such as the Resource and Recovery Waste Management Strategy, Public Realm Strategy, Movement and Transport Strategy.
Why are some projects unfunded?
Some projects require further scoping, funding, or integration with other plans or stakeholders.
Will residential rates and charges change in 2025/26?
With a 4.6% increase in ‘General Income’ for 2025/26, the ‘average’ residential property can expect a total rate and charges increase (including annual and usage charges not capped by the rate peg increase) of approximately $159.68 per annum (or $3.07 per week) which is a 3.7% increase from 2024-25.
The 4.0% rate peg, plus 0.6% growth factor, was announced by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in October 2024 under the Local Government ‘Rate Pegging’ legislation.
The following table shows the impact on total rates and charges payable in 2025/26 for the ‘average’ residential property.
The ‘average’ residential property has been based on a land valuation of $430,600 in 2025/26. This valuation has been used to determine the residential ordinary rates and environmental levy.
Rates and Charges | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | Increase | |
| ($) | ($) | Amount ($) | % |
Residential Ordinary Rate | 1,409.65 | 1,474.42 | 64.77 | 4.6% |
Environmental Levy | 52.18 | 54.59 | 2.41 | 4.6% |
Stormwater Management | 25.00 | 25.00 | 0.00 | 0.0% |
Domestic Waste Service | 720.00 | 742.00 | 22.00 | 3.1% |
Total General Rates and Charges | 2,206.81 | 2,296.01 | 89.18 | 4.0% |
Sewerage Access Charge | 1,083.00 | 1,121.00 | 38.00 | 3.5% |
Water Access Charge | 166.00 | 171.00 | 5.00 | 3.0% |
Water Usage (250 KL pa) | 887.50 | 915.00 | 27.50 | 3.1% |
Total Utility Charges | 2,136.50 | 2,207.00 | 70.50 | 3.3% |
Totals All Rates and Charges | 4,343.31 | 4,503.01 | 159.68 | 3.7% |
Are pensioners supported through rebates?
Yes. In 2025/26, Council will write off $3.054M in pensioner rates and charges:
What is the Environmental Levy?
The Environmental Levy (being a Special Rate) is calculated with a ‘base amount’ to raise about 43% of the levy, with the balance raised as an ad valorem rate applied to land values. The purpose of the Environmental Levy is to fund environmental work, and it is levied on all rateable land.
What happens if we need to change the plan?
The City needs to be able to adapt to new issues and opportunities. To make sure we can continue to deliver the commitments of the Delivery Program 2025 - 2029, the City and Council we will review the Delivery Program and Operational Plan every year and the Resourcing Strategy as needed.
Each year, we will also review our capital works program, reflecting new funding opportunities, delivery constraints and or priority changes.
How will Council use my submission?
At the close of the engagement period, City staff will review and analyse all submissions received and prepare a report to Council. The report will address the issues raised as well as any recommended changes based on feedback received, for Council’s consideration.
How will the community be informed about the progress of the DP&OP?
Progress is reported to Council and published quarterly, and at the end of every financial year. A State of our City report is published at the end of each Council term.
What is the Community Strategic Plan (CSP)?
The Community Strategic Plan has been developed by the City on behalf of the community to set out its long-term vision, themes and initiatives for Coffs Harbour. The CSP is reviewed every 4 years to ensure that it aligns with the community’s current priorities.
The CSP informs the development of the Delivery Program.