FAQs

The PoM sets out a framework for how the Holiday Parks will be used, managed and developed into the future. Specifically, it:

• Defines the community purpose of the land
• Identifies how the land can be used and what activities are permitted
• Provides guidance for environmental protection and coastal management
• Outlines how Council, as the land manager, can grant leases, licences and other agreements
• Ensures decisions are transparent and consistent with legislation

The draft Plan of Management:

• Supports tourism and local economy – maintaining and enhancing high-quality Holiday Park facilities
• Protects the natural environment – ensuring park management respects foreshore, dune and coastal ecosystems
• Improves visitor experience – through upgraded amenities, accommodation choices, and open space connections
• Maintains public access – ensuring continued community use of surrounding reserves and foreshore areas
• Provides certainty – giving a clear framework for future decisions and investment

The City of Coffs Harbour is the appointed Crown Land Manager for four Holiday Parks within the local government area. These are:

• BIG 4 Park Beach Holiday Park
• BIG 4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park
• Woolgoolga Beach Holiday Park
• Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park

A Plan of Management is the statutory document that authorises Council, as the appointed land manager, to oversee the occupation, use, and management of Crown Land. It sets out:

• The purposes for which the land may be used
• The activities permitted on the land
• Arrangements for public access
• The authorisation for Council to grant leases, licences and other tenures

The Crown Land Management Act 2016 requires councils appointed to manage Crown Land to do so as if the land were classified under the Local Government Act 1993. Under the Act, land classified as ‘Community Land’ must have a Plan of Management in place.

The Crown, as owner of the land, must be satisfied that Council proposes to use and manage the land in accordance with legislation. Therefore, all draft Plans of Management must be referred to and approved by NSW Crown Lands (a division of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure) before adoption.

The vision for the Holiday Parks is to provide sustainable, accessible, and high-quality coastal holiday experiences that support the local economy while protecting natural and cultural values.

Key objectives are to:

• Maintain and enhance the visitor experience
• Safeguard foreshore, dune and estuarine environments
• Provide a range of accommodation options to meet diverse needs
• Ensure the Holiday Parks remain financially sustainable
• Protect community access to public open space and foreshore areas
• Support tourism as a driver of the local economy

Council, as the appointed Crown Land Manager, oversees the Holiday Parks under the Crown Land Management Act 2016. NSW Crown Lands (Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure – Crown Lands) is the landowner and must approve the PoM.

Management covers:

• Day-to-day operations – bookings, maintenance, upgrades
• Environmental care – coastal dune protection, vegetation management, waste and water practices
• Community access – ensuring reserves, walkways and foreshore remain available to the public
• Commercial arrangements – leases, licences and tenure agreements with operators and businesses

The Local Government Act 1993 requires that any draft Plan of Management for Community Land must be placed on public exhibition to allow the community to review the document and provide submissions. Public input ensures transparency and helps Council consider community needs and expectations before the Plan is finalised.

Community input is an essential step before Council can adopt the Plan. Feedback will help ensure the Holiday Parks continue to balance the needs of visitors, the local community, and the environment.

• Submissions will be formally acknowledged.
• Council officers will review all submissions and determine whether amendments to the draft Plan are warranted.
• A report, including the draft Plan and all submissions received, will be presented to Council for consideration.
• Submitters will be advised when Council is scheduled to consider the matter, and notified of the resolution following the meeting.

NSW Crown Lands (Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure – Crown Lands) is the owner of the land. While Council manages the land on behalf of the Crown, approval from Crown Lands is required before any Plan of Management can be adopted.

If substantial revisions are made following public exhibition, the draft Plan must be resubmitted to Crown Lands for further approval and may need to be re-exhibited. If amendments are minor, the Plan can proceed to Council for adoption with Crown Lands formally advised.

An adopted Plan of Management will remain in effect until:

• A new Plan of Management is adopted; or
• The City ceases to be the Crown Land Manager; or
• The land is reclassified as Operational Land.