FAQs
Cultivating a safe community
Supporting healthy, active lives
Protecting the diversity of our natural environment
Undertaking development that is environmentally, socially, and economically responsible
Creating liveable places that are beautiful and appealing
Undertaking effective community engagement
Stimulating economic growth, investment and local jobs
Facilitating positive ageing and fostering a sense of community, belonging and diversity
Using resources responsibly and sustainable to deliver public services and infrastructure
Fostering informed leadership in our community
Collaborating to deliver opportunities for housing for all
What is the Community Strategic Plan (CSP)?
Every council is required under legislation to have a Community Strategic Plan. It is a council’s main strategic document and a roadmap for the future of a city. The Plan sets out the community’s vision and provides a direction for collectively contributions by council, community and other stakeholders to make their vision a reality.
It outlines long-term objectives, initiatives and measures to track progress. The Plan guides council plans, policies and budgets – ensuring a cohesive approach to planning for the community.
The key requirements of a Community Strategic Plan include addressing social, environmental, economic and civic leadership issues, premised on social justice principles and alignment with the State Plan and other relevant state and regional plans.
See the Office of Local Government website for further information.
Who delivers the MyCoffs 2035 Community Strategic Plan?
City of Coffs Harbour leads the development of the plan on behalf of the community. The City initiates, prepares and maintains the Community Strategic Plan, however there is a shared responsibility to implement it. Other stakeholders, such as Australian and NSW governments, as well as not-for-profit organisations, businesses, and the broader community must all contribute to achieve the long-term goals of the plan – and the vision for Coffs Harbour.
How often will the MyCoffs Plan be reviewed?
The City is required to review the Community Strategic Plan every four years, in line with the council term, to ensure it continues to align with the community’s evolving priorities. Ongoing engagement with the community is key to tracking progress, refining priorities, and ensuring that actions remain focused on achieving the vision for Coffs Harbour.
How has the MyCoffs Plan evolved?
Originally developed in 2009 through collaboration with our community, the MyCoffs Plan has been reviewed and updated several times: in 2016, 2022, and most recently in 2024/25 – following a community check-in. During this most recent check-in, 259 community members shared their current priorities to ensure the plan reflects the present-day aspirations of Coffs Harbour.
What were the key priorities the community identified in the recent check-in?
The key priorities that were brought up in the recent community check-in were:
The key corresponding City strategies can be found on page 2 of the draft MyCoffs 2035 Community Strategic Plan.
How does the community contribute to the plan and why is engagement important?
Community input is essential to the planning process. Through regular engagement opportunities, such as community check-ins and public exhibitions, we gather feedback, track progress through the Community Satisfaction Survey, and update the Plan to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of Coffs Harbour residents. Community engagement ensures the Plan remains grounded in the values, goals, and priorities of the people it serves. By staying connected with the community, we can make informed decisions, refine priorities, and ensure the Plan stays aligned with what matters most to the people of Coffs Harbour.
Do Councillors get a say in the review of the Community Strategic Plan?
Absolutely! Councillors are community advocates and representatives. In partnership with the community, Councillors will contribute to the review of the Plan, ensuring that it reflects the current priorities of our community.
When will the Community Strategic Plan be adopted?
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, the CSP must be adopted by 30 June in the year following a local government election. As per this legislation the Plan must be adopted by 30 June 2025.