FAQs
- A vision for the future Park Beach and guiding principles to achieve the vision.
- Ideas for safer, more functional streets and more options for moving around.
- Options for more diverse housing and other appropriate development.
- Ways to celebrate Aboriginal culture and local stories.
- Priorities for improving parks, community spaces, paths and infrastructure.
- Strategies to avoid or manage natural hazards, such as flooding and coastal hazards.
It won’t change planning or development controls. Any changes to planning controls proposed by the Plan will require a separate approval process after the Plan is adopted.
It won’t create new development areas or propose development in any open space, parks or foreshore areas.
It won’t deliver projects right away — but it will identify priorities to guide future investment.
Look at ways to improve pedestrian crossings and paths on key streets.
Create better bike paths and shared pathways.
Strengthen east-west and north-south connections.
Link residential areas, parks and community facilities to make travel easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities.
Improving foreshore access and amenities (e.g. seating, lighting, shade).
Enhancing parks and open spaces such as Park Beach Reserve and Ocean Parade park.
Increasing street trees and verge plantings.
Supporting events, markets and community programs that make Park Beach a vibrant, year-round destination.
Interpretive signage and artwork in public spaces.
Events or programming that celebrate local Aboriginal history and culture.
Consideration of Aboriginal cultural values in the planning of open spaces and coastal areas.
What types of housing are needed to meet the needs of our future population: family homes, apartments, townhouses, seniors living and affordable housing.
Building height and design: the Plan will consider where it may be appropriate to allow taller buildings to provide more homes whilst protecting local character, important views, streetscapes and privacy.
Community feedback: residents’ input will help guide where and how new housing is located and how urban design supports the precinct’s character.
Not propose development outside of existing developed urban areas.
Prioritise protection of environmental features.
Ensure new development minimises impacts on sensitive environments and biodiversity.
Improve street layouts, pedestrian crossings and shared paths.
Provide better parking management to support residents, visitors and local businesses.
Integrate equitable transport solutions that make it easier to move safely and efficiently around the precinct and to access locations outside of Park Beach.
Strengthen retail and commercial offerings to support year-round activity.
Enhance streetscapes and public spaces to attract visitors, events and increase activity in the public realm.
Provide infrastructure and urban design that supports entertainment and hospitality, recreation and local businesses.
Complete the online survey and provide feedback on values, opportunities, housing, and public spaces.
Attend one of the community drop-in sessions to provide your views and discuss your ideas with City planners.
Share suggestions for improvements to public spaces or infrastructure or specific locations that need attention.
What is the Park Beach Movement and Place Plan?
The Park Beach Movement and Place Plan is a strategic plan for the future of the Park Beach area. It will guide decisions on housing and development, and changes to streets, parks, community facilities and public spaces. It will ensure Park Beach can accommodate future population growth in a way that meets community needs while protecting its character, the environment, heritage and enhancing connectivity. The Plan will also ensure Park Beach remains a desirable destination for visitors.
Why is the Plan needed?
The population of Coffs Harbour is growing and we need to plan for this. Park Beach has been identified in the Coffs Harbour Local Growth Management Strategy as a suitable location to accommodate additional housing due to its proximity to transport, employment land, retail centres and outdoor recreation areas.
Park Beach is a unique and diverse place that includes the coast, natural areas, a variety of housing, commercial areas, businesses and tourism accommodation. It also faces challenges such as increased traffic, disconnected streets, coastal hazards and flooding. The Plan will help manage growth, protect what’s special and make improvements where they’re most needed.
What will the Plan include?
The Plan will include:
What area does the Plan cover?
The Movement and Place Plan will cover most of Park Beach but excludes certain parts. Park Beach Plaza is not included in the Plan area. A map of the study area is provided on this page.
What won’t the Plan do?
How will the Plan improve walkability, bike riding and overall connectivity?
Park Beach currently has large blocks, unformed laneways and limited footpaths, bike paths and pedestrian crossings – this makes moving around more difficult than it should be. The plan will:
How will public spaces and the foreshore be improved?
The Plan will consider ways to activate and enhance public spaces to support recreation, community events and tourism. Initiatives or actions may include:
How will Aboriginal cultural values and local stories be incorporated?
The local Aboriginal community will be consulted about ways to share local Aboriginal cultural heritage and stories. This could include:
How will housing and building heights be managed?
Additional housing is needed in Coffs Harbour to meet population growth and community needs. The Plan will consider:
How will the Plan address public safety?
If public safety is an issue that is identified by the community, the plan will examine ways that the built environment, streets and parks can be designed to ensure the public feels safe. The Plan will also examine ways to activate public places so that more people are out and about using streets, parks and shops- this can enhance safety.
How will the Plan protect the environmental values of Park Beach?
Park Beach includes a range of valuable environmental features including sand dunes, littoral rainforest and other native vegetation. To protect these values the Plan will:
How will traffic, parking and accessibility be addressed?
The plan will examine issues around parking, traffic, public transport and pedestrian and bicycle access. It will look at ways to:
How will the Plan support local businesses and tourism?
Park Beach is an important destination for residents and visitors. The plan will examine ways to:
How can I have my say and shape the Plan?
Community input is central to shaping the Movement and Place Plan. You can:
All feedback will be reviewed and considered in the preparation of the draft Plan.