FAQs
Our population is growing, placing additional demand on existing facilities.
Recreation trends are shifting, with people seeking more choice in how they get active.
Expectations about the quality, accessibility and inclusivity of facilities are increasing.
Facilities are managed in different ways, which can be inconsistent.
Set a clear framework for how different facilities are used and developed in the future.
Provide recommendations for sites, including infrastructure, management and fees and charges. For example, the Strategy might recommend upgrading lighting at sports fields to increase use, improving how bookings are managed, or adjusting hire arrangements to support better long-term planning and ensure fair community access to all facilities.
Improve our facilities so they are safer, better suited to community needs, and able to provide a range of sports and activities.
Providing data and insights to help shape the Strategy
Identifying opportunities to enhance sport and active recreation outcomes.
Exploring funding opportunities to strengthen funding applications
Advocate for state and federal government support
Intercept surveys (random, in-person surveys) with community members actively using the City’s facilities.
A community survey.
Workshops with key stakeholders, local sporting user groups and management committees.
Completing a short online survey
Making a written submission through our ‘Have Your Say’ platform.
What is the Strategy about?
The City of Coffs Harbour is creating a plan for its sport and active recreation facilities for the next 15 years. This plan will give advice on how these facilities should be managed and what fees should be charged. It will cover both organised sports and other activities you can do in parks and open spaces, like using skate parks, outdoor gyms and pump tracks.
The plan will look at what’s working well now, what could be better, and what needs to be done in the future so that everyone in our growing community can keep enjoying sport and active recreation.
Why is the project needed?
Sport and active recreation facilities are highly valued by the community – they promote health, wellbeing and social connection as well as facilitating a great variety of activities and events.
Like many councils across Australia, we face a number of growing challenges, including:
The 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 the project mean for our local sport and active recreation facilities?
The Strategy will look at all of the City’s sport and active recreation facilities and explore ways to:
All sites will be considered, but not every site will receive a recommendation. Where recommendations are made, they will focus on improving sport and active recreation facilities and their management. The aim is to create inclusive spaces that encourage more people to get involved and stay active.
Will the project affect the way I currently use the City’s facilities?
There will be no changes to current access to sports and active recreation facilities while the Strategy is being developed.
Any changes or upgrades will occur after the City endorses the Strategy. The project now centres on gathering community feedback and analysing Otium's research data to guide future planning.
How will the Strategy be implemented?
The Strategy will set out the priorities for our facilities and identify actions over the short, medium, and long term. Implementation will rely on a mix of City planning, available resources, and external funding opportunities through NSW and Federal Government programs. Some projects may be delivered through the City’s four-year Delivery Program, while others will progress when funding and partnerships allow.
How will decisions about priorities be made?
There are many sports and clubs in our community, and resources are limited. Priorities will be based on participation needs, facility condition, inclusion, and opportunities to deliver the greatest community benefit. The Strategy provides a framework for investment, so decisions are fair, transparent, and realistic.
What role can clubs and organisations play?
In the development and implementation of the strategy, clubs and sporting organisations can contribute by:
What happens after the Strategy is finalised?
Once adopted, the Strategy will guide the City’s future planning and investment in sport and active recreation facilities. It will be reviewed regularly to reflect changing needs, funding opportunities, and community growth.
How can I provide my feedback?
As part of developing the Draft Sport and Active Recreation Strategy, extensive consultation will be undertaken to understand current use, challenges and opportunities to explore in the Coffs Harbour LGA. This includes:
Once the Draft Strategy is released (expected in late April 2026), we’ll invite the broader community to review the draft strategy and share their feedback once more by:
Will my feedback be used?
Absolutely. Community and stakeholder feedback are central to this project.
Your input will help the City understand community needs, preferences and ideas and shape the final Strategy. Findings of the engagement process will be made available on the project page.
Who makes the final decision?
After community consultation, a final version of the Strategy will be presented to the City for consideration and adoption.
Only after this decision is made will any longer-term changes be explored. These will involve further planning and engagement with affected users and stakeholders and potentially be subject to funding applications.