NSW · Coffs Coast (Mid North Coast) · Local council, made simple
City of Coffs Harbour
A regional coastal council on the NSW Mid North Coast — around 81,000 people across Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, Toormina and surrounding towns, and the region's main service, retail and visitor centre. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, water, libraries, parks, beaches, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Open for your feedback
See all →Things City of Coffs Harbour wants your say on right now. Your view counts for more before the deadline.
- Closes in 8 days
Gumbaynggirr Glossary & Naming Project
Have your say → - Closes in 13 days
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Actions
Have your say → - Closes in 282 days
Road Naming Proposals
Have your say →
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 4.6%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 6 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyCoffs Harbour's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
Higher than NSW across the board — read the context
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Nikki Williams
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 6648 4000
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~81,000 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
43 updatesAuto-collected from City of Coffs Harbour's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Policy
New rules to keep community voices at the table
Published on 04 November 2026 City of Coffs Harbour Council has endorsed a change which will make it easier for its advisory committees to run valid meetings.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Orara River recovery rolls on with strengthened 10-year plan
Published on 03 November 2026 A draft 10-year roadmap to guide the ongoing rehabilitation of the Orara River system has been strengthened with a series of important additions.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Adults-only art party comes to YAM with The Huxleys
Published on 02 November 2026 A vibrant night of art, performance, music and creativity is promised when YAM Up Late returns on Friday 13 November, featuring a special live performance from acclaimed collaborative artists The Huxleys.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Proposed planning rule changes to keep the peace in Coffs Harbour
Published on 29 October 2026 City of Coffs Harbour is proposing planning rule changes to protect land earmarked for business and industry by limiting new housing in those areas to reduce any potential conflict between residential and industrial activities.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Councils show 'The Ways' to unlock northern NSW tourism
Published on 28 October 2026 Neighbouring councils in northern NSW, including the City of Coffs Harbour, have joined forces to give visitors more reasons to stay longer and see more, with a new campaign built around five road trips that run from the beaches to the high country.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Coffs Harbour seeks 'modest' signage boost to back tourism post-Bypass
Published on 27 October 2026 City of Coffs Harbour will continue to lobby the NSW Government for a “modest” increase in tourism signage on the Pacific Highway in preparation for post-Bypass life.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Key agreement builds funding path for Jetty Foreshores revitalisation
Published on 26 October 2026 A collaborative agreement between the City of Coffs Harbour and Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) will deliver a once-in-a-generation multimillion-dollar investment in public infrastructure and community facilities for the Jetty Foreshore Precinct.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Coffs' first Aboriginal strategy sets course for meaningful change
Published on 22 October 2026 Compiling a list of Aboriginal names to consider when naming public streets and buildings is a short-term action for the City of Coffs Harbour in a freshly adopted strategy.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Crime writer to lift lid at Coffs on a story started 40 years ago
Published on 21 October 2026 One of Australia’s most celebrated crime writers, Michael Robotham, will visit Yarrila Place next month to shine a light on his deeply personal new novel, Tell Me Something True, a story four decades in the making.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Election
An inside look at being a Coffs Harbour Councillor
Published on 20 October 2026 City of Coffs Harbour will give prospective by-election candidates an inside look at what it’s really like to be a Councillor in Coffs Harbour at a special information session on Wednesday 28 October.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Coffs steps up campaign for transformational Youth Foyer
Published on 19 October 2026 Coffs Harbour will up the ante in its bid to become only the third site in NSW for a substantial transitional housing project with wraparound support services for young people.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Election
Coffs Harbour local government by-election set for 12 December
Published on 16 October 2026 Coffs Harbour voters will head to the polls on Saturday 12 December, with the NSW Electoral Commission confirming the date for the by-election following the resignation this week of Paul Amos.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Recognition for Cr Paul Amos following resignation
Published on 13 October 2026 Long-standing City of Coffs Harbour Councillor Paul Amos has advised he is resigning from the role, effective Wednesday 14 October.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Gumbaynggirr Glossary & Naming Project
We’re collecting Gumbaynggirr words, names and stories that may be used for streets, parks, buildings, and other public spaces across the Coffs Harbour LGA. Closes Friday 13 November.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Policy
Discussion paper plants seeds for a more resilient Coffs Harbour
Published on 07 October 2026 Practical, innovative ideas to help the Coffs Harbour community become more resilient in the face of a fast-changing world have been placed on public exhibition for feedback.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Actions
What would help our community become more resilient? Explore Growing Together and share your thoughts on practical ideas to save money, build resilience and strengthen our community.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Policy
Closing the Gap: Council backs funding bid for key coastal path
Published on 01 October 2026 A new $2. 8 million shared path through lush vegetation alongside the Pacific Highway would remove one of the strategic ‘missing links’ in Coffs Harbour’s active transport network.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Step into nature on stunning Coffs Harbour estuary boardwalk
Published on 30 September 2026 Visitors to the City of Coffs Harbour’s captivating North Coast Regional Botanic Garden can now delight in a mangrove forest experience with the opening of a new 142-metre-long boardwalk above the tidal estuary waterway.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Coffs Harbour DCP 2015 Amendment No. 55
View the draft DCP amendment. Submissions close 28 October 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Policy
From grey to green as Coffs Harbour reimagines old highway
Published on 28 September 2026 A template to transform the old Pacific Highway through Coffs Harbour from a stark concrete jungle to an inviting leafy boulevard is on public exhibition for comment.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
‘Defining moment’ of opportunity for Coffs Harbour
Published on 25 September 2026 Coffs Harbour stands on the cusp of a generational transformation, with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities set to reshape the city’s future for decades to come.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Draft City Spine Renewal Design Guide
We are seeking feedback on a new vision for the former Pacific Highway once the Coffs Harbour bypass opens. Consultation closes Monday 26 October 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Policy
Tourism takes off as Coffs pilots regional buy-in
Published on 24 September 2026 An evolving campaign to supercharge the broader Coffs Coast region as a tourist destination has been feted by the industry – and led to direct economic benefit.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Reserve Naming Proposals
The City is inviting community feedback on a proposal to name the currently unnamed reserve at the intersection of Halls Road and Lophostemon Drive, Coffs Harbour as Olive Walker Reserve.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Policy
Local authors invited to first regional showcase
Published on 22 September 2026 The inaugural Coffs Coast Authors' Showcase is planned for November 28, and the call is out for emerging and established writers to register for the event.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Three visionary photographic worlds arrive at YAM
Published on 21 September 2026 Three extraordinary photographic exhibitions will be presented at Coffs Harbour’s award-winning Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) in spring.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
Planning Proposal - Dual Occupancies in Zone R2 Low Density Residential
View the draft Planning Proposal. Submissions close 20 October 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Policy
Nominations open for Coffs Harbour 2027 Australia Day Awards
Published on 09 September 2026 Know someone making a difference in Coffs Harbour? Recognise their efforts by nominating them for an Australia Day Award.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Waste
Coffs Coast waste trucks to drive home safety message
Published on 08 September 2026 City of Coffs Harbour’s cheeky ‘Slow the f*st down’ road safety initiative is going out with a banger of a message: Don’t be a rubbish driver.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Council backs comprehensive review of landmark coastal trail
Published on 27 August 2026 The vision of developing a nationally-renowned beachside trek is one step closer after City of Coffs Harbour Council backed plans for a broad-brushed analysis of the 60-kilometre Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
New faces bolster significant Coffs Harbour committees
Published on 28 August 2026 Key appointments to three City of Coffs Harbour committees have been confirmed, boosting the talent pool in their respective specialist areas of interest.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Framework for managing Coffs Harbour's huge road network
Published on 31 August 2026 An all-in-one policy which covers how the City of Coffs Harbour classifies its roads – and the maintenance commitment for each – has come into effect.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Toormina sports precinct upgrades lead strong quarter for City
Published on 03 September 2026 A suite of additions to the Toormina sports precinct are among the headline capital works projects now serving the Coffs Harbour community.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Coffs Council waives charges to support Legacy housing project
Published on 07 September 2026 The shovels will shortly hit the ground on a Legacy-led transitional housing project in Albany Street – thanks in part to a City of Coffs Harbour gesture.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Helping Coffs Coast businesses prepare for what’s next
Published on 04 September 2026 Coffs Coast businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of a new round of free workshops and support designed to help them prepare for change, including the transition associated with the Coffs Harbour Bypass.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
Development Servicing Plan for Sewerage Service
Have your say on the Draft Sewerage Development Servicing Plan and future infrastructure to support growth. Feedback closes Thursday 15 October.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Have your say
City Centre Parking - What We’ve Heard and Where to Next - Discussion Paper
We want to hear from you.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Policy
Coffs Harbour Events Strategy
The Draft Events Strategy 2026–2035 outlines a shared vision for the future of events across the region. Submissions close Tuesday 6 October 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Have your say
Road Naming Proposals
Indicated your preference for new Road Naming Proposal. Feedback closes Friday 14 August.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Have your say
Investigation into possible rezoning of the Argyll Estate precinct
The NSW Government and Coffs Harbour City Council are working together to renew the Argyll Estate precinct.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
- Development
Coffs Harbour bypass on track to open end of 2026
The 14 km Coffs Harbour bypass between the Englands Road and Korora interchanges, delivered by Transport for NSW, is on track to open to traffic at the end of 2026, with tunnelling, bridge and paving works progressing through 2026.
What this means for you: When it opens, through-traffic on the Pacific Highway will move around the city rather than through it — a change expected to affect travel times and the Coffs Harbour CBD. This is a NSW/Australian Government project, not a council project.
- Policy
Council adopts Delivery Program 2025–2029 and 2025/26 Operational Plan
The council adopted its Delivery Program 2025–2029 and Operational Plan and budget for 2025/26 at its 19 June 2025 meeting, setting its services, capital works and rates for the year.
What this means for you: This is the plan and budget that funds the council's roads, waste, water, parks and other services for 2025/26 and sets out its commitments for the four-year council term.
- Development
Jetty Foreshore Precinct planning proposal goes on public exhibition
A planning proposal to rezone and redevelop the Coffs Harbour jetty foreshore precinct — led by Property and Development NSW for the NSW Government — went on public exhibition from 19 May to 30 June 2025 and is being assessed.
What this means for you: If it proceeds, the waterfront precinct could see new housing, tourist accommodation, green space and hospitality. This is a NSW Government-led proposal; the council and community have made submissions on it.
Source: City of Coffs Harbour — Jetty Foreshore planning proposal
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