In recent years, Coffs Harbour City Council has experienced a highly successful period, through a range of capital works and planning, and the streamlining of its operations. Located on the mid north coast of NSW, Council services a population of more than 61,000, and is responsible for a Local Government area spanning some 955 square kilometres. The organisation’s strategic focus, efficiency and strong relationship with its local community have been recognised in the past year with two of the most prestigious awards a Council can hope to win – the Nations In Bloom Awards for Liveable Communities, and the AR Bluett Memorial Award for Local Government.
In addition, Coffs Harbour was the first Council to win the Prime Minister’s Award for Sustainable Communities, in 2000. Council and the community have also won a string of other awards, including the 2002 National Landcare Rivercare Award for the restoration of the local Orara River; 2000/2001 Royal Australian Planning Institute (NSW) Awards for the City Centre Revitalisation project and the City’s Local Environment Plan; the 2002 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Award for Energy Efficiency; Clean Beaches awards; and a range of State and Federal commendations.
Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Jenny Bonfield, and the Council’s General Manager, Mark Ferguson, said the City’s success relied upon strategic planning and a strong relationship with the community.
“Local Government is NSW is restricted to some degree by rate pegging,” Mark Ferguson said.“With Local Government taking on a greater number of responsibilities, we have to be innovative in our approach. We have to find new revenue sources, from the private sector, through community ownership of some projects, or through partnerships with other councils and agencies.
“Coffs Harbour has been fortunate to gain the support of local business people for a variety of projects, from major initiatives like the multi million dollar revitalisation of the City Centre to promotional activities such as the relocation of the Wallabies to Coffs Harbour. We have also worked with other local Councils and State Government agencies to develop a regional water supply strategy, and that project is now well resourced and progressing ahead of schedule.
“To win the confidence and support of the business community and other regional authorities, Council has had to demonstrate clear strategic direction, along with a commitment to project deadlines and budgets. Our success with the projects already undertaken will help us to continue to improve our City with new initiatives.”
Councillor Bonfield said the commitment of the City’s thousands of volunteers had laid the foundations for remarkable progress in recent years.
“Council has a firm belief in social capital value, and to this end we have invested a great deal of time and effort into building stronger relationships with the community,” the Mayor said. “Many of the projects for which the City has been commended would not have been possible without the support of volunteers, particularly our environmental works. Council raises about $700,000 a year through a special environmental levy, which funds a range of priority projects identified through our State of the Environment reports.
“Most of these projects are organised by volunteers, or involve significant voluntary labour input. When it comes down to it, the true test of a city is the cohesion and contribution of its community – without social capital value, you don’t have progress.”
