Coffs Harbour City Council is now recognised as one of the leading Local Government organisations in NSW, having been awarded the AR Bluett Memorial Award for 2000-2001. The AR Bluett Memorial Award is the most coveted accolade in NSW Local Government. It has been awarded annually since 1945, recognising excellence in the delivery of quality of life to the community.
It is awarded in two sections, to the Councils considered by the Trustees to have made the greatest relative progress in Local Government in the previous 12 months. Separate Awards are made to a member of the NSW Local Government Association and to a member of the Shires Association of NSW. Coffs Harbour won the Local Government Association award, won the previous year by the City of Sydney City Council.
The award is judged on the progress made in the delivery of services, provision of public infrastructure, community relations and governance during the year. Judging covers the diverse area of Local Government services and projects including Administration Service (including Information Technology), Public Order and Safety, Health Services, Community Services and Education, Housing and Community Amenity (and Building Control), Water Supply and Sewerage Services, Recreation and Cultural Services, Transport and Communication, and Economic Affairs (including Economic Development).
Coffs Harbour City Council was judged top performer in NSW, based on Council’s success with numerous projects in 2000/2001, including the following.
- City Centre Revitalisation
- Vernon Street and Castle Street Streetscapes in Woolgoolga
- Coffs Best Value – saving money and improving productivity and service delivery
- Roads – Hogbin Drive, Stadium Drive
- New facilities such as the Visitors Information Centre, Regional Gallery, Airport extensions, City Library, Woolgoolga Library
- Water and sewerage infrastructure planning
- Rural and strategic planning
- Employment initiatives for indigenous trainees
- Financial performance.
