The Coffs Harbour community is being invited to have its say on the opportunity to deliver more housing and bolster the local economy as the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct proposal goes on public exhibition.
Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) is leading the proposed revitalisation of the precinct on behalf of the NSW Government and a planning proposal is now on public exhibition.
The planning proposal provides the opportunity to support a thriving regional economy through more tourism and hospitality, more liveable and walkable public open space, and more housing across on what is largely inaccessible, fenced-off land.
The vision for the proposed precinct includes a mix of commercial, retail, tourism, residential and tourist accommodation, recreation and community/cultural uses. Importantly, all revenue generated through the proposed project will be reinvested into the existing parklands to upgrade offerings for the community, the Government confirmed in a statement.
“This community-led vision to revitalise the jetty foreshore area Coffs Harbour was informed by more than 3,600 community submissions in 2022,” said Property and Development NSW Deputy Secretary, Leon Walker.
“The NSW Government is not developing the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct for profit, with all funds generated to be reinvested back into the wider precinct for the benefit of the Coffs community.
“The number and mix of housing to be delivered, in addition to timing of development will be determined in the future, following the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s assessment and responses to the planning proposal.”
The planning proposal seeks to change permissible land uses, building heights and introduce planning controls for future State Significant Development Applications. Under the planning proposal, there is no plan for high-rise buildings.
Building heights will be between two and six storeys which is consistent with existing buildings in the Coffs Harbour Jetty area. Development would align with the surrounding local and regional plans, including Local Environmental Plan controls for land use.
Any future development will be implemented in stages, allowing the precinct’s gradual transformation, subject to future funding, community consultation and planning approvals.
“When I went to Coffs Harbour as a kid it was a thriving tourist destination, the reality today is that the coastal centres like Yamba and Byron Bay have surpassed it. While Port Macquarie grew tourism by more than 22% over recent years, Coffs Harbour went backwards,” said Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper.
“Coffs Harbour like all of NSW is feeling the housing crisis, and young people are moving away for better employment and opportunities elsewhere. With the bypass going in, the reality is we need to make Coffs Harbour a more attractive destination.
“We’re not saying this proposal is a ‘silver bullet’ to the problems Coffs Harbour faces, but it will inject new opportunity and new life into the city.
“It will help to deliver more housing supply to address the region’s housing crisis. It will give confidence to tourism and hospitality operators to invest in Coffs Harbour, bolstering the local economy.
“Importantly the existing parklands and recreational space will be protected, with all revenue generated from this project to be reinvested into the surrounding precinct.
“We will continue to work with the community to realise this exciting vision and deliver community, economic, tourism, and housing benefits to the city.”
The public exhibition of the rezoning proposal will end on 16 June. For more information visit the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct revitalisation web page.
