City of Coffs Harbour seeks NSW government support to repair ageing Coffs Harbour Jetty

Coffs council is urgently seeking funding to fix a heritage-listed jetty. The mayor is sounding the alarm and says decisive action is needed to save the structure.

Coffs Harbour Jetty.

Concerns are growing about the state of Coffs Harbour Jetty, with the northern NSW city’s mayor declaring the heritage-listed landmark sorely needs a multimillion-dollar upgrade

The City of Coffs Harbour is seeking up to $30 million in funding from the NSW and federal governments to repair the Jetty’s structure.

First built in 1892, the Coffs jetty is the last surviving state government-built jetty in NSW from the late nineteenth century. It originally supported coastal shipping between Sydney and Brisbane.

However, in recent years, the structure has been deteriorating and it’s in need of repair works, according to council’s financial statements.

The jetty on Boxing Day 2022. Picture: Chris Knight

A 2020 report to the council estimated the total renewal costs would be between $16 and $20 million, but a new estimate indicates it could cost up to $30 million.

Mayor Paul Amos said the jetty was not only significant regionally, but to the state as a whole.

“(The jetty) is integral to the history and fabric of Coffs Harbour,” he said.

“It is an iconic and much-loved Coffs Harbour landmark and without a major upgrade, it is nearing the end of its life.

“We are taking action to seek urgent funding from both the Australian and NSW governments to be able to move quickly on this project and save the jetty structure.”

Coffs Mayor Paul Amos. Picture: Janine Watson.

On Tuesday, the council moved an application be made to the federal government for funding and that the council seek matching funding from the state government. The motion was carried unanimously.

Council will apply for funding under the Australian Government’s new Growing Regions Program.

If funding is granted, the program will contribute up to 50 per cent of the costs to a maximum $15 million.

But early planning works must start in May 2024 and be completed by December 31, 2025.

Mr Amos said: “The tight timeline means we must urgently seek matching NSW government funding for the jetty structure project. So we will be writing to the NSW Premier, the Minister for Heritage and the Minister for Lands and Property to seek their support.”.