Coffs Harbour’s athletics centre debate reignites with letter to councillors

Debate over site of Regional Athletics Centre reignites with release of 20-year vision nominating south Coffs Harbour as site for regional sporting hub

Having a Regional Athletics Centre at an already established sports precinct makes sense but has limitations. Photo: Tim Jarrett

Sporting bodies have penned a letter to councillors urging them to take note of a state report which they say backs their vision for an athletics centre in south Coffs Harbour.

Forced to share a what they have described as a ‘goat track’ on Bray Street with other sports and dog walkers, the Coffs Harbour athletics community has yearned for a permanent home for years.

With decision over whether to build a Regional Athletics Centre at York St, Park Beach or at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park dragging on since last year, key stakeholders have stepped up their campaign to prevent the York St plan from proceeding.

In a letter to Coffs Harbour City councillors athletics representative Nicola Onley says the recently released Regional City Action Plan “clearly states” that Council will deliver a regional sporting hub at south Coffs Harbour.

An alternative design of the proposed regional athletics centre at York St Oval, Coffs Harbour. A key issue for opponents is its location in a residential area.

Along with co-signatories Northern Storm FC president Michael Lloyd and North Coast Football general manager Andrew Woodward, Ms Onley says the statements in the plan are an “explicit objective” which rules out the York St option.

“We believe this plan conclusively and unequivocally supports our longstanding view that York Street at Park Beach is the wrong location for the proposed Regional Athletics Centre,” they said.

“We reaffirm our view that the Regional Athletics Centre should be built at the regional sports hub at south Coffs Harbour as per the strategy.”

The two sporting codes have become allies due to the impact the development of an athletics centre at York St would have on Northern Storm, with council documents showing extra works would have to be undertaken to accommodate both sports.

There are fears that building the athletics centre at the Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park may impact touch football and Oztag tournaments. Photo: Tim Jarrett

In December, Mr Woodward said pursuing the York St option could make roads in the area “like Parramatta Road in peak hour” on weekends, however council documents show the Leisure Park option has its own limitations.

Two touch football fields and five Oztag fields could go, potentially impacting five major tournaments which use the Leisure Park throughout the year which each bring huge economic benefits.

A council report also stated the area was also compromised by flooding and has recommended the York St option be pursued.

The decision is due to come back to Council sometime this year after a meeting between Council and key stakeholders.