Council releases multimillion-dollar plans for 2021/22

The gospels according to Coffs Harbour City Council have been deciphered and are essential reading for those wanting to know how ratepayer money is spent.

And the Lord said unto Moses, thou shalt not complain about Council without first reading these sacred texts.

They may not contain the drama of something penned by Matthew, Mark, Luke or John but Council’s own sacred texts have been released for public perusal.

The four documents which will guide the actions of Coffs Harbour City Council for the next year are on public exhibition until June 11 and citizens are being urged to take a look and give feedback.

The 2021/22 Operational Plan, Budget, proposed Fees and Charges and 2017-22 Delivery Program outline the priorities for the coming year and include progressing the Airport Enterprise Park, Sandy Beach Youth Space, Wiigulga Sports Complex, Cultural and Civic Space and preparation for the Coffs Harbour Bypass.

The four year delivery program has been extended to five after last year’s postponement of the local government elections, ensuring 2021 is a bonus year for councillors.

At Thursday’s council meeting Cr Sally Townley urged people to read the documents and in doing so drew laughs from those in chamber with a quip regarding the extra year.

Sally Townley provided some much-needed mirth at Thursday’s council meeting.

“It’s a huge body of work here,” Ms Townley said.

“I fervently hope as many members of the community … look through these plans and get an idea of what council is proposing to carry forward into this year of extra time we have been sentenced with.

“Have a really good look at the budget and please make submissions.”

General manager Steve McGrath said the Delivery Program demonstrated Council continued to deliver an “enormous range” of day-to-day services and facilities to “meet the community’s expectations and ensure we maintain our excellent quality of life.”

“These include the provision of water and sewer services, waste management, development assessment services, public health and environment protection programs, tourism and economic development services, the library network, lifeguard services, community programs and sports, arts, cultural and community facilities – the list is long.”

Agricultural users of recycled water may have to pay a per-litre fee from next financial year.

Recycled water charges confirmed

During the same debate, Cr Paul Amos led a rearguard action to have recycled water charges stuck out from the Fees and Charges schedule, citing concerns the “contentious” charge unfairly targeted a select few community members.

Repeating concerns raised in previous debates on the issue, Mr Amos said the “pointless” charge would not raise much money and would not result in positive outcomes for the environment.

The charge was introduced after a council audit found significant levels of noncompliance among agricultural users of the recycled water and as a result may have been contributing to the pollution in Hearnes Lake.

Cr Sally Townley defended the charge, indicating that the intention was not only to deter people from wasting the water but to use the money raised to progress positive environmental outcomes.

Mr Amos’ amendment failed and will remain in the 2021/22 Fees and Charges schedule.