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Published on 05 December 2024
An extensive look under the bonnet of City of Coffs Harbour operations for the past financial year is detailed in the just released 2023-24 Annual Report.
The report, which includes a high-level commentary by Mayor Nikki Williams, reflects on the City’s significant achievements in implementing its Delivery Program.
The detailed document includes the City’s audited financial statements and provides a temperature check on how the organisation has performed as a service provider and community leader.
“The annual report is a check on the City’s progress – providing clear accountability for the community,” Mayor Williams said.
In her foreword, the Mayor noted the ongoing development of a waste strategy, the opening of the Whale Trail at Woolgoolga, the redevelopment of Sportz Central and the importance of events-based tourism.
The 2023-24 year saw the completion of the new cultural and civic facility, Yarrila Place, which came in under budget at $80.1 million.
The success of the cultural space is writ large in the extraordinary visitation numbers for both the Harry Bailey Memorial Library and Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM).
The annual report captures those big numbers and more:
351,107 physical visits to the library
114,142 visits to the C.ex Coffs International Stadium
891,830 visits to patrolled beaches; and
26,611 tickets sold at Jetty Memorial Theatre
The annual report also spotlights the City’s performance as a provider of services to the community (based on averages for 2023/24).
92 per cent of customer inquiries were resolved at first point of contact
Zero unresolved water quality complaints; and
The City through 6 degrees provided 25 activities for business.
Other noteworthy milestones for the City were the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic conservation project, and the recertification of the Coffs Coast as an ECO Destination.
The financials – audited independently by the Audit Office of NSW – show the City retained a fiscally stable position.
“The audited statements show a consolidated surplus of $18.98m before capital grants and contributions,” Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick said.
The general fund (not the water or sewer funds) recorded a net operating surplus before capital grants and contributions of $7.658m.
This was largely driven by robust performance by the City’s holiday parks and an $8.741m increase in interest and investment revenue.
“City of Coffs Harbour performed well against the relevant benchmarks for all key performance (financial) indicators,” Mr Beswick said.
The 2023-24 Annual Report can be viewed on the City’s website here.
Photo: Conservation and the opening of the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic is among the highlights in the City of Coffs Harbour’s Annual Report.
Sports field closure arrangements