The August 30 2022 Extraordinary Council Meeting voted to defer a number of critical projects previously in the pipeline that would directly enhance the liveability and economic strength of our region.

Many of these projects had been approved and jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments. Projects like the much awaited redevelopment of Sportz Central, which received a $6.3 million grant from the Federal Government in 2019 and a subsequent $1.1million from the State Government in recent weeks.

The community will be rightly disappointed to see promised infrastructure like this once again delayed without a timeline for completion.

It needs to be said that these projects are predominantly being deferred due to the Cultural and Civic Space Project. This single project has been revealed to be an extremely poor financial decision and a drain on the many other worthy and previously funded projects.

With that acknowledged, Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh and I have both had several discussions with the newly appointed General Manager Natalia Cowley over the past week since being notified of the deferrals and recognise the unfortunate position that she has inherited.

Gurmesh and I understand the pressing need for responsible fiscal management from Council at this stage, and will continue to work closely with them and assist wherever feasible.