Ratepayers have overwhelmingly reacted to The Coffs Coast Advocate’s call on Saturday to nominate the big projects and civic responsibilities that matter most to them ahead of the Coffs Harbour City Council election.
“I think an entertainment/cultural centre is very important,” reader Ian Greaves said.
John Mandile suggested the council focus on a stringent climate change policy to reduce its carbon footprint.
Russell Chiffey suggested investigations into a minibus shuttle on bus routes, and a rail link connecting Coffs Harbour to Sawtell.
There were also strong calls for the council to be more transparent in its spending.
“We need councillors that are there for the community they serve,” Don Colley said.
“Councillors who can and will manage a budget without resorting to inflated rate rises.
Another common call from readers was for the council to justify and consider freezing its regular rate increases.
“Here we are paying council rates, which are among the most exorbitant in Australia,” Peter Black said.
“The most important issue is the council’s stewardship of the ratepayers’ money.”
Detailed readers views will feature on the Letters to the Editor page leading up to the local government election on September 10.
Please add your priorities to the list below through an online comment or across our social media platforms.
THE READERS’ CALL
Projects
• Jetty Beach boardwalk
• Replanting of the Jetty dunes
• An arts and entertainment centre
• Harbour cruise liner hub
• Lobby for a Coffs Harbour bypass
• A functions centre at the former Deep Sea Fishing Club
• Removal of the railway lines on the Jetty Foreshores
• Light rail and bus services to satellite suburbs
• Improved roads, footpaths/cycleways and gutters
• Major music festival
• A second road skirting along Boambee Beach to Sawtell
Services
• Strict financial management
• Transparency on spending
• Further cost saving measures
• Wage reviews of staff and councillors
• A freeze on rate increases
• Climate change strategy
• Coastal inundation plans/work