A KEY Minister in the NSW Government, John Barilaro, will visit Coffs Harbour next week to discuss his role and vision for the Coffs Coast and engage with industry leaders.

Holding three portfolios, Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business, his visit provides a great opportunity to gain valuable insight and participate in policy discussion on key issues regarding our region, including: skills and education, advancement on the Coffs Harbour bypass project and infrastructure prioritisation for the Coffs Coast.

Coffs Harbour has worked hard to position itself as a regional centre of sporting excellence, attracting world class events such as the Touch Football World Cup, Oz Tag Championships, World Rally (WRC), Offshore Superboat Championships and hosting notable games and training camps from a multitude of codes including the NRL, AFL, A League and Cricket Australia.

Coffs Harbour should be proud of all the great work that’s been done by many in the community and in particular – the Council’s Stadium and Events business unit.

To capitalise on and complement these achievements further, development pitches for additional infrastructure or improved facilities to broaden the sporting events we can host need to be expressed.

Ideas to improve the range of tournaments and sporting events our region is able to accommodate could include the development of a sporting facility at Boambee Beach for beach volleyball and surf life saving championships and improved infrastructure for basketball to advance the sport in our region in the eyes of the National Basketball League.

Coffs Harbour City Council’s MyCoffs initiative is encouraging residents to express what they love about living on the Coffs Coast and what can be done to make it better. Initial views are to develop a lagoon at the Jetty and build an Olympic pool in Sawtell. Minister Barilaro’s visit and Council’s drive are our platforms to voice the development required for the prosperous future of the Coffs Coast.

Mr Barilaro is visiting the Coffs Coast by invitation from the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce.

The Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce Regional and Business Update Luncheon will be held at C.ex Coffs, Vernon St, from noon to 2pm on Wednesday, October 26.

Cost is $49 including lunch and all are welcome.

To reserve your seat RSVP to the chamber office by calling 6651 4101, alternatively email your RSVP to info@coffschamber.com.au. To share your vision for the future of Coffs Harbour visit www.mycoffs.org