Moonee Beach residents are set to gain a new community gathering space after the City of Coffs Harbour Council secured $1 million in NSW Government funding for the Moonee Community Hub.
The funding, announced on 26 March 2026, comes through the Faster Assessments Incentive Program – a NSW Government initiative that rewards councils for processing development applications quickly.
Coffs Harbour Council qualified for the grant by achieving development assessment times averaging between 73 and 81 days, significantly outperforming the state’s 94-day target for regional councils. The council was one of 53 metropolitan and regional councils across NSW automatically eligible for the program based on their housing targets.
The Moonee Community Hub – a planned community centre and park – was nominated by the council to receive the funding. The project, identified as a priority in the council’s Community and Cultural Facilities Plan 2021-31, is currently in planning and design stages.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the funding win reflects the council’s commitment to supporting the growing Moonee Beach community. “This is a great result for our residents,” she said.
The Moonee Beach area, located approximately 10 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour in NSW, has experienced significant population growth in recent years. The suburb had an estimated resident population of 2,225 in 2022, with forecasts suggesting an average increase of 58 new dwellings per year. The broader Coffs Harbour region is projected to grow by around 11,000 residents over the next decade.
The $1 million state government funding will complement developer contributions already collected through Section 7.11 contributions from the Moonee area. The project has an estimated total cost of $3 million, with completion targeted by 30 June 2029.
Murray Wood, who commenced as General Manager of City of Coffs Harbour in December 2025, said the funding would help deliver much-needed community infrastructure for the area. “Getting this funding means we can move forward with delivering the facilities our growing community needs,” he said.
The Moonee Community Hub will provide a dedicated space for community gatherings, events and recreation in an area experiencing continued residential development.
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