4.2. Infrastructure Efficient and resilient infrastructure to support sustainable growth. Strategic planning will ensure that infrastructure is provided efficiently and effectively to support a growing population and employment growth, and that infrastructure is located and built to be resilient and sustainable. The new M1 Pacific Highway provides unprecedented opportunities to tap into the strong and sustained growth in South East Queensland and across the north coast region and beyond. The increased efficiency and safety in the movement of people, commodities and services through this corridor will provide opportunities in areas such as value adding services to agriculture, transport services, tourism, supporting a growing population in the Clarence and many others. The new Grafton bridge and Sportsmans Creek bridge in Lawrence, along with other improvements to our transport and infrastructure assets across the valley provide significant economic and social benefits for our community. Transport infrastructure has contributed significantly to Clarence Valley’s economic growth and social capacity and it will continue to be important for future prosperity. Capitalising on competitive advantages, such as affordable employment land and relatively affordable land for housing and lifestyle opportunities, will be key to unlocking our potential. Closer proximity to major enabling infrastructure, such as key freight routes and major airports will also open new markets for existing and new businesses across the Clarence Valley. Enhancing relationships between local businesses and export enablers / wholesalers, transport companies and airport operators will be vital to securing a prosperous and competitive future. Likewise, ensuring infrastructure is in place to capitalise on new demands within the valley, such as the Clarence Correctional Centre, health and aged care, and others, will ensure efficient and effective use of resources and support a growing economy. The transition to electric vehicles and infrastructure for other technological innovations to improve sustainability will continue to be promoted, however the mental and physical health benefits of active forms of movement – walking, cycling, skating, and water based – mean these will continue to be more sustainable and beneficial ways of travelling, particularly within our larger centres of Grafton, Maclean and Yamba. The priorities and actions under the Infrastructure theme are focussed on strategic planning and other Council activities that co-ordinate local and state funded infrastructure delivery with land use planning, to provide for communities that are well serviced with appropriate infrastructure at the right time. There is a need to update the development contributions and funding framework to support new and existing communities and enable employment generating activities. Further development of industrial and employment land needs to be investigated and supported by the movement of freight and goods through the whole supply chain.
Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement
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