4.3. Economy A thriving and sustainable economy. Strategic planning will help strengthen and diversify our economic base in a way that complements the environmental and social values of the Clarence. The Council has set out aspirations to sustainably grow a prosperous economy, capitalising on our natural attributes and attracting business. Our key natural assets are our people; and our coastal, riverine and hinterland amenity; fertile soils; favourable climate; access to markets via the Pacific Highway, rail and air; and the relative affordability of new business and industrial land. Our specialisations, which need to be planned for, include:
‘Engines of Growth’, such as tourism, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, marine manufacturing and logistics.
Business-‘enabling’ activities, such as tourism connected property services, construction, utilities, and financial and professional services
Internal, ‘population-serving’ industries, including health, retail and public administration.
We want to grow existing industries across the Clarence to attract and support a growing population. Actions in our economic development strategy need to be aligned and supported by the land use planning framework. Providing clear strategic intent to support growing businesses starts with a clear strategic plan and planning processes that are easy to navigate. The Clarence Valley has a growing and diverse economy, with close to 600 jobs added over the last 5 years and more permanent jobs coming on line with the opening of the new Clarence Correctional Centre in July 2020, expansion of Grafton Base Hospital, small business establishing throughout the Clarence, and possibilities for further innovative education opportunities. We also need to make the Clarence an amazing place to live for Doctors, Nurses and specialist health professionals and other services to support our community. Developing the areas key tourism attractions and precincts is important, and this should include opportunities presented by the new Pacific highway and addressing the risk of a downturn in smaller centres and developing plans for places like Grafton, Ulmarra, Maclean and Harwood. The Clarence Valley has an abundance of land already zoned for Industrial uses or earmarked for investigation for employment land. These areas are relatively affordable compared to other areas on the far north coast, and our neighbours like Coffs Harbour. We need to ensure they are well planned, and unconstrained land has a clear pathway for development and supporting infrastructure.
Attracting investment and supporting existing business to these areas, and potentially expanding the existing zones around Koolkhan, South Grafton and potentially opening up new land near Grafton Airport will create new opportunities for job creation.
Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement
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