4.4. Environment Living in harmony with a well managed natural environment. For Council and the community to value, respect and actively participate in the care, protection and management of the Clarence’s natural and built environment for current and future generations The Clarence Valley community places a high value on the natural environment and biodiversity. This is not surprising given that the natural environment underpins not only many of the region’s key industries like agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and tourism, but also the wellbeing of our residents and cultural connections to place. We live in the most stunning environment in NSW, and also the most biodiverse region. Around 50% of our local government area is national park or state forest, and the Solitary Islands Marine Park borders our southern coastal villages between Sandon and Wooli. Wetlands, lakes, beaches and national parks are the main feature of our coastal areas, including Iluka Nature reserve which is part of the World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.
The Clarence River has the largest catchment and is the longest river on the NSW east coast, and our big river or Breimba/Breembia, is our greatest natural asset. There is a diversity of vegetation types and wildlife habitats and the catchment is home to many endangered species including the last viable populations of the Eastern Freshwater Cod.
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Clarence Valley Council
