3.5. Planning for the Clarence Valley

This plan provides a vision and framework to guide more detailed land use planning, so the Clarence Valley will continue to be an amazing place to live, work and play.

The Clarence Valley Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) builds on and responds to community aspirations, regional and sub-regional connections and global megatrends. In doing so it supports how we will move forward over the next 20 years and beyond.

T he development of this draft LSPS has been built on previous community engagement activities, particularly Community Strategic Plan ‘The Clarence 2027’. The graphic below illustrates some of the key documents that have informed the LSPS, however there are around 27 different local plans and strategies that have been reviewed and informed the preparation of the draft LSPS, in addition to regional and state plans and national and international instruments.

Fundamental components in land use planning processes include consideration about how land is used, where communities are located and what community and political expectations are in terms of conservation and development.

Land use planning that takes into account natural hazard risk is an important mitigation measure in minimising future disaster losses in areas of new development. This is the starting point for building a strong foundation for a process that contributes to the safety of communities.

Figure 1 - some of the plans that have informed the preparation of this draft LSPS

In developing the CSP the community’s most desired attribute for the Clarence was to be ‘safe’, together with creating more inclusive communities and employment opportunities. This draft LSPS reflects the desired outcomes and the finalised Community Strategic Plan.

The bar graph at Figure 1 addresses the broad question explored through consultation to develop Clarence 2027 “where do you want the Clarence Valley to be 10 years from now?”

Figure 2 –“Where do you want the Clarence Valley to be 10 years from now?”

A public information drop in session and a workshop about the LSPS process was held in September 2019, and this has also informed the preparation of this draft LSPS, along with extensive engagement within Council and with state government agencies. Further community engagement and targeted discussions are to consult on this draft LSPS.

As a result, Council has a wealth of information, which continues to inform the future direction of the Clarence Valley. This provided the foundations to build upon and support the development of the Clarence Valley LSPS and future strategies and plans will include further engagement with the community.