3.2. OUR PRIORITY AREAS

Priority Area 1: Biodiversity sensitive design

Our high quality natural environment underpins our lifestyle. We will plan for development that values and respects the high biodiversity of the Clarence Valley’s natural environment for current and future generations

Priority Area 2: Continuing our tradition of great street trees and canopy cover

Street trees and canopy cover provide a wide range of liveability benefits. We will ensure our existing urban areas and planning for new development creates healthy street trees which are aligned to achieving great canopy cover for our streets. Planning for street trees will consider the local character, heritage and ecological values when determining most appropriate species

Priority Area 3: Parks and open space

Parks and open space are critical green infrastructure which support community wellbeing. We will plan to ensure that the quality and quantity of parks provides equitable access which can be sustainably maintained into the future.

Priority Area 4: Connected places

Well designed networks of footpaths and cycleways underpin liveability. They provide key connections between villages, public transport, open space, schools and community facilities. We will plan for footpaths and cycleways that are interconnected, functional, well maintained and connect us to our destinations.

Priority Area 5: Sustainable waterway management

The Clarence River and our waterways are an integral part of the green infrastructure network. We will plan for green infrastructure assets that protect the Clarence River, our wetlands and our beaches and ensure that we get appropriate green infrastructure assets for the Clarence Valley which are sustainable over the entire lifecycle of the asset.