We acknowledge the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. We honour the First Nations peoples culture and connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Message from the Mayor
(outgoing)
Although this council term was just over a year shorter than a usual council term due to COVID restrictions, the community can be justifiably proud of what has been achieved.
The opening of many footpaths and cycleways across the valley has meant that many more people have access to safe ways to walk and cycle and it has been heartening to see so many people taking advantages of these to keep fit and to travel between work, home, school and shops without using cars. There are many more footpaths and cycleways in the planning stage, so we look forward to these being installed.
Despite the floods and several intense rain events, large sections of road have been reshaped and made less susceptible to potholes. In particular the Brooms Head and Wooli Roads. We have also replaced a large number of wooden bridges across the valley with concrete bridges to make us more resilient to bushfire. Our new road monitoring software fitted to many CVC vehicles allows road damage to be accurately monitored automatically allowing council engineers to prioritise road repairs to where they will be most needed.
Several sporting grounds and outdoor facilities have been upgraded and restored and usage has steadily returned to levels seen before COVID. Council has supported many events and activities, for example the annual Grafton to Inverell Cycle Race, the Waveski Championships, Yamba Triathlon and the Grafton Dragonboat Regatta among many others.
Several large projects such as the North Grafton sewage treatment works and Rushforth water storage tanks have been finalised and construction will be started in the next few months.
Plans for the Maclean Performing Arts Centre have been agreed with construction due to start early in the new year, whilst the Treelands Drive Community Centre and Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre are due to be completed very soon.
We are most fortunate to have a large number of creative people in the valley that have contributed their artistic talents to improving our surroundings. In particular we are grateful for the work of our Ghori artists who have contributed their work to beautifying bridges and water towers across the valley and to Debrah Taylor for her work on the levee near the South Grafton cenotaph.
There have been many social and cultural events celebrated across the valley, including recently the Harwood 150th celebration, the annual Glenreagh Timber Festival, the Celebrate Wooli event, the Jacaranda Festival, Marketta, Maclean Show, Highland Gathering Grafton Show and Dolphin Festival in Iluka.
As I write this, election results are due with a new council to be sworn in shortly. There is much to look forward to in the next four years!
Peter Johnstone Cr Peter Johnstone, Mayor
(outgoing)
Purpose and Context
Welcome to State of the Valley Report 2024. This report provides a snapshot of the achievements of the previous Council against the Community Strategic Plan – The Clarence 2032.
Grafton Waterfront Precinct.
What is the State of the Valley Report?
The State of the Valley Report covers the term of the previous Council and its progress against the Community Strategic Plan - The Clarence 2032. It is usually presented at the second meeting of the newly elected Council for noting.
The postponement of the September 2020 Local Government Elections due to COVID-19 resulted in the previous Council term being reduced to a term of two years and nine months. This State of the Valley Report therefore highlights the achievements of the previous Council during the Council term.
Community Strategic Plan
The Community Strategic Plan (CSP) – The Clarence 2032 is the highest-level plan that Council will prepare. The purpose of the CSP is to identify the community’s main priorities and aspirations for the future and to plan strategies for achieving these goals.
Five Strategic Themes
Society
Creating a place where people are healthy, safe, connected and in harmony with the natural environment to retain and improve the quality of community life.
Infrastructure
Maintaining our diverse infrastructure base to serve the needs of the Clarence.
Economy
Strengthening and diversifying the region’s economic base in a way that complements the environmental and social values of the Clarence.
Environment
Valuing, respecting and actively participating in the care and management of the Clarence’s natural environment for current and future generations.
Leadership
Setting the overall direction and long-term goals for the Clarence in accordance with community aspirations.
Council – 2021/2024
The previous Council dedicated their time and effort to delivering for the community and advocating on behalf of the interests of the Clarence Valley.
Elected Councillors pictured left to right; Cr Karen Toms, Cr Ian Tiley, Cr Allison Whaites, Cr Greg Clancy, Cr Debrah Novak, Cr Bill Day, Cr Peter Johnstone (outgoing Mayor), Cr Steve Pickering and Cr Jeff Smith (outgoing Deputy Mayor).
Our Vision
“The Clarence Valley is a community full of opportunity.” Our communities are connected; service needs are met; local economies are balanced and thriving; we live in harmony with the environment; and we continue to strive collectively for a better future.
Our Mission
“To plan and deliver services valued by the community”
The heritage-listed Grafton Post Office.
How we measure progress
Integrated Planning and Reporting
The Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (IP&R) guides the way local government plans, documents and reports its future strategies. It involves a reporting structure to communicate progress to council and the community as well as a structured timeline for review to ensure the goals and actions are still relevant.
The Community Strategic Plan guides the development of all other Council plans and strategies
including the Delivery Program (4-Years) and the Operational Plan (1 Year).
Each 6-month Council tracks progress against key strategies outlined in the Delivery Program, including key actions that have been achieved during that period. In addition, each year Council prepares the Annual Report that covers achievements and financial and statutory reporting.
The essential elements of the IP&R Framework are:
About the Clarence
Located in the Northern Rivers region in NSW, the Clarence Valley covers an area of 10,441 square kilometres and has three major centres, Grafton, Maclean and Yamba. NSW
Our Population
Total population in 2023: 55,323
Projected population by 2041: 64,121
Our Area
3 towns
60 villages
2,068 kilometres of roads
8 rivers
36 beaches 100 kilometres of coastline
2,262 square kilometres of National Parks, State Forest & Reserves
26,141 dwellings
Our People
49 median age
71.4% residents aged over 18 and eligible to vote
Our Economy
$2.89 billion gross regional product in June 2023, growing 4.2% since the previous year
4,282 local businesses
22,899 local jobs
Source: id profile, 2021 Census, NIEIR
Yamba
Maclean
Grafton
Clarence River Gorge.
Strategic Theme 1: Society
Creating a place where people are healthy, safe, connected and in harmony with the natural environment to retain and improve the quality of community life.
Lawrence water tower mural by artist ‘Nitsua’.
Society Objectives
SO1 To be part of a proud and inviting community with opportunities to connect and belong.
SO2 A community that supports, encourages and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Gumbaynggir, Bundjalung and Yaegl people and provides space for active community participation and strong relationships with local Traditional Owners.
SO3 A safe and active community where healthy lifestyles and better health outcomes are encouraged and supported with accessible infrastructure for residents of all ages and abilities.
SO4 A community in which cultural assets and public art is valued and plays a role in celebrating local arts as well as bringing innovative opportunities to the Valley.
SO5 An inclusive community where diversity is respected and Clarence Valley residents, regardless of age or ability, have equal access to quality services, events and opportunities.
SO6 A community supportive of its young people and their safety, growth and development and their participation in decision making that affects them.
SO7 Affordable housing and living standards with health, education and employment opportunities that support a resilient community.
SO8 An appropriate mix of housing that meets the various stages of life.
SO9 Preservation of the heritage and historic buildings and other significant assets across the area.
SO10 A resilient community, prepared for natural disaster.
Strategic planning
Council made improvements to planning for a healthy, safe and connected community.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Reconciliation Action Plan
Crime Prevention Strategy
Clarence Regional Library Strategic Plan
Draft Local Housing Strategy
Opportunities to connect and belong
Council hosts and supports local events to create a proud and inviting community. These events build the local profile of the Clarence Valley and stimulate the local economy.
Council supported social and economic growth through:
Special Events Sponsorship Program (contributing $260,800 to 63 events to generate an economic return of $35,025,730)
Sports Tourism Program (contributing $154,700 to 26 events to generate an economic return of $15,245,109)
civic events including ANZAC Day, Australia Day Citizen of the Year celebrations and Citizenship Ceremonies
event promotional support.
Special Events Sponsorship Program
The Special Event Sponsorship Program provided financial assistance to events that contribute to the strength and vibrance of the Clarence Valley. Successful events included the Clarence Valley Camp Oven and Music Festival at Nymboida ($10,000), 118th Maclean Highland Gathering ($6,500), Lower Clarence Dance Eisteddfod ($2,500) and Grafton Aero Club’s Wings and Wheels Open Day ($1,500).
Maclean Highland Gathering
Council partnered with the Maclean Scottish Society, local business and community groups to deliver the Maclean Highland Gathering, including $8,000 in sponsorship to cover infrastructure and logistics plus support with road closures and event coordination.
The event attracted 4,000 people to Maclean and is estimated to have delivered $1,621,000 to the region. It also contributed to building local event capacity and supported our local hospitality and entertainment industry.
Prince Street Marketta (and Clarence Celebrates)
Council partnered with Grafton Chamber of Commerce and Grafton Jacaranda Committee to deliver the first Prince Street Marketta to activate Grafton’s main street and boost local businesses as part of the Rediscover Grafton project. Hospitality businesses served street food to more than 5000 people with entertainment by a range of local musicians and performers.
Following the success of this event, Council secured a $150,000 grant from the NSW Government to delivery five additional community events, under the Clarence Celebrates banner, in partnership with local businesses and community. These events contributed to activating the streets of the Clarence Valley and building local event industry capacity.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Jacaranda Festival
Yamba Ocean Swim
Yamba Euchre Tournament
Weekend of Rowing
Motorfest
Yamba Veterans Golf and Maclean Women’s Golf
Yamba Rod Run
GBomb Mountain Bike Event
Flow
Grafton Dragon Boat Regatta
Clay Target July Open Classic
Maclean Veterans Week of Golf
Dog Obedience Double Agility Trial
Women’s 60th May Golf Tournament
Glenreagh Timber Festival
Wings and Wheels Open Day
Australian Open Wave Ski Titles Yamba
NSW Hockey Field State Championships
Yamba Triathalon
NSW Country Rugby Union u12 - 13 Championships
Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic.
Prince Street Marketta, Grafton.
Rich cultural heritage
Council supports, encourages and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Yaegl People by providing opportunities for community participation and building relationships with local Traditional Owners.
First Nations Engagement Framework
Council created a First Nations Engagement Framework to ensure First Nations People’s views on important topics and how they would like to be consulted was a priority. All feedback indicated a strong desire to meet with Council directly, and a preference for local meetings to discuss local issues with those directly impacted by projects. There was consensus that it would be beneficial to hold general ‘round table’ talks with the First Nations community, and individual meetings with the Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALC) and Traditional Owners organisations. Openly discussing issues is critical to building positive relationships between Council and the First Nations community
Round table talks between Councillors, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Traditional Owners as well as Senior Leadership Team visits continued throughout the term to build understanding and explore local opportunities and challenges.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC celebrations were held annually in July with the community attending annual flag raising events across the Clarence Valley to kick off celebrations.
The role that Elders play in the community was acknowledged and celebrated at a special luncheon during NAIDOC Week. Elders were invited to attend along with elected members and the Council’s Executive Leadership Team. This informal networking and relationship building event was endorsed by Elders and Council unanimously.
Reconciliation Action Plan
Council’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and outlines Council’s vision to establish a culturally safe and appropriately inclusive region for First Nations communities and people who live and visit our region.
Achievements include:
Councillor cultural awareness training
staff cultural awareness induction package
acknowledgement of three First Nations communities in Council’s signature block
Three Mob One River artwork incorporated into Council’s corporate branding and uniforms
acknowledgement of places on Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Country in tourism marketing
meeting agendas include the Acknowledgement of Country
Yaegl Cultural Mapping project completed in partnership with the Yaegl Traditional Owners Corporation
interpretative First Nations signage installed in Bailey Park, Ulmarra and Memorial Park, Grafton
First Nations People in Council workforce increased to 7.05% in the April to June 2024 reporting period
Council’s traineeships and apprenticeships have been promoted through Aboriginal Liaison Officers.
Townsend Collective Masterplan
A partnership agreement was signed with Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation to progress the Townsend Collective Masterplan. The masterplan aims to deliver culturally based activities to engage with Aboriginal youth and help them develop their cultural identity and understanding of belonging.
The masterplan includes a cultural community hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander focused programs. These programs will support families and help develop individual capacity so they can better support themselves, their children and families, and strengthen our community.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Installation of signage that recognises First Nations language including: 16 place names for towns/villages; 27 locations; 37 park identification signs
Facility identification signage underway
Clarence Valley Close the Gap event
Grafton and Maclean Flag Raising ceremonies
Libraries Digital Scanning – First Nations computer classes.
Partnering to keep the community safe
Council contributed to a whole-of-community approach to crime prevention and community safety by:
developing the Crime Prevention Strategy (CPS) to formalise how Council works with the Coffs/ Clarence Police District to implement strategies that focus on motor vehicle theft, steal from vehicle and domestic violence related assault.
developing strong relationships and partnerships between all levels of government, lead agencies and not-for-profits to deliver crime prevention and community safety initiatives.
Clarence Valley Domestic and Family Violence Committee
A community awareness breakfast was co-hosted by Council and the Clarence Valley Domestic and Family Violence Committee at the Grafton Regional Library to support a program of activities recognising the ’16 Days of Activism’ global campaign to end violence against women. Attendees included senior police, local members of parliament and more than 130 community members.
Lower Clarence Fit Cross Fit program
Council coordinated the Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) which delivered a peer support program aimed at strengthening resilience and supporting young people through mentoring and healthy relationship building. The program, funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), brought together young people from Maclean High School to attend nine weekly CrossFit workout sessions, and educational activities focused on health and wellbeing. An average of 10 students attended each week.
‘Look Lock Leave’ safety awareness
In response to increased property offences during peak tourist times the ‘Look Lock Leave’ campaign was developed. Signage was placed within holiday parks and public spaces to remind visitors to maintain their property security.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Support for the Local Drug Action Team education program
Trialling CCTV at Calypso Yamba Holiday Park
‘See Something Say Something’ campaign
Review of Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Zones.
Active community
Council delivered significant recreational facilities, parks, and playgrounds for the region to create spaces for the community to exercise, participate in outdoor activities and connect. As outlined in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, accessibility was a key priority in designing and upgrading facilities to ensure they meet the needs of all residents, regardless of age or ability.
Regional Aquatic Centre, artist impression.
Regional Aquatic Centre (due for completion December 2024)
Council allocated more than $26 million and secured more than $3.5 million in funding to deliver the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre in Grafton. The centre will feature a 50-metre outdoor competition pool with grandstand seating, two 25-metre heated indoor pools, and an all-ability splash pad and all-ability change rooms so that seniors, people with disability, families and children can swim all year round.
Ulmarra Riverside and Village Precinct
Ulmarra has been upgraded to beautify the town centre, improve pedestrian infrastructure, and make it more resilient to flooding. The project was delivered by Council staff instead of external contractors to save costs, invest directly in the LGA and build partnerships with the community. The project was awarded the prestigious Public Works Engineering Australia’s (IPWEA) Engineering Excellence Award in the Design and Construction Category of a Public Works Project under $5 million.
Grafton Waterfront Precinct
The $6.5 million project transformed the riverbank into a bustling hub of activity thanks to a new 700-metre long, three-metre-wide network of pedestrian and cycle paths along the rivers edge between Prince Street and the Grafton Bridge. Locals and visitors can now walk along the riverbank foreshore and enjoy a variety of picnic areas defined by feature landscaping works. They can also take advantage of several jetties, shade shelters, shaded seating, outdoor lighting features, and a dedicated boat ramp facility.
South Grafton Rushforth Park carpark upgrade.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Increase walking and bike riding under the Active Transport Strategy 2024 –2044
Upgrade to Corcoran Dog Park, Grafton (jointly funded by Council, and Federal and NSW Governments)
Maclean Showground – Main Arena Lighting Upgrade
Guided by the Clarence Regional Library Strategy, libraries have become community and social hubs. The library network operates across four towns at Grafton, Iluka, Maclean, and Yamba while the mobile library services 12 remote communities.
Yamba Community Precinct
Construction commenced on a $17.9 million cultural and education precinct at Treelands Drive, Yamba. The precinct, due to open 1 July 2025, will house the new library, gallery, youth space and community spaces to meet the needs of the growing community. The precinct is co-located with the TAFE NSW Connect Learning Centre to encourage learning and employment opportunities. The project was partially funded by the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Grant ($11 million).
Baby bounce, toddler time and story time
Poor literacy in childhood can create learning difficulties that last a lifetime. Libraries continued to offer eight-week programs during school term that encouraged a love for reading and supported early childhood learning. Children started with baby bounce, progressed to toddler time and finished with story time before commencing primary school. Each library catered to 15 children plus their family for each event.
Clarence Regional Library, Grafton.
Clarence Valley – Mini Writers Festival
In 2023 Grafton Library held the second Mini Writers Festival. Only in its second year, the event grew four-fold and attracted a wide variety of local writers including Peter Watt who is well published local library patron.
The event provided a platform for local writers to present their works, sell their books and learn from other local writers. It has potential to expand in future years and attract audiences from both within and outside the region.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Changing Lanes Changing Live – Car Meet (NSW Public Libraries Association Innovation in Outreach Award 2023)
Upgrade to Grafton Library PCs and print management kiosk
Vintage Film Club Program
Seniors Week Celebrations
Get Connected - Home Digital Device Help Program
Clarence Regional Library NAIDOC themed Storytime Program
Clarence Regional Library Live ‘n’ Loud all ages music event
Your Library, Your History – Service Men and Women of the Clarence Valley Oral History Project
Digital Scanning – First Nations Computer Classes
Book Club at Grafton Library Program
Monthly gathering for People Living with Dementia and their Carers Program.
60 eComic Downloads (since 1 July 2024) 741 eMusic Downloads
342,024 Library Website visits
21,137 Wi-Fi Sessions 16,952 Hours of internet Sessions
216,322 Information Requests (January 2022 – September 2024)
Local art and culture
Council continued to create a community in which cultural assets and public art were valued by:
supporting local Aboriginal cultural development
developing and increasing participation in creative industries
maintaining vibrant spaces to celebrate local artists
growing our cultural and artistic events
enabling creative expression in public spaces.
Grafton Regional Gallery (GRG) hosted over 1,000 individual exhibitions, programs, and events which attracted 150,000 visitors. Annual visitation for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 financial years averaged 61,000 exceeding 2019 forecasts by 63 per cent. This increase was due largely to increased programming and engagement since the GRG capital works program in 2021. This program resulted in 40 per cent more exhibition space, as well as refurbished Café, retail, and visitor information services.
Plunge Arts & Cultural Festival
The Plunge Arts and Cultural Festival continued to be a premier cultural event. Plunge featured more than 40 local artists and creative practitioners across 120 events annually. Since the inaugural festival in 2013 more than 1,500 local events have supported the region’s creative and visitor economies through ticket sales, artwork sales and local tourism.
Flood Memorial Murals
A series of public artworks were commissioned to commemorate the floods that impacted the region in 2022. The $90,000 project was funded by a NSW Government grant. The project was recognised at the 2024 Australian Street Art Awards, winning silver in the Best Monument or Memorial Category.
The Building Bridges Emu Projections
Council worked with local artists to deliver a series of public artworks to activate the Grafton Bridge Precinct funded by the NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Grant. A highlight of this project was the Building Bridges Emu Projections project. Commissioned artworks of the endangered Coastal Emu were projected onto the Sunshine Sugar building in South Grafton. This project was recognised at the NSW National Trust Heritage Award in the ‘Events, Exhibitions and Tours’ category.
Building Bridges Emu Projection on the Sunshine Sugar building.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
InlandSee exhibition, a Create NSW funded project curated by GRG (2022)
Inland Seekers, First Nations animated Kids Space, a Create NSW funded project curated by GRG (2022)
QLD Ballet and SPRUNG Community Workshops, Plunge (2022, 2023)
2022 JADA exhibition and five venue tour (2022 – 2024)
Streets As Shared Spaces artwork commissions and Gnome Trail (2022)
Figuring Ground exhibition, a Create NSW funded project curated by Abra Kotlarczyk for GRG (2023)
Artist Respite Program, a partnership project with Arts Northern Rivers and Creative First Aid offering residencies to flood affected artists (2023)
Clarence Valley Indigenous Art Awards (2023)
NSW National Trust Heritage Award - Building Bridges Emu Projections Project (2023)
Dobell Prize, National Art School touring exhibition (2023)
Art & Food Markets precinct activations (2023-2024)
Fred Genis: A Printer’s Proof exhibition curated by GRG (2024)
Threatened Species Day – GRG Arts and Environment Symposium (2024)
Australian Street Art Awards (Silver), Flood Memorial Murals (2024)
Birds of Australia STORYBOX, Australian Museum outdoor touring exhibition (2024)
Museums Advisor Program partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW (ongoing)
Culture Dose, a partnership with Black Dog Institute and AGNSW (2024)
Café lease – Sweet Layers (2024).
Grafton Regional Gallery.
Diverse and inclusive community
Council delivered projects that create an inclusive community where diversity is respected and residents, regardless of age or ability, have equal access to opportunities. This was achieved through:
collaborating with people with disability, their family, carers, and disability service providers to develop and deliver the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)
funding $88,000 under the Community Initiative Program (during the 2023/2024 reporting period alone) which assists not-for-profit organisations to support the needs of local communities
funding $2,400 under the Cultural and Sports Trust Fund (during the 2023/2024 reporting period alone) which assists residents to achieve their sporting goals on a state or national level
partnering with local businesses and the community to evaluate a variety of innovative ideas and strategies which aim to improve our cultural and community facilities.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan
The DIAP 2023-2026 focuses on four key areas to foster positive attitudes and behaviours, increase liveability, access to meaningful employment and access to services, systems and processes.
Achievements included:
promotion of inclusion of people with a disability through youth programs, libraries and the gallery
4km of accessible pathway upgrades
adult change facilities included at Yamba Community Precinct and Regional Aquatic Centre as well as upgraded facilities and amenities at Townsend Park, Glenreagh, Wooli Hall and Corcoran Park.
additional accessible parking spaces delivered at Grafton Base Hospital, Maclean and Ulmarra
workplace assessments to improve staff requirements.
Councillors and the Executive Leadership Team participated in a game of wheelchair basketball to experience first-hand the mobility challenges some people face. Their insights have helped inform the development of programs, projects, and infrastructure to work towards equal access for all in our community.
Survive the Ride and Drive Program – safe driving habits for seniors.
Building capacity of local community groups to access grants and external funding.
Consultation on major infrastructure projects included Yamba Community Precinct, Maclean Community Precinct, Grafton Waterfront and Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre.
Grantseeker Toolkit released.
Supporting young people
Council continued to deliver projects to create a community supportive of its young people and their safety, growth and development and provided opportunities for participation in decisions that affect them.
Clarence Youth Network
Council coordinated a regular monthly forum called the Clarence Youth Network (CYN), which provides 32 local youth workers with the opportunity to meet, network, share ideas, information and lived experiences to support their efforts towards helping young people.
Youth Week Celebrations
Council collaborated with more than 20 local service providers and community groups to deliver the annual Youth Week celebrations. The 11-day program featured 17 free and fun events across the Clarence Valley. More than 1600 young people and community members attended the event each year. A forum was held as part of the 2024 event with almost 100 young people attending to express their views on matters that affect them.
One-Stop-Shop Sessions
One-Stop-Shop provided the opportunity for youth to share their thoughts and ideas, and increased awareness of support services available. These sessions are designed to provide a safe space to discuss youth related matters such as mental and sexual health, and to learn more about alcohol and other drug education and support services.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Commencement of the Youth Voices program
Delivered the Out of the Box Program
Children and Family Network
Playgroup
Youth School Holidays Program
Play N Yarn
Live ‘n’ Loud music festival
Close the Gap Youth Week.
Youth Week Live ‘n’ Loud at the Clarence Regional Library.
Affordable housing and living standards
Council continues to work towards providing an appropriate mix of affordable housing for the community that meets the various stages of life and enhances living standards in the region.
Accelerated Development Applications
Approval pathways were streamlined for complying minor residential development through an Accelerated DA service. The service reduces the approval timeframe to 20 days for eligible new dwellings, secondary dwellings and extensions.
Draft Local Housing Strategy
Council delivered the draft Local Housing Strategy. Once adopted the strategy will guide decision making about where new houses should be built, and the types of housing the community needs. This will assist Council in meeting the North Coast Regional Plan 2041 priority for housing to be delivered as 40 per cent multi-dwellings and small lot housing.
The strategy also supports opportunities for affordable housing to be delivered on Councilowned land via public private partnerships using a competitive tender process, and four sites of Council owned land are identified for further investigation for affordable housing opportunities.
Draft Affordable Housing Policy
Council delivered the draft Affordable Housing Policy. Once adopted the policy will require, through planning mechanisms, that new large-scale development provides appropriate housing stock that is more likely to be affordable and meets the current and future needs of our changing and growing community.
Affordable housing needs are also recognised via the inclusion of appropriate aims, zone objectives and mechanisms in Council’s Environmental Planning Instruments, and by ensuring these documents encourage the retention and creation of diverse housing opportunities including for affordable housing in appropriate locations.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Reform of Residential Zones Development Control Plan
Ongoing promotion of The Clarence - River Masterplan II.
Yamba.
Resilient community
Council’s first Coordinator Emergency Management and Resilience was appointed to deliver the outcomes of the Disaster Resilience Framework and lead collective action in the preparation and recovery stages of natural disasters. Key actions included:
collaboration with emergency management lead agencies to develop disaster resilience programs, projects and initiatives of Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO) during disaster events
engagement with our community to increase awareness and preparedness for disasters and performing the duties
updates to the Emergency Management Plans
development of our first Community Managed Evacuation Centre (CMEC).
Mapping of bush fire prone areas
Council worked with the Rural Fire Service to release mapping of bush fire prone areas to better inform decision making for future developments and address potential risks. These maps help guide choices around building materials, locations, buffer zones, and onsite water storage options.
Emergency power-up for remote communities
Solar and generator systems have been installed at Coaldale, Nymboida and Dundurrabin community halls to ensure they can maintain power supply during natural disasters. The backup power systems feature solar panels and hybrid inverters, battery storage systems and backup diesel generators. This project was funded by the NSW Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.
Resilient Clarence interactive digital map
In 2023 Council launched a digital storytelling map that collected stories from residents in 10 fireaffected communities. The digital map created a valuable resource to build social cohesion and future resilience in the community.
Community House Raising Workshop
Council, in partnership with Living Lab Northern Rivers, James Davidson Architects, Recovery officers, and NSW Reconstruction Authority representatives, delivered a free Community House Raising Workshop. The workshop assisted the community to understand opportunities and challenges of raising their home above likely future flood levels to avoid the financial and emotional impacts of having their home damaged by floods.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Local Emergency Management Committee working group
Clarence Valley Bush Fire Risk Management Plan – Asset Protection Zones
Community education program to increase preparedness
Emergency Management Coordinator Centre (Grafton Regional Airport) plans
Emergency response exercises with more than 15 agencies
Draft Clarence Valley Pre-Event Recovery Plan
Improved field drainage to increase resilience of sporting facilities at Hawthorne Park, Barnier Park, Rushforth Park and Ngayundi Yamba Sports Complex.
Strategic Theme 2: Infrastructure
Maintaining our diverse infrastructure base to serve the needs of the Clarence.
Grafton Waterfront Precinct.
Infrastructure Objectives
IN1 A safely maintained transport (road and bridge) network.
IN2 Footpaths and cycleways that are interconnected, functional, well maintained and reach destinations.
IN3 Communities that are well serviced with essential infrastructure (including transport services, water and sewage systems and public amenities).
IN4 Floodplain and drainage infrastructure that is maintained in a way that improves amenity and liveability.
IN5 Forward planning for modern, accessible infrastructure upgrades and renewals.
IN6 Well maintained facilities and amenities that serve the needs of a growing residential population and visitors to the area.
IN7 Beautification of towns and villages to improve amenity and pride of place.
IN8 Passive and active recreational infrastructure that is well planned and well maintained.
IN9 Well serviced digital infrastructure.
IN10 Disaster mitigation planning to reduce the impact of natural disaster on infrastructure.
Strategic planning
Council made significant improvements to infrastructure planning and development.
Active Transport Strategy
Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan
Flood Risk Management Plans
Open Space and Recreational Management Strategy
Facilities Management Plan
Integrated Water Cycle Management
The largest capital works program in Council’s history was delivered after the region was devastated by floods in 2022. In 2023/2024, $208 million was committed to capital works including road and bridges, water and sewer, flood restoration and road network and Clarence Valley Holiday Parks as well as open spaces, sports
fields and floodplains. Budget was allocated to new community facilities including the Yamba Community Precinct, Regional Aquatic Centre and funds allocated to the new Maclean Community Precinct.
In comparison, the 2022/2023 Capital Works Program was valued at $131 million, and the 2021/2022 Capital Works Program was valued at $108 million.
Yamba Marina.
Safe and connected transport network
An innovative fast-tracked flood recovery program has achieved restoration of more than 1000 kilometres of unsealed roads and rehabilitation of more than 100 kilometres of sealed roads in less than two years, following the devastation of the February 2022 floods that severely impacted over 60 per cent of the LGA’s 2500-kilometre network.
As a result, customer requests for road maintenance dropped from more than a thousand to less than 100 in a single six-month reporting period.
To further enhance the resilience of the region’s transport network, millions of dollars have been invested to replace aging timber bridges with concrete, providing secure flood and fire-resistant connections for residents and industry while reducing ongoing maintenance costs.
Innovation maximises outcomes for the community
The unprecedented devastation to infrastructure and demand for resources across Northern NSW and South-East QLD meant a business-as-usual approach would be grossly inadequate to meet community expectations for timely restoration of the transport network.
Council’s innovative approach to meet this challenge included reconfiguration and streamlining of asset management systems to align specifically with Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with more than $120 million in assistance secured so far.
Workforce assets were restructured with junior staff upskilled and partnerships formed with specialist contractors to design and implement a record infrastructure repair program, with more than $104 million in works completed or nearing completion as of September 2024.
The strategy resulted in completion of more flood recovery works in the Clarence than anywhere else in Northern NSW, according to the March report card from the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation.
Transforming our regional roads
Approximately 50 kilometres of regional roads have been restored across the region as part of a record $15 million flood recovery program. The work involved extensive reconstruction of damaged sections across six roads – Clarence Way, Lawrence Road, Wooli Road, Eight Mile Lane, Yamba Road and Iluka Road – including stabilisation and resealing to maximise durability and reliability of these vital connections for residents and industry.
Council has also funded more than $3.5 million in widening key sections of the locally and regionally vital connection for Armidale Road, and a further $35 million sought for additional works.
Sealed local road network restored
A total of $12 million was invested to restore 30 flood-damaged local roads totalling 55 kilometres in length, strengthening connectivity for communities and putting the ongoing program well ahead of schedule.
Significant resources were also invested in upgrading roads that had posed an ongoing maintenance challenge, including a $1.87 million deep-lift asphalt reconstruction of Shores Drive in Yamba; $1.1 million foamed bitumen stabilisation and reconstruction of Maclean’s main street; and a $830,000 redesign and rebuild of the frequently washed-out road linking to Grafton Regional Airport.
In addition, a 10-month blitz deployed additional crews and $850,000 in grant funds to repair more than 77,500 potholes on local and regional roads, on top of the usual road maintenance program.
Bridges upgraded to strengthen connections
More than $24 million in projects were delivered under the Fixing Country Bridges Program, replacing 27 ageing timber bridges with new concrete structures to strengthen the connectivity and resilience of our communities while minimising ongoing maintenance costs.
Three bridges damaged by flood and fire were also rebuilt after more than $6 million was secured in disaster recovery funds, restoring vital connections for rural and remote communities at Swan Creek, Fineflower, and Clouds Creek.
A proactive inspection and maintenance program also resulted in structural works carried out on 73 of the network’s 279 timber bridges.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Integration of CiA systems management
Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence Technology for road condition inspections
Culvert upgrade and road resealing Tallawadja Creek, Glenreagh
Widening of 2km of Brooms Head Road
Iron culverts upgraded to concrete including OBX Creek and Cangai
Culvert upgrade and road sealing, Patemans Road, Ashby
Funding secured, tender awarded for $16M Bluff Bridge on Orara Way, Lanitza
Council is committed to creating a more walking and bike riding friendly community. The Active Transport Strategy was developed to increase opportunities to choose active ways of travelling. Under the strategy, extensive capital works expanded and enhanced the safety, connectivity and accessibility of shared pathways and footpaths.
Street improvements - Maclean and Angourie
More than $1 million was secured from the Federal Black Spot Program to make it safer to get around River Street, Maclean and The Crescent, Angourie.
The River Street work will slow traffic with raised crossings, pedestrian refuges, garden beds and new signage.
The Crescent work will slow traffic and create a safer crossing point with a 30k/h speed zone and raised platforms.
School zone safety improvements
School zone safety improvements were implemented at 18 schools across the area to make it safer for students and families in Maclean, Grafton, South Grafton, Harwood, Lawrence, Cowper, Palmers Island, Yamba, Iluka and Coutts Crossing. Measures include wombat crossings, blister islands, pedestrian crossings, bus zone and crossing relocation, fencing, accessible parking and footpaths.
Spenser Street, Iluka
A new two-metre-wide shared pathway from Iluka Public School to the busy boat ramp precinct was constructed to make it safer and easier for ferry patrons and school children to navigate during peak periods.
The $725,000 project also widened the roads and provided drainage improvements at Riverview and Micalo Streets and delivered two safer pedestrian refuge crossings and additional formalised car parking spaces at Spenser Street, adjacent to the school.
William Ager Park, Yamba
Construction of a new accessible walkway connecting William Ager Park to Pippi Beach Reserve, Yamba was completed. Works included a 450 square metre boardwalk and viewing platforms and 125 square metres of concrete path. The upgrades improved pedestrian access and coastal viewing opportunities and created an inclusive, safer and more comfortable walking experience.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
River Street pathway, Yamba, between Queen Street and Beach Street and between Wooli Street and Harbour Street
Hoof Street pathway, Grafton, connects pedestrians and cyclists from Queen Street to the newly upgraded Jacaranda Park
The final section of a 1,200m long shared path on Big River Way, South Grafton from McAuley College to Bunnings
Orion Drive pathway, Yamba, between Palm Lake Resort and Yamba Road
Entry treatments to slow traffic at Minnie Water, Glenreagh, Woombah and Angourie
Cameron Street pathway, Maclean, between the M1 Interchange and Jubilee Street
New wombat crossings, Prince Street, Grafton.
Well-serviced communities
Council delivered a program of works to ensure essential infrastructure and services, including clean water and sewage systems, were delivered and well-maintained. This work ensured water and sewer networks met the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Drinking Water Management Systems and Environmental Protection Authority License conditions.
Sewer Relining Program
Council increased the annual sewer relining budget to $1.5 million per annum which enabled renewal of more than three kilometres of ageing pipes across Grafton, South Grafton, Maclean, and Yamba.
The process involved using Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) to inspect the sewer and a high-pressure water jet cleared obstructions from the line before a structural PVC sleeve was run the length of the line and expanded under pressure. This forms a durable lining that extends sewer life by approximately 100 years.
Lake Hiawatha Intake Pipe Upgrade
$2.6 million was invested to engage specialist divers to replace the intake pipe feeding Wooli’s Lake Hiawatha 1.8 megalitre reservoir and extend the pipe’s total length by 70 meters. This increased the intake depth of the pipe by two metres, which improves the drought resilience of Wooli by increasing the volume of water that can be pumped from the lake.
Rushforth Road Water Treatment
Plant Clarifying Lagoon
A clarifying lagoon was constructed at the Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant to enable water to be extracted from either Nymboida River or Shannon Creek Dam when the turbidity is higher than Council’s drinking water standard. The clarifying lagoon works by reducing suspended particles, generally from erosion during high rainfall events before it is pumped to the reservoir and treated with chlorine. Construction has also commenced on a second Clarifying Lagoon.
Stormwater Drainage Improvements
Work continued to improve drainage in towns and villages across the Clarence Valley funded by the $25 annual Stormwater Management Charge. Activities included drainage maintenance, clearing blocked pipes, CCTV pipe investigations, open/swale drain maintenance, renewal/upgrade works, water quality initiatives such as additional urban street sweeping and pump renewal. Locations included: Junction Hill, Woombah, Brooms Head, Glenreagh, Grafton, South Grafton, Maclean and Yamba.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Regional Water Supply Scheme Agreement
Revaluation of Sewer Network Assets
Yamba Sewerage Pump Station upgrade ($1M)
Brooms Head Holiday Park onsite Sewerage System upgrade ($2.4M)
Temporary water filtration facility at Glenreagh pending permanent installation
Planning for the Rushforth Road Water Filtration Plant including obtaining a Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARS) to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS)
Introduction of new water meter reading platform to enable extra data gathering
Shortlisting Tenderers for constructing the North Grafton Sewage Treatment Plant.
Modern, accessible facilities
Council invested significantly to ensure facilities were well maintained and amenities served the needs of a growing residential population and visitors to the area. From investment in open spaces, beautification of towns to community spaces and clean and accessible amenities, these facilities play a key role in connecting our community and contributing to a liveable Clarence.
Sporting Facility Restoration Program
The Sporting Facility Restoration Program gave flood-damaged recreational assets a new lease on life including 10 tennis court complexes, cricket pitches and Grafton Netball Court upgrade.
Yamba Community Precinct
$18 million has been allocated to the construction of a new integrated community precinct in Yamba. The centre is partially funded by an $11 million grant from the Australian and NSW Government through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
The previous Treelands Drive Community Centre was demolished in January 2024 with construction due to be completed in June 2025. The new precinct will feature up to eight rooms, a library, gallery space,
youth space, modern accessible toilets, and a new kitchen. A new 43-space carpark is also being built, including provision for three electric vehicle charging stations.
Corcoran Dog Park
$1 million in funding was secured to rejuvenate the 1.5-acre site at Corcoran Park into a purposebuilt dog park to provide well-designed, active recreational infrastructure. The fenced dog park provides areas for active and quiet dogs, a raised sandpit for digging, dog agility obstacle course, a landscaped dry riverbed for the adventurous, and a dog library where local pets can share their toys with others.
$2.2 million was also invested to restore and improve existing flood-affected facilities including new pathways along the river, replacement of barbecues and restored picnic shelters.
Corcoran Dog Park, Grafton.
Town and Village Beautification Team
To improve amenity and pride, Council created the Town and Village Beautification Team, a new multiskilled team of Open Spaces and Facilities personnel that bring together a wide range of skills to target improvements beyond the scheduled maintenance activities Council routinely conducts.
The team’s operational efforts focus primarily on the CBD main street precincts of towns and villages and deliver a variety of proactive and reactive maintenance, repair and beautification works to ensure our main streets are attractive, accessible and safe gathering spaces where tourism and commerce can flourish.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
$240,000 upgrade of Hawthorne Park – lighting, grandstands and spectator mound
Regional Aquatic Centre, Grafton
Ulmarra CBD – revitalisation of streets and parks
Grafton Waterfront – paths and landscaping to create active hub
Plans for the Maclean Community Precinct
Playground Renewal Program (projects at Lions Park Yamba, Wherrett Park Maclean, Bailey Park Ulmarra, Tucabia and Waterview Heights)
Maclean Showground Lighting Project
Undertake review of amenities cleaning schedules
Improving amenity of Maclean and Grafton town entry points
Junction Hill and Braylesford Park upgrade
Yamba Skate Park Safety Signs
Wooloweyah BBQ and shelter upgrades
Cameron Park Masterplan
$52,000 for new solar lighting of the popular Ford Park pathway at Yamba
$200,000 replacement of deteriorated basketball courts in South Grafton
$700,000 in community hall improvements in the July-Sept 2023 quarter including $210,000 to lift and renovate the Jackadgery hall
New hot water pressure cleaner acquired in 2023 for maintaining public toilets, barbecues and facilities heats up to 250 degrees Celsius to kill germs and effectively remove dirt and grime.
Grafton Waterfront Precinct.
Reducing the impacts of natural disasters
Extensive work was undertaken to mitigate or reduce the potential impact of natural disaster on infrastructure. A large part of this work included advocating for funding and support to enhance key infrastructure such as Yamba Road and Iluka Road which are prone to being cut-off during a flooding event. Improved planning, guidelines and frameworks were also introduced, particularly related to flood and bushfire, to ensure built form is more resilient in future.
Clarence Airport Firefighting Water Pipeline
Council delivered a milestone project via the construction of an additional six kilometres of water main pipeline to Grafton Regional Airport, extending from the Clarence Correctional Centre.
Prior to this project, water for aerial firefighting needed to be transported by water carting trucks about 13 kilometres from South Grafton. The new pipeline will support aerial firefighting activities by providing a permanent water supply and facilitated selection of the airport for combined Fire Control Centre and Emergency Operations Centre.
Council secured $1.54 million from the Federal Government Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant Program to construct this project.
NSW RFS Emergency Operations Centre
Council partnered with Rural Fire Services (RFS) to secure funding and commence planning for an Emergency Operations Centre at Grafton Airport. The centre will centralise disaster training, planning and response activities for the region to assist State Government Agencies and Council to manage disaster support and recovery functions. Funding of $8.5 million was secured through the NSW Government to support the $13.5 million project.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Mapping of bush fire prone areas
Funding for Yamba Road and Illuka Road to improve access during flood
Funding for the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative for improvements to drainage in Maclean
Updating Council’s Lower Clarence Flood Model (2022)
Adopting draft Flood Planning Levels based on the new flood model (2024)
Illuka Road flood closure automated warning system
Flood pump installed in South Grafton near Ryan Street
$6M repair and upgrade of Shannon Creek Dam spillway
$1M restoration and rock armouring of the levee at Grafton
New $100K flood pump installed in Bacon St Grafton in 2023
CCTV inspection and high-pressure jetting to clean out Iluka’s stormwater drainage network in 2023
Clear SCADA real-time remote monitoring rolled out across flood pumps, and sewer and water assets
Installed a second flood pump in Essex drain, Maclean
Upgraded the flood pump at Wherrett Park, Maclean.
Strategic Theme 3: Economy
Strengthening and diversifying the region’s economic base in a way that complements the environmental and social values of the Clarence.
Yamba Marina.
Economy Objectives
EC1 An affordable and attractive environment for local business to flourish.
EC2 Sustainable tourism that benefits the whole of the local government area, without burdening the coast further.
EC3 RV friendly towns.
EC4 Support for the sustainable growth of local industries that are respectful of the lifestyle that exists.
EC5 Dispersed and sustainable development ensuring connections to services.
EC6 Diversification of employment and education that provides opportunity for young people and families to stay in the area.
EC7 Major events that drive economic activity in the region and make it a more attractive place for people to live, work and visit.
EC8 Support for community and business led innovation that creates a diverse and vibrant community.
EC9 Adequate telecommunications to service economic growth.
EC10 Recognition of Grafton as a Regional City for State Planning purposes.
Strategic planning
Council made improvements to strategies to strengthen and diversify our economy, with a strong focus on our growing tourism sector.
Clarence Valley Regional Economic Development Strategy 2023
Clarence Valley Destination Management Plan
Lawrence Community Economic Development Plan
Employment Lands Strategy
Rural Lands Strategy
Jacaranda Festival, Market Square, Grafton.
Local industry
Council supported the sustainable growth of local industries and coordinate activities for community and businesses including:
partnering with all levels of government and local industry groups (including Chambers of Commerce) to identify and support industry specific opportunities
facilitation of industry workshops to develop local expertise
delivering local programs that encourage buying local
promoting local market opportunities.
Economic and job growth
Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NEIR) and presented by economy.id by .id (informed decisions.).
Regional Economic Development Strategy
The Regional Economic Development Strategy was reviewed to guide Council in making policy and investment decisions to enhance resilience and drive sustainable, long-term economic growth. The strategy highlights agricultural and marine innovation, eco-tourism, activation of villages and Aboriginal culture as key opportunities for the region.
Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee
The Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee was established and includes a diverse group of community members. The committee provides advice and guidance on economic development and tourism and the implementation of relevant plans and strategies.
Grafton Regional Saleyards
The Grafton Regional Saleyards received a $1.2 million upgrade to improve operator safety, animal welfare and efficiency of pre-sale cattle processing.
Facility security was upgraded, with the installation of a CCTV security system to ensure the ongoing security of the 34,434 head of cattle that were sold during the 2022/2023 financial year at a total value of $40,282,216.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Load Local Love campaign – promoting local market opportunities
Small Business Month workshops 2023
Local contractor engagement program
Yamba Hot Rod Passport (30 businesses attended)
Iluka Wayfinding Map.
Sustainable tourism
The Clarence Valley offers breathtaking natural attractions and is a popular holiday destination, contributing significantly to employment and prosperity.
Destination Management Plan
Endorsed in September 2024, the Destination Management Plan (DMP) identifies a vision and strategic direction to sustainably support and develop the $181.4 million tourism industry through:
delivery of Visitor Information Hubs
delivery of the Clarence Valley Visitor Guide (and digital content)
building the My Clarence Valley Brand
development and support of Specialist Tourism
encouraging supporting events and festivals through the Special Events Sponsorship and Sports Tourism Grants Program
facilitating sustainable growth.
To achieve this, Council partners with Destination North Coast, Destination NSW, and Northern Rivers NSW to increase the visibility of Clarence Valley as an attractive destination.
My Clarence Valley brand
Council promoted our region through the My Clarence Valley brand. Under the brand, content of the Clarence Valley was shared to audiences on Instagram and Facebook and new and returning visitors could find information about holidaying in the region. Combined, the platforms reached 50,000 social media followers, contributing to building the reputation for the region.
Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail
The Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail is the longest mapped whitewater trail in Australia, covering more than 195 kilometres of river between Nymboi-Binderay National Park and the township of Copmanhurst. To promote the trail, Council collaborated with the NSW Government to develop a series of maps which divide the 195 kilometre trail into eight separate sections, ranked in order of skill. Council collaborated with a broad range of local canoe and kayak businesses to foster stronger connections between operators and develop their combined capacity to promote the trail as a dedicated tourism destination.
Visitors to Clarence Valley
Source: Tourism Research Australia , Unpublished data from the International Visitor Survey 2022/2023. Data calculated year ending in March.
Hinterland Cluster Program
As part of Council’s Clarence Valley Hinterland Cluster Program, the initiative supported 12 tourism operators based on and around the Clarence River Canoe and Kayak Trail. This included not only canoe and kayak operators but also local accommodation providers, who were encouraged to leverage the trail as a key tourism asset. The program aimed to build collaboration among these businesses, enhancing their ability to promote the trail as a vibrant tourism destination.
Council worked with consultants from Blanc Space to deliver a series of three in-person workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and content shoots. These sessions helped businesses develop marketing toolkits, implement or improve online booking systems, and explore Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) strategies to increase their digital visibility. The content shoots also provided high-quality imagery to enhance their marketing efforts.
Other key actions include: kayak trail safety updates; brochure and waterproof maps; editorial promotion; social media promotion; and, safety and access measures.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Planning for the expansion of Visitor Information Hubs
Development of Holiday Parks (including Plans of Management)
Urban tree planting program
My Clarence Valley website and visitor guides
Event marketing – Destination North Coast, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW), My Clarence Valley and Clarence Magazine.
Clarence River.
Economy Connected development
Strategic planning activities focused on progressing a Local Growth Management Strategy that comprises four key sub-strategies.
Employment Land Strategy – progress actions to better support local businesses and grow the economy (completed June 2022).
Rural Lands Strategy – provides a framework for managing growth, change and development of rural land to the year 2041 (completed June 2022).
Green Infrastructure Strategy – provides the framework for high quality liveable urban environments (completed June 2023).
Draft Housing Strategy - addresses future housing needs and ensures housing is appropriately located, consistent with the local character and affordable.
The next stage of the project is to update the Developer Contributions Framework.
Overall, this strategic planning approach will inform decision making for land use planning, development applications, investment, advocacy, future project prioritisation and resource allocation for the next 20 years.
January 2022 – September 2024
$696,994,582
Council started capturing the assessment data from 1 July 2023 to 14 September 2024 which shows that the smaller/compliant DAs coming in were being turned around faster with staff spending more time focusing on larger DAs.
July 2023 – 14 September 2024
Lawrence Community Economic Development Plan –expand on engagement with community
Council developed the Lawrence Community Economic Development Plan (LCDEP) to deliver a 10-year roadmap for Lawrence that identifies key strategies and initiatives to enhance community well-being in the Lawrence area and details priorities to improve the village’s roads, footpaths, cycleways and walking trails and access to the river.
Development of the plan involved a collaboration with the community and businesses alongside online surveys, ensuring diverse perspectives were represented.
Key engagement activities included:
community ideation sessions with more than 35 participants to encourage active participation
breakfast briefings from 12 local business and community group representatives to offer valuable insights
small group discussions with clubs and museums to foster conversation around community needs
82 responses to the online survey to allow people who could not attend to share their thoughts.
This engagement ensured the LCEDP reflected the aspirations and needs of the entire community.
Diversification of employment and education
Council continued to deliver projects that attract new investment and create opportunities for employment, contribute to diversification and support education opportunities that allow young people and families to stay in the area.
Employment figures – top 5 industries
Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NEIR) and presented by economy.id by .id (informed decisions.).
Employment Lands Strategy
Adopted by Council in 2022, the Employment Lands Strategy provides a framework to guide growth and development of employment lands and business to create job opportunities, economic activity, and sustainable growth across the Clarence Valley. It also examines the issues and opportunities associated with supporting existing and emerging industries, the need for industrial zoned land, and the importance of our strategic infrastructure.
Draft Marine-Based Industry Policy – Regional Economic Development Strategy
The draft Marine-Based Industry Policy was developed to support new and existing ship building and repair businesses, and to guide the sustainable growth and usage of the Clarence River and port facilities.
The policy addresses the effective management of potential impacts on the environment, First Nations culture, and other river-based activities and aims to support growth in local job opportunities so more young people and families can choose to work and stay in the Clarence.
Veterans Employment Program
Council’s Veterans Employment Program provided guidance to veterans on how best to communicate their transferable skills in the job application process, including a grade guide that translates the skills of various ranked armed services positions to their equivalent position and level within Council.
Our hiring managers received regular training and education on how experience in the military provides people with extensive skills that make them ideal for a position within local government, including abilities in leadership, teamwork, initiative, accountability, and communication.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Yamba Community Precinct – TAFE NSW Connect Learning Centre
Student Work Experience Program
Express DA Service
Rezoning of Council land on Big River Way for employment land
Update to the Clarenza Development Control Plans.
Holiday parks
Council operates holiday parks under contractual agreements with holiday park operators, including:
Iluka Riverside Holiday Park
Minnie Water Holiday Park
Wooli Holiday Park.
Council directly operates the Brooms Head Holiday Park and the Calypso Yamba Holiday Park.
Council resolved to align the contract renewal dates of the holiday parks to July 2026 to improve operational efficiencies, provide better value for money and give Council the best option to move forward with decisions relating to the management structure of the holiday parks.
Brooms
21,885
$5,891,575
$8,492,163
$4,758,100
Minnie
4,594
$1,792,369
$1,033,171
(January 2022 – September 2024)
Iluka Riverside Holiday Park.
Strategic Theme 4: Environment
Valuing, respecting and actively participating in the care and management of the Clarence’s natural environment for current and future generations.
Lake Cakora, Brooms Head.
Environment Objectives
EN1 To protect and enhance our natural environments, ecosystems and native flora and fauna.
EN2 Encourage sustainable and innovative agricultural processes that preserve what we have.
EN3 Promotion of sustainable development that integrates with the environment.
EN4 Action that maintains the health of our coastline, waterways and natural environment.
EN5 Promotion of sustainable business practices to reduce our region’s ecological footprint.
EN6 A community that follows the three Rs of waste: Reuse, Recycle and Reduce.
EN7 Celebration and promotion of the diverse natural beauty of the area.
EN8 Enhanced maintenance of green space in a way that encourages responsible use.
EN9 Opportunities for equal access to enjoy the outdoors.
EN10 A community that doesn’t support detrimental mining activities.
Strategic planning
During the previous Council term, Council improved policy to protect and enhance the natural environment for current and future residents.
Green Infrastructure Strategy
Environmental Management Strategy
Biodiversity Strategy
Bush Regeneration Strategy
Coastal Management Programs
Urban Treen Management Strategy
Solid Waste Management Strategy
Protect and enhance the natural environment
Clarence Valley’s natural environment features extensive river networks and catchments, floodplains and wetlands, vast beaches and coastline, national parks and diverse natural habitats, scenic mountain ranges, rural hinterland, and productive agricultural land.
Council continued to work towards long-term protection of our natural assets through sustainable initiatives and environmental improvements.
Koala Conservation
Council collaborated with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water and the Clarence Valley Koala Working Group to secure more than $300,000 to identify and protect koala habitat lost due to the devastating effects of drought and bushfires in our Valley.
Ecological assessments and community consultation sessions were conducted in key priority areas of interest to develop koala habitat maps and local scale strategic information to inform the future planning, protection, and management of koala habitats, and
the continued development of our Koala Plan of Management.
Coastal Emus Project
Council collaborated with the Lions Club of Clarence, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water and Transport for NSW to deliver the project and reduce the risk of vehicle strike along Brooms Head Road at Taloumbi, where emus commonly cross the road.
The project was delivered in several stages over two financial years and won the coveted Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Award in the Natural Environment Protection and Enhancement Category.
Maclean Flying Fox Camp
Incursion of flying foxes into urban areas continued to be managed in accordance with the Maclean Flying Fox Camp Management Plan. The establishment of a temporary flying fox camp in Grafton was managed through assistance to reduce private property damage and included street tree management works in close liaison with residents and Essential Energy. Flying foxes have not returned to this temporary Grafton camp since late March 2023.
Weed Control
Council aims to reduce the volume of chemicals used for weed control activities by five per cent each year and to use safer alternative control methods. In 2022/2023 the use of chemicals was reduced by greater than nine per cent compared to the previous two financial years. Specialised GPS mapping and spraying drones were successfully trialled during the summer to control weeds on Susan Island.
A helicopter was used to inspect more than 1,000 difficult to access properties to detect the presence of Groundsell Bush and Mysore Thorn. Notified landholders were then able to promptly roll out control measures before the infestations spread further, minimising time, costs, and the potential usage of herbicides.
Six high-tech drones were acquired to assist in the management of natural resources. The drones can see in five different wavelengths and are used for a variety of purposes including detection of weed outbreaks and the mapping on native wildlife habitats.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Susan Island Flying Fox Habitat Restoration
Site Management Plans developed for Crown Land
Koala Habitat and Population Survey for Lawrence-Banyabba-Mororo Area
Weed control (Bitou Bush) on Crown Land.
Coastal Emu.
Open and urban green spaces
Clarence Valley’s natural assets provide a wealth of ecological, cultural and well-being benefits that are crucial to our identity and future.
Green Infrastructure Strategy
The Green Infrastructure Strategy was developed to enhance how Council values, plans and undertakes maintenance for sustainable environmental outcomes. The strategy will enhance the awareness and role of green infrastructure provision and provide policy direction to help update planning controls (such as the Local Environment Plan or Development Control Plans) as well as decision making about resourcing, asset management, capital projects and other activities.
The strategy identified six priority areas for green infrastructure: biodiversity sensitive urban design; street tree canopy cover; parks and open space; connected places and communities; sustainable waterways; and improved governance.
Yamba Street Tree Master Plan
The Yamba Street Tree Master Plan stems from Council’s broader commitments under the Urban Tree Management Strategy (UTMS) and provides a blueprint for the long-term planning and management of local street trees to ensure a sustainable tree population is maintained.
The plan provides an audit of street trees and identifies the condition of town’s urban forest and a hierarchy of streets for future street tree planting activities that is determined by clear and logical objectives that contribute towards the amenity and visual character of Yamba.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Updated Tree Management Policy Street Tree Replacement Program.
Yamba.
Healthy coastline, waterways & environment
Clarence Valley has 70 kilometres of unspoiled coastline, and a diverse variety of aquatic environments including estuaries, bays, lagoons, rock pools and rivers which attract thousands of visitors in search of an idyllic swimming spot during the warmer months.
Council continued to deliver Coastal Management Programs that focus on understanding management options, key actions to protect the diversity and health of the open coastal and river estuary environments, and funding arrangements with State Government.
Open Coast Coastal Management Program
Council completed stages two and three and adopted stage four of the Open Coast Coastal Management Program (CMP), a 10-year road map to inform the development of individual plans that aim to protect our 70 kilometres of coastline from current and future environmental threats.
The is the culmination of three years of work to explore and identify the CMP study area, map coastal hazards along the entire coastline, and conduct detailed studies into the risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities identified within the study area.
The Open Coast CMP has been submitted to the State Government for certification.
Estuary Coastal Management Program
The Estuary Coastal Management Program (CMP) is being progressed to identify, develop and apply longterm strategies that address the impacts of changed
land use on the entire catchment and the associated impacts on the health of the estuary.
Stage one was completed and involved a variety of stakeholder engagement activities to capture sentiment, identify popular estuary-based activities, capture locations of current issues, confirm management priorities and explore the community’s vision for the future of the estuary.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Completed an Internal Environmental Audit.
Wooli.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Under the Solid Waste Management Strategy, Council continued to work towards reducing the volume of waste going to landfill and minimise the social and environmental impacts of waste management.
Council established targets for climate change mitigation. Before 2030 Council aims to source 50 per cent of electricity from renewable energy, with the long-term goal to achieve 100 per cent.
Signature projects included:
the $900,000 solar upgrade and battery storage project located at the Rushforth Road Works Depot in South Grafton to improve capacity to respond to natural disasters
the solar farm and landfill gas electricity generation projects at the Grafton Regional Landfill, Smart Energy Park
LED lighting at outdoor parks and facilities reducing emissions by approximately 40 per cent with estimated cost savings of $357,000 per year.
Grafton Regional Landfill
A $2.8 million expansion of the landfill’s organic processing facility was completed in 2023 and features the construction of a fourth composting tunnel to increase the facility’s annual processing capacity by 4,000 tonnes.
This has allowed the facility to substantially increase its capacity to convert discarded food scraps and green waste into nutrient rich compost that is used to improve the soil quality of farms and gardens located in the Valley.
A new $5.5 million landfill cell and leachate pond at Grafton Regional Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre has also been installed which expands the facility’s waste capacity by 220,000 cubic metres for the next five years.
Grafton Regional Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.
Renewable and sustainable energy
Tenders have been awarded to purchase and install a hydroelectric generator turbine at the Rushforth Water Treatment Plant. This $446,000 project will install a 74kW hydroelectric generator turbine within the drinking water network at the treatment plant. This project will not only reduce external power consumption by an average of 1759kW per day but will also save more that $527 per day in power cost when water is being supplied to the plant from the Nymboida River.
Water and Waste Education
Council continued to resource the Grafton Regional Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre, known as the Environmental Learning Facility (ELF), and developed a broad range of educational programs to improve environmental awareness via interactive displays, group workshops and tours.
The facility is designed to immerse visitors in sustainability principles and provide a focal point for Council when engaging our community and schools on important environmental issues including biodiversity, climate change, catchment management, water quality, water efficiency and conservation.
ELF programs were tailored to suit pre-school and school groups of all ages, TAFE and university students, and community groups, including curriculum related talks and workshops facilitated by Council’s Environmental Education Officer and regional educational program delivery partners.
Additionally, Council’s Water Efficiency Education Officer delivered education programs inclusive of hosting guided tours of Shannon Creek Dam and sewage treatment facilities, facilitated the Waterwise Schools Program, engaged with the community to build awareness around the value of water, and provided information about the updated rebate program and permanent water conservation measures.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Developed Solid Waste Management Strategy
Bulky waste collection – new on-call service introduced
Organics processing expansion
Sustainable Living Awards
Planning for the Grafton Regional Landfill solar farm
Planning for the Grafton Regional Landfill gas to energy project
Trialled fleet transition to hybrid, with electric vehicles
Community Go Electric Plans
Development of Environmental Education Plan
10-year contract awarded to collect waste and process recyclables and organics
Introduction of flexible bulky waste collection service.
Solar upgrade at Rushforth Road Works Depot.
Strategic Theme 5: Leadership
Council is committed to set the overall direction and long term goals for the Clarence Valley in accordance with community aspirations.
Prince Street, Grafton.
Leadership Objectives
LE1 A strong, accountable, and representative government that engages broadly with the community in a genuine, respectful and meaningful way.
LE2 To provide representation and advocacy where it counts.
LE3 To provide high standard of customer service to the community.
LE4 To be an effective and efficient local government that operates in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.
LE5 An accessible local government with improved responsiveness and transparency in its actions.
LE6 Decision making that is informed by diverse views and broad representation.
LE7 A strong relationship between all levels of government and partnerships with community to deliver outcomes that benefit residents.
Leadership
Clarence Valley Council provides an important leadership role in our community and endeavours to be a strong, inclusive, and dynamic Council.
Community Strategic Plan
Delivery Program
Operational Plan
Resourcing Strategy
Community Engagement Strategy
Public Participation Plan
Workforce Management Strategy
Representative Government
Through effective community engagement, Council provides a strong local democracy with an actively engaged community, effective partnerships, and delivery of services to meet residents’ needs.
Community Engagement
Under the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, Council developed a new Community Engagement Strategy in 2022. This Strategy has guided best-practice engagement with our community in line with the IAP2 Framework. Council used different methods of communication such as drop in sessions, surveys, workshops, round table and targeted group sessions.
Under the Strategy, Council supported more than 100 face-to-face engagement sessions to inform the community about project and seek input to better inform decision making across various business units.
Council also facilitated engagement online via the corporate website and Clarence Conversations
website to allow the community to provide feedback on relevant topics in a survey format straight from their device. Approximately 56 project pages were delivered on Clarence Conversations with 25,900 people visiting the site and 2,700 people providing feedback.
Youth Voices
Council’s Community Development Officer (Youth Officer) role, funded by the Department of Communities and Justice’s Targeted Early Intervention Program, coordinated community sector involvement, and drove youth focused engagement and social interaction. Council’s Youth Officer developed a model to establish a Youth Voice Pilot Program to provide young people with a forum to engage and have a voice in matters that affect them.
Clarence Magazine
Council aims to deliver timely, transparent and accessible information to inform the community of the delivery of Council projects and achievements against the Community Strategic Plan.
In line with quarterly operational plan reporting, Council produces a 44-page magazine and delivers 5,000 copies to strategic locations across the Clarence Valley. This format ensures more than 30 hard to reach communities can access a reliable and accessible source of publicly available information for free. The magazine is published online on Council’s website so residents can easily access information on current and past projects. A total of 12,151 digital versions of the Clarence Magazine were read online via Council’s website.
Content from the magazine is integrated across other communication platforms including social media and noticeboard, to increase reach and awareness of Council’s reporting against the Community Strategic Plan and continue to build engagement with residents.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Roundtable Talks with First Nation leaders
Councillor Listening Tour across 13 locations
Leadership engagement sessions across 12 locations.
Timely and informative media
Weekly banner ad in The Independent to inform of engagements and DAs
Growth of social media following to 14,000 followers
Weekly delivery of Noticeboard e-newsletter.
Clarence Magazine.
Advocating for the Clarence
Council provides an important leadership role and endeavours to be a strong, inclusive, and dynamic council that delivers the best outcomes for our community via responsible decision-making and advocacy.
Councillors and the Executive Leadership Team regularly advocated across a range of issues. Meetings were regularly held with key stakeholders and the community to understand emerging challenges and communicated to governing bodies to encourage decision making that reflected the needs of our community or funding to support projects or infrastructure.
Grafton Base Hospital
Council advocated and lobbied the NSW Government for commit $263.8 million to deliver the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment Project to meet the growing and changing health care needs of the catchment area.
Detailed planning and design have progressed to deliver a new three-storey building with an expanded Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay, Medical Imaging, MRI, inpatient unit, and an expanded Day Surgery and Operating Suite with two additional operating theatres.
Grafton as Regional City
Council has continued to consult with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water to instigate a review of the
2016 decision to downgrade Grafton’s city status due to the implementation of the North Coast Regional Plan 2036.
Council will continue to advocate for the reclassification of Grafton’s current strategic centre status to its former regional city status to ensure the Valley is appropriately recognised for State Planning purposes to qualify for and secure future state government infrastructure funding opportunities.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Councillor Listening Tours – Tucabia, Brooms Head, Ramornie, Waterview Heights, Copmanhurst, Junction Hill, Ulmarra
Advocating for funding for Yamba Road and Iluka Road to improve access during flood
Advocating for funding for the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative to provide improvements to drainage in Maclean
Advocating for increased funding for floodplain assets
Advocating for transfer of Armidale Road to State Government
Advocating for funding for cycle and pedestrian upgrades including Big River Way.
Grafton.
Responsible and transparent management
The Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (IP&R) guides councils in how they bring plans and strategies together in a way that supports a clear vision for the future and provides an agreed roadmap for delivering the community priorities and aspirations.
Development and delivery of these programs included the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Resourcing Strategy including a Long-Term Financial Plan, Workforce Management Strategy and Asset Management Strategy.
Audit Risk Improvement Committee (ARIC)
Council completed a three-year internal audit program, the first year of this program was conducted in 2022/2023. Highlights included:
Environmental and WHS Management internal audits were completed and actions are being progressed.
HR/Payroll Health Checks by the Internal Auditors were completed and actions are being progressed.
Other internal reviews conducted included: Legislative Compliance Process; Policy Management Process; State Archives Process; and, Fraud and Corruption controls.
100% of audit recommendations were accepted.
100% of auditees believed performance audits helped improve the performance of audited activities.
75% of audits completed by agreed due date.
Policy Framework
Council’s Policy Framework was updated in 2022/2023, as well as policies being reviewed, updated, out for community feedback via public submission, and adopted by Council.
These policies included, but are not limited to:
Complaints Management Policy
Fraud and Corruption Policy
Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy
Child Protection Policy
Managing Unreasonable Conduct by Complainants Policy
Internal Report and Public Interest Disclosure Policy
Enterprise Risk Management Policy.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Commencing the update of the Clarence Valley Council Capability Framework
Workforce Management Strategy
Customer Service and Records Service Reviews
Streamline recruitment process
STRIVE Awards for staff excellence
My Employee Journey Framework.
Efficient and effective services
Council regularly reviews the organisations policies, processes and systems to identify improvement actions to address efficiency, compliance or risk.
To assist in improving direct customer service, a new phone system was implemented in August 2022. This service is allowing critical messages to be prioritised in real time such as a road closure or a water main break. It also assists customers with options for direct enquiries, and estimated wait times until calls are answered.
Service Level Reviews
To promote a continuous improvement Council coordinated an independent annual review of its services. These reviews identified future actions that have informed the development of improvement
plans to realise operational efficiencies and refine service levels to deliver the essential products, services, and facilities our community relies on.
A range of improvements have been made, including:
information technology systems to support strategic decision-making
environmental incident reporting practices and training programs
forward planning to operationalise environmental management systems that align with international standards
web-based interface to assist with lodging applications for installation and operation of onsite sewage management systems
procedures and guidelines to deliver a consistent framework for technical inspections of onsite sewage systems
internal property and rating systems.
153,270 calls
51,873 receipts
32,535 customer requests
5,218 live chat
6,125 planning certificates (section 149)
3,591 rating certificates (603 certificates)
65,894 emails to council@clarence.nsw.gov.au
5,591 request for information property searches (January 2022 – September 2024)
Corporate Systems Upgrade
Corporate Systems are continuously updated to ensure the security of our databases and systems.
Key achievements
Continued transition of our Corporate System platform to cloud-based technology to enable further accessibility, efficiencies and automation has been scoped and technical configuration currently underway with software provider.
Council has met the NSW Government’s DA Planning Portal requirements, including implementing a software project that better integrates the Planning Portal with Council’s corporate systems.
Implementation of an end-to-end project management software solution, enhancing visibility in how we manage projects from design through to delivery, is underway to be implementated in Q1 2024/2025.
Cyber Security continues to be a focus for Council with continual updates and reviews occurring to ensure best practice system security processes are applied and our systems are protected.
Corporate system reports and dashboards are continually being designed, enhanced, and written as further system upgrades are completed ensuring access and transparency across data that can inform decision making processes. Some dashboards created to date include asset defect completion reporting, plant utilisation analytics, Operational Plan Action status reporting, and correspondence KPI reporting.
