Clarence Valley Council will apply for up to $2.5 million towards the upgrade and sealing of unsealed sections of Clarence Way.

This area of the Clarence Valley was severely impacted by the drought and bushfires which badly affected the agricultural and forestry industries. The project would see the reconstruction and seal of another 5-kilometre section of the 20 kilometres of Clarence Way which is still unsealed.

Director Environment, Planning & Community, Des Schroder said, “This will improve and support the viability of these industries in transporting beef cattle and forestry logs, and has long been lobbied for by the local farming, forestry industry and residents”.

“It would also benefit Aboriginal communities at Baryulgil and Malabugilmah and will provide a key linkage from the Clarence Valley north to Kyogle and onwards to the South East QLD Bromelton transport hub and industrial area,” he said.

It is proposed that Council would apply for the State Government Bushfire Industry Package which would be matched by 50% Council funding.

The exact area to be sealed will be negotiated with the key players in the agriculture and forestry sector. About 20 kilometres currently remain to be sealed.