At next week’s Clarence Valley Council (CVC) meeting councillors will adopt the valley’s local strategic planning statement (LSPS).
The NSW Government requires all councils across the state to adopt an LSPS by September this year.
Contextually, the document “encourages ecologically sustainable development, which supports a growing population, the creation of meaningful and sustainable job opportunities and maintain[ing] the character of our places and lifestyle”.
Substantial amendments have been made to the draft that went on exhibition, as a result of submissions from the valley’s residents.
“The submissions have generally supported the draft LSPS, but have requested greater clarity and commitment to the implementation of Actions in the final LSPS,” staff write in the report to council.
“The LSPS has been updated accordingly, to reduce the number of Actions, streamline the commentary in the document and bolster the implementation.”
Staff outline key refinements made to the draft statement, including the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s (DPIE) “request to undertake an audit of ready to develop employment land … to provide job opportunities”.
“The revised LSPS further highlights the importance of our natural environment, managing natural resources and ecologically sustainable development,” staff write in the report to council.
“It also more clearly articulates climate change considerations as fundamental … for future land use decision making.
“[It] elaborates on the importance of surfing and our coastal lifestyle and retaining the character of coastal villages, particularly Angourie … [and] adds clearer support for the Tourism industry at the request of DPIE.”
The statement envisages significant population growth in the valley, south-east Queensland and across the north coast, along with easier accessibility due to the new highway, to drive “socio-economic changes that will see an upward trend in the long term prospects” for the valley.
The statement also envisages infrastructure projects such as the Grafton and Sportsmans Creek bridges and Clarence Correctional Centre contributing towards the “upward trend”.
Some submissions “articulated concerns raised about the focus placed on Grafton”, including “requests for no more spending on a number of areas, including the Airport, a possible freight hub, efforts to grow the population and promoting Grafton as a Regional City”, staff write.
“Some submissions stated that Grafton is not an attractor for residents of the Lower Clarence, who are more likely to utilise Ballina and Lismore for shopping, medical, air travel and other needs.
“Despite these submissions, it is recommended that Council continue to support the promotion of Grafton as a Regional City, to provide for the community and grow the economy and provide job prospects and social opportunities.
“…It is considered that a growing economy and additional social and economic opportunities in Grafton is fundamentally important to the people of the Clarence Valley.
“A declining Grafton would be a further burden on ratepayers and pull resources from State Government for economic development, training, housing, income support, mental health, crime and other services, whereas a thriving Grafton as a regional city will provide a myriad of benefits, including for ratepayers and State Government.”
Staff write that Grafton could be made “a more attractive place to visit and invest in … [by] rezoning industrial land to provide job opportunities; promoting more sustainable housing and transport options; [and] managing development in areas exposed to flooding and other hazards”.
“There are also opportunities to look at land use around the Airport: to help subsidise operations and grow the economy; for freight hubs and distribution to expand existing industries in road, rail, air and sea; to capitalise on our existing attributes of fertile soil, water security and climate to substantially grow the agricultural sector; adaptive re-use of the Grafton gaol; and, development of Grafton Base Hospital, among others.”
Note: it is not clear regarding the current population and future population growth predictions for the Clarence Valley LGA, the LSPS states that the valley is “currently home to over 52,800 people”, however, the most recent ABS data on CVC’s website, as at June 2019, estimates a population of 51,662 people.
The 2016 census counted 51,622 people and the valley’s population has grown annually by fewer than 94 people since 2012.
In comparison to regional areas around the state, which have experienced an average growth rate of 0.78 per cent per annum, the Clarence valley LGA has only grown annually by an average of 0.10 per cent.
Projects to be completed immediately (0-2 years)
- Contribute to a Resilience Strategy for the Clarence Valley
- Audit of Employment (Industrial) land and progress rezoning as required
- Support the Grafton CBD and other centres
- Promote Ecologically Sustainable Development
- Revise the CVC Development Contributions Plan
- Work with emergency management and relevant agencies (SES, RFS etc.) to update natural hazard management approach
- Reinstate Grafton as a Regional City
Projects to be completed in the short-term (3-5 years)
- Improve relationships and opportunities for First Nations People
- Prepare a Local Growth Management Strategy
- Prepare an Integrated Freight Transport Strategy
- Prepare an Active Transport Strategy
- Support and grow the agricultural sector
- Develop Local Character Statements/narratives for smaller settlements, particularly coastal villages