The Clarence Valley is recognised as one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia and the Clarence Valley Council is calling for public input to help keep it that way.

The council is reviewing its biodiversity management strategy and wants to get the community involved in shaping the revised plan.

Natural resource management officer (biodiversity), Heather Mitchell, said the review was aimed at making sure the strategy kept up to date with changes in community attitudes, legislation, approaches to conservation and land use.

She said the 2020 biodiversity strategy aimed to halt the decline of biodiversity in the Clarence through the overarching aims of maintaining and rehabilitating natural areas, protecting threatened species communities and implementing actions to address threats to biodiversity.

“Human impact on the natural environment is having detrimental effects worldwide, with the decline of plants, animals and even insects at unprecedented levels,” she said.

“The Clarence Valley remains a stronghold for a diverse range of plants and animals and with targeted programs, council is working towards halting this trend of biodiversity decline.

“Clarence Valley residents place a high value on the natural environment and biodiversity, which is not surprising given that the natural environment underpins many of the region’s key industries and the well-being of residents.”

The council has put together a web page and questionnaire where people can find out more about what is planned, ask questions and give their views. It is www.clarenceconversations.com.au/biodiversity

“We really want people involved,” Ms Mitchell said.

“A healthy and biodiverse environment should be important to everyone and the more input we get from the community the better off we’ll be in developing the new strategy.”