Rodney Stevens
A development application DA has been lodged with Clarence Valley Council for a photo mural to be installed on the River Street levee wall at Maclean, an initiative of Maclean Rotary.
The proposal is for a photo mural on the levee wall with images not exceeding 1 metre, featuring a range of colours from sepia toned historic photos to colour photos depicting more current scenes such as cane fires in the Maclean Heritage Conservation Area.
The Statement of Environmental Effects SEE lodged with the DA details the project, which is aimed at enhancing the heritage experience for locals and visitors to Maclean.
“The project is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Maclean to install photo mural of Maclean’s cultural history on the levee wall in McLachlan Park alongside public footpaths to enhance understanding and awareness of Aboriginal heritage, early pioneers and celebrating life in Maclean,” the SEE states.
The site of the Maclean Levee wall is zoned RE1 Public Recreation which permits “information and education facilities” to be developed with consent.
“The proposal is a proposed public artwork ancillary to the use of the riverbank area for public recreation and may therefore be deemed as permissible with consent,” the SEE states.
In times of flood, the SEE notes the photo mural could become inundated.
“The images will potentially be inundated on the riverside and in the event that the river level exceeds the levee, however the installation does not conflict with flood planning policies,” the SEE states.
As the Federal Court determined Native Title rights exist over the land on River Street, Maclean, occupied by the levee, the DA was referred to the Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation as part of the consultation process.
“The proposed image installation on Maclean levee wall has been carefully considered in relation to its site and context and potential to impact upon the assessed significance and setting of the Maclean Heritage Conservation Area,” the SEE states.
“The images are of limited scale not exceeding 1 metre high, are set within a landscaped parkland framework, and will not be visually obtrusive within the direct views or setting of heritage items.
“The installation will also provide a positive interpretation of the historical and social significance of the township including Indigenous cultural heritage of the area, furthering understanding of the significance of Maclean for residents and visitors.”
The SEE recommends a temporary consent timeframe of 10 years be placed on the approval, after which the artwork is subject to a review and renewal.
The DA for the photo mural is on public exhibition with Clarence Valley Council until 4pm on May 29.
Public submissions can be made on the DA by visiting https://www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Advertised-DAs/DA20230271-River-Street-Maclean