Rodney Stevens

Confusion over the operating hours of Maclean Court House has seen Clarence Valley Council unanimously vote to advocate for the vital service for the Lower Clarence to be open five days a week.

Following extensive renovations over the past 18 months, Cr Debrah Novak said she was notified by local solicitors that Maclean Court was only opening on the four sitting days per month, restricting services and justice for people living in the Lower Clarence who have to travel to Grafton or go online for legal answers.

Cr Novak said there was some confusion about the Maclean Court operating hours and Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, had been advised by Service NSW that Maclean Court was still open five days per week, despite local solicitors and community members contacting her stating the court is only open four days per month.

Therefore, she put forward the motion at the December 19 council meeting that council write to the NSW Attorney General Michael Daley and ask him if the Maclean Court House has had its opening times and services reduced to opening only four days per month.

The seconder of Cr Novak’s motion, Cr Ian Tiley said there was the potential for at least the partial loss of a vital service to Maclean and the Lower River “and that’s not on”.

“It beggars’ belief that we’ve had considerable renovations done to this building over the past 18 months or there abouts, and now we’re going to close it, or partially close it…crazy” he said.

Cr Karen Toms then moved an amendment to Cr Novak’s motion that Council advocate to the NSW Attorney General Michael Daley for the reopening of the Maclean Court House to its previous 5 day per week.

The amended motion was unanimously supported by councillors.