Clarence Magazine Volume Six

F R E E OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2023 / VOLUME 6

INSIDE

Massive road repair program meets community demand

Organics processing expansion complete Lawrence and Townsend plan for the future Demolition starts for Yamba Community Precinct Regional Aquatic Centre underway AND MUCH MORE

WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR

FROM THE MAYOR Welcome to the sixth edition of Clarence Magazine, highlighting the wide-ranging work that has been carried out in Quarter 2 of 20232024, as outlined in Council’s Operational Plan One of our roles as councillors is to chair and participate in council advisory committees.

I am on the traffic, saleyards, biodiversity and library committees. Each committee meets several times a year and can make recommendations to council on policy changes and discuss issues in their specialist area that are relevant to council activities.

Advisory committees also include community members with a particular interest, experience or qualifications in the committee focus area.

I have learned a great deal from being on the library committee, which last met in November.

It is chaired by Councillor Karen Toms who has been a member for many years and is passionate about our libraries. Because we are in a partnership with Bellingen Shire Council we also have two councillors from Bellingen in our joint committee. There are seven libraries in our network, four in the Clarence Valley and three in Bellingen, with a mobile library that serves the smaller towns. Anyone with a library card can use it to borrow books in any of these libraries.

Have you been to one of our libraries recently?

I would encourage you to go and have a look around if you haven’t. A total 23,241 people in the Clarence (that’s 43 per cent of us) are library members and there were 129,934 visits in person to our local libraries last year. There are 92,563 items and 229,218 loans were made in 2023.

There is a lot more to the libraries than borrowing books though. They often host events and rooms can be booked for meetings or private study.

Computers are available for anyone to use, or if you have your own device, you can connect to a high-speed internet connection for free.

You don’t even have to attend in person to use the library. As a member you can stream free films and documentaries onto your device, access free ebooks, emagazines and e-learning.

Using the Clarence Regional Library app you can see your library account at any time to monitor the books you have borrowed, reserve books and see more about the services offered. The Grafton library offers free tech help twice a week.

If you haven’t yet got a library card, I hope you will visit one of your libraries and they will tell you more.

If you would like to know more about any of our advisory committees, please see the council webpage and search for advisory committees.

Our council will be looking for more community members of committees after the next council elections in September 2024. Please consider joining one!

Peter Johnstone

Cr Peter Johnstone, Mayor

Front cover image: Aerial image of the Grafton Waterfront Precinct. Credit: Simon Hughes Photography.

We acknowledge the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. We honour the First Nations peoples culture and connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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CONTENTS

CLARENCE Magazine Volume 6 is packed full of stories from the Clarence Valley, showcasing the five pillars of our Community Strategic Plan: Infrastructure, Society, Economy, Environment and Leadership

12

Welcome from the General Manager

4

Infrastructure Improving road flood resilience of Yamba Shores Drive Roads and bridges infrastructure projects Drainage and embankment repairs Organics processing upgrades

5 6 14 15

Wastewater upgrade for Brooms Head Holiday Park

16

Dam and levee wall flood repairs Flood pump network upgrades Water quality and water supply Urban Stormwater Management program update Regional Aquatic Centre update Facility infrastructure and maintenance

17 18 19 20 21 22

Society

16

One Stop Shop, Health and Wellbeing Day Road and school safety improvements Community grant recipients / new emergency hub

23 24 25

Youth Week Live ‘n’ Loud event School Holiday program a huge success Community Initiatives and Sports Tourism programs

26 27 28

Economy Illuminate / Grafton Regional Gallery Lawrence Community Economic Development Plan Flood planning levels New My Clarence Valley tourism campaign

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29 30 31 32

Environment New Coastal Management Plan Crackdown on illegal ‘free’ camping Biodiversity conservation Bulky waste collection service a success Weeds Management

33 34 35 36 37

Leadership Community masterplans Wastewater Strategy / hydroelectricity upgrade Council STRIVE Awards Community Engagement Careers at Council

38 39 40 41 43

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WELCOME

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER Welcome to Volume 6 of Clarence Magazine.

While we still only print 5,000 hardcopies, it might interest you to know that many more people who come across the Clarence Magazine stop and read it online now, in fact this type of readership has steadily increased throughout 2023 by 10%.

This tells us the Clarence Magazine is a valuable resource and it is always great when there is data to support what we know to be the case.

Collating data to support our position has been a focus during 2023, and in this volume you will start to see data being used to demonstrate the difference our action makes. For example, once you have read about the continued roll out of millions of dollars of grants funds, disaster recovery funds and Council general revenue on our road network, you will find yourself on page 13 where you can see a chart comparing the number of customer requests for action on road defects over recent years. 500 reports are much more manageable than 1,500 and we expect this result to continue to trend downwards as we deliver the remainder of the program. If you are a regular reader of the magazine, you will know that we recently committed to deliver 16 years worth of road improvements over two years. We are about a third of the way through that delivery.

The ambitious road improvement program, coupled with continued roll out of the timber bridge upgrades to concrete structures and delivery of the stormwater drainage maintenance program are having a very positive effect on road users experience.

A significant investment in organics processing at the Grafton Regional Landfill increases processing capacity for converting greenwaste and food scraps to compost by 4,000 tonnes. At the other end of the Valley in Brooms Head a new and larger wastewater system at the Holiday Park means much cleaner wastewater is now being pumped to the ponds.

A focus of the broad management team at Council has been making ourselves available to community and this past quarter the session in Maclean was well attended by members of the community. We have also continued the commitment to forums with the various First Nations communities and groups.

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All eyes have been on the Regional Aquatic Centre reconstruction in Grafton the past couple of months, and we are pleased to report the contractor is making great progress with demolishing existing structures to make way for commenced construction in the new year. I can assure you we are on track to reopen late 2024.

Behind every great outcome delivered on the ground is the planning, and in this volume you can read about a number of different planning activities we have in the pipeline. The Townsend Collective, which aims deliver a community hub for community groups to operate, social gatherings, and cultural and recreational activities, is a unique and innovative use of land owned by Council for community benefit.

Revitalisation of Cameron Park in Maclean is also in the planning phase as is coastal management.

There has been a lot of focus in recent months on the new flood planning levels and the impact this may have on the building industry and anyone looking to construct in the future, if this is you, I recommend you take a look at our website for further information.

Last month we launched a component of our ‘Grow Your Own initiative’, the Trainee and Apprentice Program and received over 100 applications for 9 positions and we are looking forward to completing the assessment and some great local young people starting their careers with us in early 2024.

Enjoy the read.

Laura Black

Laura Black, General Manager

INFRASTRUCTURE

GOLD STANDARD RECONSTRUCTION FOR SHORES DRIVE

New road in Yamba is more durable and resistant to flood damage Shores Drive Yamba is undergoing reconstruction to make it stronger and more resistant to damage during flood events.

Extensive geotechnical investigations were carried out on the site, following severe damage from the 2022 floods.

BEFORE

AFTER

The $1.8 million, 1.6 kilometre reconstruction involves three stages: Stage 1: The Mainbrace to The Halyard – complete.

Stage 2: The Halyard to Park Avenue.

Stage 3: Park Avenue to Yamba Road.

Highly durable deep lift asphalt, designed to cope with inundation and a high traffic load, is used to deliver the roads, which includes new kerb.

PICTURED: Top image, Shores Drive inundated by floodwater. Above, reconstruction of Shores Drive Yamba.

The project is funded by DRFA EPARW and the NSW Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund.

WHAT IS DRFA EPARW? The Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) provide funding to the NSW Government for the Essential Public Asset Restoration Works (EPARW), delivered by local Councils. More than $90M of local projects are planned in the next two years, including an allocation of $35M for local road repairs and $13.2M for regional roads.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

$35M+ LOCAL ROADS SEALED PAVEMENT PROGRAM

REPAIRS TO FLOOD DAMAGED ROADS ULMARRA ROADS TRANSFORMED Severely flood damaged roads in the Ulmarra area have been transformed as part of the latest works under the Local Roads Sealed Pavement Program.

Heavy patching has been completed

across five roads, as part of work from October to December. It included importing of gravel to rebuild road base, and bitumen resealing.

A total of 29 local roads and 110,000

Further work on Ulmarra roads will continue in coming months.

DRFA EPARW program, and State

BEFORE & AFTER: FULLERS ROAD, ULMARRA

WORK CARRIED OUT SINCE 1 JULY 2023:

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29

LOCAL ROADS

square metres of surface have been repaired since the program started on 1 July 2023. It is funded by the Government block grants.

BEFORE & AFTER: GILLETTS ROAD, ULMARRA

110,000m2

ROAD SURFACE REPAIRED

INFRASTRUCTURE

LATEST ROADS COMPLETED

ULMARRA

Gilletts Ridge Road

Finlaysons Road

Figtree Road

Colletts Island Road

Fullers Road

YAMBA

Angourie Road

Admiralty Court

Telopea Avenue

Melaleuca Drive

Westringia Place

Banksia Place

Willow Way

SEELANDS

Rogan Bridge Road

Seelands Hall Road

PAVEMENTS IMPROVED IN YAMBA Roads have also been improved in the Yamba area, under the local roads sealed pavement program.

Seven flood damaged roads have undergone heavy patching, with work to continue in coming months.

PICTURED: Top image, large sections

Scan the QR code to keep up to date on scheduled works by subscribing to our weekly Noticeboard eNews.

of Angourie Road have been repaired.

Left, heavy patching works being undertaken in Admiralty Court, Yamba.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

$13.2M+ REGIONAL ROADS REHABILITATION PROGRAM

ILUKA AND LAWRENCE ROADS COMPLETE Iluka Road and Lawrence Road are now much smoother and safer, with more than 15 square kilometres of road rehabilitated.

BEFORE & AFTER: ILUKA ROAD

The $1.1 million Iluka Road project resulted in approximately seven square kilometres of stabilisation and heavy patching. On the Lawrence Road, more than $1.3 million was invested to fix around eight square kilometres of pavement. Work on Yamba Road is set to commence in early 2024.

The regional roads program is funded by the DRFA EPARW program, State Government block grants, and the Commonwealth Roads to Recovery program.

PICTURED: Iluka Road has been dramatically improved as part of the regional roads rehabilitation program.

FULL STEAM AHEAD ON CLARENCE WAY Motorists using the Clarence Way will notice a drastic improvement in the road from the Summerland Way to just past Copmanhurst.

BEFORE & AFTER: CLARENCE WAY

More than 12 square kilometres of heavy patching and stabilisation has been completed on the Clarence Way, consisting of 21 patches of varying size from the Summerland Way to Winegrove Road.

Work on the $5.1 million project will continue in coming months, with a further 22 square kilometres of surface to be rehabilitated from Winegrove Road to Ewingar.

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PICTURED: Rehabilitation works are well underway on the Clarence Way.

INFRASTRUCTURE

PICTURED: Left, Clarence Way, Mountain View.

HOW REGIONAL ROADS ARE BEING TRANSFORMED Road rehabilitation requires millions of dollars worth of heavy machinery, a range of skilled operators, engineering experts, tonnes of materials and many hours of hard work.

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2

Numerous steps are also required – here is a basic summary of the stabilisation and resealing process being used to rehabilitate floodaffected regional roads such as Clarence Way.

Scan the QR code to learn more about road stabilisation.

REGIONAL ROADS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

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4

113,000M2 COMPLETED SO FAR:

Eight Mile Lane

Wooli Road

Iluka Road

Lawrence Road

Clarence Way

FURTHER WORKS NEXT FEW MONTHS:

Yamba Road

Clarence Way

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The existing road is pulverised, mixed and levelled.

A heavy vibrating roller compacts the loose material.

Gravel and several layers of slag lime (stabiliser) are mixed into the road surface.

The road is compacted then swept, before hot bitumen is sprayed.

Aggregate is added to the bitumen. A second layer of bitumen and aggregate is laid. A multi-tire roller then firms the new bitumen seal.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

$46M FIXING COUNTRY BRIDGES PROGRAM

IMPROVING RESILIENCE AND MAINTENANCE COSTS OF OUR BRIDGES KOUKANDOWIE NO.2 BRIDGE

Round 1 of the Fixing Country Bridges program is progressing with an additional five bridge replacements complete or nearing completion. The program is funded by the NSW Government to help councils replace ageing timber bridges with more resilient concrete structures. An important link for community and industry, the new bridges have a greater resistance to damage from fires or flooding and have less ongoing maintenance costs.

TWO NEW BRIDGES OPEN ON ARMIDALE ROAD Two concrete bridges have been completed on the Armidale Road south of Grafton.

The Koukandowie No.2 ($1.1 million) and Skinners Swamp ($3.2 million) bridges are now open to traffic, after eight months of work to replace the ageing timber structures. The bridges provide a vital link to Grafton for communities including Blaxlands Creek, Nymboida, Kangaroo Creek, Clouds Creek, Billys Creek and Dundurrabin.

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SKINNERS SWAMP BRIDGE

INFRASTRUCTURE

BARRETTS CREEK BRIDGE The new Barretts Creek bridge on the Coaldale Road has reached completion after around eight months of construction.

The $1.8 million concrete bridge links Coaldale and Upper Fineflower, around 45 kilometres north of Grafton, and is utilised by locals, and the cattle and timber industries.

BARRETTS CREEK BRIDGE WINTERS BRIDGE

WINTERS BRIDGE, NEAR LILYDALE Users of the Jackadgery-Lilydale Road will now benefit from the replacement of the $1.2 million Winters Creek bridge, near Lilydale around 45 kilometres north-west of Grafton.

DUNDOON FLOODWAY BRIDGE

The original timber bridge has been replaced with a concrete crossing and the project took around eight months to complete.

CONCRETE VS TIMBER BRIDGES CONCRETE

100-year design life.

Minimal maintenance.

TIMBER

Frequent replacement of wearing surface and decking.

Few inspections needed.

Regular replacement of girders, abutments and piers.

Resistant to damage and deterioration.

Frequent inspections required.

Prone to damp, rot and termites.

DUNDOO FLOODWAY BRIDGE, OPEN AHEAD OF SCHEDULE The $1.955 million Dundoo Floodway bridge opened in December 2023, 10 weeks ahead of schedule.

The concrete floodway on the Kungala Road at Halfway Creek included piling and piers to create a solid foundation resistant to water flow during high rainfall.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

$3.7M WILCOX BRIDGE NEARING COMPLETION ESSENTIAL PUBLIC ASSET RESTORATION PROJECT PROGRESS Project

Rebuilding vital connection destroyed by flood The new Wilcox Bridge at Swan Creek is on schedule to be completed in February this year.

Construction crews were set to form steel reinforcement and pour concrete for the bridge deck in January, in preparation for construction of road approaches and installation of barriers.

The old bridge was destroyed in the 2022 floods.

The $3.7 million project was funded by the Federal and State governments through the DRFA EPARW program.

PICTURED: Above, progress on the new Wilcox Bridge at Swan Creek.

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Status

Value

6 Mile Lane bridge approach

Preconstruction planning

$600,000.00

Armidale Road drainage

Construction complete

$3,600,000.00

Wilcox Bridge

Under construction

$3,700,000.00

Local roads sealed pavement works

Under construction

$32,139,079.00

Regional roads sealed pavement works

Under construction

$16,477,652.00

Project Development

Complete

$1,800,000.00

Pateman's Road drainage

Construction complete

$600,000.00

Armidale Road headwall extension

Construction complete

$468,000.00

Frames Bridge

100% design

Gorge Road causeway

Investigations and concept design

Tallawudjah Creek culverts

Tender awarded

$1,000,000.00

$1,200,000.00 $750,000.00

Lawrence Road, Alumy Creek

80% design

$2,200,000.00

Sandy Crossing, Wooli

Concept design complete

$2,401,929.28

Great Marlow Road

Preconstruction planning

$500,000.00

Marine Parade, Yamba

80% design

$1,000,000.00

Clarence Way landslips

Tender awarded

$1,750,000.00

Kangaroo Creek landslip

50% design

$1,225,621.80

Old Glen Innes Road landslips

Tender awarded

$19,000,000.00

Tallawudjah Creek waterway

100% design

$4,000,000.00

Sandy Swamp causeway

Design commenced

$2,164,375.00

Culvert Repair Package

Being assessed for eligibility

$1,000,000.00

Whiteman Creek causeway repair

Design commenced

$326,535.81

Shores Drive pavement restoration

Under construction

$1,449,966.61

Total Strategic Estimate

$99,353,160

INFRASTRUCTURE

RECORD ROADS PROGRAM MEETS COMMUNITY DEMAND Requests for road maintenance have plummeted, following an unprecedented investment in addressing the community’s number one priority as identified in the 2022 Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Almost 80,000 potholes have been repaired and hundreds of kilometres of local and regional roads

rehabilitated, in a disaster recovery effort never seen before in the Clarence Valley.

The record roads improvement program was made possible by numerous successful government grant applications, including $48 million secured through the Federal and State DRFA EPARW program.

Requests for road maintenance have more than halved since the 2022 Customer Satisfaction Survey and continue a downward trend as road conditions improve.

REGIONAL ROADS REHAB

$13.2M DRFA EPARW CONTRIBUTION

113,000m2 COMPLETED

5

ROADS SO FAR

LOCAL ROADS REPAIRED

$35M DRFA EPARW CONTRIBUTION

110,000m2 COMPLETED

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ROADS SO FAR

POTHOLES PRIORITISED

NUMBER OF REQUESTS 1000 800 600 400 200 0

JUN DEC 2020 2020 TOTALS PER YEAR

JUN 2021

Roads - Maintenance - Sealed

DEC 2021

JUN 2022

DEC 2022

JUN 2023

Roads - Maintenance - Unsealed

TARGETED 10-MONTH PROGRAM WITH EXTRA TRUCKS AND CREWS DEPLOYED

ROAD MANAGEMENT UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

$850,000

Clarence Valley Council has been chosen as one of three NSW councils to undertake an audit in 2024 by the Audit Office of NSW.

framework and reporting, and systems and data.

57,109

The process aims to strengthen governance and financial oversight in local government; and improve financial management, fiscal responsibility, and public accountability.

LOCAL ROADS POTHOLES REPAIRED

The audit will assess Council’s performance on management of road infrastructure, including maintenance and repairs, strategic

STATE GRANT

20,491 REGIONAL POTHOLES REPAIRED

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INFRASTRUCTURE

$3.6M DRAINAGE AND EMBANKMENT REPAIRS COMPLETE Armidale Road disaster recovery program

PICTURED: Scour rock is used to stabilise a drainage channel down a steep embankment.

Flood and bushfire damaged drainage and embankment infrastructure on the Armidale Road has been repaired.

The $3.6 million disaster recovery program focused on a 1.3 kilometre section in the Horton’s Creek area, about 50 kilometres south of Grafton.

The project included installation of three new stormwater culverts; 700 metres of new kerb; and repairs to nine inlet and outlet structures such as headwalls, drainage pits, and scour rock.

PICTURED: New concrete kerb is laid using a specialised machine.

Council is waiting on advice from the State Government on the timeframe for the return of responsibility for Armidale Road to the State, under the Regional Road Reclassification Program.

The works were funded by the DRFA EPARW program.

PATEMANS ROAD UPGRADE COMMENCES Work has commenced to repair and upgrade a washed-out section of Patemans Road at Ashby.

The 350 metres section of unsealed road will be rebuilt and bitumen sealed to make it more resistant to future water damage. The failed culvert will also be upgraded to better cope with stormwater.

PICTURED: Sealing and culvert upgrades are underway to improve the flood resilience of a section of Pateman’s Road at Ashby.

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The $500,000 project will improve security of access for residents and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

It has been funded through the DRFA EPARW program.

INFRASTRUCTURE

$2.8M ORGANICS PROCESSING UPGRADE COMPLETE Capacity boosted to meet future demand Around 4,000 tonnes more greenwaste and food scraps can now be converted to compost every year as the result of a major upgrade to the Organics Recovery Facility at South Grafton.

Completed work includes construction of a fourth composting tunnel, expansion and enclosure of the receival hall, an upgrade of the computer control systems, installation of a new rainwater tank, upgrades to water

pumps and pipe networks, and extensive earthworks.

Annual processing capacity has been increased from 12,000 tonnes to 16,000 tonnes, to meet anticipated future demand as the population grows. The upgrade has also optimised material handling and processing efficiency.

The project was completed by JR Richards on behalf of Council as part of the domestic waste management contract.

PICTURED: Above, final stages of work on the organics processing expansion being carried out in early December 2023.

MATERIALS USED INCLUDED:

450m3 CONCRETE

35t

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

25t

STRUCTURAL STEEL

420m2 NEW ROOFING

450t ROAD BASE

3,000t SOIL

46,000L

ADDITIONAL RAINWATER STORAGE

600m UNDERGROUND WATER PIPE

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INFRASTRUCTURE

$1.8M WASTEWATER SYSTEM FOR BROOMS HEAD HOLIDAY PARK A $1.8 million onsite wastewater treatment system has been installed at the Brooms Head Holiday Park in time for the summer school holidays.

HOW IT WORKS

The new system provides a more advanced level of treatment, with a peak processing capacity of 160 kilolitres a day, four times that of the old one. Eight 20,000L high-tech treatment tanks were shipped from Japan, and installed by specialised technicians. All other parts of the system were sourced in Australia.

The upgrades cater to the significant increase in visitors since the previous system was installed 20 years ago and improves environmental and public health outcomes.

Planning for Stage 2 of the project has commenced, with investigations into the extension of the land application area, to include an area west of the village.

Discussions have been held with Yaegl Traditional Owners and preliminary design suggestions have been drafted to upgrade the existing treatment ponds. Native title exists across the reserve and the land is also subject to an undetermined Aboriginal land claim.

The wastewater system upgrade was delivered by Council as the Crown Land Reserve manager, funded by income generated from holiday park operations.

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PICTURED: Above, aerial view of the wastewater treatment site at Brooms Head Holiday Park; pretreatment tanks before and after installation.

1.

Raw wastewater enters pretreatment tanks.

2.

Sludge settles to the bottom; biological processes start to break down waste.

3.

Pumped to treatment tanks.

4.

Aeration assists biological processes.

5.

Treatment reduces bacterial, viral, nitrogen, phosphorous and BOD* load.

6.

Pumped to disinfection tank.

7.

Chlorination minimises bacteria.

8.

Treated water pumped to offsite ponds.

*BOD is biological oxygen demand. The higher the BOD value, the greater the amount of organic matter or “food” available for oxygen consuming bacteria.

INFRASTRUCTURE

SHANNON CREEK DAM FLOOD REPAIRS New $6M concrete spillway weir complete A new $6 million concrete tailwater weir has been completed as part of remediation of flood damage to the Shannon Creek Dam spillway.

The original gabion (rock and wire netting) weir, built to protect Shannon Creek from erosion by slowing spillway overflow from Shannon Creek Dam, was destroyed in the 2018 flood.

A new concrete weir has been built

to replace the previous structure, following extensive onsite hydrology and geotechnical investigations.

The work included significant improvements to the foundations of the weir.

It will provide far greater durability and resistance to damage by spillway flows and debris, and restore erosion protection for the creek.

The works were co-funded with Coffs Harbour City Council.

RAINFALL A ‘ONE IN 2000’ EVENT An incredible 266mm* of rain fell within six hours on 20 December 2018, more than twice the average rainfall for the entire month. Such an event has 1 in 2000 probability of occurring in any given year.

This rainfall event resulted in a downpour of 349mm of rain in just 24 hours. *Rainfall recorded at the upstream gauge at Shannon Creek.

PICTURED: Left, the new concrete weir provides greater durability and resistance to damage. Above, the old weir destroyed by dam overflow and debris during the 2018 floods.

GRAFTON LEVEE UNDER REPAIR Major works are now underway

The project, anticipated to cost

replanting of suitable vegetation.

to rehabilitate the flood-

around $1 million, includes

damaged levee wall between

installation of ‘riprap’ rock

Alice and Queen streets in

armouring of the riverbank,

Grafton.

rehabilitation of surface drains and

Works have been designed by a specialist engineering consultant and are anticipated to be completed mid-2024.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

NEW PUMP BOOSTS SOUTH GRAFTON FLOOD RESILIENCE A low-lying area off Ryan Street South Grafton will be less prone to prolonged inundation, after the installation of a $200,000 flood pump.

The 151kW diesel/solar pump is in storage and installation is anticipated to take place in February.

A specialised contractor has been recruited to install a drainage pipe through the levee.

The pump will be used to empty the Ardent Street Drain during high rainfall events. This will reduce the amount of time it takes for floodwater to recede from the surrounding area.

PICTURED: Flood mapping shows (in blue) the low-lying area off Ryan Street, South Grafton, that will benefit from the new flood pump.

Flood pump and concrete pad Access track

Discharge pipe to be installed through levee Concrete basin

PICTURED: Above, Ardent Street drain, where the new pump will be placed.

FLOOD PUMP MONITORING TECHNOLOGY ClearSCADA real time remote monitoring system is being

of the $500,000 program, with

installed on flood pumps to further improve disaster resilience.

months. ClearSCADA technology provides real-time data on pump performance, improved response time to issues and in-turn

The system has now been implemented on flood pumps in Maclean and Iluka as part

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Grafton to follow in coming

enhances community safety.

The project was funded through

the NSW Government’s Disaster Risk Reduction Fund, Resilience NSW. ClearSCADA technology has previously been rolled out across water reservoirs, water supply pump stations, Shannon Creek Dam and water treatment plants, including the main one at Rushforth Road.

INFRASTRUCTURE

WATER SUPPLY CAPACITY EXPANDED FOR GULMARRAD The upgrade of the Gulmarrad and Brooms Head water mains has reached a major milestone.

The last 800 metres of 300 millimetre High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline has been installed, completing the six kilometre connection between the Maclean reservoir and the pump station near Gulmarrad Public School.

PIPELINE PLASTICS COMPARED ORIGINAL PVC: Prone to splitting, frequent failures MODERN PVC: Vastly improved reliability HDPE: Superior strength and durability

The upgrade has expanded water supply capacity and reliability for the highgrowth Gulmarrad residential area.

Works will now focus on the remaining 14.3 kilometres of new 200 millimetre polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe to complete the connection to Brooms Head within the next 3-5 years. More than $500,000 is being invested in the project annually.

PICTURED: Above, Gulmarrad is one of the region’s residential growth hot spots. Right, new HDPE pipe installed as part of the water mains upgrade to Gulmarrad.

BETTER WATER QUALITY AND PRESSURE FOR LAWRENCE Planning has been completed for a $330,000 pump and chlorination tank at the 1.7 megalitre Lawrence reservoir.

Network hydraulic analysis has been carried out and designs finalised for the project, with installation to be carried out from early 2024.

The changes will result in more consistent pressure of supply and improved water quality to meet stringent modern Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

PICTURED: Right, plans have been finalised for a pump and chlorination tank at the Lawrence reservoir.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

FOCUS ON STORMWATER DRAINAGE WORKS Kilotonnes of sediment cleared as part of the Urban Stormwater Management program

SMC WORKS COMPLETED: GRAFTON Dobie Street Milton Street Earl Street Orara Street Hewit Street Howe Street McPherson Cresent North Street TUCABIA Bellengen Street Cakora Street Esk Street Mookin Street Nanegai Street

Thousands of tonnes of sediment was cleared from surface drains throughout the area as crews continued to tackle a backlog of stormwater maintenance works.

The Urban Stormwater Management program is funded by the annual $25 Stormwater Management Charge (SMC), which was introduced in July 2023 to address a significant backlog of stormwater issues. Since the SMC was introduced, 45 streets have undergone drainage maintenance works, with more than 2600 cubic metres of sediment

BEFORE

cleared, equivalent to at least 3000 tonnes.

All Council assets are assigned a condition rating between one and five.

At least $10 million worth of stormwater assets have been rated poor (4) or very poor (5). The SMC is estimated to raise $440,000 annually.

The program recently identified extensive blockage of stormwater lines leading to the Seaspray Basin in Wooli. Work is now underway to clear these drains of obstacles such as tree roots.

AFTER

GULMARRAD Colonial Road Fairy Wren Close King Parrot Parade Lorikeet Road Mahogany Drive Parklands Drive Quarrion Place Rosella Road Sheehans Lane The Homestead Whisper Pines PALMERS ISLAND Yamba Street Carrington Street Gordon Street Dalley Street GLENREAGH Eastbank Road MACLEAN McPhee Street Union Street Central Avenue Morpeth Street

PICTURED: A stormwater surface drain along Eastbank Road at Glenreagh, one of many to be cleared as part of the program.

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TOWNSEND Jubilee Street industrial area

INFRASTRUCTURE SOCIETY

ALL HANDS ON DECK New aquatic centre build underway, set to open by Christmas 2024 Demolition is complete and construction set to commence on the new $29.5 million Regional Aquatic Centre in Grafton.

Crews have been busy on site since November 2023, removing the existing pools, pumps, grandstand, dive tower and slide.

Final geotechnical work was then completed, prior to extensive earthworks to prepare the site for construction. Recovered materials were recycled, where possible.

Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio

The pools will be constructed using the ‘Myrtha’ modular system, which has been used to build pools for the Olympic Games at Atlanta 1996,

to traditional concrete/tile methods.

de Janeiro 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. The engineered modular stainless steel and PVC construction is faster and more efficient compared

The new centre is scheduled to be open to the public by December 2024.

WHAT IT WILL INCLUDE: Indoor facility including two heated pools.

50 metre outdoor Olympic pool Splash pad Grandstand Refurbished amenities

Scan the QR Code to stay up to date with progress on construction of the new Regional Aquatic Centre.

PICTURED: Above, demolition of the former Grafton pool facilities, to make way for the new Regional Aquatic Centre. Above right, an artist impression of the new Regional Aquatic Centre.

21

INFRASTRUCTURE

$2.2M CORCORAN PARK REVAMP TAKING SHAPE Embracing unique character and environment

New truck expands capacity

Grafton’s popular riverside Corcoran Park is being rebuilt better than ever following flooding in 2022.

Public toilet and amenity cleaning was given a boost with new high-pressure cleaning equipment.

Park furniture has been installed, shelters renovated or replaced and a new pathway constructed along the riverbank.

An additional high-pressure cleaning truck is now in operation, increasing capacity for deep cleaning of public toilets and amenities such as barbecues.

Construction of internal park accessways and car park spaces are to follow.

The $2.2 million of works were funded by the Department of Regional NSW Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package, in line with objectives of the Corcoran Park Masterplan.

BOOST FOR PUBLIC AMENITY CLEANING

PICTURED: The new infrastructure at Corcoran Park Grafton.

The new truck utilises hot water pressure cleaning, adjustable up to 250°C, which is faster and more efficient than cold water in removing grease and sterilising.

WORK COMMENCES ON YAMBA COMMUNITY PRECINCT Construction crews have commenced onsite works to prepare for the new $18 million Yamba Community Precinct.

Demolition of the original Treelands Drive Community Centre building is now in progress to make way for the new purpose-built facility designed to integrate with the TAFE NSW Connect Learning Centre and Yamba Community Health.

The precinct will include an art gallery, youth space, outdoor communal areas and additional public parking. Eight flexible meeting rooms will provide spaces for commercial and community use.

The new library will be twice the size of the current space in Yamba.

22

PICTURED: An artist impression of an internal space in the Yamba Community Precinct.

Scan the QR code to see the new Yamba Community Precinct.

PICTURED: The new hot water, high pressure cleaner in action at Jacaranda Park, Grafton.

SOCIETY

THUMBS UP FOR ‘ONE STOP SHOP’ HEALTH AND WELLBEING DAY Year 9-10 students have embraced a health and wellbeing day that aims to increase awareness of support services available in the community.

Maclean High and Clarence Valley Anglican school students have praised the 2024 One Stop Shop events, providing feedback that indicated sessions were engaging and informative. One Stop Shop was co-ordinated

by Council as part of its engagement with young people, in collaboration with a range of local youth services.

The day focused on mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and sexual health.

CVAS students also took part in a session with a Council planner, designing their own riverside city and sharing their views on the Draft Local Housing Strategy.

PICTURED: CVAS year 9-10 students share their ideas and priorities on local planning issues with Council staff as part of the One Stop Shop event in November.

Q&A: WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE PART OF THE WORKSHOPS? STUDENTS SAID:

“Learning about mental health” “There are different sorts of help everywhere” “Talking about mental health struggles and the council plans” “I loved the interactive games ...”

PICTURED: Students get active with the PCYC, one of many local services involved.

PICTURED: Maclean High Year 9 students undertake a creative investigation as part of a One Stop Shop health and wellbeing session in October.

23

SOCIETY

BUSY YAMBA ROAD NOW SAFER TO CROSS Improvements to Claude-Wooli Street intersection Work has been completed to make it safer to cross the road near a busy Yamba intersection.

A centre refuge, extended curb and additional footpath have been installed in Claude Street near the intersection with Wooli Street.

The improvements enable pedestrians to cross the road in two stages and guide the turning vehicles.

PICTURED: The new crossing in Wooli Street, Yamba, is safer for pedestrians.

BUS STOP IMPROVES SAFETY AT COUTTS CROSSING PUBLIC SCHOOL Catching the bus at Coutts Crossing Public School is now safer with the completion of a $400,000 turnaround bay and shelter.

The new infrastructure ensures buses have adequate space to stop and park, away from the busy Armidale Road, for pickup and drop-off of passengers.

The project included construction of a new larger bitumen sealed bay, a bus shelter, and additional footpath linking the bus stop to the school.

PICTURED: Above, Coutts Crossing Public School turnaround bay ensures enables students can to catch the bus away from traffic on the busy Armidale Road.

24

SOCIETY

EMERGENCY RESPONSE HUB FOR EWINGAR Plans finalised, DA submitted Custom design modifications were finalised and a development application made for construction of a $830,000 Rural Fire Service (RFS) facility at Ewingar.

The facility will include a three-bay shed for RFS trucks, a training room, an office and a storage area.

Onsite wastewater system designs were also finalised and an approval application submitted.

MORE THAN JUST A PIZZA OVEN Ewingar locals have combined their ideas, skills and many hours of hard work to build a new mosaic pizza oven and outdoor dining area at the Ewingar Community Hall, with support from Council through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program.

The pizza oven project was undertaken following the loss of lives and homes in Ewingar during the 2019 bushfires, to build social cohesion and enhance usage of the local hall during emergencies. The kitchen has also been upgraded.

BLACK SUMMER BUSHFIRE RECOVERY GRANTS OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM ARE TO:

Support recovery and resilience of communities impacted by the 20192020 bushfires.

Build stronger communities by supporting social,

PICTURED: Above, locals unite to create a mosaic pizza oven and outdoor dining area at the Ewingar Community Hall, as part of a project supported by Council.

PICTURED: The Ewingar RFS will soon have a new purpose-built facility. The Ewingar 2 crew is pictured, during the 2019 bushfire.

economic and built environment recovery.

AIRPORT ACCESS UPGRADE A new dedicated access road for emergency services was built at the Grafton Regional Airport.

The $250,000 sealed internal road provides direct access to the hardstand parking area, which is used by the Rural Fire Service during emergency response.

25

SOCIETY

LIVE ‘N’ LOUD IS BACK Bands wanted for April Youth Week event Calling all young local bands: you’re wanted to help make Live ‘n’ Loud @ at the Library bigger and better than ever in 2024.

The flagship Youth Week event will be back again on April 18 at the Grafton library, showcasing local talent and giving young bands a taste of the thrill of live performance in front of an audience.

It will be held in the library car park in collaboration with local youth services.

Expressions of interest are currently open for bands to take part, and an MC to host the event.

Scan the QR code to register your band’s interest in playing at this year’s Live ‘n’ Loud @ the Library, before 19 February 2024.

Scan the QR Code for highlights on last year’s highly successful event.

PICTURED: Above, The South Grafton High School jazz band was among the young bands to wow the crowd at last year’s Live ‘n’ Loud @ the Library. Left, the crowd at last years event, held at the Grafton library.

PICTURED: Above left, Purple Disturbance and, above right, the event was a success and attracted a large number of punters.

26

SOCIETY

MAKING CULTURAL CONNECTIONS School holiday event hailed huge success More than 100 young people and community members took part in the Cultural Connections Day at the Iluka Skate Park during the September-October school holidays.

The event was organised in collaboration with Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation and eight other partner organisations, and included a free barbecue, weaving, woodburning, face painting, and clay making.

It was one of 20 school holiday events held across the area to engage with young people and provide social opportunities.

Events were held at Coutts Crossing, Maclean, Minnie Water, Yamba, Glenreagh, Iluka, Tucabia, Grafton, Lawrence, Ulmarra, Copmanhurst, Nymboida and Wooli.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023 FROM SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER FOR TWO WEEKS THERE WERE:

20 13 12 200+

ACTIVITIES

PICTURED: Clockwise from top: Young people get active on the beach as part of school holiday programmed activities. Laser tag proved to keep participants entertained. Surf lessons at Yamba’s Turners Beach were a great way to spend a morning during the school holidays. Young people enjoying activities at the Cultural Connections Day at Iluka Skate Park.

LOCATIONS

PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

PARTICIPANTS

27

SOCIETY

PROGRAM SUPPORTING COMMUNITY INITIATIVES More than $63,000 in funding has been approved for 40 applications in the first half of this financial year, as part of Round 1 of the 20232024 Community Initiatives Program.

The program supports a wide range of projects and initiatives that benefit the local area.

Round 2 has also been approved, with a further $22,500 going to 21 community organisations including Grafton CWA, Harwood Island Fishing Club, Coutts Crossing Preschool, Iluka Golf Club, New Life Church, Glenreagh Memorial Museum, and Yamba Community Action Network (CAN).

Applications for Round 1 of the 2024-2025 Community Initiatives Program opens Friday 1 March, 2024.

PICTURED: Above, the Iluka Soldiers group celebrating the Soldiers Memorial Hall Centenary event, which received support from the Community Initiatives Program.

Scan the QR code to find out more about community funding and grants.

BOOSTING SPORTS TOURISM Sports tourism is an important part of the local economy, and Council is actively working to support the sector, aiming to attract more visitors to the area.

state championships, and the

The 2023-2024 Sports Tourism Program helped deliver six events, anticipated to bring in more than 13,000 visitors and an estimated $6.8 million to the local economy.

The events were: Transmoto 8-hour, Waveski Surfing Australian Open, Yamba Triathalon, NSW Country Rugby Union championships, NSW Hockey

2024. Work is underway to help

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Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic.

As part of the work to attract and support these events, $46,000 in grants were awarded for 2023organisers host events in the area during 2024-2025.

PICTURED: More that 800 visitors were drawn to Upper Fineflower, in July, for the Transmoto 8-hour dirt bike event, as a result of the work done by Council to attract sporting events.

ECONOMY

SPOTLIGHT ON JACARANDAS Illuminate draws crowds during festival See Park in Grafton was transformed into a night-time wonderland for Illuminate, drawing crowds each night throughout the Jacaranda Festival.

The Council initiative, featured an extensive lighting display to showcase the well-established Jacaranda trees in the park. The project has enabled the space to be used in the evenings during the annual Jacaranda Festival.

Since Illuminate started in 2021, there has been an increase in visitors and events at See Park.

PICTURED: Clockwise from top, Lighting transforms See Park for Illuminate. Music fills the air as the sun sets over See Park during Illuminate. Crowds get into the festive spirit. Dance performances were among the entertainment in See Park throughout the festival.

ENTRIES OPEN FOR JADA Entries are now being sought for Australia’s richest regional drawing award, the Grafton Regional Gallery’s Jacaranda Aquisitive Drawing Award (JADA).

The acquisitive prize of $35,000 is sponsored by the Friends of

Grafton Gallery (FoGG), and a non acquisitive prize of $5,000 for an Early Career Artist.

The gallery is currently hosting an

The exhibition of works by selected finalists will be on show at Grafton Regional Gallery from 28 September until 24 November 2024.

open from 25 November 2023 to 4

exhibition of 64 finalists from the prestigious Dobell Drawing Prize, February 2024. This year’s Dobell judge was the 2022 JADA winner, Catherine O’Donnell.

29

ECONOMY

PICTURED: Above, the Clarence River provides opportunities for economic growth. Left, the Lawrence museum, one the village’s hidden gems. Far left, the Bluff Point Ferry provides a unique experience for many visitors.

LAWRENCE PLANS FOR FUTURE Community economic development plan embraces the village’s unique character and environment The economic aspirations of the Lawrence community have formed the backbone of a new plan to shape the village’s future.

The Lawrence Community Economic Development Plan provides a framework and unified vision for development of the village, in line with priorities identified by the community.

FUTURE ACTIONS Improve roads, paths, cycleways, walking trails, parklands and enhance access to the river.

4.

Support low-key, low impact tourism.

5.

Create river-based events.

2.

Create signage to guide visitors and tell local stories and history.

6.

3.

Form a Youth Strategy to engage young people in the community.

Promote the unique Bluff Point Ferry experience.

7.

Support actions of community groups.

1.

It aims to build on the unique character of the village and surrounding natural features.

THE LAWRENCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN IS PART OF A 10-YEAR PROCESS TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF ON-GROUND WORKS Engagement

30

Economic Development Plant

Precinct Plan (planning)

Design / Concept Plan (planning)

Implementation

ECONOMY

RAISING THE LEVEL FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS Proposed changes based on latest flood modelling Public comment is being sought until the end of January on proposed changes to minimum floor levels of habitable rooms in new developments.

The revised planning levels are based on the latest comprehensive flood modelling.

The changes will come into effect if adopted in early 2024, following consideration of community feedback from the three-month consultation period.

PICTURED: Grafton during flood.

Scan the QR Code to learn more about proposed changes to flood planning levels and to provide feedback. Submissions close 29 January, 2024.

Animations based on new flood modelling are also available.

SEARCH MAPPING TO DETERMINE IMPACTS ON SPECIFIC ADDRESSES Specialised mapping is available PICTURED: Online mapping enables users to find out proposed floor level changes for specific addresses.

online that enables users to determine how proposed new flood planning floor levels would impact developments at specific locations.

Current rules set the habitable floor level of developments at the 1 per cent AEP flood height, according to 2013 flood modelling.

The new proposed floor levels will be based upon the 1 per cent AEP flood height plus climate change impacts, determined by the new 2022 flood model.

For step-by-step instructions on how to access and use the maps, scan

WHAT IS AEP? Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) is a term used to express the percentage of likelihood of a flood of a given size or larger occurring in a given year. If a flood has an AEP of 1 per cent, it has a one in 100 likelihood of occurring in any given year.

the above QR code.

31

ECONOMY

MY CLARENCE VALLEY Tourism promotion campaign set to launch A new tourism promotion campaign is set to redefine the Clarence Valley as the ideal location for families to create lifelong memories.

The campaign has been created to expand awareness of the vast array of experiences on offer, from the coast to the hinterland, and invites visitors to adopt ‘My Clarence Valley’ as their own.

Videos and images will be released on the My Clarence Valley social media platform – which has hit a massive 53,000 followers – and will be widely promoted in partnership with Destination North Coast.

The campaign is funded by Council with support from the NSW Government.

PICTURED: Screen captures give a teaser of the yet to be released new ‘My Clarence Valley’ promotional video.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE Locals are invited to share their own memorable experiences of the Clarence Valley with others who may be interested in visiting for a holiday. Where were you, what were you doing, what made it special?

Scan the QR for a link to ‘My Clarence Valley’ website. Follow on Instagram and facebook to share your experiences of the local area.

TOURISM IN OUR ECONOMY

$257M

CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMY IN 2021/2022

8.1%

OF LOCAL JOBS ARE IN TOURISM (NSW AVG 6.7%)

*SOURCE: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research

32

ENVIRONMENT

NEW COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN UNDERWAY Stage 2 is complete and climatic risks to public assets on the coastline identified The impact of weather on the local coastline is anticipated to increase significantly in coming decades, affecting local beaches, reserves and infrastructure.

To prepare for impacts including those upon Council-managed land and infrastructure, a new Coastal Management Plan is being prepared.

Stage 2 has been completed, outlining the risks posed by inundation, erosion, and instability of slopes and watercourses, exacerbated by climate factors such as higher tides and more intense storm surges.

Island and Whiting Beach in Yamba.

Assets assessed as most at risk include reserves and foreshores at Brooms Head, Sandon, Wooli, Hickey

Stage 3 is underway, to identify and evaluate options for actions to be taken over the next 10 years.

Foreshore water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure is also expected to be affected, along with pathways, roads, carparks and tracks.

COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN STAGES Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Identify the scope of a CMP

Determine risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities

Identify the evaluate options

Prepare, exhibit, finalise, certify and adopt the CMP

Implement, monitor, evaluate and report

33

ENVIRONMENT

CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL ‘FREE’ CAMPING Ranger patrols increased, fines issued Ranger patrols have been increased and fines issued over the Summer holidays, in a proactive crackdown on illegal camping in popular coastal and beachfront locations.

‘No parking’ zones are in place on public land in prime coastal locations that are popular with visitors, making it illegal to park from 12.30am to 5am.

The parking restrictions aim to ensure these areas remain available for day visitors, rather than being taken up for extended periods by a single user.

It also seeks to reduce associated problems of littering, environmental pollution and physical occupation that discourages other people from enjoying these public spaces.

The ‘no parking’ zones are actively enforced with random, frequent inspections by rangers, and breaches are subject to a penalty infringement notice of $129. Dozens of fines were issued in December 2023.

A letter is also provided to explain the fine, as well as a pamphlet that outlines available legal camping options within the Clarence Valley.

Scan the QR Code to check out the Clarence Valley Guide to Happy Camping.

PICTURED: Clockwise from top, popular beach car parks are among the locations where illegal camping increases over school holidays. Rangers issue fines of $129 as park of enforcement of no parking zones that target illegal camping.

LEGAL OPTIONS FOR CAMPING

18 34

NATIONAL PARKS

26

HOLIDAY PARK CAMPSITES

8

PRIMITIVE CAMPING SITES

40+

STATE FORESTS

ENVIRONMENT

A NOSE FOR DETECTING KOALAS

RESTORATION TO REDUCE CONFLICT

Canines recruited in protection of endangered icon

Eight-year program to rebuild flying fox habitat in Susan Island A program has commenced to restore flying fox habitat on Susan Island and combat the emergence of camps in nearby urban areas.

Replanting efforts are underway to link rainforest remnants on the island and revive the vital roosting and breeding area for threatened Grey-headed and Little Red flying fox species.

The Susan Island – Restoring to Reduce Conflict program will include community engagement and events

to help foster positive perceptions of flying foxes and their role in healthy ecosystems.

The eight-year program has attracted grant support of $200,000 from Local

PICTURED: Koala detection dogs are being utilised to assess numbers of the endangered animal in key locations.

Government NSW and $25,000 from the Department of Primary Industries.

It complements ongoing regeneration efforts by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Susan and Elizabeth Island Recreation Land Manager.

Specially trained dogs have been busy sniffing out koalas at key locations as part of a new mapping project.

The koala detection dogs have been working alongside a botanist, undertaking a physical survey of koala numbers and habitat at Ashby, Lawrence, Coutts Crossing, Waterview Heights, and Shannondale.

The results will help inform future planning, management and protection to increase koala numbers.

The local mapping project is part of a $190 million initiative with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment that aims to double the state’s koala population by 2050.

PICTURED: Efforts to restore flying fox habitat on Susan Island have been ramped up as part of a new eight-year program.

Scan the QR code to register a local koala sighting.

35

ENVIRONMENT

NEW FASTER SERVICE KEEPS TOWNS BEAUTIFUL Positive response to on-call bulky waste collection The new on-call bulky waste collection service is attracting positive reviews from the community.

South Grafton resident, Rodger Campbell, was among those impressed with the service.

Annie Lydon of Waterview Heights said she had a similar experience.

“I was amazed by how quickly it all happened. I was given the date on the Friday and everything was gone on the Monday of the next week,” she said.

“With the old system where we all put our stuff out at the same time, it was there for such a long time and people would go through it and make a mess,” Mr Campbell said.

“I used to think if I was a visitor to the town and didn’t know about the collection, it looked like we all just put rubbish everywhere – it was pretty unsightly.”

“This time, I put it out and it was collected within a day or two. The town looks so much better too, without all the rubbish laying around.”

Figures have indicated an average wait time of 1-2 weeks between booking and collection, since the service was introduced in July 2023.

E-WASTE NOT ACCEPTED Items such as televisions, printers, CD players, computers, photocopiers and other electronic waste can be taken to the waste transfer and recycling centres in Grafton and Maclean.

COLLECTION STATS BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER 2023 THERE WERE:

1,125

COLLECTIONS

194t 12.8t

TONNES (t) IN TOTAL

FRIDGES RECYCLED

8.1t

MATTRESSES RECYCLED

5.9t PICTURED: Crews collected bulky waste as part of the new on-call service that is gaining positive feedback from the community.

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METAL RECYCLED

Scan the QR Code for more information and to book a bulky waste collection.

ENVIRONMENT

WEEDS TO WATCH EARLY DETECTION IS KEY: Report it online Contact weeds officers on 02 6643 0200

Contact the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244

BATTLING BITOU BUSH Invasive weed targeted on coastal reserves Aerial and land-based operations in coastal areas targeted bitou bush, one of Australia’s worst invasive weeds, to stop it from spreading.

The campaign hit bitou bush hot spots at key locations in coastal reserves at Wooli, Minnie Water, Brooms Head, Yamba and Iluka.

Drone and hand spraying was used to kill-off the weed while

ensuring native plants were unaffected.

Native to South African, the

STICKY NIGHTSHADE (Solanum sisymbriifolium) Sticky nightshade grows to 1.5 metres high, is hairy and covered in sharp prickles. It can flower within five weeks of germination or regrow from rhizomes. Flowering is usually during spring and summer.

Scan the QR Code to report Sticky Nightshade or other priority weeds.

weed has spread across vast areas of the North Coast, after it was planted in the 1940’s to 1960s to stablise sand dunes and has become a significant

PICTURED: Below, Sticky Nightshade plant.

CREDIT: Dr Marita Sydes, Local Land Services, Central Tablelands

environmental threat.

The campaign was funded by the State Government.

PICTURED: Council’s weeds control officers targeting bitou bush in coastal reserves across the region.

PLANT SALES A PRICKLY ISSUE The sale of plants such as prickly pear, pampas grass and frogbit is prohibited in NSW, despite their popularity as ornamentals.

Scan the QR Code for more information on prohibited plants.

37

LEADERSHIP

VISION FOR ‘TOWNSEND COLLECTIVE’ Plan to create vibrant community hub A strategic plan has been created to transform the Jubilee Street Reserve into a vibrant and inclusive community destination.

The Townsend Community Precinct Masterplan, known as ‘The Townsend Collective’, is a concept design that will shape future development of the site, creating a unique space for community gatherings such as cultural celebrations, sports, workshops, and educational programs.

KEY FEATURES:

Café, outdoor dining courtyard, bushfood garden.

Youth and sporting precinct with hard courts, amphitheatre and seating.

‘Maker Space’ for creative activities.

‘Cultural Hub’ with admin, gallery and open green space.

It was created in consultation with the community and will be made available on Council’s website.

‘Collective Core’ with nature playground, open grass area, bush trail and sculptural artwork.

Community preschool and nature playground.

General amenities – toilets, carpark and connected pathways.

Recreational space and youth building.

MASTERPLAN TO REVITALISE ‘HEART OF MACLEAN’ A plan has been created to revitalise Cameron Park and make it a vibrant community space that celebrates Maclean’s rich history and culture.

The Cameron Park Masterplan, formed in consultation with the community, builds and expands upon existing natural features to create an accessible and welcoming space for residents and visitors. The masterplan will be made available on Council’s website.

PICTURED: Artist impression of the Cameron Park development.

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IT INCLUDES:

Refurbished of amenities.

Access, shared road and internal path network.

Seating, structures, sheltered barbecues.

Half-court basketball, mural and nature playground.

Central gathering space and plaza.

LEADERSHIP

AUDIT TO INFORM NEW WASTEWATER STRATEGY KEY FINDINGS: AREAS OF EXCELLENCE INCLUDED: High level of experience and expertise of staff.

Inspection certificates issued on time.

Mobile technology streamlines processes.

RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED: Review property and rating systems.

Update policy and procedures PICTURED: A staff technical officer inspects a new residential onsite wastewater system.

Develop a user-friendly webpage for inspection bookings and information.

Implement formal monitoring and reporting

Valuable analysis from the latest operational audit will be used to inform a new five-year Onsite Wastewater Management Strategy.

recommendations in December 2023 to improve systems and procedures used in the management of onsite wastewater systems.

The audit, undertaken by an external consultant and overseen by the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC), gave a range of

Council is developing the Wastewater Management Strategy in 2024 to provide a framework for operations over the next five years.

POWER FROM TOWN WATER

A tender was awarded in October 2023 to install a hydroelectric generator turbine at the Rushforth Water Treatment Plant.

The power will be used onsite at the plant, primarily for ultraviolet disinfection, reducing electricity costs and carbon emissions.

Hydro generator for Rushforth Treatment Plant

The submersible turbine will utilise inflows to the plant from the Nymboida River of around 35 megalitres a day, to produce an estimated 1760 kilowatts of power.

The cost of the $365,000 project is anticipated to be recouped in savings within two years of operation.

Installation is planned to commence mid-2024.

of KPI* outcomes. * Key performance indicators (KPIs) refer to a set of quantifiable measurements used to gauge long-term performance.

39

LEADERSHIP

‘STRIVE’ AWARDS RECOGNISE EXCELLENCE Clarence Valley Council workers from across the organisation came together in Grafton on November 13 for the annual STRIVE Awards and staff development day.

The 2023 awards were hotly contested with numerous nominees in each category, of staff that have excelled in demonstrating the STRIVE work ethic across Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Value, and Engagement.

The flagship STRIVE Champion Award went to Sarah Nash for exemplary performance across all STRIVE values, and tireless work delivering a wide range of community projects.

PICTURED: Clockwise from left, STRIVE Champion Sarah Nash. Cross Unit Collaboration Champions, Maya Dougherty and Stephen Timms (representing the Grafton Marketta team). Safety Star recipients Rebecca Costello and Amber Hart. Trainee/Apprentice Achievement Champion Blake Armstrong. Innovative Ideas Champions Caitlin Campbell and Michelle Inglis, Shane Tinnock was also co-recipient of the award. Community Engagement Champion Darcie Smith and Customer Service Champion Sonia Lloyd.

CLARENCE VALLEY COUNCIL'S YEAR IN REVIEW CUSTOMER SERVICE

20,388 PHONE CALLS TAKEN

4.23

AVERAGE TIME TO RESOLVE PHONE CALLS (MINS)

3.06

AVERAGE PHONE CALL WAIT TIME (MINS)

41.06

MAXIMUM WAIT TIME (MINS)

29.83% RATEPAYERS SUBSCRIBED TO E-NOTICES

40

CLARENCE MAGAZINE

SOCIAL MEDIA

22,959 4

507,489

NUMBER

OF ONLINE IMPRESSIONS EDITIONS OF CLARENCE MAGAZINE PUBLISHED

EMPLOYMENT

98 12%

NEW STARTERS AT COUNCIL IN 2023 VACANCY RATE AS DEC 2023

Clarence Valley Council was the 14th NSW Local Government Area to sign up to participate in the NSW Veterans Employment Program.

2023 Trainee and Apprentice Career Expo held in Nov 2023.

PEOPLE REACHED ON FACEBOOK – PEAKING IN FEB 2023

1000+ 95,946

FACEBOOK POSTS

FACEBOOK PAGE VISITS

876 13,905

NEW FOLLOWERS IN 2023

TOTAL NUMBER OF FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

180,000 WEBSITE USERS

LEADERSHIP

PICTURED: Community members raise issues of interest with Council leadership staff at the Maclean Chamber Chat.

CHATTING IN THE CHAMBER Community members had the

Around 20 community members and

opportunity to meet face-to-face

six leadership staff spoke about a

with Council's leadership team at

range of topics, including ways for

the 'Maclean Chamber Chat'.

people to stay informed on Council

The meeting, held at the Maclean Council Chambers on Wednesday 29 November was the latest in a series of engagement sessions. The meetings are held in a relaxed and informal format to encourage conversations between community members and Council’s leadership team.

matters, responsibilities of different staff and directorates, progress of the new Wherrett Park footpath, road

SAVE THE DATE: LOCATION: Yamba Farmers Market, Whiting Beach carpark

maintenance, signage, the proposed

DATE: Wednesday 28

Maclean Highway Service Centre,

February 2024

impacts of heavy rain and flooding, the sewer relining program, and use of

TIME: 7am – 11am

hired facilities.

POSITIVE RESPONSE TO FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE MEETINGS The Community Roundtable meetings give First Nations people the opportunity to engage with Council’s leadership team.

The sessions have gained positive feedback from those in attendance, with three held

so far in Grafton, Maclean and Yamba. The roundtables replace the Clarence Valley Aboriginal Consultative Committee meetings with a more informal conversation.

The gatherings are designed to be flexible and culturally sensitive, allowing First Nations people to

freely express their experiences and make suggestions on matters that are important to them.

In consultation with communities and representative groups, further roundtable meetings are being coordinated to be held in the coming months.

41

LEADERSHIP

PROMOTING WORKPLACE INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchair basketball event shoots for ‘No Limits’ Staff and councillors took to the basketball court in wheelchairs to help promote inclusive and accessible workplaces.

The ‘No Limits’ event was hosted in partnership with Social Futures at the Grafton Police and Citizens Youth Club in Grafton, as part of International Day of People with a Disability on Thursday, 30 November 2023.

The initiative was created

by Paralympic tennis silver medallist, David ‘DJ’ Johnson, to promote positive change and equal opportunity, following his own difficulties when looking for work as a person who relies on a wheelchair for mobility.

PICTURED: Left, Director Environment and Planning Adam Cameron determined to make some ground. Right, Mayor Peter Johnstone considers his options.

DISABILITY INCLUSION ACTION PLAN COMPLETE The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 20232026 was adopted on November 28 following public exhibition, and is now available online.

Clarence Valley Counc

2023 - 2026

The 67 page plan, codesigned with the community and people with a disability, outlines the practical steps to be taken over the next four years to improve accessibility and inclusion.

Scan the QR Code to see the DIAP 2023-2026.

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il

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

CHECK OUT THE NEW CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGY The Crime Prevention Strategy (CPS) 20222026 has been adopted following public exhibition and consideration of submissions.

Clarence Valley Counc

il

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

The Strategy was formed in consultation with local police and focuses on working with partners to educate the community on ways to help reduce opportunities for crime.

Scan the QR Code to see the CPS 2022-2026.

LEADERSHIP

CREATING NEW CAREER PATHS AT COUNCIL Program to boost skilled workforce A proactive new program has been launched to create local employment opportunities and boost the Clarence Valley’s skilled labour force.

The Grow Your Own initiative was launched in November 2023, with a new Trainee and Apprentice Program to employ and train people with vital skills across a broad range of industries. The program prompted more than 100 applications for nine positions.

The program will also boost Council’s capacity to grow its skilled workforce and optimise service delivery into the future.

It reinforces the organisation’s position as an equal opportunity employer, building on its workforce of people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

PICTURED: Council’s new jobs program offers a diverse range of career paths.

TRAINEESHIPS

APPRENTICESHIPS

Organisational development

Plant mechanic x 2

Customer service (identified)

Bridge carpenter

Engineer

Fitter

Stores person

Plumber

An initial five traineeships and four apprenticeships have been created, with the new recruits planned to start work early 2024.

Scan the QR code to apply or find out more about other career opportunities at Council.

JESS’ SUCCESS STORY

PICTURED: Council manager Jess Kennedy (far left) started out her career as a trainee – now she’s creating the same opportunity for others.

It was a local government

The desire to make a more

traineeship that launched

meaningful contribution to society

the career of Grow Your Own

drew Jess back to local government,

creator and Clarence Valley

taking on a senior management role

Council Manager Organisational

with Clarence Valley Council in early

Development, Jess Kennedy.

2023.

Jess started out at 17 as a trainee

“It’s really exciting to now be

in corporate services with Bellingen

creating new career opportunities for

Shire Council, before furthering her

others, just like the one that I was

education and moving into the private

so fortunate to have when I first left

sector.

school,” she said.

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Connect

Explore

Eat

Play

Make memories

Six stunning locations to choose from

6 stunning destinations to choose from Yamba • Brooms Head • Iluka • Minnie Water • Wooli • Diggers Camp

Yamba

Book online at www.clarencecoastholidayparks.com.au • Follow and tag us!

Brooms Head Iluka Minnie Water Wooli Diggers Camp

PARK BOOKING GOES ONLINE BookHOLIDAY online at www.clarencecoastholidayparks.com.au Follow and tag us!

Online booking has been introduced for Clarence Coast Holiday Parks.

A newly launched website offers holiday makers the choice of booking online to stay at any one of the six council managed locations. Previously, all bookings were made by directly phoning individual parks.

The new website is anticipated to boost visitor stays by reaching a wider audience and making it easier and more convenient to book. Around 200 people booked online within the first week of the site going live.