Caring for our natural environment
The community have said it’s a top priority to have access to a clean, healthy natural environment.
Valuing, respecting, and actively participating in the care and management of our natural environment is essential to maintaining the region’s beauty and biodiversity, supporting a strong local economy, and enhancing community wellbeing.
These values are reflected in Council’s Community Strategic Plan, The Clarence 2035 – our community’s vision for the next 10 years. It sets out clear environment objectives based on what the community has told us is important to them:
y natural environments, ecosystems and native flora and fauna are enhanced and protected y coastline, waterways and natural environment are healthy y green space is maintained and used responsibly y protection of the environment is encouraged through initiatives and education.
A recent review of Council’s adopted plans identified 75 environmental projects – from bush regeneration and waterway management to coastal protection and community education. Council has developed a 10-year plan to deliver these projects across four focus areas:
Caring for our coastline and waterways
Biodiversity management
Environmental monitoring
Community support, education and research
Proposed funding for environmental projects
The cost of delivering Council’s 10-year plan for environmental projects is estimated at $25.95 million. Council has developed a funding program to support the delivery of these projects.
As part of this funding program, Council is proposing an Environmental Special Variation. Together with funds from Council’s internal reserves this would raise around 67% of the total cost of funding environmental projects. Council will continue to seek additional external funding opportunities to fund the remaining 33% of projects and potentially expand the plan further.
An Environmental Special Variation is a proposed increase to general rates, dedicated solely to environmental projects. If introduced, it would contribute nearly half the required funding, providing secure, long-term support for current and future environmental projects.
Proposed funding breakdown over 10 years:
$11.6 million
Environmental Special Variation: a proposed increase to general rates, dedicated solely to environmental projects.
$ 5.78 million
Council’s internal reserve funds: including the Biodiversity Offset Trust Fund and Sustainability Reserve.
$ 8.57million
External State and Federal Government funding: includes funding from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water of NSW.
What the community has said
Community engagement for the Community Strategic Plan: The Clarence 2035 (CSP) ran for six weeks from August to October 2024, using multiple channels including 11 drop-in sessions, phone surveys, an online hub, focus groups, and direct submissions.
The community strongly agreed with the aspirations from the previous CSP, and the highest priorities were:
91%
maintain the health of our coastline, waterways and natural environment.
85% have enhanced maintenance of green space in a way that encourages responsible use.
*% of respondents that agree or strongly agree.
Community comment:
88%
protect and enhance our natural environments, ecosystems and native flora and fauna.
Council is committed to involving the community in decisions that protect our environment, strengthen our communities, and create a more sustainable future.
I love the Clarence Valley because we’ve got access to so many beaches, as well as the mountains and the river.
Environmental Special Variation
The proposed Environmental Special Variation would contribute nearly half of the funding required to deliver Council’s current 10-year environmental plan.
What is the Environmental Special Variation?
Each year, councils are only allowed to increase rates by a small amount set by the government. This is called the rate peg. A Special Variation is when a council asks for permission to raise rates by more than that amount. In this case, the proposed Environmental Special Variation (ESV) would contribute funding towards environmental projects. If introduced, it would provide nearly half of the funding needed to deliver Council’s current 10-year environmental plan valued at $25.95 million. All funds raised through the ESV will be quarantined for environmental projects only, ensuring delivery of the current 10-year plan while also giving Council the capacity to respond to future environmental needs beyond the 10-year timeframe. It will be applied in the first year at 2.17%. After the first year it becomes part of the base rate and increases annually
How would the proposed Environmental Special Variation impact my rates?
Council is proposing an increase of 2.17% (in addition to the assumed 4% rate peg) to general rates in the Clarence Valley to fund environmental initiatives. This increase would be applied to the general rates component only and not the other charges (e.g. waste or water charges).
Ratepayers would pay an average of $35.00 per rateable property per year, about 67 cents per week, based on land value and rating category.
How do I find out how much it would cost me?
Have a copy of your rates notice with you and a member of our team will advise how much the proposed Special Variation would cost based on your land valuation.
y Attend a drop-in information session.
y Email Council at communityengagement@clarence.nsw.gov.au
y Talk to a customer experience officer at one of Council’s customer service centres located at 2 Prince Street, Grafton and 50 River Street, Maclean.
y Phone Council and select ‘rates’ on 6643 0200.
See back page for more information on how you can be informed and have your say.
Why is the Environmental Special Variation being proposed?
1 We listened to community priorities
The community has told us, through feedback from surveys and consultations, that protecting the natural environment is a top priority.
2 We identified the projects that matter most
In response, Council reviewed it’s adopted plans and strategies and consolidated 113 activities into 75 priority projects, planned over the next 10 years. These projects range from bush regeneration, waterway management, and coastal protection to biodiversity conservation and community education.
3 We explored other measures
Council has implemented a range of productivity improvements, including
annual internal reviews, a 2021 staff restructure, the Sustainable Road Maintenance Program (AI-assisted road inspections), and rationalisation of assets across the local government area. In addition, a review of internal reserves, will contribute 22% of funds needed for the 10 year program. Council also continues to pursue external State and Federal Government funding opportunities.
4 A funding shortfall remains
The 10-year program is estimated to cost $25.95 million. Even after these measures, there remains a funding gap of around 33%. The ESV is estimated to contribute $11.6 million over 10 years. It would provide dedicated, longterm funding to deliver the majority of projects the community has asked for and ensure Council can respond effectively to future environmental challenges and opportunities.
What about additional or emerging environmental projects?
Future plans and strategies will require Council to deliver new projects in response to legislation, community needs and changing environmental conditions. The community’s strong support for protecting the environment has also raised expectations for Council to do more. Funding from the proposed ESV would help Council respond to these emerging challenges and opportunities beyond the current 10-year plan.
For more information visit, www.clarenceconversations.com.au/ESV
What projects would the funding deliver?
Projects are assessed against environmental, economic, social, and governance criteria to make sure they deliver the greatest benefits for our community and natural environment. Current projects in the 10-year plan cover four focus areas.
Caring for our coastline and waterways
y Coastal management
y Waterway management
y Riverbank management
y Bush regeneration
y Biodiversity planning
y Pollution management
Environmental monitoring
y Pollution management
y Environmental monitoring
Biodiversity management
y Environmental management
y Conservation management
y Environmental compliance
y Bush regeneration
y Environmental assessment
y Biosecurity
y Biodiversity planning
Community support, education and research
y Community support
y Community education
y Research support
Clarence Valley Community Views 2024 survey by .id Informed Decisions found access to the natural environment is the most important factor driving liveability in the region.
65% of residents rated the natural environment as their highest priority, ahead of safety (59%), health services (51%), and housing (45%)
Caring for our coastline and waterways
Healthy rivers, creeks and coastlines are vital to our ecosystems, economy, local identity and way of life. Managing these natural assets protects water quality, prevents erosion, and ensures they can be enjoyed now and into the future.
Restore coastal habitats
Protect against erosion and maintain healthy coastal ecosystems through coastal habitat restoration at priority locations including Iluka, Yamba, Angourie, Brooms Head, Diggers Headland, Minnie Water, Wooli, and Sandon.
Review management programs
Conduct a 10-year review of the coastal management programs to address risks such as erosion and inundation, while supporting biodiversity, cultural heritage, and recreation.
Improve access to waterways
Improve access to coastal waterways and foreshore areas for recreation, tourism and community use while balancing ecological health and ensuring long- term sustainability of natural assets.
Support fish populations
Expand fish habitat through floodgate management by improving natural water flows in flood drains, reconnecting ecosystems, and supporting healthier fish populations across local waterways.
Biodiversity management
Our region is home to unique plants and animals. Managing natural habitats safeguards threatened species and strengthens ecosystems for the future.
Connect wildlife corridors
Identify and plan wildlife corridors to connect fragmented ecosystems, ensuring species can move safely between habitats, maintain healthy populations, and adapt to environmental change.
Manage Council-owned land
Prepare biodiversity assessments and vegetation management plans on Council-owned land to guide restoration, ensure compliance, and generate biodiversity offsets and stewardship income for future environmental projects.
Work with landholders
Provide financial support to landholders for biodiversity and restoration works on private land – improving habitat, restoring ecosystems, and supporting long-term conservation outcomes. Collaborate through rural agreements and introduce planning controls that protect areas of high conservation value and ecological importance, and work together to manage and restore wetlands – protecting biodiversity and improving water quality.
Control weeds
Controlling invasive weeds at priority sites including Iluka Beach Foreshore Reserve, Lake Cakora, and Wooli Sand Drift Reserve.
Environmental monitoring
Monitoring environmental factors is vital to determine the way we manage the landscape and how we live, work and play in it. Tracking water and soil quality, coastal hazards and riverbank conditions, and reducing pollution from illegal dumping and litter guides informed decisions for healthier environments.
Access riverside vegetation
Undertake riparian assessments to evaluate the condition of riverside vegetation, identify restoration priorities, and protect vital riparian ecosystems across the Clarence Valley.
Improve tree canopy cover
Analyse urban tree canopy cover across the Clarence Valley and set measurable targets to improve shade, reduce heat impacts, and strengthen biodiversity and community resilience.
Monitor water quality
Monitor water quality across rivers, creeks and estuaries to track ecosystem health, detect risks early, and inform sustainable management decisions for aquatic environments. This includes monitoring surveys of riverbank stability in Ulmarra and additional funding for the Beachwatch water sampling program.
Pollution management
Manage acid sulfate soils and deliver anti-litter and anti-waste dumping initiatives to protect the health of local environments.
Community support, education and research
A sustainable Clarence Valley depends on community-led projects and initiatives that build awareness and bring people together to care for our natural environment. Active community involvement, education, and environmental research are essential for a sustainable future.
Build biodiversity awareness
Produce and distribute education resources to build awareness of local biodiversity – including endangered wildlife such as koalas and coastal emus, and protected species such as flying-foxes.
Work with builders
Provide education for builders on soil erosion management, including best practices during construction to reduce pollution of waterways and increase compliance with environmental regulations.
Work with Landcare
Support Landcare in their environmental projects to restore habitats, including small grants and collaboration on education, restoration, weed control, and sustainable land management initiatives.
Support environmental research
Provide funding support for local environmental research initiatives to improve biodiversity outcomes, support innovation, and guide evidence-based environmental management and restoration projects.
Community comment:
I want to live in a community where development is sustainable and cognisant of the environment.
Have your say.
Community engagement period is from Wednesday 17 September to Wednesday 29 October 2025.
Ways you can get involved:
1 Attend a drop-in information session
2 Complete the online survey
3 Write a letter of support
4 Request a presentation at your community organisation
Have a copy of your rates notice with you and a member of our team will advise how much the proposed Special Variation would cost based on your land valuation.
4 February 2026 – Council submits application to IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal). Free Wi-Fi and computer services are available at Council Customer Service Centres in Grafton and Maclean and at all Clarence Valley libraries. For more information, go to: www.clarenceconversations.com.au/ESV
Next steps
1 Late October 2025 – community feedback reviewed and Engagement Report prepared for Council.
2 November 2025 – Council decides whether to apply for an Environmental Special Variation.
3 December 2025 to January 2026 – Council prepares IPART application (subject to #2).
Clarence Valley Council
Customer Service: 02 6643 0200
Post: Locked Bag 23, Grafton NSW 2460
Email: council@clarence.nsw.gov.au
www.clarence.nsw.gov.au