Clarence Valley Council held its monthly Ordinary Council Meeting on Thursday, 16 April 2026 at the Grafton Council Chambers. 16 of 25 items were debated, and the other 9 were adopted by consent in a meeting that lasted 4 hours and 58 minutes. 20 of 25 items were unanimously supported by councillors, with only 5 items having split voting.
1. Mayoral Minute - Support for 'Invest in us' campaign
Councillors unanimously supported Mayor Smith's Mayoral Minute highlighting the Country Mayors Association of NSW's invitation for all its member councils to participate in a vital campaign advocating for the restoration of the Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants to Local Government.
The campaign wants the Australian Government to give more money to local councils. It asks for at least 1 per cent of all commonwealth tax money to go to local government.
Some extra federal funding is available for rural, regional and remote councils in NSW, but this money is only for specific projects. It does not help councils pay for everyday costs, like keeping services running.
The motion proposed for council to support the campaign's core message, 'Invest in us so we can invest in them', with material to be shared through council's communication channels.
The motion also states the Mayor will write to the Prime Minister, Treasurer, Federal Minister for Local Government, the Shadow Minister for Local Government, our local Member of Parliament and Senator expressing council's support for the campaign and urging their commitment to the proposed funding increase.
2. Grafton Library Roof Repair Project
Campbell Construction Co Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender to repair the Grafton Library Roof.
In August 2025, a storm caused significant damage to the Grafton Library roof, which resulted in rainwater entering the building and causing further damage to walls, floors and ceilings. Electrical, fire and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems were also affected by the incident, rendering sections of the building unusable until the damage is repaired.
The cost of the works will be covered by the insurance claim. Council is required to fund the project initially, and will be reimbursed by the insurer.
The motion was carried unanimously.
3. The Missing Matter - The Green Seat Project
Two green seats will be installed as part of the "The Green Seat Project" initiative after councillors supported the motion unanimously.
The seats will be installed in Corcoran Park, Grafton and Flinders Park, Yamba and will be a visual reminder to remember those missing from the Clarence Valley and to increase public awareness of missing persons.
The seats display the words "the missing matter" to raise awareness and encourage community conversation about long-term missing persons. Each installation also includes a QR code linking visitors to information about missing persons cases and support services available to affected families.
The Clarence Valley currently has 24 missing persons and unresolved cold cases under ongoing investigation by the NSW Unsolved Homicide Squad dating from 1902.
4. Maclean Community Precinct update
Councillors voted to note the progress of the Maclean Community Precinct with the facility expected to be complete in early 2027.
As of March 2026, the basement in-ground works and the basement structure are predominantly complete, with site scaffolding fully installed to support concrete pours and Stage 1 structural steelwork erection. Ground floor post-tensioned slab pours 1 and 2 have been completed, with the third and final pour anticipated to be finished on Tuesday, 14 April. Brick slip installation to the western retaining wall along Wharf Street, including the internal walls for the pedestrian ramp, is also largely complete, and Stage 1 of the structural steel installation has been finalised.
To learn more about the project, visit www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Projects/Maclean-Community-Precinct
The motion to note the progress was carried unanimously.
5. Six lot subdivision approved in Ashby
A six lot subdivision on Ashby Tullymorgan Road, Ashby will go ahead after councillors unanimously approved the application at the April Council Meeting.
The site comprises an area of 39.75 hectares and is currently vacant. The site is in two separate portions divided by Ashby Tullymorgan Road with the smaller portion bounded by Crisp Drive and Ashby Tullymorgan Road (7.3ha) and the larger portion bounded by Patemans Road and Ashby Tullymorgan Road (32.4ha).
A total of nine submissions were received with 3 objecting, five neutral and one in support of the development.
Councillor Andrew Baker put forward an amendment to the keeping of animals and vegetation management plan conditions that a restriction is placed on all allotments requiring that all dogs, cats, and other domestic animals hazardous to native animals, be secured within a contained area within the approved APZ area with a maximum of 2,000 square metres.
The amended motion was carried by a majority vote of 7.
