Clarence Valley Council held its monthly Ordinary Council Meeting on Thursday, 16 October at the Grafton Council Chambers. One Notice of Motion was considered and followed by 9 of 18 items debated, and the other 9 adopted by consent in a meeting which lasted two hours and 38 minutes.
Councillor Greg Clancy brought a Notice of Motion to the Ordinary Council Meeting to raise concerns with the relevant ministers and organisations about the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025.
The motion proposed that Council notes with concern that the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 reduces local planning control and transparency, increases risk of corruption in planning processes, and will decrease community input and confidence in planning decisions, writes to the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, the Minister and Shadow Ministers for Planning and Public Spaces, and the Member for Clarence opposing the passage of the bill in its current form and requesting the opportunity for formal public consultation on these reforms, write to the President and CEO of Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) to express our concern that the statement issued by LGNSW on 18 September welcoming these reforms is not consistent with the LGNSW policy platform and was released without consultation with the Board and advocates through the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast Regional Organisations for a coordinated response to these reforms.
The Notice of Motion was carried 6 – 3 with councillors Allison Bryant, Karen Toms and Debrah Novak voting against.
Armidale Road tender awarded
Hiway Aus Pty Ltd has won the tender for the Armidale Road Rehabilitation Works as part of council's ongoing Disaster Recovery Program following the October Ordinary Council Meeting.
The tender, which is worth just over $4million, will significantly improve pavement condition and aligns with Council's Transport Asset Management Plan.
Armidale Road, a critical regional route, has suffered progressive deterioration due to successive disaster events and delayed State Government processes.
The road was originally nominated for transfer to State ownership in 2020, but ongoing delays and shifting responsibilities between agencies have impeded Council's ability to secure timely funding and maintain safety.
Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant
Councillors unanimously supported the officer's recommendation to award the Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plan tender to Hunter H20 Holdings Pty Limited trading as Beca HunterH2O.
Tenders were opening from Monday, 18 August until Monday, 15 September, where eight tenders were received.
At the August 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors endorsed to complete an Environmental Impact Statement to pave the way for installation of the new plant, which included consultation with the community.
Updates to Code of Meeting Practice and Draft Policy for public exhibition
Following extensive consultation, the new 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW has been finalised by the Office of Local Government.
Under section 361 of the Local Government Act 1993, before adopting the new code of meeting practice, it must be on exhibition for at least 28 days and provide members of the community the opportunity to comment on the draft code for at least 42 days.
Residents can view and make a submission via councils website until 27 November at www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/On-exhibition/Policy-Code-of-Meeting-Practice
Highland dancer benefits from Clarence Valley Cultural and Sports Trust Fund
Councillors unanimously voted to support local Highland dancer, Lara Forwell, providing $300 in assistance after being selected to compete at the South Queensland Highland Dance Championships and Scottish National Premierships in Brisbane on Saturday, 18 October 2025.
The Cultural and Sports Trust Fund provides financial support to young people under the age of 19 years to assist them with the cost of participating in sporting and cultural pursuits, at a National and International level, to a maximum of $300 for individuals to attend one event at a national level, and $550 per individual to attend one event at an international level.
Local youth representing NSW or Australia in their sport or cultural event are encourage to apply for assistance through the program. Learn more at www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/cultural-sports-trust-fund
Motorbike Training Facility DA approved
A development application for temporary use of land for a Recreation Facility (Outdoor) - Motorbike Training Facility for up to 10 events per year at two days per event (total of 20 days per year) for a period of two years, with ancillary camping for up to 60 campers during the events and associated facilities was considered at the October Ordinary Council Meeting.
An amendment to the officers recommendation put forward by Councillor Peter Johnstone that Council approve Development Application DA2025/0026, subject to the Draft Conditions contained in Attachment 3, and subject to the following changes:
a) Condition 3 is amended to read:
Maximum Number of Events and Operational Hours
A maximum of ten events is to be held in any calendar year with an event being a maximum of two days of riding and two nights of camping for a maximum of 20 days per year.
Riding at the events is restricted to between:
- 8.00am and 3.00pm Saturdays
- 8.00am and 3.00pm Sundays
- No events permitted on public holidays
- No more than 1 event per month is permitted.
Condition reason: To comply with 2.8 Temporary Use of Land of the LEP
b) Condition 26 is amended to read:
Building Information Certificate
Building information certificate (BIC) shall be obtained from Council for the 'as built' shed and retaining walls prior to commencement of the use. The following documents shall be uploaded to the NSW Planning Portal with the BIC application prior to its issue:
- Structural engineer's certificate for the footings/slab and frame of the building and retaining walls to verify the structural adequacy.
Condition reason: To ensure the legislative requirements for development are satisfied for use of the building as a dwelling. The item was carried 6 - 2, with Councillors Greg Clancy and Lynne Cairns voting against.
