Clarence Valley Council held its first Ordinary Council Meeting for 2026 on Thursday 19 February at the Grafton Council Chambers.
At the start of the meeting, Councillor Andrew Baker was officially sworn into office. His appointment follows the resignation of Allison Bryant (formerly Whaites), who stepped down at the conclusion of the December 2025 Council Meeting.
Two Mayoral Minutes and two Notice of Motions were considered, followed by 14 items debated and the remaining 16 adopted by consent.
Delivery Program Progress Report: July – December 2025
The Delivery Program Progress Report for July to December 2025, presented to the Council, outlines the progress of strategies from the adopted Delivery Program was adopted by Council.
Examples of achievements over the last six months include the continued engagement with local young people, and the implementation of the accelerated DA process to streamline minor compliant residential developments.
All projects nominated in this year's capital works program are also on track for completion.
Following the meeting, the progress report can be viewed via Council's website: www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Council/Our-performance/Integrated-Planning-and-Reporting/Reporting-and-Accountability
Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre first birthday celebrations
Saturday, 21 March marks one year since the opening of the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre and to celebrate, Councillors have approved $2 entry for the day.
The celebrations will include a cake stall by the Grafton District Swimming Club, a barbecue by the Grafton Amateur Swimming Club and a raffle/hundred club by Grafton Scouts for their youth development programs.
To view the Aquatic Centre's opening times and pricing, visit: www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Sports-and-recreation/Aquatic-centres/Clarence-Regional-Aquatic-Centre
Yamba Community Hall & Library EOI outcome
In May 2025, Council invited organisations to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to lease or manage the Yamba Community Hall and Library at 45 Wooli Street, Yamba.
Two EOIs were received, one from Country Universities and the other from The Gathering Church.
The officer's recommendation proposed to lease the old Library building to Country Universities and the Hall building to The Gathering Church.
Next steps for the Prince Street interventions
Councillors have resolved to keep the temporary interventions, including the widened footpaths, planter boxes and front to kerb parking on Prince Street.
Since implementation in January 2023 as part of the Rediscover Grafton Project, the interventions have enhanced pedestrian safety and business viability, but so far, grant funding for permanent redevelopment has been unsuccessful.
Councillors voted for the officer's recommendation that the Prince Street temporary interventions be extended for a further two years.
The planter boxes and trellises are generally in fair to good condition, with an estimated remaining lifespan of up to five years, though some immediate repairs and ongoing routine maintenance will be required, including recoating and potential timber replacement.
The temporary footpath decking, constructed from fibre-reinforced polymers, is also in good condition, though renewal of supports is needed at an estimated cost of $20,000, with minor ongoing maintenance of around $2,000 per year thereafter. All works would be delivered by Council staff and accommodated within current budgets, subject to prioritisation based on risk across open space and civil infrastructure assets, with future costs considered in the 2026–27 Operational Plan and Budget.
Koala Strategy on exhibition
Community members are encouraged to make a submission on the draft Koala Strategy 2026 after councillors have endorsed placing the document on public exhibition for 28 days.
The Strategy contains current and best practice knowledge for the management and conservation of koalas and their habitat with a particular focus on six areas – Ashby, Lawrence, Waterview Heights, South Grafton, Coutts Crossing and Shannondale.
Koalas are a threatened species listed as Endangered under State and Commonwealth biodiversity legislation, and parts of the Clarence Valley were identified as Areas of Regional Koala Significance in 2018 under the NSW Saving Our Species Iconic Koala Project.
The key changes proposed through the Koala Strategy 2026 are:
- Special consideration for management of koala habitat and habitat corridors within, and between, the six focus areas.
- Guidance on the types of development controls needed to protect koala habitat, including single or small numbers of koala use trees.
- Community awareness and engagement actions around responsible pet ownership, and road use to reduce likelihood of vehicle strikes on koalas.
- Clearer guidance for development controls, including best practices for koala-friendly road design, fence and pool design.
Submissions on the document can be made via Council's website at www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/on-exhibition
