Council has a strong track record when it comes to delivery of outcomes for the environment from reducing landfill gas emissions, investing in solar power and utlising hydropower generation to mapping vulnerable koala populations and restoring flying fox habitat. Council is working to help ensure residents can enjoy our natural environment for many years to come.
Reducing landfill gas emissions
Major upgrades to better capture and reduce harmful methane gas emissions at Grafton Regional Landfill have delivered results for the environment and the local community. The work, commissioned by Council and completed by LGI Limited (LGI) included 12 vertical gas extraction wells, five gas collection lines and more than 800 metres of underground pipe connected to an enclosed flaring unit. Flaring of methane emissions has dramatically reduced the impact on the environment and allows Council to receive a share of the Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) generated.
The project, which started in 2015, contributes to Council's long-term goal to reach net zero emissions. The expansion carried out this year has more than doubled the volume of landfill gas captured. Under the partnership, LGI pays to install, operate and expand the gas extraction system, while Council receives a royalty share of ACCUs over the life of the project. Council has the option to sell the ACCUs to create revenue or to use them to offset emissions. Over the past decade, Council has abated 179,000 tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to planting 2.9 million seedlings. So far, 19 million cubic metres of methane-based biogas has been captured at the landfill.
Other recent improvements at the landfill have included a major expansion of the organics recycling facility and construction of an additional landfill cell designed to minimise environmental impacts of waste disposal.
Free power from the sun
More than 40 Council buildings and facilities have rooftop solar installed, with the capacity to generate a total of 1,320 kilowatts (kW) of free power from the sun. The largest system is at the Rushforth Road Works Depot, including 210kW of solar panels and 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of battery storage. It was upgraded in 2023. The system covers the site's power needs and enables it to be fully operational even during disasters when grid power is offline.
It also includes four electric vehicle charging stations and is being used to power Council's first electric vehicle, purchased in 2024. The electric vehicle is being utilised as part of Council's fleet of mostly hybrid vehicles, reducing emissions and ongoing costs.
Clarence Valley Mayor Ray Smith officially opened the expanded landfill gas capture and flaring project on 31 July 2025 alongside LGI National Operations Manager Tom O'Connor, pictured here at one of 12 vertical extraction wells.
Town water generating electricity
The water that flows to the taps in your home is generating free, environmentally friendly electricity. A submersible hydro-electric turbine was installed in 2024 at the Rushforth Water Treatment Plant, to utilise inflows from the Nymboida River of around 35 megalitres a day to produce an estimated 1,760 kilowatts of power.
The power is used on site at the plant, primarily for ultraviolet disinfection, reducing electricity costs and carbon emissions. Once treated, the water is supplied to homes and businesses throughout the Clarence. The cost of the $365,000 project was anticipated to be recouped in savings within two years of operation.
Mapping project supports koala populations
New koala mapping has been created this year and integrated into Council systems to better inform sustainable development and help protect and increase populations of the endangered species.
The mapping reveals significant populations of koalas in the Lawrence and Waterview Heights areas, and moderate levels of koala activity and large areas of suitable habitat in Ashby, South Grafton and Shannondale. It has also identified large areas of suitable habitat in the Coutts Crossing area. The mapping is based on surveys carried out in 2024 that included the use of specialised koala detection dogs, drones, and assessment of habitat by ecologists. The mapping will help inform future decision-making and development planning.
Restoring flying fox habitat on Susan Island
New flying fox habitat is growing prolifically on Susan Island as the result of a restoration program and ideal growth conditions. In the past 12 months almost 1,500 seedlings have been planted, 17 hectares of weeds sprayed, and 1.5 hectares of seed sown, as part of the Susan Island – Restoring to Reduce Conflict project.
Clearing of weeds has paved the way for regeneration of native species, with newly germinated native plants thriving in the wet first half of 2025. Planted seedlings have had a high rate of survival, and efforts for the coming year will focus on ensuring these plants continue to grow towards maturity. Three years of the eight-year program have now been completed.
The program aims to link rainforest remnants on the island and revive roosting and breeding areas for endangered grey-headed flying foxes, as well as black and little red flying foxes. Improving habitat on the island aims to reduce the incidence of camps roosting in areas populated by people.
Improving Council's operations
An Environmental Management System is being implemented to improve Council's environmental practices across all aspects of operations including civil works, maintenance activities, waste management and energy use. It was created in response to a recommendation of an internal audit in December 2022.
