Clarence Magazine Volume 14

Sliding into Summer

The official opening of two new water slides marks completion of the state-of-the-art Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre.

Join the conversation learn how to get involved, stay-up to-date and have your say | PAGE 42

Our innovative approach forms the basis of new authoritative guide on disaster recovery for transport infrastructure | PAGE 11 Making your dollars work harder Writing the book on disaster recovery

How we’re working to bolster financial sustainability | PAGE 16

Publisher

Clarence Valley Council

ABN 85 864 095 684

Contact us council@clarence.nsw.gov.au

(02) 6643 0200

Locked Bag 23, Grafton NSW 2460

Customer Service Centres 2 Prince Street, Grafton 50 River Street, Maclean

clarence.gov.nsw.au

Clarence magazine is printed locally on FSC certified paper and is recyclable. If you want to dispose of it when you’ve finished reading it, you can pop it in your yellow bin.

To view Clarence magazine online scan the QR code or visit clarence.nsw.gov.au

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We acknowledge the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work.

We honour the First Nations peoples’ culture and connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Clarence magazine reports on Council’s projects and services which contribute to making the Clarence Valley a community full of opportunity as outlined in the Community Strategic Plan. The magazine is structured in line with Council’s fouryear Delivery Program and annual Operational Plan to provide clear and transparent information to the community on the key priorities under five strategic themes. The magazine contributes to Council’s reporting obligations as set out under the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.

THE FIVE STRATEGIC THEMES:

Community

A community that is safe, connected and inclusive.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure and facilities that are safe, accessible and serve the needs of the Clarence.

Economy

A diverse economy that complements the environmental and social values of the Clarence.

Environment

A natural environment that is protected from local and global pressures.

Leadership

Open and transparent leadership that effectively sets and delivers the long-term goals of the Clarence.

For more information on Council’s Intergrated Planning and Reporting framework visit clarence.nsw.gov.au/IPR

Welcome to the fourteenth edition of Clarence magazine, highlighting the wide-ranging work that has been carried out in Quarter 2 of 2025/2026, as outlined in Council’s Operational Plan.

Firstly, I’d like to congratulate all staff and contractors involved in completing the final stage of the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre – installation of two new slides. It has been wonderful to see how much joy a Council project can bring to the community. The centre has proven to be extremely popular, attracting more than 75,000 visits in the first eight months since opening. The hard work of those involved in creating this truly regional facility has now been recognised with two awards, most recently a Highly Commended in the Project of the Year category of the Local Government Procurement Awards in October 2025.

It was also highly rewarding to take part in celebrations for International Day of People with Disability on 3 December. I joined fellow councillors, Council staff and representatives from a range of community organisations for a game of wheelchair basketball at the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC). High school students from around the Clarence also took part in the day. Led by Social Futures, this event helped raise awareness and understanding of the importance of accessibility – an issue at the forefront for Council in delivering facilities and services for the community.

Finally, on behalf of our community I would like to welcome our newest Australian citizens, who made their Pledge of Commitment in an official ceremony at the Grafton council chambers on 4 December. We welcome you and what you bring to our diverse nation and welcome your commitment to embrace the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship.

— Cr Ray Smith, Mayor

PICTURED: The Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre has been recognised with yet another award. I joined fellow councillors, staff and community groups to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. I was proud to officially recognise our newest Australian Citizens.

16 We take a look at how financial sustainability is at the heart of projects, from road repairs to waste management and everything in between.

18 Meet the highly skilled team that ensures exhibitions at the Grafton Regional Gallery are changed over while taking meticulous care of the facility and artworks.

Supporting sustainable agriculture

A new program to support landholders to improve the environmental sustainability of their properties.

Update on performance in the first quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, as outlined by the Operational Plan across all five strategic pillars:

Sliding into Summer with a splash

Two new slides have been installed at the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre.

11 Writing the book on disaster recovery

Council has literally written the book on disaster recovery, based on its extensive experience of dealing with natural disasters in recent years.

Building disaster resilient communities

New bridges to improve flood resilience for surrounding communities who rely upon them.

The community hall has been refurbished and extended to make it more

Learn more about how you can have your say and stay up to date on Council’s community

activities.

It is a terrible fact that gender-based violence against women and girls continues today in communities throughout the world, and the Clarence Valley is no different.

The 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence campaign was held from 25 November to 10 December, this year focusing on the message that “there is no excuse for online abuse”. I joined with others from around the Clarence for a breakfast at the Grafton library on 4 December, to call for action to hold perpetrators accountable through better laws and enforcement, make tech companies step up to create safer online spaces, support survivors with real resources, and invest in prevention and culture change. The time for change is now.

The end of year is also a time where Council recognises the outstanding achievements of its staff in the annual STRIVE Awards. The peer-nominated awards showcase performance against the STRIVE values of safety, teamwork, respect, integrity, value and engagement. Congratulations not only to the winners, but to all staff who have strived for excellence in the work they do in serving the community.

It was with much pride that on 20 December we officially opened the new slides at the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre. It was wonderful to see how much people are enjoying this new facility. The aquatic centre has also attracted another award, receiving a Highly Commended in the Project of the Year category at the Local Government Procurement Awards in October 2025. It’s a testament to the excellent work carried out by a wide range of local contractors, and on behalf of the community I would like to say thank you.

PICTURED: I joined community members to call for an end to gender-based violence as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. I was proud to recognise the hard work of staff throughout the year including the pictured STRIVE Champion nominees. The Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre has been recognised with another award.

Sliding into summer with a splash

It has been all smiles and squeals of joy at the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre this summer, after two new slides were opened just before Christmas to complete the state-of-the-art facility. To celebrate, 250 free tickets were given away and two lucky locals won the honour of being the first to use the new slides at the official opening on 20 December 2025.

It’s 8.30am on Saturday 20 December. Blue skies stretch overhead, and the still-rising sun beats down promising a scorching summer’s day. As the crowd gathers in eager anticipation of what is to come, cool water gushes from entry to exit through more than 160 metres of brightly coloured tubing that twists down from the sky.

Twelve year old South Grafton resident Alex Rouse is among the first to arrive, with his mate Valin and his mum Karli. He is set to be the first person to officially go down the blue and red slide after winning an online competition. He has been riding the former Grafton pool slide since he was a baby and says he can’t wait to try out the new slides.

“I’m really excited to go up there. It feels really good to be the tester and be the first to go down them out of everyone in Grafton,” he says, grinning from ear to ear.

It’s not long before the arrival of the second competition winner, Grafton resident Jared Wilson, 37, who has come along with his kids Charlie, Parker and Sonny. Jared will be the first to ride

the green and yellow slide. To mark the historic moment, Jared has donned a fullbody Lycra wrestling outfit and his trusty, well-worn felt hat.

“It’s pretty cool. I’m born and bred in Grafton, and this is a great thing for the town. I’m proud to win the competition,” he says.

Alex and Jared pose for some official photos before the big moment arrives. It’s time to ride.

The pair eagerly climb the flights of recycled plastic stairs, reaching the 12 metre high summit. Alex stands at the mouth of the red and blue slide, which features 85 metres of tubing with four loops, offering speeds of around 8.56 metres a second. He sits, grasping the metal rail, and then whoosh, he disappears.

Whizzing through the alternating segments of red and blue, Alex reappears seconds later, splashing out of the exit. All eyes look to him in anticipation of his reaction. He stands, clapping and grinning. “I got water up my nose,” he reports.

FUN FACTS

Slide 1 – green/yellow

y Speed: 9.19 metres per second

y Length: 78 metres

y Loops: 3

y Special effects: multicoloured translucent rings

y Height: 12 metres

Slide 2 – red/blue

y Speed: 8.56 metres per second

y Length: 85 metres

y Loops: 4

y Special effects: coloured translucent panels

y Height: 12 metres

“So how was it?” asks a bystander.

“Good – it was really good,” Alex says, beaming. It is now Jared’s turn. He sits at the entrance of the faster of the two slides that promises speeds of around 9.19 metres a second, with a total length of 78 metres and three loops. Without a moment of hesitation, he launches down the slide. Multicoloured translucent segments flash past his eyes as he rushes down the slide and emerges at the bottom.

Laughing and smiling, Jared gives his verdict: “Awesome,” he states.

With the formalities over and the slides officially open, two lines of excited kids quickly form at the stairs. They eagerly make their way to the top and take turns whizzing down the slides.

“It’s so dark,” one boy excitedly yells as he emerges from the red and blue slide, high-fiving his mum.

As quickly as they emerge each one makes their way to the stairs, eager to repeat the thrill.

Clarence Valley Council General Manager Laura Black said she was thrilled to see how much joy the Council project has brought the community.

“Seeing the smiles on so many faces of people from around the Clarence Valley enjoying this brand-new facility is the highlight of my job – it’s a feeling that is hard to top,” she said.

“We are proud to have the aquatic centre and slides completed on budget and in time for everyone to enjoy over the hot summer months.”

“Seeing the smiles on so many faces of people from around the Clarence Valley enjoying this brand-new facility is the highlight of my job –it’s a feeling that is hard to top. We are proud to have the aquatic centre and slides completed on budget and in time for everyone to enjoy over the hot summer months.

— Laura Black, General Manager.

A brief history of the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre project

y DECEMBER 2019 – Council adopts the Aquatic Centre masterplan.

y NOVEMBER 2022 – Council adopts the Aquatic Centre funding strategy.

y NOVEMBER 2023 – construction commenced.

y OCTOBER 2024 – Council officially names the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre after conducting a community poll.

y MARCH 2025 – centre officially opened including outdoor pool and grandstand, indoor centre, and accessible amenities.

y MAY 2025 – additional funding secured and construction commenced on two new slides.

y DECEMBER 2025 – new slides completed and open to the public.

More accolades for pool project

The Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre has racked up another award, receiving a Highly Commended in the Project of the Year Category at the Local Government Procurement Awards in October 2025. The commendation followed the project taking out the Commercial Swimming Pools category at the 2025 MBA Western Regions Excellence in Building Awards, in August 2025.

Clarence Mayor Ray Smith said the latest award was testament to the expertise and effort that had gone into the project.

“It includes environmental considerations, including solar power, water tanks, water and chemical saving filtration system and a hydronic infloor heating system for the indoor centre.

“The award also recognises the social benefits of the facility, which offers programs and facilities for the whole community.”

With more than 75,000 visits in the first eight months since it opened, the aquatic centre has proven to be a much-loved community asset. The indoor facility includes a 25-metre FINA-standard pool, a combined program and leisure pool, and accessible amenities. Outdoors, the centre features an eight-lane 50-metre pool, a spectator grandstand, refurbished amenities, an all-ages accessible splash pad, and two new slides.

Writing the book on disaster recovery

Clarence Valley Council (CVC) is a veteran of natural disaster recovery, honing its expertise over more than a dozen major events and over $168 million in asset repairs over the past six years. Now, Council has written the authoritative guide on disaster recovery for transport infrastructure, to share its knowledge with other councils and agencies throughout Australasia.

CVC Manager Civil Services Devin Simpson has authored the Disaster Recovery Guide for Transport Infrastructure for the peak industry association, the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA). The 47-page guide aims to assist councils and other agencies to prepare disaster plans that ensure coordinated, effective, and efficient recovery efforts for the restoration of public infrastructure, while minimising financial risk.

CVC’s innovative approach to disaster recovery was also presented at the IPWEA 2025 Disaster Recovery Forum in Sydney on 21 November, attended by councils and industry stakeholders from across the state.

The disaster recovery guide and forum presentation

PICTURED: Council’s expertise on natural disaster repairs, such as the pictured works on Shores Drive Yamba, has formed the basis of a new guide written by CVC Manager Civil Services Devin Simpson.

were based on Council’s experience across multiple floods and fires over recent years. Most recently, Council repaired more than $16 million in damage within nine months following Cyclone Alfred and subsequent flooding in 2025. Over the past two years, Council has completed the equivalent of 10 years’ worth of repairs to transport infrastructure, valued at more than of $155 million.

Artificial intelligence has also been integrated into Council systems, streamlining assessment and funding application processes. There has also been a concerted effort to upgrade infrastructure wherever possible to improve disaster resilience and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

Building disaster resilient connections for communities

Bridges provide an essential link for communities, but the many timber bridges that are located throughout the Clarence are vulnerable to damage during natural disasters such as floods and bushfires. Council has embarked on a $46 million Fixing Country Bridges Program to replace 36 of these timber structures with new concrete bridges that are far less susceptible to damage and provide a more resilient link for the communities that rely upon them. Bluff Bridge on the Orara Way and Billys Creek Bridge on Armidale Road are the final two bridges to be completed under the current program.

Billys Creek Bridge, Armidale Road

The new 36 metre concrete bridge over Billys Creek is nearing completion, making this vital link on between Grafton and Armidale more resilient during floods and bushfires.

The concrete structure will also require fewer inspections and significantly less maintenance, reducing ongoing costs. It is scheduled to be completed early to mid-2026. Armidale Road is an essential route for residents, primary producers, school buses, and travellers.

Six new concrete bridges have been completed on the Armidale Road under Fixing Country Bridges, including two at Braunstone near Coutts Crossing, two at Koukandowie Coutts Crossing, and one at Skinners Swamp Blaxlands Creek.

PICTURED: Left, Billys Creek Bridge on the Armidale Road

Bluff Bridge, Orara Way

Lynette Compton has seen a lot of floods in her 31 years as a Glenreagh resident, and she says the old timber Bluff Bridge would be submerged at least once a year, usually for several days.

“If there was an emergency and we had to go that way we couldn’t. There would be a lot of others who live around this area who use this route to Grafton for medical appointments, shopping, work and school,” she said.

Lynette is among those welcoming completion of the new $16.2 million Bluff Bridge, which is eight metres higher than the old bridge meaning it will be submerged less often. In the event it is submerged during a large flood, the extra height means it will remain usable for longer.

“I’ve had a look – it’s amazing. I looked at the flood

“I’ve had a look – it’s amazing. I looked at the flood sign there and it looks to be above that. It has been completed so quickly – they’ve been working hard.

— Lynette Compton, Glenreagh resident.

sign there and it looks to be above that. It has been completed so quickly – they’ve been working hard,” Lynette said.

The new concrete bridge is 17.6 metres above the Orara River on the Orara Way, an important route for local residents and primary producers such as those in the timber industry.

The deck of the new 92 metre, three-span concrete structure is more than 11 metres wide – double the width of the old bridge, improving safety for motorists, particularly large vehicles. The higher elevation also makes it considerably longer than the old 38-metre bridge.

It was funded under the NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program, and the Commonwealth Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

New community hall for Ilarwill

Like many community halls throughout the area, the Ilarwill hall is a place where locals can come together for special occasions, creating lifelong memories and strengthening resilience. It may also act as a central hub during emergencies such as flooding or bushfires.

The Ilarwill community is now celebrating reconstruction of its ageing hall to provide a modern, more accessible and more user-friendly facility.

The new and improved hall features the addition of a 12 metre by 5.5 metre front deck overlooking the Clarence River, linking to the main hall via large bi-fold glass doors.

The piers, subfloor, frame and roof trusses of the old building were left in place to provide the framework for the new hall, and the windows and floorboards were reused to retain some of the original elements. All asbestos and lead paint were removed.

The new hall also features a new roof, accessible

bathroom and entry ramp, a new kitchen, upgraded electrical, and full compliance with modern construction standards.

The $500,000 project was funded by the Commonwealth Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.

Ilarwill Community Hall Committee President, Chris Hellyer, said the new hall would be a major boost for the community.

“It’s very exciting. We have a very active committee with more members than ever before contributing to management, decisions, and organising events. Our committee is excited about creating this space where everyone can feel included,” he said.

Vision for halls over next decade

Council is working with the community to create the Clarence Valley Community Halls Strategy – a 10-year plan to ensure local halls remain relevant and effective now and into the future.

The draft plan was created using feedback from the community during October 2025, with further input sought on the draft in early 2026. The final document is anticipated to be adopted mid-2026.

Creation of the draft involved community consultation to gather feedback on what worked, what could be improved and the value of individual halls, with the goal of strengthening these important community assets.

Council General Manager Laura Black said the strategy recognised the importance of local halls for the community.

“Community halls play a vital role as spaces where people can come together to connect and foster a sense of belonging. The Clarence Valley rates higher than many other areas in relation to people having a sense of connection and wellbeing, according to statistical data from profile.id,” she said.

“The new strategy recognises the value of our local halls and provides a vision for strengthening these vital community assets over the coming decade, while balancing this need with the limited resources at Council’s disposal.”

“The new strategy recognises the value of our local halls and provides a vision for strengthening these vital community assets over the coming decade.

— Laura Black, General Manager.

Making your dollars work harder

Ensuring projects represent value for money and build sustainability are at the forefront of everything Council does, from road repairs to waste management and everything in between.

Building stronger to last longer

The flood recovery effort following the 2022 disaster has been massive, but rather than simply fix the damage there have been numerous opportunities to make improvements to strengthen asset resilience and save money on future repairs.

The Six Mile Lane creek crossing of Glenugie Creek, on the way to the Grafton Regional Airport, is one example. The frequently damaged crossing was significantly upgraded and made stronger to cope with heavy rainfall and flooding. It has passed the flood resilience test with flying colours, remaining

undamaged despite inundation.

It was a similar story for Shores Drive in Yamba. This road was extensively damaged by flooding in 2022, but has now been rebuilt using highly durable asphalt on a porous compacted rock base to ensure it can cope with inundation.

There have been a number of causeways and culverts that have been upgraded throughout the Clarence, preventing future damage during heavy rainfall by ensuring adequate flow of water under roadways. Some of these include Tullawadjah Creek Road Glenreagh, Sandy Swamp Road Coutts Crossing, and Patemans Road Ashby.

Road repairs made more efficient

Regular maintenance of roads has also changed to maximise efficiency. Artificial intelligence is being used to monitor road condition across the 2,445 kilometre road network, saving significant time and freeing up two staff to improve service delivery in other areas.

Higher quality pothole mix for high traffic volumes and wet conditions is now being used, reducing the need for repeated repairs. A higher quality resheet material is also being used on unsealed roads, estimated to extend the life of these roads by three times.

Ensuring sewage doesn’t go to waste

In 2025 a contract was signed to enable reuse of biosolids for agriculture, which is essentially the dried solids at the end of the wastewater treatment process. Diversion of biosolids from landfill is estimated to save $3.8 million every year. Meanwhile, more work is being done at the Clarenza sewage treatment plant to make biosolids management even more efficient. The three existing sludge lagoons are being made bigger and a new lagoon constructed to streamline handling of biosolids and improve the end product.

Recycling to save

Two resource recovery sites have been established to recycle and reuse waste material from civil works instead of hauling it to landfill. This saves on purchase of new materials as well as on landfill expenses.

Free renewable power from natural sources

A submersible hydroelectric turbine has been installed at the Rushforth Water Treatment Plant, to utilise flows from the Nymboida River of around 35 megalitres a day to produce an estimated 1,760 kilowatts of free power. The $365,000 cost of the project is anticipated to be recouped within two years.

In addition, more than 40 Council buildings and facilities have rooftop solar installed, producing an estimated 1,320 kilowatts of free power.

PICTURED: Construction of the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre was carefully managed to save $1.6 million to go towards new slides.

Savings make a splash at the pool

Meticulous project management of the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre construction resulted in savings of $1.6 million. Local resources were used on the project, contributing to overall project savings. These savings were then used to leverage a further government grant of $1.6 million through the Growing Regions fund to build two new waterslides at the pool, which opened in December 2025.

Grow Your Own an investment in staff

Attraction and retention of skilled staff is at the heart of any financially viable business. Council is no different.

The Grow Your Own Trainee and Apprenticeship Mentoring Program is an innovative new approach to support the wellbeing of recruits through structured health and learning sessions. In its first year, the program has achieved an extraordinary retention rate of 99.5 per cent – well above the state average of 67 per cent.

Retaining skilled staff negates expenses of recruitment including advertising, interviews, training, and lost productivity.

Exhibition changeover time at the gallery

The smell of fresh paint is in the air, mingling with a sense of excited anticipation. The doors of the Grafton Regional Gallery are closed. It’s exhibition changeover time.

It is 26 November, and preparations are underway for the gallery to host three landmark ceramics exhibitions from 6 December to 1 February. The program features Fired into Being, works by Alan Peascod, one of Australia’s most influential ceramicists; Atemporal: The Animated Vessel, works by Avital Sheffer, a world-renowned artist residing in the Northern Rivers; and the touring exhibition

SIXTY: The Journal of Australian Ceramics 60th Anniversary.

The previous exhibition has been carefully packed away, including artworks by iconic Australian artist Ken Done, local First Nations women artists, Doneinspired works by Northern Rivers artist Leona DeBolt, and an exhibition inspired by Australia’s oyster reefs curated by renowned local First Nations artist Francis Bell Parker. Crates and boxes are

skilfully manoeuvred across timber floors on a trolley jack to prevent scratches or marks on the highly polished surface.

The skilled hands of contractors Juan and Daz are busy sanding and painting shelving. Walls have also been meticulously restored to ensure there are no imperfections to distract those who will come to experience the new exhibitions. Collections project officer Cass moves plinths into place, which will soon proudly display fine ceramics. Assistants Ian and Matt are busy packing away tables.

Once the spaces have been prepared, it’s time to start unboxing the irreplaceable works.

With the utmost care, the fragile ceramics are removed from their packaging under the watchful eye of curator Professor Pedram Khosronejad. As each work is revealed, Pedram designs how and where it

PICTURED: It’s exhibition changeover time at the Grafton Regional Gallery. Clockwise from far left; The new exhibition setup is complete; Juan and Daz paint shelving; and, Ian and Matt pack away tables.

will be displayed, carefully considering the synergy between objects and spaces. This curatorial approach has been developed over years of study and experience, including as curator of Persian Arts at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney. Great care is taken in every detail –from placement to lighting and labelling – to create an optimal experience for viewers.

The big day arrives on Saturday, 6 December, and the exhibitions are officially opened by Dr Jane Kreis, the gallery’s director. The doors are then opened to allow locals and visitors alike to enjoy the exhibitions.

For more information on exhibitions and activities at the Grafton Regional Gallery, visit graftongallery.nsw.gov.au

Grants program supports sustainable agriculture

An innovative new grants program has been launched to encourage farmers to undertake projects that create positive environmental and community outcomes.

The Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program was launched in November 2025, offering primary producers, market gardeners and small lot farmers grants of up to $5,000 for eligible projects. Farmers are encouraged to bring forward project ideas to manage environmental problems or improve the health and productivity of their land. Grants may also be awarded to trial new or emerging technologies and practices.

The objectives of the Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program are to work with farmers to:

y support and promote the adoption of improved land management practices

y build capacity in natural resource management and sustainable agriculture

y increase biodiversity, improve water quality and soil health on farms.

How to apply

We encourage applicants to read the program guidelines carefully and get in touch with our program team if they have any questions. You can email your enquiry to SustainableAgricultureGrants@clarence.nsw.gov.au, or request a 30-minute phone consultation for personalised support. For more information about eligibility and how to apply visit, clarence.nsw.gov.au/sustainableagriculture

PICTURED: Fencing to protect waterways or areas of high biodiversity, and control of invasive weed species in biodiverse areas such as waterways, are a few of the many activities potentially eligible for support under the new Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program.

Making Yamba Road safer and more flood resilient

A $6 million section of Yamba Road has been rebuilt wider and higher to increase flood immunity and improve safety.

The road from Romiaka Channel to Oyster Channel has been widened from eight metres to 12 metres, including a safe cycle route, and the height has been increased by a metre to make it less likely to flood.

The project was funded by the Commonwealth Roads to Recovery Program and Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

General Manager Laura Black said completion of Romiaka Channel to Oyster Channel was an important step in achieving the overall goal to upgrade the entire length of Yamba Road.

“The section we’ve just completed is part of the work to create a safer and more flood resilient link between Maclean and Yamba, including a

cycleway,” Ms Black said.

“It’s a vital project, as Yamba Road is one of the busiest roads in the Clarence Valley with a significant peak in traffic volumes during holiday season.”

Meanwhile, construction has commenced on a $10 million upgrade of the intersection of Yamba Road and Southbank Road, which will be rebuilt higher and wider with a range of safety improvements as well as the addition of a cycle bridge alongside Palmers Island bridge.

It is funded by the NSW Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package.

More than $9 million has also been secured for a bypass of Palmers Island, through the NSW Towards Zero Safety Program. The bypass will dramatically improve safety for the local school and businesses. It has been fully designed and is scheduled to commence in the next financial year.

“The section we’ve just completed is part of the work to create a safer and more flood resilient link between Maclean and Yamba, including a cycleway. — Laura Black, General Manager.

$20M in disaster repairs completed within months of Cyclone Alfred

Thousands of road defects on many kilometres of local sealed road have been repaired just months after they were damaged by disasters in mid-2025.

Cyclone Alfred in March, and subsequent heavy rainfall and flooding in May, wreaked havoc on roads throughout the Clarence in 2025.

Council staff immediately launched into action, securing disaster recovery funding and commencing repair works across more than 100 roads.

The massive recovery effort was completed in November, thanks to Council’s innovation and careful planning and management of the project, including use of artificial

intelligence (AI) according to Manager Civil Services Devin Simpson.

“The AI system we created in conjunction with a software developer has revolutionised our approach to disaster recovery, automating road assessment and fast-tracking the funding application process,” Mr Simpson said.

“We’re really proud to be achieving far greater positive outcomes for the community faster than ever before thanks to the innovative use of technology, and other councils and agencies are now looking to us as the example to follow on effective disaster recovery.”

Council crews launched into action to restore more than 100 roads across the area in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Alfred and subsequent flooding.

PICTURED: Work was underway in December 2025 on the Armidale Road at Clouds Creek 70 kilometres south-west of Grafton.

Getting on with the job of repairing Armidale Road

Work is underway to make Armidale Road safer and smoother for residents, industry and travellers who rely upon this vital regional connection.

A $4 million contract was signed in October for the repair of damaged sections of the significantly deteriorated road, from Grafton all the way to the local government area border. Work commenced in November 2025.

The program is being funded by the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with a co-contribution by Council through the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund.

General Manager Laura Black said Council was determined to get on with the job of improving the safety of Armidale Road despite significant challenges.

“Council staff have done an

exceptional job in carefully managing this project to maximise efficiencies and positive outcomes for the community, using the limited resources at our disposal,” Ms Black said.

“A NSW Government backflip on its promise to take over responsibility for this regional road resulted in significant delays in repairs, and more than $87 million in funding applications remain yet to be determined. The road condition has also been seriously impacted by repeated heavy rainfall events over the past few years, compounding the backlog of repairs.

“Despite this, Council staff have shown grit, determination and ingenuity to get on with the job and make the most of available funding to repair as much as possible of this essential connection for the community and local industry.”

“Council staff have done an exceptional job in carefully managing this project to maximise efficiencies and positive outcomes for the community, using the limited resources at our disposal.

— Laura Black, General Manager.

Improvements to town water supplies

Construction of an enclosed water reservoir and chlorine contact tank is nearing completion as part of improvements to the processing of drinking water that is supplied to homes and businesses throughout the Clarence.

The concrete structure for the 16 megalitre reservoir was completed in late 2025, with the roof to be installed in early 2026. The chlorine contact tank was completed in late 2025.

The new $19 million facility was scheduled to be commissioned by mid2026, replacing the old open-air reservoir. Meanwhile, a tender has been awarded for the design of a filtration plant at the site.

Water filtration

for Coutts and Glenreagh

Once a design has been finalised, tenders for construction will be called. Construction tenders will then go before the elected Council – anticipated for late 2026 – to decide whether to proceed with construction. Councillors would also establish a funding strategy for the project.

Filtration is required to meet strict new Australian Drinking Water Guidelines introduced in 2022.

Filtration of water supplies would add another layer of protection, further reducing potential risk to health by removing viruses and pathogens. It would also help prevent algae and reduce suspected particles in water.

PICTURED: An enclosed reservoir and chlorine treatment tank is nearing completion, that will supply water to homes and businesses throughout the Clarence.

Offsite manufacture of water filtration plants for Coutts Crossing and Glenreagh is underway. Designs have been completed and manufacture by a contractor commenced for the $1.45 million filtration plants, which will help ensure drinking water for the villages meets strict modern guidelines. Once built, the plants will be installed onsite by Council staff – anticipated to take place mid-2026. It will be the first time Coutts Crossing has access to filtered water. For Glenreagh, the new filtration plant will replace a temporary one that has been in operation on site.

Work continues on North Grafton sewage treatment plant

Extensive on-site remediation works have been completed as part of the upgrade to the North Grafton Sewage Treatment Plant.

The project encompasses the former MI Organics site in Kirchner Street, which was historically used for disposal of building waste, including asbestos.

Site investigations confirmed a significant volume of hazardous material that needed to be contained and capped prior to construction of the new sewage treatment plant. This work was undertaken in late 2025.

Excavation and installation of the treatment tank and pipes were scheduled to commence early 2026,

with the project to be complete towards the end of the year. The old sewage treatment plant will then be decommissioned and demolished.

The new facility will improve the quality of wastewater produced and enable reuse on outdoor areas such as the Grafton racecourse and greyhound track. Treated wastewater that is unable to be reused will be discharged into the river at the end of the treatment process.

The plant will also include a 100-kilowatt solar power system to help offset power consumption.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be around $70 million.

PICTURED: Site preparation works commence in early December 2025, as part of construction of a new sewerage treatment plant for North Grafton.

Paving the way for 1,000 new homes at Clarenza

Clarenza is set to become Clarence Valley’s newest flood free residential suburb with space for an estimated 3,000 people, following Council’s adoption of two key planning documents in September 2025.

The Clarenza Urban Release Area Structure Plan and Development Control Plan (DCP) lay the groundwork for approximately 1,000 new homes. Together, they provide a clear vision for the suburb’s future – one that balances growth with the natural character of the area.

Highlights of the Structure Plan include:

y Two vibrant village centres and two public parks

y A mix of general and medium density housing designed to complement the bushland landscape

y Protection of existing vegetation and drainage corridors, creating “green lungs” and natural stormwater management

y A tree lined road network with a connector road linking the village centres

y Dedicated cycle lanes connecting to local schools and the wider transport network

The DCP sets out detailed planning

Government’s Regional Housing Strategic

With the plans now adopted, landowners

PICTURED: Vacant land at Clarenza can now be developed for new housing with adoption of two key planning documents in September 2025.

KEY: LEGEND:

PICTURED: The Yuraygir coastal walk in Yuraygir National Park, one of the many destinations promoted by Council’s tourism team, My Clarence Valley, who have been recognised for their sustainable, forward-thinking approach to destination marketing.

Tourism team takes out bronze at State awards

Council’s tourism team, My Clarence Valley, has been announced as a bronze medallist in the NSW Tourism Awards 2025.

The awards are hosted by the NSW Tourism Association and this year attracted a record 230 entries from across the state.

My Clarence Valley was recognised as one of 125 finalists across 30 categories and later awarded the bronze for its forwardthinking approach to economic growth and sustainable destination marketing.

The team was recognised for excellence in local tourism development, marketing, visitor experience and sustainable responsibility.

The state recognition followed My Clarence Valley’s win at the North Coast awards earlier this year.

My Clarence Valley’s submission focused on highlighting its sustainable approach to the visitor economy and improvements made to tourism operations in the past 12 months. These included the adoption of the Clarence Valley Destination Management Plan (2024–2030), the delivery of collaborative Visitor Information Services, the introduction of a business-led Visitor Information Guide and

the ongoing commitment to becoming an Eco Certified Destination.

Harwood Hotel and the Grafton Jacaranda Festival were also been named finalists in their respective categories and Harwood Hotel took out silver, further showcasing the strength and diversity of tourism across the Clarence Valley.

See how My Clarence Valley is promoting our region at myclarencevalley.com

Latest round of Special Events Sponsorship announced

Seven community events that attract visitors to the area have shared in support of $39,000 through the latest round of Special Events Sponsorship.

The investment is estimated to generate $4.9 million for the local economy, including $3.3 million from overnight visitors. The Special Events Sponsorship program is estimated to generate a total of $7 million in overnight visitation annually.

In addition to five established events, the program will support two new events: the Brooms Head Beach Festival; and the Clarence Harvest Festival.

The inaugural Brooms Head Beach Festival is planned for 1 May 2026, and aims to attract more than 1,000 visitors to the beachside village during the quiet off-season.

The Clarence Harvest Festival will be held from 30 May to 28 June 2026 – an expansion of the highly successful 2025 Cane Harvest Festival, comprising seven individual events over two months.

PICTURED: The highly successful 2025 Cane Harvest Festival has been expanded to a seven-event celebration over two months. It is among the latest recipients of support through the Special Events Sponsorship program. CREDIT: Adam Hourigan.

Supported events through Round 2 Special Events Sponsorship program

y Wings and Wheels Open Day

y 133rd Maclean Show

y Brooms Head Beach Festival

y Grafton Dragon Boat Regatta

y 121st Maclean Highland Gathering

y Glenreagh Timber Festival

y Clarence Harvest Festival

Looking good for Jacaranda

Grafton’s central streets and parklands were given some extra attention in the weeks leading up to the Jacaranda Festival. The Town and Village Streetscape Beautification Team was busy throughout October, mulching gardens and trimming plants in preparation for the influx of visitors from around Australia and overseas. The festival, held from 24 October to 2 November, is estimated to generate in excess of $5 million for the local economy.

PICTURED: John and Jessie of the Town and Village Streetscape Beautification Team, trimming gardens in Prince Street in the weeks leading up to the Jacaranda Festival.

Making the most of the Yamba Library and Community Centre

The Yamba Library and Community Centre in Treelands Drive has quickly become a bustling hub for business and recreation.

Hearing Australia is among the businesses making the most of the opportunity to hire space at the new Yamba Library and Community Centre in Treelands Drive.

The not-for-profit calls the centre home every Tuesday, offering Lower Clarence residents all the services of their full time Grafton office, without the need to travel. Each Tuesday is booked out in advance.

Hearing Australia’s Cindy Grant said the community precinct was the perfect location for their business.

“It is amazing, when I see clients in Yamba they are amazed at all the services being offered at the one location including the wonderful new library, Yamba Community Health and the TAFE NSW Connect Learning Centre,” she said.

Offices are just one of the many spaces for hire at the centre, in addition to a large configurable hall, art activity room,

gallery, kitchen, meeting rooms and youth space.

The centre hosted its first community event on 5 November, where the three hall spaces and kitchen were hired to hold a Multicultural Day.

The event brought together people of diverse backgrounds to enjoy music and food as well as connect with a range of community service providers.

The flexible space was ideal for hosting the Multicultural Day, according to TAFE Associate Director of Engagement Partnerships and Growth, Marty Braley.

“It’s multipurpose and quite flexible. We had table and chairs set up initially in a hall kind of format where people could access information booths and get details about services. We then put in the wall to create a separate area to hold a workshop, which was supported by the massive screen in more of a sit-down formal environment. We then transitioned back into the original space and had food and seating. It’s been fantastic,” he said.

PICTURED: Above left, Hearing Australia now calls the Yamba Library and Community Centre home each Tuesday; right, the centre hosted its first major event on 5 November, where people of diverse backgrounds gathered to share food, music and connection.

For more information or to book a space at the Yamba Library and Community Centre, visit clarence. bookable.net.au

Special environmental variation to rates

Elected councillors have voted 5-4 to not proceed with an application to IPART for a special variation to rates to fund environmental programs over the next 10 years.

As a result, the proposed 10-year action plan of 75 environmental projects will not go ahead.

Instead, Council staff will allocate internal reserves to the highest priority projects and seek external funding from other sources such as the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

The decision followed staff engagement with the community to gain feedback on the proposal over six weeks from September to October 2025, widely publicised through social media, a local newspaper, radio notices, Clarence Conversations online, Council drop-in stalls, the emailed weekly Noticeboard, and internally through staff meetings and the staff newsletter.

Supporting heritage

Ten homeowners and one business will receive financial assistance to complete important maintenance and conservation works on heritage items and historic buildings.

Works funded through the Heritage Assistance Grants generally include replacement of roof gables and features, restoration of windows, painting, and fencing repairs.

Support will also go towards replacement of eroded timber and repair of the cupola that holds the

A total of 274 online surveys were completed, with 78 per cent of responses opposed to the special rate variation, and 17.5 per cent in favour.

PICTURED: Elected councillors have voted against a special variation to rates to fund environmental projects over the next decade.

bell above the clock tower at the Grafton Post Office. Funds will also be contributed towards the preservation of the steam roller at Gordon Wingfield Park in Grafton.

The grant program is funded by Council with a contribution from Heritage NSW. Each year available funds are prioritised to a different area and rotated around the Clarence Valley. This year the priority area was Grafton and South Grafton Heritage Conservation Areas.

PICTURED: The steam roller at Gordon Wingfield Park in Grafton will get some muchneeded care through council’s Heritage Assistance Grants.

Have your say on koala strategy

Work has begun on a comprehensive plan to protect and increase koala populations throughout the Clarence Valley, based on the latest population data.

The first step of the three-phase plan is the creation of a Koala Management Strategy, which includes mapping of populations and habitat based on the survey completed in August 2025.

It includes special considerations for management of occupied koala habitat identified in the survey at Lawrence, South Grafton, Waterview Heights, Coutts Crossing, Ashby and Shannondale.

It also outlines best practice koala habitat development controls, including:

y retention of potential, highly suitable and occupied koala habitat

y retention of koala use/feed trees including single trees

y road design standards

y keeping of domestic dogs

y fencing to exclude koalas from dog enclosures and other high-risk locations, and fencing to allow koalas to move through the landscape

y swimming pools.

The second phase is to update planning rules in the Development Control Plan Biodiversity and Habitat Protection Controls. It will include a 28day public consultation period. The third phase is to create a Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management, in consultation with a formal working group.

Strategy vs Plan of Management

A local government strategy is a broad, forward-looking statement that outlines the "what" and "why" for achieving long-term goals, while a Plan of Management is a more specific document detailing the "how," "when," and "who".

Party kit encourages reuse of plastics

Reusable party kits are available for loan through Grafton and Yamba libraries, which encourage reuse of plastics instead of treating them as disposable.

The kits consist of recycled plastic plates, bowls, cutlery, cups and decorations, and can be borrowed for two weeks then washed and taken back to the library to be reused.

Release of the new kits in November coincided with National Recycling Week and aims to reshape how we view use of plastics in our everyday lives, according to Environment officer (Education) Suzanne Lynch.

“In the past there has been a reliance on single use party-ware, which is used once and then disposed of. With our reusable party kits we’re encouraging people to change this mindset – it’s easy to wash and reuse these items, saving money and benefiting the environment,” she said.

To loan the reusable party kit, present your library card at the Sir Earl Page Library and Education Centre in Pound Street Grafton, or the Yamba Library and Community Centre in Treelands Drive.

PICTURED: Reusable party kits are available for loan through local libraries in Grafton and Yamba.

PICTURED: Ulmarra Public School students get inspired to reuse and recycle at the Environmental Learning Facility.

Students inspired to reuse and recycle

Students from Ulmarra Public School and Grafton High School took part in educational tours of the Grafton Regional Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre to celebrate National Recycling Week in November.

The tours and sessions at the Environmental Learning Facility (ELF) aimed to inspire young people to take action on sustainability and to divert materials from landfill at home and at school.

Hundreds of school and TAFE students take part in education activities at the centre each year.

Generating better data on waste and recycling

New software is being rolled out at waste transfer stations and the Grafton Regional Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre, which will generate detailed data on materials processed at the facilities. The upgrades will create greater financial oversight of operations and generate precise data for calculating the mandatory NSW Government Waste Levy.

Beetles recruited in battle against prickly pear

A small Mexican beetle is the latest recruit in the battle against a widespread weed in the Clarence.

The brown prickly pear beetle, Lagocheirus funestus, was first imported into Australia for weed control in 1935 to 1940 but had largely been forgotten about until a resurgence in interest over the past few years.

The beetle effectively targets invasive Opuntoid cactus species, the larvae burrowing into stems and causing plant limbs to fall off and die. The adult beetles also eat the plant.

It was released in late 2025 on Micalo Island, to target a heavy infestation of smooth tree pear (Opuntia

Weed to watch:

Job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi)

PICTURED: Brown prickly pear beetle has been used to control an outbreak of smooth tree pear on Micalo Island.

CREDIT: Fritz Heystek, DPIRD.

monacantha) around an abandoned prawn farm. The riverside location near endangered mangroves and national park was ideal for use of the biological agent, negating the need to use herbicides.

Biological controls such as the brown prickly pear beetle also reduce longterm costs compared to herbicide, which requires repeated application over time. Smooth tree pear is a highly invasive cactus with clusters of large spines that can injure people, livestock, working dogs, pets and native wildlife. It forms dense thickets that compete with native plants and reduce productivity of pastures.

Early detection is key

Job’s tears is an invasive weed that is present on the North Coast, but not yet established in the Clarence. Residents are urged to report it if seen, to prevent its spread. This erect clumping grass up to two metres tall often grows along waterways, in shallow water, along forest edges and in wetlands and swamps. It has distinctive, shiny, oval seeds. It forms dense infestations that can compete with native plants, reduce access to waterways, and compete with crops such as sugar cane.

Report an invasive plant via ‘Report It’ on Council’s website or by contacting a weeds officer on 6643 0200. Scan the QR code or got to clarence.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Biosecurity/Invasive-Plants to report an invasive plant, access more information and the Weeds of the North Coast Guide. You can also report weeds directly to the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244.

One Stop Shop for health education

High school students from around the Clarence took part in health education workshops in September to November, hosted by Council in conjunction with community partners.

The One Stop Shop interactive sessions were held at Maclean High Scool, Grafton High School, South Grafton High Schools, McAuley Catholic College, and Clarence Valley Anglican School.

The educational sessions included:

y drug and alcohol with Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation

y mental health with Headspace

y the Love Bites relationship program with Serco

y drug and alcohol simulation goggles with New School of Arts Neighbourhood House

y Country and Culture Connection with Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation

y engaging with services such as sexual health, Medicare, Centrelink, Services NSW and employment agencies.

PICTURED: Students at Maclean High School were among those around the Clarence who took part in health workshops coordinated by Council.

PICTURED: Progress on the Maclean Community Precinct, as of November 2025.

Maclean Community Precinct taking shape

The $14.7 million cultural and community hub in River Street Maclean is beginning to take shape and is on track to be completed by the end of 2026.

All in-ground works have been completed, including water and plumbing, power supply, a water treatment tank and grease trap for the kitchen. The basement slab has been poured, the basement to ground floor columns built and the basement retaining wall completed. The ground floor slab was scheduled to be underway by January 2026.

The project has also involved relocation of communication cables and preconstruction works to provide power to the site.

Once complete, the precinct will serve as a modern, multi-functional space that reflects and supports the diverse needs of the Maclean community.

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments’ Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund in association with Clarence Valley Council.

Project features

y 290-seat auditorium.

y Riverview function room.

y Modern stage and backstage areas.

y Café-style food and beverage outlet.

y Dedicated car parking.

y Accessible amenities.

Casey says thanks for support through Cultural Sports Trust Fund

Written by Casey Palmer

I would like to express my gratitude to the Clarence Valley Council for their support towards funding my participation in the Regional Youth Orchestra’s 2025 Europe tour.

The Regional Youth Orchestra (RYO) is a music program that allows young students from regional conservatoriums across New South Wales to come together in Sydney three to four times a year to rehearse and perform classical music in revered halls such as the Sydney Opera House and City Recital Hall. These experiences help young aspiring musicians network and get a taste of semi-professional classical performance.

Thanks to the hard work of Clarence Valley Conservatorium director Adam Wills; I, as well as CV Con students Oscar Woods, Toby Smidt and Tessa Darby, and around 50 other students from conservatoriums across NSW were given the opportunity to represent the Clarence Valley and Australia as a whole on the international stage in spectacular venues throughout Austria and Germany.

We were fortunate to be able to take part in the Summa Cum Laude international youth music festival along the way, where we were able to meet and mingle with many international ensembles, choirs and orchestras. During this journey I made many valuable, professional connections with musicians from all corners of the world and walks of life, who helped me broaden my understanding and appreciation of music, as well as give insight into

their unique cultural and musical backgrounds which embody what they play. Being able to experience the professional music setting was incredibly inspiring, and has further motivated me to pursue it in the future.

Starting in Salzburg, we worked our way east to Vienna, performing multiple concerts on the way near the city of Linz. Our orchestra was stationed in Vienna for around a week, performing for crowds in incredible halls such as the Musikverein, Radiokulturhaus, and MuTh, with moving pieces by Felix Mendelssohn, Gabriel Faure, Carl Vine and Zoltan Kodaly, before moving further north for our final gig in Berlin. Along the way we were periodically given free time to enjoy the wonderful sights of these European landscapes and cities.

In just two weeks I have experienced such an incredible adventure that I will be forever grateful to have achieved, and again my thanks go out to the Clarence Valley Council for supporting me in this endeavour, their contribution really helped in making this possible.

Yours truly, Casey Palmer.

PICTURED: Clarence Valley musician Casey Palmer performs as part of a European tour, with support through the Cultural Sports Trust Fund.

“

... I have experienced such an incredible adventure that I will be forever grateful to have achieved ...

—

Casey Palmer, Cultural Sports Trust Fund recipient

For more information and to apply for support through the Cultural Sports Trust Fund, go to clarence.nsw.gov.au/cultural-sports-trust-fund

Iluka tennis courts refurbished

Iluka tennis players are now enjoying a smooth new playing surface and a refurbished clubhouse.

The new artificial grass court replaces the old one that had become worn and uneven. The rusty chain mail fence around the court has also been replaced.

The clubhouse roof was replaced, electricity upgraded, and new cabinets installed.

The courts attract friendly organised competition on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are popular with tourists during holiday season.

Lyn Briggs is among those who regularly use the courts.

“It’s really good now. The other one would get boggy if you got rain. It was all uneven. But now it’s all playable, and the new fence is excellent too,” she said.

Boost for fishing at Wooli

Anyone throwing in a line and lucky enough to catch something at Wooli will now be able to enjoy using a brand-new fish cleaning table and shelter.

The $12,000 facility was installed in November at the South Terrace Boat Ramp, to replace the aging deteriorated one at the site.

It aims to improve safety, access and inclusivity of recreational fishing infrastructure and support growth of tourism.

The project was funded by the NSW Government’s Recreational Fishing Trusts.

All weather access secured for Corcoran Park

Smooth durable asphalt surfaces have replaced bumpy roads and boggy parking at Grafton’s Corcoran Park.

The new internal roads and sealed parking were completed as part of ongoing flood restoration works, following the installation of new barbecues, shelters and footpaths.

The work was completed in line with the Corcoran Park Master Plan and funded by the NSW Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program.

Safer ways to school in Yamba

Work has commenced on two raised pedestrian crossings as part of a plan to make it safer to ride or walk to primary schools in Yamba.

Construction has commenced on a raised crossing on Angourie Road near Yamba Public School, and nearby Favourite Avenue. A crossing on Angourie Road near the sports fields is scheduled to commence in March 2026.

Concept designs have been completed for a further 10 crossings in streets surrounding Yamba Public School and St James Primary School, with funding being sought to deliver these projects.

Yamba parent Alice Fazio is among those welcoming the safety improvements. She said that Yamba Road and Angourie Road were increasingly busy and raised crossings would make it safer for parents and children.

“I’m excited that Council is taking kids’ safety seriously. Something that might seem basic like a raised crossing outside the school is actually vital for safely crossing this road,” she said.

A survey with 83 respondents – 97 per cent of whom were parents – was carried

Cooking up fun for school holidays

Healthy eating cooking classes at the Yamba Library and Community Centre were among 20 free activities held across the Clarence over the SeptemberOctober school holidays. More than 360 young people took part in the activities coordinated by Council, including standup paddleboarding and surfing, a colour run, art in the park, jewellery making, wearable art workshops, dreamcatcher making, laser skirmish, football, boxing, tennis, pickleball and croquet.

out in 2025. Key findings included:

y 85 per cent strongly agreed or agreed that road safety is the main reason they don’t let their children walk or ride to school

y more than 95 per cent viewed untreated crossings as risky or very risky

y more than 90 per cent viewed raised zebra crossings as safe or very safe

y more than 90 per cent said they would walk or ride more often if there were safer crossings.

Additional feedback was sought in October to finalise the design for planned crossings.

PICTURED: Angourie Road is busy with traffic and children crossing the road – it will now be made safer with a raised pedestrian crossing.

Giving youth a voice

Students from four high schools across the Clarence have been brainstorming ideas for activities to run during Youth Week 2026.

The monthly sessions are part of the Youth Voices Program, which aims to amplify the voices of young people and boost engagement with the community and local services.

The program currently involves South Grafton High, Grafton High, Maclean High, and Clarence Valley Anglican School.

In 2025, the pilot program resulted in young people organising a Youth Week Run for Mental Health, and 2026 looks set to be bigger and better with increased school involvement.

Celebrating people with a disability

Council staff and elected councillors joined community members and high school students from across the Clarence for a wheelchair basketball tournament to celebrate International Day of People with a Disability on 3 December.

The event was hosted by Social Futures in conjunction with Council, at the Grafton Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC).

Staff and councillors teamed up to take on an All Stars team in a game of wheelchair basketball, while students also donned blindfolds to try out a game of goalball.

The event was held to celebrate people with a disability and raise awareness of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility.

Audits put spotlight on performance

Native title, customer service and complaints management and development applications will be under the spotlight in the coming year, as part of the Annual Internal Audit Plan.

The Annual Internal Audit Plan was created in late 2025 to detail what audits will be carried out in the coming 12 months.

First there will be a review of council’s processes and level of compliance in meeting its responsibilities and obligations in relation to Native Title. The audit will cover policies and procedures, roles and responsibilities, community engagement, training, and information technology systems.

The second audit will be customer service and complaints management. The audit will cover policy and procedures, complaint resolution processes, staff training, record keeping and monitoring and reporting.

The third audit will review the effectiveness and efficiency of the development application process, from lodgement through to compliance.

In the past quarter, the updated Enterprise Risk Management Policy and Plan and Risk Appetite Statement have been reviewed by ARIC and adopted by Council.

Independent eye on operations

The objective of the Audit Risk and Improvement (ARIC) Committee is to provide independent assurance, oversight, and assistance to council on risk management, control, governance, internal audit, organisational performance and external responsibilities in an advisory capacity.

The committee meets four times throughout the year (additional extraordinary meetings may be called from time to time) and consists of three independent members and a councillor.

The main role of the committee is to review and provide independent advice to the general manager and council on:

y whether the council is complying with all necessary legislation, regulations and other legal requirements

y the adequacy and effectiveness of the council’s risk management framework, fraud and corruption prevention activities, financial management processes, and the council’s financial position and performance

y the council’s governance arrangements

y the achievement by the council of the goals set out in the council’s community strategic plan, delivery program, operational plan and other strategies

y how the council delivers local services and how it could improve the performance of its functions more generally

y the collection of performance measurement data by the council

y any other matters prescribed by the Local Government Regulation (including internal audit).

Striving for excellence

The annual STRIVE awards have been announced, recognising staff that have demonstrated Council’s core values of Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Value, and Engagement.

The overall STRIVE Champion award went to Josh McMahon, for consistently demonstrating all of the STRIVE values during his work as Content Creation Officer, which includes production of Clarence magazine.

The Safety Champion award went to Water Cycle Field Operator Glen Donovan, for demonstrating the ability to identify, manage and/or prevent safety risks to himself and others to strive for a safer workplace.

The Respect Champion award went to Cultural Heritage Officer Marc Daley, for consistently showing respect to other staff and community members and demonstrating friendliness and courtesy.

The Integrity Champion award went to Building and Facilities Officer Amanda O’Range, for consistently acting with honesty, transparency and integrity, including accepting responsibility for her own actions while striving for excellence.

The Engagement Champion award went to Grafton Regional Gallery Public Program and Marketing Officer Maggie McDade, for demonstrating an exceptional effort in engaging with staff and the community to create awareness of Council activities and strategic and operational goals, through the ARTEXPRESS exhibition and school visits.

The Value Champion award went to Water Quality Officer Clemencia Rodriguez Silva, for consistently embracing new ideas and ways of working including implementation of a biosolids reuse initiative.

The Development Champion award went to Strategic Planner Alex Clark, for embracing professional development including progressing from trainee planner to development planner and cross-skilling in strategic planning.

The Teamwork Champion – Indoor award

PICTURED: STRIVE category winners, pictured with General Manager Laura Black. Strive Champion Josh McMahon, Content Creation Officer.

went to the Information Technology Team for its behind the scenes work to ensure operations run smoothly. The Teamwork Champion – Outdoor award went to the River Street Maclean project team for their work on the project to deliver exceptional results under tight constraints. The Cross-Collaboration Teamwork Champion award went to the rangers and open spaces teams, for their collective work to clear up abandoned camps left in several sights in Grafton and South Grafton.

Strengthening connectivity and cyber security

PICTURED: The Information Technology team working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure operations remain connected and secure.

Council operations are now benefiting from strengthened wireless connectivity and cyber security, boosting productivity, enhancing reliability of essential services, and bolstering protection of customer personal information.

A backup of Wi-Fi has been implemented to ensure continuity of wireless connectivity during events such as storms. Modern workplace technologies have also been rolled out to assist in monitoring connectivity across the network, sending alerts to an on-call officer and automating reconnection where possible.

Cyber security has also been strengthened, with measures including staff education on use of passwords and sharing data, geo-blocking of known or suspected threats, continual monitoring of network data for abnormalities, and assessment of supplier cyber security.

Lead Analyst Kate Maginnity said that connectivity and security were vital for Council operations across the board.

“These improvements will help ensure

“These improvements will help ensure seamless connectivity and increased productivity of staff across the organisation who rely upon it in their day-to-day work. WiFi connectivity is also vital for uninterrupted provision of essential services such as sewer and water.

— Kate Maginnity, Lead Analyst.

seamless connectivity and increased productivity of staff across the organisation who rely upon it in their day-to-day work. WiFi connectivity is also vital for uninterrupted provision of essential services such as sewer and water,” she said.

“We have also taken significant steps towards bolstering the security of customer data and personal information, which is a high priority.”

Join the conversation.

Your Clarence. Your conversation. Your future. Have your say.

Community engagement plays an important role in building communities and helping to shape better outcomes for the future of our region.

Get involved by registering with Clarence Conversations – stay informed and find out how you can have your say

Clarence Conversations allows you to take part in community engagement. Stay up to date with current projects and share your feedback – either online or in person at a drop-in information session.

Simply register online and sign up for the Community Engagement eNewsletter to receive the latest updates and opportunities to get involved. Scan the QR code below for more details and to register.

Join the conversation with Clarence Conversations

clarenceconversations.com.au

Other ways to stay informed and have your say:

Follow us on facebook: facebook.com/clarencevalleycouncil

Subscribe to Council’s weekly eNewsletter, Noticeboard: clarence.nsw.gov.au/noticeboard

View items currently on public exhibition and make a submission: clarence.nsw.gov.au/on-exhibition

y Look out for updates in The Independent newspaper and tune in to local radio.

y Visit our customer service centres in Grafton or Maclean

y Drop into your local library

y Attend Council meetings and public forums to hear updates and share your views – public forums are held before each Council meeting.

For more information visit Council’s website, clarence.nsw.gov.au

We asked. You answered. We listened.

1 October to 9 December 2025

Clarence Conversations

y Informed visitors: 2,126

y Online surveys: 302 completed surveys

y Face-to-Face drop-in sessions: 10 sessions (ESV x 3, Glenreagh x 3, Cultural Plan x 4)

y Number of attendees at these drop-in sessions: 221

y Dot voting: 89

y Focus groups: Climate Adaptation Strategy (4 internal focus groups, 1 external cafe-style workshop)

Projects

y Environmental Special Variation

y Cultural Plan 2036

y Live ‘n’ Loud EOI 2026

y Playground upgrades: CWA William Ager Memorial Park, Bishop Druitt Park and Powell St, Grafton.

y Glenreagh Main Street Upgrade

y Open Spaces Strategic Documents Review

y Clarence Valley Community Halls Strategy

y Yamba: Safer Ways to School with Raised Crossings

y Shared User Path Extension – Cameron Street, Maclean

Insights

y Vast majority disagreed with an Environmental Special Variation, did not proceed.

Currently on exhibition

Thanks for your feedback.

PICTURED: A workshop to gain feedback for a draft Climate Adaptation Strategy was held 25 November at the Grafton District Services Club. The event consisted of two sections: a panel presentation and question and answer session; and a café-style engagement session where participants contributed their thoughts and ideas while sharing a cuppa and conversation.

y CWA William Ager Memorial Park Playground upgrade, Yamba (December/ January)

y Playground Upgrades - Bishop Druitt Park and Powell Street, Grafton (December/ January)

y Live ‘n’ Loud EOI 2026 (December 2025 to February 2026)

y Planning for our Saleyards Future (December ’25 to January ’26)

To view items currently on public exhibition and make a submission visit, clarence.nsw.gov.au/on-exhibition

Illuminate Jacaranda 2025

Locals and visitors from across the region and beyond filled See Park during Jacaranda season to enjoy the spectacular sight of the blooming trees illuminated at night. Illuminate Jacaranda is a Clarence Valley Council initiative designed to encourage overnight stays and support the local economy.