AMALGAMATION: ONE BIG HAPPY COUNCIL
It’s the amalgamation shuffle for the Clarence valley. Some people think it’s good, some think it’s bad, and many don’t care. By way of thinking about it all, have you been down Skinner St and looked at the artwork on the seats? Irene Daley is making a truly beautiful mosaic which tells the story of the Dirrangun. It’s the Aboriginal story of how the Clarence River started. The story moves from the headwaters, downriver through the landscape to the estuary and the reef at Yamba. To hear this story is to immediately forget about the petty carving up of little patches of valley into Copmanhursts and Macleans and Pristine Waters and Graftons. It’s one river valley.
CEC people along with the Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition, National Parks Association, Vallleywatch and Friends of Shannon Creek Action Group met to talk about the new council and what it might mean for the environment. We put our ideas together to write the following letter to the acting General Manager. We’ll keep you posted on the response.
"Dear Mr Boyle,
We welcome you to the Clarence valley. As five local conservation groups representing over 150 members, we believe the dissolution of the six Clarence councils opens a way forward for a more progressive approach to management of the valley’s natural and urban environment.
Amongst our groups exists a wealth of environmental campaigning experience combined with a wide community network and a high degree of knowledge. Our members have campaigned on issues including forests, wetlands, water quality, urban design, water infrastructure, coastal issues and threatened species. We have a long-established commitment to scrutinising local government processes to ensure decisions are made which will not compromise the survival of future generations, including non-human species. In addition to maintaining a watching brief on government, we carry out an on-going community environmental role in the valley. We are affiliated with the North Coast Environment Council, which is the peak environmental group on the NSW North Coast, itself affiliated to the Nature Conservation Council.
We understand you are willing to speak with community members.
We are keen to meet with you and Mr Neil Payne as a delegation to discuss our groups’ interests as they relate to council activities during the next 12 months and beyond. In particular, we would like to flag a number of issues of immediate concern to us. This will undoubtedly be of benefit to you as you familiarise yourself with the myriad of Clarence valley local government matters. Some issues are listed below. They are not comprehensive. Within the next six weeks, each group will send you a comprehensive list of principles which we believe need to be upheld if the Clarence valley’s environment is to be truly managed well.
The Environment within the new Council Administration
Employment of an environmental protection officer
We would like to see the appointment of an officer who would be responsible for the protection of soils, water quality, air quality, biodiversity and vegetation throughout the council area. This officer’s work would go across many aspects of councils’ work, including planning, water cycle management, parks and gardens and road maintenance.
Processing, monitoring and enforcement of development consent conditions
It is essential that the implementation of consent conditions be properly monitored and reported.
Adoption of the Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
This project, initiated by the former Nymboida Council, should be implemented and carried out in all parts of the new local government area.
The ‘40 hectare project’ explored the environmental, economic and social impacts of 40 ha subdivision. It was a joint project between the valley councils and the former PlanningNSW. Its recommendations should be adopted valley-wide.
Impacts of floodplain development,
We are extremely concerned about floodplain development, particularly in West Yamba where major residential expansion is proposed. We are concerned about impacts on waterways, on wetlands and on biodiversity.
Water supply: the need for a fresh look at alternative sources
The Regional Water Supply does not enjoy wide community support. There were significant flaws in the development procedures. Is it inevitable? Would alternative sources such as desalination accommodate our future needs with less environmental impact?
Shoppingworld extension
Our groups supported the rejection of the proposed extension to Shoppingworld on the basis that it undermined the functionality of Grafton CBD’s urban landscape.
New valley-wide local environmental plan
Our former councils’ local environmental plans are outdated. We would like to see a new valley plan based on sustainability principles. The plan should improve environmental management rather than downgrade it. More tree preservation orders are needed.
The need for an energy efficient development control plan for the whole valley
Grafton and Maclean have energy efficiency development control plans. There needs to be one for the whole valley.
Impacts of aquaculture
We are concerned that the ecological impacts of aquaculture are properly assessed.
Location of proposed Grafton Bridge
If a bridge is to proceed, the route chosen must not impact on ecological processes. We are opposed to any disturbance to Susan or Elizabeth islands.
Opportunities for environmental benefits in creation of precincts or community committees
The Proclamation of the new council refers to creation of precincts or committees. We would like to work with the new council in such initiatives, whether on an area or issues basis.
Likelihood of conflict of interest for the administrator
We are interested to know how potential conflicts of interest can be avoided given the administrator’s professional links with local development group Westlawn Investments.
Our delegation would consist of
Peter Morgan National Parks Association – Clarence Valley Branch
Jim Knight Clarence Environment Centre
Leonie Blain Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition
Peter Wrightson Valleywatch
John Edwards Friends of Shannon Creek Action group
or their alternatives, depending on the time of the meeting.
We are would like to meet you as soon as possible, preferably before the first Council meeting on the 16 March. I can be contacted on 66 423345.
Yours sincerely
Peter Morgan
President, National Parks Association (Clarence Valley Branch) on behalf of the above groups."