Council plans ahead

COMMUNITY and recreational facilities across the Valley are set to be transformed to meet the needs of the growing population in the next 20 years.

COMMUNITY and recreational facilities across the Valley are set to be transformed to meet the needs of the growing population in the next 20 years, courtesy of a $100 million plan revealed by Clarence Valley Council.

Mayor Richie Williamson said the contributions plan outlined community and recreational facilities that would receive a chunk of the $100m.

Cr Williamson said he encouraged all ratepayers to look at the draft plan which is on public exhibition until October 21.

“The draft plan involves close to $100m worth of community and recreational facilities, so if you have an interest look at the plan and let us know what you think before it’s finalised,” he said.

The contributions plan was devised to cater for the predicted population growth of the Clarence Valley Council area by around 20,000 people by 2031.

To help pay for the facilities, the council can impose levies on developments that will generate population growth or increase demand for services and facilities.

These contributions and levies are made under Section 94 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

But first council is required to prepare and adopt a contributions plan which lists facilities and services to be provided, costs and timetable, and contribution rates.

The draft plan and accompanying documents are on display at council’s Grafton and Maclean chambers, libraries and community centres across the Valley.

Alternatively they can be viewed on councils’ website www.clarence.nsw.gov.au.

People can join in discussion about the plan using the Clarence Conversations portal http://clarenceconversations.com.au.

Originally published as Council plans ahead