Ray Smith returns as Clarence Valley Council Mayor amid fiery debate

What began as an ordinary Clarence Valley Council meeting, to swear in newly elected councillors and vote for mayor and deputy mayor, has ended with a fiery debate. Here’s what happened.

Ray Smith has been voted in as Clarence Valley Council mayor on 17 October 2024.

What began as an ordinary Clarence Valley Council meeting, to swear in the newly elected councillors and vote for mayor and deputy mayor, has ended with a fiery debate.

Three mayoral candidates, Debrah Novak, Ray Smith and Peter Johnstone, vied for the position of mayor and three deputy mayoral candidates vied for the position of deputy mayor on Thursday.

Ray Smith was voted in as mayor and Greg Clancy as deputy mayor for a two-year-term.

Councillors them moved on to discuss whether to work towards seeking representation at a determination meeting of the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP).

The panel are set to decide on October 23 on a controversial $80 planning Clifton manufactured housing development in West Yamba.

Clarence Valley Council welcomes Cr Ray Smith and Greg Clancy, voted mayor and deputy mayor at the first meeting of Clarence Valley Council on 17 October, 2024.

As it stands councillors currently won’t be represented on the decision panel.

Ray Smith raised as an urgent matter council write to NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully seeking a deferment of the NRPP meeting so council could be represented.

“If the community perceives that we haven't at least tried to have our representation on that panel I don’t think it’s a good look,” he said.

Former mayor Peter Johnstone agreed that it was imperative to be seen by the community to be doing the right thing but said it had already been made clear to the panel council opposed the development application.

Clarence Valley Council candidate Peter Johnstone

Councillor Karen Toms said asking for a deferral of the meeting could “backfire” and “give the applicant more time”.

She also told the meeting getting a minister to try and intervene in a legislated process was unlikely.

“We look like gooses, please vote it (the motion) down,” Ms Toms said.

Newcomer councillor Cristie Yager supported Mr Smith’s motion.

“Maybe the minister is going to do nothing but what is the harm?” Ms Yager asked.

After a lengthy debate the motion was lost.

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