Six things at Clarence council July committee meeting

From revitalising our city centre to possibly closing one down, and a secret discussion, there’s a lot to get through in the committee meetings.

Clarence Valley Council building on Prince Street, Grafton.

It’s time for Clarence Valley Council to have their committee meetings, but beforehand they will hold an extraordinary meeting to consider an item in confidential session.

It has been called to discuss the Regional Water Supply Essential Energy Agreement.

However, the meeting notes state the General Manager advises that the following matter be dealt with in Closed Session

as the matter and information are confidential in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 Section: 10A 2 (d)

The results of the committee meetings are often published in minutes after following the meeting.

That’s not all that’s happening though, as there are many other items to pique the interest. Here’s five more up for consideration:

1. Gym shutdown

Council officers are advising to stop a gym operating in Prince Street as part of a development application process.

Hybrid Fitness Training recently moved from their longtime home at the Grafton Brewery Complex into the Repairs and Spares building in Fitzroy Street, Grafton.

There has been a battle between the owner of the gym and council over a requirement to resurface the rear carpark, and also paying a variation fee, and officers have recommended the DA be refused because of these issues.

They follow on by saying they recommend that enforcement action be taken because the premises is operating without development consent.

Councillors will make their recommendation to the full council meeting next week

2. Yamba’s new medical hub

A proposal to build a new medical centre, chemist and units in the Yamba CBD will come before council. Council officers are recommending the development for approval with changes to the plan, including a reduced widening of a laneway at the rear of the property.

3. Seniors next to the school

Councillors will look at a proposal for a two lot subdivision on Carrs Drive Yamba, where a 52-unit self-contained seniors living unit will be built.

Council received 44 submissions on the proposed development, with issues such as flooding, stormwater, noise and traffic increase among those raised.

Council officers have recommended the development, which is located next to St James Primary School be approved.

4. A change is as good as a holiday

The long running Visitor Information Centre saga continues as council seeks a gateway determination to rezone the site to business development from tourist.

It comes following a resolution from council in July 2020 appoint an independant authority to prepare the planning process to rezone the land.

5. Grafton’s big plan

The long-awaited CBD plan for Grafton’s CBD will be tabled today, with a range of recommendations, including footpath widening, outdoor dining, new landscaping, and the most controversial of all – nose-in parking.

The idea of the plan is to make Grafton a destination where people want to spend time to socialise, to visit and support business, and the report states the progression of the waterfront precinct has the community excited for the possibility.