Waterfront put back in the spotlight

YOU can now have your say on groundbreaking plans to transform Maclean's waterfront after it was decided to put them on public exhibition.

YOU can now have your say on groundbreaking plans to transform Maclean's waterfront after Clarence Valley councillors unanimously voted at Tuesday's meeting to put the plan on public exhibition.

One of the first 100 people through the door at the old Mackellys premises in Maclean yesterday, AB Accounting Maclean owner Joanne Warboys said the riverfront precinct plan was a definite positive step forward for Maclean's future.

"It will open up the town and make it much more attractive to both locals and tourists," she said. "If the plan goes ahead the beauty of the river will be utilised again."

"Currently there are only a few places you can enjoy the river in Maclean."

Consultant architect Leonard Lynch of Clouston associates said the plan linked the CBD with the river, just as Maclean was in its early years.

"I think the most important thing is they have actually combined the town with the river which is its genesis," he said.

"Maclean has a great opportunity because it is such a fantastic little town, it's a real gem, and it's still got a lively main street but it's lost that link to the river."

Clarence Valley Mayor Richie Williamson said the initial response to the plan had been very positive.

The riverfront precinct plan will remain on public exhibition at council's offices in Grafton and Maclean and council's website www.clarence.nsw.gov.au until the end of November.

Originally published as Waterfront put back in the spotlight