about council and the clarence valley

The Governor of New South Wales proclaimed Clarence Valley Council (CVC) on the 25 February 2004. This proclamation co-joined the former general purpose Council's of Copmanhurst, Grafton, Maclean and Pristine Waters and activities of North Coast Water and Clarence River County Council. (View Proclamations)

The new Council comprises an area of 10,440 km 2, employs about 500 staff, operates 5 administration centers, 10 works depots and serves 49,422 residents and ratepayers living in 44 towns, villages and city environs.

CVC now represents an estimated 50% of the landmass of the northern rivers region. Council has a rate base of approximately 26,000 properties with a significant proportion of lands being non-rateable reserves and protected parks. 

The Council area extends from the temperate New England Plateau to the rugged mountain scenery of the Gibraltar Ranges, through fertile rural lands and river plains to the spectacular Clarence Coast.

The climate is largely warm ranging from subtropical on the coast to temperate on the tablelands, with an annual rainfall of up to 1500mm in some centres. The Clarence Council area encompasses a diverse set of environmental features, cultures, traditions, communities and industries. This diversity represents a significant opportunity now and in the future for Council, the community and commercial enterprise.

The Clarence Valley is part of the vibrant Northern Rivers region of NSW. The Northern Rivers has become Australia’s premier lifestyle region. The region's appeal and success is a result of its natural beauty, relaxed country charm, service delivery and business innovation. For the last 15 years the Northern Rivers region has recorded the fastest economic growth in the state.

Clarence Valley Council is approximately 300km from Brisbane and the growth centers of south-east Queensland and some 600km north of Sydney. Improvements to road networks, particularly to the north continue to offer positive economic benefit for local business and industry.

Clarence River

The Clarence River is the area's most significant natural feature. The river system extends approximately 380 kilometres from Yamba to the Queensland border districts. More than 100 islands form part of the Clarence River system. It is the largest coastal river catchment in NSW at 22,700 square kilometres and its large alluvial floodplain supports the majority of the population and its agriculture. The River supports a range of recreational and commercial uses including festivals and events, fishing, prawn trawling, water skiing, cruising, skiing, rowing and more. The River is also an important cultural symbol for the Indigenous community.

Clarence Lifestyle 

Lifestyle and environmental values combined with diversity of lifestyle choice continue to be the principal attractors for new residents. Lifestyle choices range from structured urban areas, to historic small towns and villages, expansive rural lots, coastal precincts and hinterland settings. Real estate values have increased to record levels during the last 18-24 months, particularly in coastal centres. Hinterland towns and villages are now experiencing the flow-on effects with housing prices increasing sharply in comparison with previous residential averages.

Events and Community Celebrations

The Council area has a rich cultural and historical background. Many of the communities cultural values are celebrated at annual or bi-annual festivals and events, examples include: Grafton’s Jacaranda Festival (the oldest floral festival in Australia), July Horse-Racing Carnival, Music & Dance Eisteddfods, Ulmarra River Festival, Maclean Highland Gathering (100 years old and going strong), Bridge to Bridge Ski Race, Sailing Classic and Goanna Pulling Festival held at Wooli.

The Local Economy

The core of the micro economy is comprised of traditional industries which include:

Sugar cane production (45% of the northern rivers region sugar production is grown and harvested locally).
There are more than 250 sugar cane farms in the area. This industry supports approximately 990 jobs and makes a contribution of $103 million to the local economy each year.

Commercial fishing (a combination of wild caught ocean product and estuary. The Clarence is home to the second largest commercial fishery in NSW)
The commercial fishing industry supports 370 jobs and generates an estimated $27 million each year.

Beef cattle, dairying and general farming

Tourism (a growth industry with opportunity for future expansion. Yamba has developed as a tourism hot spot for the Northern Rivers region)
The tourism sector supports more than 400 jobs and injects in excess of $190 million into the local economy.

Timber production - is a significant contributor to the regional economy.

There is a new economy developing in specialist areas which include: tourism support services, engineering, food processing, aquaculture, boat building, regional cuisine and education.

Retail development is a very significant economic contributor and is likely to be a sector that experiences considerable future growth. As at the 2001 census about 17% of the total Clarence workforce, were employed in retail activity. Grafton and Yamba are the areas most developed retail precincts. Many centers have experienced a rapid increase in demand for trade related skills, products and services to support the unprecedented growth in new build housing.

Transport

Four regional airports located at Grafton, Ballina, Lismore and Coffs Harbour service the Council area. Multiple daily services connect the Clarence Valley with Sydney and other destinations. The Port of Yamba is Australia's eastern most sea-port and is located at the mouth of the Clarence River. The Port serves the Northern Rivers region and beyond including: Grafton, Maclean, Ballina, Lismore, Casino, Coffs Harbour, Glen Innes, Armidale and Dorrigo.

The Port of Yamba has Customs and Quarantine classification and has unrestricted port of first entry for overseas imports status.

The Pacific Highway is the key road transport network linking our community to that of south-east Queensland in the north and important distribution centres in the south. The Summerland Way is an inland drive alternative for visitors seeking country vistas and a more relaxed pace of life.

The area is also serviced by rail passenger operations. Services run between Sydney and Brisbane as part of the Country Link rail and coach network. Daily rail services arrive/depart Grafton with coach transfers to surrounding areas.

With improved road transport linkages, a committed and skilled workforce, seaport access, rail linkages, airport, business innovation, and progressive Council - the Clarence Valley is on the move!