Clarence Valley Council held its monthly Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday, 23 April 2024 at Grafton Council Chambers.
The April meeting consisted of a total of 19 items, with nine items called for debate, 10adopted by consent, in a meeting that lasted one hour and 53 minutes.
Regional Aquatic Centre – Project Update
Demolition of the Regional Aquatic Centre began in October 2023 when the successful contractor, Hines Construction mobilised to the site.
Six months in, the project is on track to be delivered by the December 2024 timeframe, within budget and approved quality standards.
As of March 2024, the 25m backwash tank walls have been poured and completed, the leisure pool balance tank walls have been poured and completed, the 25m balance tank lid formwork has been installed, the reinforcing steel for the splash pad balance tank base has been completed as well as the steelwork for the 50m pool base.
The excavation of the 50m pool backwash tank, sanitary drainage to male and female amenities in the front of the building have been completed and the rough in of electrical in front of building has commenced.
Once completed, the Regional Aquatic Centre will feature two FINA standard 25-metre heated indoor pools, a 50-metre outdoor pool and grandstand, and all-ability accessible public facilities so that our seniors, people with a disability, families and children can easily enjoy going for a swim all year round.
Yamba Community Precinct – Project Update
The Yamba Community Precinct Project is tracking well with construction activity ahead of schedule thanks to the recent spell of sunny and dry weather and is within budget allocation.
Demolition is completed and the topsoil has been stripped for the importing, placement and compaction of fill.
The installation of hydraulic, fire and stormwater inground services is underway and the pad footing concrete pours have commenced.
The project is expected to be completed in June 2025 and will feature a TAFE NSW Connect Learning Centre, so local students and employers have access to high quality training and support services to promote local job opportunities and provide our young people with the skills they need to live and work here.
Clarence Valley Destination Management Plan on Public Exhibition
The Clarence Valley Destination Management Plan outlines a vision and strategic framework to guide the sustainable development of tourism in the region over the next seven years.
Community feedback has contributed to the creation of the plan following and online survey and drop-in sessions to engage community members in person. This feedback has highlighted widespread support for tourism in the Clarence Valley. Priorities identified include enhancing nature-based attractions, developing First Nations and cultural experience as well as promotion to increase yields and visitor spending.
The Clarence Valley Destination Management Plan aims to maximise the positive impacts of tourism on the region while simultaneously preserving and enhancing its natural and cultural assets for the benefit of local communities and businesses now and in the future.
Councillor Pickering said he’s excited to see how tourism evolves in the Clarence Valley over the next seven years with the Destination Management Plan.
The Clarence Valley Destination Management Plan is on exhibition on the Clarence Valley Council website from Friday, 26 April until Friday, 24 May.
Lights continue to shine on one of Grafton’s iconic heritage buildings
An item brought forward by Council’s Climate Change Committee to cease paying for the outdoor lighting at the Christ Church Cathedral has been lost with only Councillor Greg Clancy voting for the motion.
Before the Ordinary Meeting, the Very Reverend Naomi Cook presented a compelling deputation to the councillors highlighting Council’s contribution to the electricity that lights the flood lights on the Cathedral grounds is more than just lighting the church.
Continuing Grafton City Council’s contribution to electricity, which is less than $3,000 a year, is a contribution to the safety of pedestrians in the area and in particular women, safety for the homeless and a contribution to tourism and visitors to Grafton who pay a visit to see the church and its fountain alight in the evening.
Councillors voted in favour of continuing the 30-year-old decision to pay for the electricity against the Climate Change Advisory Committee recommendation to cease.
Tender for Design and Construction of Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant Awarded
Pensar Construction Group Pty Ltd has been successful in the tender process of the Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant Reservoir and Chlorine Contact Tank.
The work is part of the Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant Masterplan which was adopted by Council at its February 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting.
The Masterplan proposed as Stage 1 works to construct a 1.5ML Chlorine Contact Tank and a 16ML Treatment Water Tank to replace the existing 32ML storage which is at the end of its life.
The tender was accepted unanimously.
