Council receives funding for future of Clarence Town

In addition to the funding from the Regional Housing Planning Fund, council also received a little over $76,000 to conduct a floodplain management program to ensure the flooding risk of any future developments is reduced.

Dungog Shire's Mayor, John Connors said he is excited to see plans around Clarence Town as a priority following the funding announcement.

"Clarence Town is a thriving village that we have long ear marked as a community ready to grow.

"To be able to achieve this we need to have the right foundations in place to ensure increased housing doesn't negatively impact the amenity the Clarence Town community already enjoys," he said.

"We have been advocating all levels of government heavily over the past 18 months, seeking to have the Dungog Shire recognised as a region ready to grow, but we can't achieve this without better roads, infrastructure and strategically placed development.

"This funding is another successful outcome but we know there is still more work to be done."

Dungog Council plans to use this grant to develop the Clarence Town Structure Plan, providing a comprehensive framework for development in the town.

The plan aims to highlight areas ripe for development of residential, retail and employment while also improving public space, infrastructure and the local environment.

The plan will also look to make the town centre more accessible and identifiable as well as improve the overall appeal of Clarence Town's streetscapes and public domain.

Dungog Council's Director of Planning and Environment, Trevor Ryan said although the grant has been announced there is still a lengthy process involved before the public will be able to see the plan.

"There'll be a week or so with regard to the deed of agreement. Once that's signed there will be a procurement process. Council will go to market, engaging various consultants that will be involved in preparing the plan," he said.

"Part of that process would be community consultation with residents, businesses and State Government agencies and all relevant stakeholders. They, like the plan itself, will also be required to be endorsed by council.

"Once that process has run its course there will be a more formal opportunity for community and residents to put down responses to the draft exhibited plan. We're talking up to a 12-month program potentially."

Mr Ryan also said that council will be consulting with the community as much as they can in order to develop a vision for the future of Clarence Town.

However, Cr Connors said that Clarence Town's Brig O'Johnston Bridge is still a thorn in council's side when considering the development of the town.

"It's wonderful that we can proceed in conducting the studies necessary to grow the Clarence Town community, but it also highlights just how important the replacement of the bridge is to be able to sustain this growth," Cr Connors said.

"We're grateful to the State Government but we really need them to come to the party and match the bridge funding already allocated by the Federal Government so we can proceed with this now vital community infrastructure project."

The bridge was closed in July of 2023 after a heavy vehicle damaged the structure.

The bridge has since re-opened.

Council's plan will provide clarity for the development industry, streamlined rezoning processes, improved housing delivery efficiency, an analysis of existing planning controls, a review of zoning regulations, addressing recreational needs of an increasing population, how connectivity can be enhanced and the development of a streetscape master plan.