Clarence Valley Council - Sparking a culture of preparedness

Location:

The Clarence Valley Council Area, located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia, is a diverse and picturesque area known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant communities. Encompassing towns such as Grafton, Maclean, Iluka, and Yamba, the region is defined by the majestic Clarence River, one of the largest river systems on the eastern coast of Australia.

The area boasts a rich agricultural heritage, with farms producing a variety of crops, including sugarcane, citrus fruits, and macadamia nuts. This agricultural abundance is complemented by the region's natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush national parks, and charming hinterlands, making it a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Clarence Valley Council area is also culturally significant, with a strong connection to the indigenous Yaegl, Bunjalung and Gumbaynggirr nations, evident in the preservation of local heritage sites and traditional customs. The area hosts numerous festivals and events celebrating its cultural diversity, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the region.

Clarence Valley Council is dedicated to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community well-being. With a combination of natural splendour, cultural richness, and a focus on sustainable living, its a prime example of the harmonious coexistence of human settlements and nature.

Recent Significant Bushfires in the region:

• 2023: The Macleay Valley Adventure Recreation Park bushfire burned for several weeks, impacting many of the Upper Macleay communities. 46% of the Shire burned and 340 houses, outbuildings and fences were damaged or destroyed. One person lost their life.
• 2020: The Black Summer bushfires burned across large parts of Australia, including the Clarence Valley. Over 200,000 hectares of land were burned, with significant damage to property and infrastructure.
• 2019: The Bees Nest bushfire burned for over two weeks, destroying 14 homes and damaging many others.
• 2018: The Tabulam bushfire burned for over a week, destroying 8 homes and damaging many others.
• 2017: The Iluka bushfire burned for over two weeks, destroying 6 homes and damaging many others.

Focus: Coordinator of Emergency Management & Resilience – Clarence Valley Council 

The Coordinator of Emergency Management & Resilience plays a key role in helping the Clarence Valley community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. This includes working with community groups and organisations to develop and implement community-led resilience initiatives.

The role is vital to keeping the Clarence Valley community safe and prepared for emergencies and the work essential for building a more resilient community for the future.

• Developed and implemented the Clarence Valley Local Emergency Management Plan and Resilience Strategy
• Manages the Clarence Valley Emergency Operations Centre during emergencies.
• Works with the NSW RFS, NSW SES, and other emergency services agencies to coordinate emergency response activities.
• Provides training and education to Council staff and the community on emergency preparedness and resilience.
• Advocates for policies and programs that support emergency management and resilience, such as the NSW Government's Disaster Resilience Program
• Supports community groups and organisations to develop and implement community-led resilience initiatives, such as the Clarence Valley Community Resilience Network

Interview: Robyn Monk