Clarence Town has been recognised by the NSW State government as a regional town primed for growth with Dungog Shire Council successfully lobbying for a Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund grant.
The $170,000 grant will see Council expedite the strategies, plans and studies needed to support the delivery of housing that meets community needs into the future.
In addition to the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund grant, Dungog Shire Council also received just over $76,000 to conduct a Floodplain Management Program – Clarence Town Flood Study to ensure flooding risk of any future development zone is reduced.
Dungog Shire Council Mayor Cr John Connors said he was pleased council was now able to deliver one of its objectives outlined in Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032.
“Clarence Town is a thriving village that we have long ear marked as a community ready to grow, but 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.”
The Council plans to use the grant to develop the Clarence Town Structure Plan, which will provide a comprehensive framework for development in the area. The plan aims to facilitate future growth by identifying appropriate development areas for residential, retail, and employment land, as well as improving public spaces, transport networks, and environmental considerations. The plan also seeks to enhance the town centre’s accessibility, identity, and overall appeal through improved streetscapes and public domain.
