Council looks to secure biodiversity in our shire

Published on 03 August 2021

Kempsey Shire Council have taken a vital step in protecting the rich ecosystems in the Macleay Valley and working towards managing population growth across the shire.

At July’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, Council discussed the development of a draft Biodiversity Strategy that will help identify and prevent threats to our natural environment while enabling vital growth in the region.

Councillors resolved to place the draft Biodiversity Strategy on public exhibition to allow residents to have their say on the biodiversity values of the Macleay Valley and how Council intends on conserving them.

Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Liz Campbell, said the development of a Biodiversity Strategy for the Kempsey Shire is great news for current and future generations.

“Council has engaged with key stakeholders, including community groups, to put together a draft Biodiversity Strategy that will preserve and improve the rich environment of the Macleay Valley, encouraging sustainable conservation and urban growth.”

“Placing the draft strategy on public exhibition will allow community members and those who may not have had a say during consultation to give their feedback and help Council adopt a plan that will provide direction to secure biodiversity for our community.” said Cr Campbell.

Kempsey Shire Council General Manager, Craig Milburn, said that the strategy will be a key instrument in planning, guiding developers on factors to take into account when making development applications.

“Balancing urban growth with environmental sustainability is one of Council’s biggest challenges and providing a Biodiversity Strategy will assists planners in ensuring the delivery of essential components to sustainable development,” said Mr Milburn.

The draft Biodiversity Strategy will be placed on public exhibition and open for community feedback on 2 August for 42 days through Council’s Your Say Macleay website.