Kempsey Shire Council says it has taken a vital step to protect the rich ecosystems in the Macleay Valley and manage 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 the 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.
Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Liz Campbell said the development of a Biodiversity Strategy for the Kempsey Shire was 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 Mayor Campbell.
Kempsey Shire Council General Manager, Craig Milburn said the strategy would 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.
