Environmental Special Variation: Investing in environmental outcomes
Feedback and survey have now closed.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts. We are currently reviewing the data, and an Engagement Report is being prepared. Updates will be shared on this page once the report is finalised.
How you got involved
From September to October, Council was out in the community talking about the proposed Environmental Special Variation.
Here’s how you got involved:
- Attended one of our 5 drop-in sessions
- Shared your thoughts through the online survey, closed Friday 31 October.
- Provided feedback and questions to help inform the next steps
- Brought your annual rate notice to our information sessions or customer service centres so we could calculate how much the variation would cost based on your current land valuation
History
At the June 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors resolved to investigate the possibility of a Special Variation (SV) to fund environmental projects previously endorsed in Council plans and strategies.
The Council has investigated three funding sources including internal reserves, State and Federal Government funding, and an Environmental Special Variation.
By introducing an average of $35.00 per rateable property to your general rates as an Environmental Special Variation, 75 environmental projects could be funded.
These include:
• Bush regeneration
• Environmental monitoring
• Biodiversity planning
• Pollution control
• Riverbank and waterway management
• Coastal protection
• Climate adaptation
• Community education
Why is the Environmental Special Variation being proposed?
Through feedback from surveys and consultations, our community has told us that protecting the natural environment is a top priority. A review of adopted Council plans identified 75 environmental projects the community expects to see delivered. Even though we have implemented a range of productivity improvements, including annual internal reviews, a 2021 staff restructure and rationalisation of assets across the Clarence Valley, there is still a funding shortfall. The Special Variation will reduce that funding gap.
View more Frequently Asked Questions here.
Proposed funding breakdown over the next 10 years
An Environmental Special Variation is a proposed increase to general rates, dedicated solely to environmental projects. As shown below, the Special Variation is one component of the total funding needed to deliver the identified projects.
If introduced, the Environmental Special Variation would contribute nearly half of the required funding, providing secure, long-term support for both current and emerging environmental projects over the next 10 years.
For a small fee, we can make a big impact.