Environmental Special Variation: Investing in environmental outcomes

Have your say on a proposed Environmental Special Variation to contribute to the care of our natural environment

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

How can I get involved?

From September to October, Council will be out in the community talking about the proposed Environmental Special Variation.

Take action:

• Complete the survey below
• Attend one of our pop-up information days

Let us know what you think about the Environmental Special Variation.

How can I find out how much it will cost for me?

Bring your annual rate notice (not your instalment notice) into one of our customer service centres, call 02 6643 0200, or bring your notice to one of the information sessions, and our team can let you know how much it will cost based on your current land valuation.

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.

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.

Request a presentation for your community organisation

Are you a ratepayer group/organisation and want to learn more about the proposed Environment Special Variation? By filling out this form, you can request a Council staff member to come talk to your group.