Greens councillor Jonathan Cassell tabled the notice of motion at City of Coffs Harbour’s July 11 meeting, which passed unanimously.

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Cr Cassell said the decision begins planning to better protect the regional water supply, from the Dorrigo plateau to the coastal areas of the Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley LGAs.

“This motion aims to protect our water catchment in its entirety and starts a process that would see Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley Councils fall into line with other NSW Councils,” Cr Cassell said.

“Due to our changing climate, there is a growing need to consider the health of our drinking water catchment holistically and this all starts with a model like a Special Protected Areas framework.

“In Coffs Harbour, Council already oversees the protection of our local water infrastructure and catchments, such as at Karangi Dam, but this framework would be extended to include the headwaters of the Nymbodia River that extends up to the Dorrigo plateau and falls within the Clarence Valley Council area.

“This plan would require cooperation with the Clarence Valley Council since Karangi Dam is connected to Shannon Creek Dam that collects water from the Nymbodia River during times of high flow, which is essential storage in times of drought.

The Council report is expected to include information on current controls in place in catchment areas outside Coffs Harbour.

“The report coming back to councillors will also identify what controls Clarence Valley Council are currently using to protect our drinking water catchment.”