Deputy Mayor James Angel raised the matter at Council’s 19 March meeting, in response to a petition containing around 375 names and signatures.

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The petitioners are seeking help to address issues such as cleanliness, a lack of green spaces, lighting, signage, and parking.

They also wish to increase the police presence in the main street and CBD of Nambucca Heads.

Identified as a key area of concern in Council’s recent Community Strategic Plan feedback report, this motion ensures funding will be included in the 2025/26 Budget to produce a Nambucca Main Street CBD Master Plan.

A report into the raised issues will be delivered to Council at a future meeting.

Council will also write to Member for Oxley Michael Kemp seeking his assistance to request an increase in the presence of NSW Police foot patrols.

Councillors David Jones and Jane Smith did not vote on the motion, having declared pecuniary interests.

While she voted in favour of the motion, Cr Susan Jenvey spoke out on a number of points, mentioning that Bowraville is also in need of improvements, having had two master plans without any funding for changes.

She also expressed frustration with the motion’s focus on crime prevention.

“I’m also pretty sick of saying that… increasing crime. All the stats are that crime is down from 2010.

“Crime is such a complex social thing to solve.

“It’s more than just extra policing and it’s more than just a politician saying I’m tough on crime,” Cr Jenvey said.

This prompted strong responses from two councillors, with Cr Troy Vance saying, “I was at the polling booths when you (Cr Jenvey) were getting elected and you told almost every person that you were going to put a motion forward to upgrade the main street.

“It’s pretty upsetting that you’re not supporting it.”

Cr Jenvey’s signature appears in the list of those who have signed the petition, which was delivered to council by Kay Harkness, Director of local business InTouch Boutique.

By Ned COWIE