Council adopts 20-year plan for Clunes

LISMORE City Council has formally adopted the Clunes Master Plan, setting a long-term framework to guide growth in the village over the next 20 years.

The plan was endorsed at Council’s February ordinary meeting following more than a year of community consultation and was also supported by the Clunes Community Reference Group after changes were made in response to feedback.

The Master Plan is designed to provide certainty for residents while strengthening protections for Clunes’ landscape, heritage and environmental assets.

“This plan was shaped by what people told us mattered most, protecting Clunes’ character, improving safety and amenity and planning carefully for the future,” mayor Steve Krieg said.

“It gives Council a clear mandate to manage growth responsibly, not to rush it.”

The framework outlines staged growth options and will inform future planning controls to ensure development aligns with community expectations.

Council’s director of planning and economy Graham Snow said the plan provided clarity about how change would be managed over time.

He said the proposed Urban Green Corridor was a key example of balancing environmental protection with careful planning.

“The Urban Green Corridor protects and strengthens ecological connections and waterways while guiding development to appropriate locations,” Snow said.

Planning and engagement support for the project was provided by Ethos Urban, Living Lab Northern Rivers and Barker Ryan Stewart in partnership with Council’s project team.