What is Valley Watch?

A community organisation -
Keeping an eye on activities in the Valley
Focusing on the natural environment
Aiming for a region that nurtures all who live here

Valley Watch recognises the interaction of human activity and the environment. A well-managed environment provides resources for growth, opportunities for the community and a pleasurable lifestyle. With this comes the responsibility to understand and care for the region's natural resources, beauty and biodiversity, now and for future generations.

What do we do?

Valley Watch identifies key activities that may impact on the Clarence Valley.
Land use is a critical factor in a catchment area such as the Clarence Valley. Valley Watch considers resource management and nature conservation projects as primary activities in the region. Valley Watch liaises with government, industry and community groups throughout the region.
Achieving an appropriate balance between specific economic and environmental concerns is vital. The natural resources underpin the economic and social viability of the region. Valley Watch provides an independent voice for the community.
Being involved in natural resource management and biodiversity protection is a right entitled to all members of the community.

The Clarence Valley has a wide and diverse range of natural resources and ecosystems. The region has recognised areas of high conservation value. Importantly these all perform a vital role.

The Vegetation in the floodplains, wetlands and tidal areas of the Clarence River:

i Control riverbank erosion by stabilising the banks of the river, and by absorbing the force of flowing water.

ii Improve water quality by filtering sediment and pollutants in run-off from adjacent land uses.

iii Provide habitat,food and movement corridors for larvae, fish, frogs, birds and other fauna living in the riparian zone.

iv Represent remnant areas of local vegetation otherwise lost by clearing and urbanisation.

What have we achieved?

Renowned ecologist, Mark Graham, has undertaken a survey to identify significant vegetation corridors that are essential to the biodiversity in the valley. This report also includes his findings on unique species in the Clarence Valley.

Valley Watch has highlighted, and alerted the community to the presence of acid sulphate soils in the Lower Clarence.

This was instrumental in preventing inappropriate development in several areas, but most notably the proposal of the construction of a major development on the low-lying area of Micalo Island.

Valley Watch has funded a scientific report on the management of the flying fox in the Clarence Valley.

This report by PhD. Candidate and researcher, Billie Roberts acknowledges that the management of the flying fox is important to the community. The flying fox is also recognised as significant for the propagation of the iconic forests of the Clarence Valley.

Valley Watch continually plays a part in all levels of government accountability.

As a community organisation we lobby government and all recognised political parties, with regard to issues we believe are important to the Clarence Valley.