Mayor reflects on his first year in office

Published on 09 October 2025

Yesterday marks one year since the new Nambucca Valley Council was sworn in on 8 October 2024.

Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said councillors experienced a whirlwind first year with two natural disasters, preliminary construction starting at Valla Urban Growth Area Stage 1 and the valley’s Community Strategic Plan and four-year Delivery Program being delivered.

“I have overwhelmingly enjoyed my first year as Mayor and it’s certainly been non-stop,” he said.

“First-year reflections tend to focus on the big things – bridges being opened or major construction – but for me some of my most enjoyable moments have been travelling out to Whip Mountain or into Bowraville to meet with residents.

“I am glad I was able to be of assistance to the valley during ex-tropical cyclone Alfred and flooding in May. My police and emergency management experience helped during this time, as I was able to easily support our State Emergency Service workers and police by sharing information with our community.

“I’d like to thank the Nambucca Valley community for placing their trust in me and electing me as Mayor in September 2024. I’m certainly growing into the role.”

Key achievements for the Mayor, Councillors and Council during their first year have included:

• Consulting on and delivering the 10-year Community Strategic Plan identifying our long-term community vision and aspirations. A four-year Delivery Program was also published.
• Deputy Mayor James Angel turning sod at Stage 1, an industrial precinct within the Valla Urban Growth Area, officially starting construction of enabling infrastructure at the site. This stage includes the development of 15, fully serviced industrial lots due for release in mid-2026.
• Releasing benefits of improved drainage at several community sports ovals including Macksville Park, EJ Biffin Playing Fields, Nambucca Heads, and Hennessey Tape Oval senior field, Bowraville, delivered with State and Federal Government funding. Council hopes to improve drainage at other sports ovals in the future, subject to funding.
• Opening the Bellwood Park splash pad, Nambucca Heads.
• Working with different community groups and presiding over citizenship ceremonies and the National Celebration Day Awards. Attending Section 355 committee meetings with community members is another highlight. The traffic committee meetings, for example, resulted in the Mayor strongly advocating for a safer road solution at the intersection of Valla Beach Road and Giinagay Way. A solution has since been provided after the Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison last week (Thursday 3 October) announced a roundabout for the intersection.

Fact sheet(PDF, 1MB)

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO:

Mr Bede Spannagle

GENERAL MANAGER

02 6568 2555

Bede Spannagle

GENERAL MANAGER

DATE: 8 October 2025