2026: From Planning to Pavement
Happy New Year, everyone. If you’re reading this with a slightly fuzzy head and a resolution you’ve already broken, don’t worry –you’re in good company.
2025 was, in many ways, the “Year of the Paperwork.” We sat through countless reviews, studies, and town planning sessions, debating exactly who we want to be as a district. While “reflection” isn’t always exciting, that groundwork was vital.
As of late 2024/early 2025, Clarence Town and Surrounds reached an estimated Resident Population of 3,173, which builds on the 13.6% population surge Clarence Town experienced between 2016 and 2021—a rate significantly higher than many other regional hubs. More families are choosing our “big sky” lifestyle, and frankly, who can blame them?
But 2026 is where the dust starts flying. We are officially moving into the “Action Phase.” The construction certificate for the long-awaited petrol station has finally been accepted for assessment, meaning we’re another step closer to be able to fill up without a roadmap and a packed lunch.
Even bigger? The $6-million pub development by Tony McLeod and Williams River Steel is set to transform the town’s social pulse (Don’t miss the DDCC dinner on 26 Feb, where Tony will reveal all). Add the new Clarence Town Bridge, which is on track to wrap up by late 26.
With Mayor Digby Rayward’s council, the Progress Association, the “Community Builders”and other organisations – we are ready to turn those 2025 plans into 2026 reality. It’s going to be a year progress – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Cathy Schneider, Editor
