"Correspondence has been received from Clarence Valley Council , advising of its resolution to oppose future mining in the Clarence River Catchment following a petition signed by 10,000 Clarence Valley residents opposing mining which will be tabled in the NSW Parliament", she said.

"The correspondence notes that members of the Clarence Valley community are concerned that mining will not only have detrimental environmental effects, but also puts at risk the drinking water for the Clarence and Coffs Harbour areas and significant industries like the fishing industry. Clarence Valley Council is seeking the support of adjoining councils for a moratorium on future mining."

Mayor Sparks also requested that council participate in the 2021 Bush Bursary Country Women's Association of NSW Scholarship Program by providing sponsorship for two trainee nurses at a total cost of $3,000.

"The NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) Bush Bursaries and Country Women's Association of NSW Scholarship is a student initiative aimed to attract and encourage a passionate and sustainable future health workforce to consider rural and remote Glen Innes Severn Council opportunities to ensure regional, rural and remote communities are safeguarded into the future," she said.

"The Scholarships provide selected medical students in NSW and the ACT with funding to assist with costs associated with their studies. In return, students spend two weeks on a rural placement in country NSW during their university holidays.

"The scholarships are also open to nursing students, recognising the important role played by nurses in rural communities - there are no other opportunities of this type available to nursing students in NSW.

"Savings of $3,000 have been identified in the governance budget to cover this."