The entire local government area (LGA) was digitally photographed from the air in 2007 using LiDAR to ensure that the most up-to-date planning information can be made available to Council and the community.

“LiDAR will help us provide much more accurate information to create even clearer aerial and 3-D maps that can identify geographic features, waterways, contours and even particular vegetation areas,” said Stephen Sawtell, Council’s General Manager.

“Aerial photography forms the basis upon which many vital studies and databases are reliant.

“These include flood studies and modelling, the Koala Plan of Management review, Fire Prone Mapping, the Local Environmental Study for the Corindi/Red Rock LEP Review, vegetation updates and validation, pre-planning and preliminary design of Council works and more accurate production of such information as slope and aspect data, which is often required for studies.

“We are currently working towards a review of the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) – the umbrella planning rules which guide the development of Coffs Harbour City.

“Having accurate data on the LGA’s current vegetation and habitats is particularly crucial as it will form the basis of the vegetation review – a vital step in the LEP amendment process,” he said.

The last time the whole LGA was photographed was in 2000 and, since then, the technology has advanced enough to provide even more detailed data.

“With LiDAR we can create images of the LGA to a level of 50-centimetre contours, rather than the current 10-metre contours,” said Mr Sawtell.

“This allows us to redefine features such as creeks and other waterways, which are prone to change over time.

“Being able to update such information regularly is a vital planning tool for Council and the wider community.

“All the information gathered will be available for purchase by any interested members of the public, government agencies or professional bodies,” he said.