Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

CMCA Casino Motorhome Village

"Companionship, security and safety" are three of the features Val McCormick and Sue Houlgrave, members of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), like about the CMCA (Casino) Motorhome Village.

Val and Susie from Warnervale near Wyong are typical of the growing band of motorhomers booking into the Village that is being developed on land at Casino airport.

The Village already boasts the completion of stage one, accommodating 70 sites, a brand new amenities block and the conversion of the terminal building into a Club House complete with a modern café with extensive outdoor covered areas. Combined with extensive landscaping that has seen over 3,000 trees planted, the Village is quickly taking shape.

Director Vincent Moran is proud of the progress made in the nine months since the first sod was turned.

"It's going spectacularly," Mr Moran said. "Stage two will be completed within weeks and will have capacity for 80 rigs. We have rally gatherings planned for Anzac weekend, a HF Radio rally expected to attract over 100 rigs and Beef Week."

Mr Moran said Casino is already reaping economic benefits from the Village.

"We have spent $1.5 million to date and have nine people and up to 25 sub contractors working on the site," he said.

And with tennis courts, a swimming pool, disc bowls area and a putting green to be completed before the end of the year, there should be more benefits to follow.

Casino airport is still functional to light aircraft and is home to the Summerland Gliders and Casino Aero Club.

Council Election Results

There's always a surprise or two when the public gets to exercise it's democratic right at elections, and the recent Richmond Valley council elections are no exception.

In a result that surprised and disappointed some, two term councillor Don Harvey has missed out on a place, leaving the sensitive lower river area of Evans Head, Woodburn and Broadwater with just one representative - Ray Jeffery.

The full team is: Sandra Duncan-Humphrys, Col Sullivan, Ray Jeffery, Robert Mustow, Peter McLennan, Shirley Wheatley, Norma Thomas and Norma Wise, plus mayor Charlie Cox.

The new council will have two new members, Casino businessman Peter McLennan and Coraki woman Norma Wise, both members of Charlie Cox's team.

Coraki now boasts two "Normas" on council; surely a first for Coraki and also a first for Normas!

Business and community representatives expressed disappointment that Don Harvey had not been re-elected.

"We're very disappointed," said one business owner. "Don put a lot into the community."

Cr Harvey chaired Council's waste water committee, which has been unable to reach agreement on options for wet weather disposal from the planned sewerage treatment plant upgrade, with environmental bureaucrats continually reneging on the committee's recommendations.

Whilst Richmond Valley Council is not known for factional battles, the balance is firmly in Charlie Cox's favour with his full team elected and Mayor Cox having the casting vote in the event of a tie.

With five of the eight councillors plus the mayor being Casino based, councillors will also have a responsibility to ensure they represent the whole Valley and especially the outlying rural sectors.

A special meeting will be called for councillors to elect a deputy mayor.

Then it's back to business for four and a half years.

The Village Players

The cane fields are awash with the sound of music, comedy and dance as the newly formed Evans Head amateur theatre group The Village Players gets into full swing for their first production, Robin Hoodwink.

According to founder Maureen Follers talent is coming out of the, well... cane fields!

"We have discovered several wonderful actors who did not know they were actors; dancers, and some superb blues and jazz singers," Maureen said. "There is enthusiasm and energy amongst the cast and production team with the props people hunting down a cauldron and a stuffed parrot."

Tickets will go on sale in May and the group is holding a fundraising promotion called 'Kikstart a Star'.

The group is still open to interested people from across the Richmond Valley. If you have something to offer in any way at all phone Maureen on 6682 5841.