Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Rates debate

"We've hit the hip pocket nerve!"

With that comment, Mayor Charlie Cox hit the nail on the head regarding the public outcry, especially in Evans Head, over the effect of Richmond Valley Council's proposed rate rise.

Submissions have closed; public meetings are over; and next week's Council meeting will be crucial in deciding which option will be adopted after councillors digest the public response.

Some councillors have been surprised at the strength of opposition. After a series of poorly attended meetings in Casino and Evans Head, more than 300 angry residents attended the final meeting in Woodburn last week. The proposed rate rise, based on land values, which have soared in recent years especially in Evans Head, could result in property owners facing increases of up to 400%.

In the Draft Management Plan Council had only one rate rise option, however, following a review of the feedback and submissions Council is now looking at other options to make the rate rise more balanced.

Council is now trying to juggle the need for increased revenue to offset budgetary problems with the effect on ratepayers.

"Council has a diverse community, including pensioners and youth, and I don't want to see anyone disadvantaged, but Council has a legal obligation to take a holistic approach to ensure that rating is fair and equitable," Cr Sandra Humphrys said. "We're tying to turn ourselves over from a maintenance council to a progressive council. If we don't get our finances sorted we will not be able to fund future capital works, leaving ourselves open to further amalgamations."

Cr Ray Jeffery, the only councillor from Evans Head, described the effects on his community, saying, "It's tragic. And devastating to young first home buyers."

People interested in the direction Council takes over the rate rise should attend next week's Council meeting or contact a local councillor to discuss the implications.

Primex time again

The annual Primex agricultural exhibition is on in Casino from next Thursday to Saturday, June 17-19, at the exhibition grounds at the eastern entrance to Casino.

Primex will have the usual mix of agricultural machinery, beef and dairy cattle, trade displays and information stands as well as a whole variety of demonstrations on everything from wrinkle free ironing board covers to the latest camp ovens.

One exhibit that always attracts interest is the Dairy Australia display. Communications manager from Dairy Australia, Rob Morton, said representatives will be on hand throughout the event to provide dairy farmers with a full range of information.

"Dairy Australia representatives will be around to discuss how the latest research findings can deliver benefits to your farm, your productivity and to the entire industry," he said.

"In addition, representatives from Top Fodder will be at the display to help farmers plan how to improve the quality and effectiveness of their silage operations."

See you at Primex!

BEC closure

The closure of the Casino Regional Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) will be a big loss to the Richmond Valley community. This service has been operating for 14 years and its closure will make it harder for rural people to access the free support and information available from this useful shop front for businesses.

Manager Shirley McNaughton heard the news of the closure on the radio, and was not impressed.

"It's a loss of a major, local, easy access service," Shirley said.

She stressed that the service is not about to close its doors immediately, and has several workshops coming up.

"Its business as usual at least until September," she said.

Beef Week art

Coordinators of the Casino Beef Week Art Exhibition, Chrissie Smart and Narelle Jarvis, want to say congratulations to all winners and a big thank you to the many sponsors of the show. Here's the list of the winning entries that were chosen by the viewing public and are now on display in the Platypus Gallery at the Casino Visitor Information Centre.

Artwork open section - 1st prize: Gerry Willis' Down On The Farm. 2nd prize: Laura Morris' Romans 5:3-5.

Artwork high school - 1st prize: Elyse Cruikshank's Red Flower. 2nd prize: Natasha Crook's Watchful Eyes.

Artwork primary school - 1st prize: Joseph Belford ("Surfing"). 2nd prize: Joseph Belford's Goanna.

Photography open section - 1st prize: Adam Faulkner's Lightning Over St. Joseph's. 2nd prize: Angela Duscher's Amanda.

Photography high school section - 1st prize: Tia Clayton's Millie. 2nd prize: Shannon Maguire's Soccer Star.

Photography primary school - 1st prize: Caitlyn Santin (Untitled). 2nd prize: Kiarlea Layland's My Little Tuff Brother.

The winners of the raffle were: 1st prize E McNamara, 2nd prize A Hogan and 3rd prize E Watterston.

Please feel free to contact Therese with any Richmond Valley news, events, or story ideas, at or Ph: 6662 7735, or fax: 6662 2811.