Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

Rate rise approved

Council has received advice from the Minister for Local Government that he has approved Richmond Valley Council's application for a rate increase. The 12.71% approved increase will enable Council to generate an additional $469,111 to improve service levels and maintenance.

Of this allowed increase, Council will devote $388,411 (82%) to roads. Rural and unsealed roads have been targeted for the majority of this amount. The results of our recent survey show that road standards and maintenance are continuing issues within our community. I can assure you that Council is working through the process of establishing a roads hierarchy.

The purpose of a road hierarchy is to give each individual road a category which will indicate the level of service Council can afford to give it. Classification of categories will depend largely on usage and importance.

Minister Kelly's approval of the rate increase is not to be confused with Council's new land rating structure. The newly adopted rates structure will be explained at two information sessions (Casino, July 27 and at Evans Head, July 28).

New waste service

I thank you on behalf of Council for your co-operation and consideration in these early stages of the "new" waste collection service. I use the word "new" to indicate that Council has now taken over the service right across our Richmond Valley.

Previously the Casino service was operated by an outside contractor whilst Council serviced our other villages with our own vehicle.

Can I remind you that the rules as circulated to you are not new - just a reminder of conditions that were put in place quite a few years ago.

The disposal of green waste has caused the most comment and needs some explanation. Green waste takes up considerable landfill space on disposal through your domestic waste bins. Buried in the landfill it sheds moisture as it decomposes. This liquid can then dissolve harmful chemicals and heavy metals and carry them beneath the surface, presenting a potential environmental problem elsewhere.

Green waste is best disposed of above ground (whether in your compost bin or at a special location at the landfill) where it can be used as mulch. (Council sells mulch at an attractive price.)

Once again I ask that you use your good judgement in this matter. (Perhaps you might even consider purchasing a lawnmower that mulches when you have to replace your old one.)

Roads concerns remain

Last week, along with our Director Works, I attended the National Local Roads Congress. Some 520 delegates from every state gave overwhelming approval and support to the Federal Government's Roads to Recovery program and to the AusLink project.

Papers on road safety, improving mobility for our ageing population and community transport were presented by different states. Of particular interest were the plans to improve transport security and the technology which can monitor the movements of heavy vehicles anywhere in Australia.

Roads continue to be a major topic - vehicle movements are predicted to double in the next twenty years - but the national masterplan known as AusLink aims to encourage greater use of rail corridors to carry freight along major routes.