Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Stress claims from drowning

Richmond Valley Council is facing two liability claims over the drowning of toddler Chloe Ensby in the north Casino retention pond in April 2001. Following a question by Cr Ray Jeffery at Tuesday's meeting, general manager Brian Wilkinson revealed that both claims are stress-related from people who attended the scene on the day of the toddler's death.

One claim is for $40,000, whilst the amount of the second claim is not specified.

Meanwhile, work on improving safety around the pond is continuing. Council's works director, Gary Murphy, said that a temporary fence is in place until the stabilisation work on the pond bank is secure. Last year Council decided against fencing the pond, despite a coroner's finding recommending it be fenced.

Building's future unknown

Following negotiations behind closed doors with a potential buyer of the former Casino council building, general manager Brian Wilkinson says Council intends to decide the issue "as soon as possible."

Earlier, the Council meeting heard that plans to develop the Art Deco complex into a cultural and heritage centre - as presented to community groups earlier in the year - had never been fully developed, despite a March Council resolution to apply for funding for a feasibility study into the proposal.

Meanwhile, Peter Gallo presented Council with a 100-signature petition calling on the Council to retain the building as an arts centre. Mr Gallo has also hinted at legal action to block the sale of the building, saying he has discussed the matter with the NSW Ombudsman.

Evans Head poo plant

A new Evans Head sewerage treatment plant finally looks like getting the go ahead following "reluctant" agreement on the method of wet weather release. Mayor Charlie Cox said that National Parks and Department of Environment and Conservation representatives had made it clear that options preferred by the community were unacceptable.

"The only option available is to reluctantly release into the river," Cr Cox said. "There's not a great deal of acceptance by the Evans Head community [for this option], but we have no other option".

Alternative for retirement home

Developers of a $30 million nursing home at Evans Head have been offered three alternative sites at the memorial aerodrome. The offer comes following delays in negotiations between the Ballina Ex-Services Home group and Aboriginal Native Title claimants over 10 hectares of Crown Land that have been approved for the development.

Council's general manager Brian Wilkinson said he believes that an ex-services retirement home would be in keeping with the heritage value of the aerodrome.

Junbung Walkway

Eight Aboriginal trainees showed off the results of their restoration work on the Junbung Walkway riverbank project during a tour of the track this week.

When completed, the Junbung Walkway project will go from below Queen Elizabeth Park to Grey's Falls to re-create a message track used by Aboriginal tribes. It will feature art telling the story of the track and the importance of the river.

Trainee Darnzie Hall said everyone was pleased to turn the former wasteland into something beautiful.

"It's made the workers feel proud to see what we've contributed to the community," Darnzie said.

The workers have also completed TAFE in the process.

The Casino Boolangle Local Aboriginal Land Council is developing the project. Coordinator Brendon Torrens invited people to visit the track and said volunteers are welcome to join in the continuing riverbank restoration.

Phone him on 6662 6286.

Village Open Day

The CMCA Casino Motorhome Village is holding an open day with market stalls of hand made craft and homemade produce on Sunday, August 29.

Director Vincent Moran said people will have the chance to see how the village is developing.

"We would like to make this a fun weekend for both the CMCA members and the locals who have made us so welcome in their town,"he said.

Village manager Narelle Hoskings said there would be food and drink stalls along with craft and produce.

"You might like to give breakfast a miss and take advantage of the yummy hot pancakes which will be available - or maybe hamburgers for lunch," she said.

The open day also marks the official opening of the Village Square, the development's centrepiece.

The open day begins at 9am with free entry and a gold coin donation to the Rural Fire Service for parking.

Narelle said motorhomers are currently making their way to the next rally at Toowoomba, and the village currently has around 50 motorhomes and campervans on site daily.

Stall hire is just $12 and stallholders should contact Narelle on 6662 1069 or fax 6662 3222 for an application form.

Ride of the life

Scott Peart with rider Tony Keogh, owner of BC Cycles in Casino, who will be riding around the region this week as part of Tour de Hooker, raising funds for medical research.

Local bike riders will hit the road today, August 19, for a four-day ride from Kingscliff to Grafton to raise funds for research into cystic fibrosis.

Novice mountain biker Scott Peart from LJ Hooker Casino is organising the local effort as the 'Tour de Hooker' and hopes to raise $15,000 for the incurable genetic condition, which effects the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems, shortening life expectancy.

Riders include Tony Keogh and Col Porsche, co-founders of the Mongrel Bastards Mountain Bike Club, road racer Susan Sims and 'elder statesman' Roly Webb.

The 350km route takes the cyclists through Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Evans Head and has the support of LJ Hooker offices in the towns they pass through, where you can drop in a donation or phone Scott on 6662 7222.