Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Drought hits

Casino, Kyogle and Bonalbo have been forced to introduce Level 1 water restrictions due to the continuing dry conditions and low rainfalls in the area.

The restrictions come into force at midnight this Saturday, August 28, and ban the use of sprinklers and fixed hoses, including soaker hoses, between 8am and 4pm.

Hand held hoses can be used at any time, but Richmond Valley Council general manager Brian Wilkinson said they should only be used in the early morning or evening.

"If rain is not received soon, Level 2 restrictions will shortly follow," he said.

Smart solution

A chemical treatment developed by Southern Cross University researchers to improve the quality of effluent from the ageing Evans Head sewage treatment plant could be useful for councils throughout Australia. Richmond Valley Council strategic planning manager, Ray Medhurst, said the interim measure was a solution to problems with high phosphorous and nutrient levels at the plant, which is due to be replaced in two years time.

Dr Malcolm Clark, a senior research fellow at SCU, together with Professor Dave McConchie, developed the technology, which uses modified residue from the bauxite (the ore in aluminium) refining process to treat mining wastes.

Dr Clark said the residue could be added to sewage effluents to reduce the level of phosphorous and therefore reduce the chance of blue green algae, as well as improving the leftover sludge, and reducing odours.CMCA Open Day

Director of the Casino CMCA motorhome village, Vincent Moran, is looking forward to showing off the village to locals during this weekend's craft and market open day.

"We want local people to come and see where we're up to."

Mr Moran said the club regularly has 30 to 40 vehicles booked in nightly and has lodged a development application for stage two of the village, which includes 25 'pre-tirement' villas.

"These villas will be brick veneer and built to the same high standard we've established in the manager's cottage and amenities blocks," Mr Moran said.

The open day will see over 25 stalls selling hand made craft and produce. There's a pancake breakfast from 7 to 9am, followed by morning tea and lunch. The Village Green will be officially opened at 10am.

Father's Day lunch

Windara Nursery and Tearooms are holding a Father's Day luncheon in the Waterbird Restaurant overlooking the beautiful gardens. The cost is $20pp and includes a baked meal, with dessert and tea or coffee. Bookings are essential. Phone 6662 3857.

Coraki Artsfest

Entry forms are now available for the annual Coraki Tea Tree Art Prize to be held from October 29 to 31. This year will also include an Artsfest with workshops, music and stalls. There's over $5000 in prizes to be won, including a $1000 prize for 'Best in Show'. Entries close on October 18.

Entry forms are available from the Lismore Regional Art Gallery, SCU School of Visual Arts, TAFE Art Department, Uptown Picture Framing, Premier Art Supplies, Northern Rivers Art & Drafting, Fletchers Fotographics and Armistead's Gallery; Casino at the Platypus Gallery in the Tourist Information Centre, Norma's Arts & Crafts, the Corner Bookstore, and Casino Country Store; Woodburn from Hand Crafted Creatures, and the ITC Centre, and in Evans Head at the Paperbark Gallery and the newsagent.

For more information phone Sharon Walker on 6683 2626 or Kate Welch on 6683 2325.