Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

Recognising the river

Every town has its own special character and attractions. It often happens that, as residents, we become so used to our surroundings that we overlook those special features. It has been said that, from time to time, we should look at our town through the eyes of a visitor.

One of Casino's unique natural features is our river. Though not deep and imposing, it is unique in many ways. Few towns have white water such as we have nor the opportunity to view the water life either from directly overhead or at close quarters. Our river is accessible at a number of locations and we are fortunate to have preserved a number of riverside public parks.

The work undertaken recently by the Casino Boolangle Landcare Group to restore a message track along the southern bank adjacent to the footbridge is an important step in refocusing our attention on Casino's ribbon of life. In completing the project, eight trainees gained a Certificate II in Conservation Land Management through TAFE.

Recently our councillors inspected the walking track and were very impressed with the vision and pride shown by those involved in the six- month project.

Casino has a beautiful river. We need to promote more projects such as the Junbung Walkway and rectify the visual and environmental noxious plants to the river terraces.

Health future

Last week the deputy mayor Sandra Humphrys and I attended a public consultation community meeting in Lismore to discuss the function, terms of reference, composition and operation of the proposed North Coast Area Health Advisory Council.

With the enlargement of the Area Health footprint to cover health services from Kempsey to Tweed Heads a new advisory committee needs to be formed. Suggestions from the floor indicate a preference for a membership of 8-12 community representatives inclusive of clinicians. There were divided opinions on the relative numbers from health workers and those outside the industry.

I was able to put forward the view that local government, the body representative of such large numbers of each community, has an important role to play in expressive views, concerns and needs.

If you wish to make comments on the composition or operation of the new Health Advisory Council, address them to Locked Bag 961, North Sydney, NSW, 2059.

Rail future

Meanwhile, the region's mayors and general managers met last week to discuss matters relating to the interim feasibility report on the future of the branch rail line. A concern to us all is the plight of rail employees whose future is uncertain. A request has been made of Minister Michael Costa to visit our area and effect a satisfactory resolution to the matter.

Travelling the rainforest way

The Rainforest Way project team is making progress on its implementation. Rainforest Way is an initiative of Northern Rivers Tourism and is intended to raise awareness of our region's rainforest areas and their global significance through increased visitation by both local and overseas tourists.

Obviously there will be benefits forthcoming for businesses involved in hospitality and rural tourism. Additionally, there will be the promotion of different entry points to our region and some lessening of traffic on the Pacific Highway.

Richmond Valley Council has been involved with the Rainforest Way since its inception and is hopeful of long-term benefits to our community.