Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

Time for action on train

Now that the Federal elections are over it's time to bring together all those promises made by State and Commonwealth parties in relation to the Casino-Murwillumbah rail line and determine what they really mean.

At last week's meeting No. 2 of the Working Party set up by Minister Costa, a number of recommendations were made to the Minister.

The Working Party, which includes all our Mayors, recommends that the rail corridor be preserved and remain in public ownership and that Mr Costa and Mr Anderson develop a funding agreement and meet with the Working Party on November 19.

Further, that no action be taken to dismantle the line, that a formal investigation be made into extending the corridor through Queensland (to include researching any options for the addition of a third rail to appropriate lines).

Given the predictions that 1.3 million people will move into South-East Queensland by 2026, coupled with the expected increases in our own region's growth, the provision of a rail commuter service from Casino north would appear to be logical planning.

Highway forums

Council has received advice from the RTA that it will be commencing community forums this month as part of its Pacific Highway upgrade planning.

Of particular interest to us in Richmond Valley is the section from the Iluka turn-off to Ballina, a total of some 67.5 kilometres. The upgrade will produce a four-lane dual carriageway which, in by-passing Woodburn and Broadwater, will bring much needed relief to residents in those townships.

Determining the final route will be influenced by potential impacts on properties, agricultural land, businesses and the environment.

Following community consultation and field investigations, the route options will be placed on display for public comment. The preferred route and concept designs will be identified and prepared for the whole Pacific Highway by mid-2006.

Poor parking

Although not confined to Casino people alone, a number of our drivers are in the habit of overstaying in time restricted parking slots in the CBD. Another local habit is the tendency to make a number of stops in the CBD and park in front of each shop where we want to do business.

Council is concerned at the inconvenience these practices cause to us all and the effect it can have on business as well as giving visitors a poor impression of our town.

I remind you that there are a number of off-street parking areas available, all within easy walking distance. In using them, you'll not only free up other CBD spaces, but get the chance to greet others on the way.

Lest we forget

Today is Remembrance Day, a day for reflection on the futility of war and the sad impact it continues to make on the lives of so many. Casino's traditional wreath laying at the Mafeking Lamp will be followed by a dedication of a new flagpole at the Memorial Hospital.

During the recent reunion of the 7th Division AIF in Casino, our Library was presented with a book recounting the WW II battle for the Kokoda Track. The Kokoda campaign and its importance to our freedom in Australia is a saga that our younger generations should be made well aware of. I recommend you borrow Peter Fitzsimon's book.