Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

Looking back on a great year

As 2004 draws to a close, I feel it is timely to reflect on some of the significant happenings of the past 12 months across our Richmond Valley Council area.

This time last year saw the opening of the Casino RSM Shopping Village, a development which indicates positive confidence in the commercial future of Casino.

In February 2004, Richmond Valley Council moved into its new $3 million administration building. Another boost for the district came with the $700,000 extension to the Casino Golf Club in readiness for their 2005 centenary celebrations.

Aided through Richmond Valley Council's Economic Development Unit and its tourism operation, we are building a solid reputation for an ability to support and stage sustainable events across the whole Council area. The Australia Day celebration at Woodburn was a vibrant back-to-the-future affair. The Fishing Classic at Evans Head attracts wide involvement and the Coraki Art Prize and Festival continues to come up with new ideas.

Casino Beef Week and Primex are firmly established as unique in their fields and bring considerable ongoing economic benefits.

The opening of our Tourist Information Centre at Woodburn enables us to promote the whole of the Richmond Valley at this important highway gateway, whilst the opening of the Platypus Gallery at the Casino Visitor Information Centre adds welcome cultural depth to this well-patronised travellers' amenity.

Other significant events were the Annual Conference of the NSW Saleyards Operators Association, the Annual Reunion of the 7th Division AIF, the opening of the Campervan and Motorhome Club Village Square, the moving National Police Remembrance Day ceremony, the Casino Relay for Life in support of the NSW Cancer Council and the dedication of the Coraki War Memorial.

Richmond Valley Council continues in its efforts to provide quality service and infrastructure within the constraints of available monies. This year we began a review of all our programmes and services and have introduced the concept of Community Network Groups to increase public awareness and involvement in Council matters.

We are working to ensure land is available to the proposed retirement village project at Evans Head to help overcome a major impediment. We have been able to retain New Italy and the Gap Road areas within the Council area and have welcomed the inclusion of portion of the former Copmanhurst area.

Council continues the planning process to upgrade the sewerage treatment plant for Evans Head and Woodburn and has indicated its willingness to help the people of North Woodburn overcome problems in this regard. We are planning for the future in adopting a new development control plan which caps Evans Head's population at a manageable 6,000 persons and we are looking at residential and industrial sites to see Casino into the next 20 years. In the first half of 2005, Council will have 8 new blocks for sale in Coraki.

The coming year, 2005, promises to be both busy and exciting for all of us in Richmond Valley, particularly Casino, which celebrate its sesquicentenary as a town and its 125 years of local government.

All of us are optimistic for our future together. With community co-operation, optimism and acceptance of our limitations, we can achieve a pleasant and sustainable lifestyle.

As Mayor, I extend the compliments of the festive season to everyone in this special part of our special nation.