Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

NAIDOC Week

The community events highlight of my week just past were the NAIDOC Week celebrations in Casino. Beginning with a flag raising ceremony at the Council Chambers followed by a street march and a ceremony, launching the Aboriginal Interagency Network Directory, feelings of pride, friendship and optimism were felt by all who attended various functions.

The Interagency Directory is an eye-opener to those who may have been unaware of the support services within our community. These organisations are managed and staffed efficiently and are making significant contribution to the wellbeing of our community.

A perusal of the directory also highlights the many skilled, highly trained and motivated 'Goori' people working amongst us.

Casino NAIDOC Week 2005 was a successful celebration of culture and achievements. Certainly, a significant stepping stone for all of us who recognise the need and the value of finding a common path for all Australians to follow.

Sending Councils the bill

On a number of occasions through this column, I have commented on the practice of cost shifting onto Local Government. An example of cost shifting is State/Federal Government imposing regulations onto Local Government without a fair share of funds to carry out the added responsibilities. (One example is the cost to Councils to regulate septic tanks. Another is the reduction in funding for sewerage treatment plants to meet costs of meeting Government health standards).

Cost shifting is unfair and affects all ratepayers.

For some time, Local Government has been arguing the case for a fair share of the tax dollar. Recently there has been some progress made in that the Federal Minister, Jim Lloyd has committed the Australian Government to "explore opportunities to further develop partnerships with Local Government to the benefit of local communities".

The Hawker Report (Federal Standing Committee) puts forward 18 recommendations on the issue of cost shifting, some of which have not met with Australian Government approval thus far.

Basically, all we are about is fair share and recognition. 'Watch this Space'.

Roads plan

At the recent 6th National Local Roads Congress in Launceston, some 430 delegates from across Australia continued the push for fair funding and replacing the archaic system of financial assistance grants with growth funding based on a one percent share of national taxation revenue.

Local government is responsible for 680,000km (almost 85%) of the entire Australian road network. The cost of our road infrastructure is considerable, given we are such a big place with a relatively small population to share that cost.

Good news is that the successful R2R (Roads to Recovery) programme will continue. The programme delivers almost $600,000 to Richmond Valley Council annually with another three years to run.

Check your letterbox

Remember, Council tries to keep you informed but cannot knock on every door. Towards the end of this month, look for a Community Newsletter which will be left in every letterbox in our Richmond Valley Council area.