Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Council crumbles to rates pressure

Despite saying it wasn't fair for one group of ratepayers to subsidise another, Richmond Valley Council has decided to do just that.

Bowing to pressure from the owners of multiple occupancy (MO) premises, Council voted 7/2 (Crs Jeffery and Thomas against) to reduce their sewerage rates by $175.

The decision means that the majority of residential ratepayers face the full rate rise to $700 - an increase of almost $300 - while MO owners will pay $525 this year, before it rises in the following year. Council staff warned that any reduction goes against best practice pricing guidelines.

Monday's extraordinary meeting was held in response to a ratepayer backlash over Council's huge rate rise. More than 300 people called for the Council to be dismissed at the first meeting of the Casino and District Ratepayers Association last week.

While it was clear that a majority of councillors believed the rate should be levied evenly, they said one thing and did another. Clearly rattled by the strength of the opposition.

Cr Robert Mustow voted for a reduction, but said it was not fair on the majority.

"People with up to 11 units are putting a load on the sewerage system up to 11 times greater and still want to pay the same amount," he said. "If anyone can sit here and tell me a pensioner should subsidise people who own units then I don't know what we are coming to. I'll bet there are a lot of people who wish they had units."

Cr Sandra Humphrys agreed.

"My main concern is fairness. We're asking home and strata-titled owners to subside multiple occupancy owners to the tune of $80,000," she said.

Cr Ray Jeffery wanted to defer a decision and was cheered from the public gallery after pointing out errors in the Council report. Finance officer James Brickley admitted exact number of multiple occupancy dwellings was unknown - Council was checking garbage deliveries and mail boxes to determine the figure.

Speaking after the meeting Ratepayers Association president Pam Brayley accused councillors of driving a wedge between multiple occupancy owners and other ratepayers.

"They are trying to pit normal home owners against unit owners when they shouldn't be charging that fee to anyone. It's not just unit holders who are unhappy," she said.

Casino RSL celebrates 86 years

The Casino RSL sub-branch marks its 86th anniversary this Saturday, July 30. The sub-branch thought they were about to celebrate their 80th, but a bit of digging revealed that it was first registered in Queensland in 1919, the end of WWI, before being registered again in NSW in 1925.

A wreath laying service will be held at the Memorial in front of the Casino RSM Club at 11.15am, followed by a lunch at the club.

The Casino Women's Auxiliary will also be celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Calling all Aunties

Are you an energetic, young woman who loves walking and bike riding? Maybe you surf or enjoy relating to teenagers. Perhaps you go fishing and can imagine taking along a young friend, sharing stories and life experiences.

If so, the Aunty program would like to hear from you. The program, which mentors girls aged from 4 to 15, is holding an orientation session in Evans Head on August 16.

Coordinator Gina Silverstong said the young girls just want someone they can chat to, share common interests with and experience the joy in learning or teaching.

"Mentoring can be such a delightful experience for the adult and the child and the benefits can be far reaching for all involved," she said. "For some it's life changing."

Volunteers must be 18 or over, and the organisation offers professional and ongoing training and support to the aunties. Contact Gina on 6682 4334.

How to contact Therese

tschier@richmondnet.com.au
Ph: 6662 7735
Fax: 6662 2811

Nostagic film fest feast

Casino's picture show man, Reverend Peter Boughey (pictured) can't contain his excitement. Richmond Valley will host four short film festivals, and a one off nostalgia film night is planned for the site of the old El Gronda cinema, which was demolished in the '70s for a car park.

"I've wanted to have a film festival here for ages and now it's happening!" he exclaimed. "Every time I park my car there I wish this theatre was still here," Rev Peter said, hoping to re-create the nostalgia of the El Gronda's heyday by showing an old newsreel, Batman serial, cartoon, and a feature movie.

"We'll have interval, with popcorn and jaffas," Peter said. "And a souvenir ticket."

Council's events officer Nyree Epplett said the festival kicks off in Evans Head in August with 15 of Australia's best short films

Casino will laugh at 18 short comedy films on September 10.

In October, Coraki screens a series of locally produced, award-winning short films

Tickets will go on sale this Thursday July 28 at the following outlets: Casino Visitor Information Centre, Lismore Visitor Information Centre, Richmond Valley Council Evans Head office, and The Riverside Café, Coraki.

Water of life education turned off

By Eve Sinton

A vital program warning primary school about the dangers of drugs and alcohol is under threat after Rous Water decided to slash its sponsorship of Life Education.

Rous had supported the charity group to the tune of $200,000 over three years in return for the inclusion of water conservation messages in the education sessions.

The sponsorship was cut to $20,000 for this financial year, and will be slashed further, to just $5000 annually. A review of the benefits for water conservation from Life Education, compared to Rous Water's Every Drop Counts school program, found the links between the two were 'tenuous'.

General manager Paul Muldoon said that although the Life Education program was very worthy, there were limited opportunities to spread the water conservation message.

Life Education was seeking sponsorship at the previous level - the equivalent of $6 per child. Spokesman Nava Henry said the funding cut would make it difficult for the program to continue beyond the current financial year.

"It is a real concern for us, we think we do a good job," he said. "There is a fee for children attending our sessions, but it doesn't cover the full cost. We will be looking for alternative sponsors."

Life Education Far North Coast pays annual royalties of around $26,000 to Life Education Australia. The program focuses on social skills with an anti-drug and alcohol theme.

Anyone interested in sponsoring it should contact Bruce Towner or Jan Zantiotis, phone 6621 9222.