Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

How council makes decisions

Recent interest in how Richmond Valley Council reaches its decisions prompts me to comment on that process. All decisions made by Councillors are made in formal meetings which are open to the public.

Council conducts its business each month at an Ordinary Meeting, however, can convene other meetings such as an Extraordinary or Special Meeting. Prior notice of each meeting is duly advertised according to policy and the Local Government Act. This is standard practice throughout New South Wales.

As decision makers, your Councillors appreciate background information on issues, projects and services. Like many other Councils in New South Wales, Richmond Valley Council uses Council workshops to obtain this information.

Workshops are an important part of Councillor training. Good knowledge, good training mean good decision making. Workshops are informal and no decision making takes place. (That occurs at a formal public meeting).

Council has received correspondence from the Department of Local Government which states "The provision of general informational sessions or explanatory workshops (by a council to its staff or councillors) is not inconsistent with the Local Government Act 1993 or related Regulations. The Department recognises the value of informational sessions/workshops in the development of councillor knowledge and expertise, and in facilitating their role as public officials."

Following this advice, Richmond Valley Council has adopted a policy and a set of protocols for Informal Workshops.

As Mayor, I can assure you that your Councillors gain much from these Workshops. I appreciate the additional time (usually an extra day each month) that they give up to further their knowledge and skills in the service of our community.

Sewerage charges

Council, at an Extraordinary Meeting held on July 25, indicated that it does not favour the cross subsidising of units and flats by owners of houses and strata units in sewerage charges.

The annual charge of $525 per unit/flat is 75% of that levied on a house. This calculation is based on the fact that, when a development application for a flat/unit is lodged with Council, the fee charged is 75% of that for a house.

Charges are to be reviewed for the 2006/2007 financial year.

Casino CBD plan

Council has launched its draft Concept Plan for the Casino CBD. The draft is an integral part of Richmond Valley Council's forward planning for the upgrade of the town's centre landscape. As such, the draft upgrade is an outcome of our economic development unit established in 1998.

The draft Concept Plan will also generate considerations to rationalise usage of Council owned buildings as well as attempting to link the CBD to one of Casino's overlooked natural assets - our river.

Cultural pursuits

As part of its commitment to cultural, social and community growth, Richmond Valley Council has for some time been laying the framework to support the arts and crafts across our valley. Last week's meeting of the Cultural Network Group discussed a Richmond Valley Events Strategy, a mural project, the upcoming FILMFEST and Casino's Sesquicentenary Celebrations.

I would recommend that you visit the Platypus Gallery to take in those eyecatching lino prints by local artist Jacqui Williams. We certainly have a lot of unsung talent in our midst. Well done, Jacqui.

Once again, Robyn and I were able to enjoy another drama presentation by St. Mary's High School. "The House of Bernada Alba" was certainly different in theme. The school has established a reputation for quality performances in the round.

Why is there a cultural gap in our community once these young people leave school? Why can't we cater for their talents later on?

There is a need for a revival of amateur theatre in Casino; Nyree Epplett (6660 0203) would certainly like to hear from you.