Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Casino CBD makeover revealed

An artists impression of the Casino CBD makeover, featuring wider footpaths and more trees.

Casino could become the Art Deco capital of Australia if a plan to spruce up the town centre, released this week, is accepted by the community.

The concept plan highlights the town's Art Deco buildings. It aims to make Barker and Walker streets more shopper-friendly with wider footpaths, shade trees and room for al fresco dining. The design includes Art Deco paving, lighting and street furniture, nose-in parking and raised pedestrian crossings to slow traffic, making it easier for shoppers to browse.

The plan also provides for the establishment of a riverside walk with aboriginal artwork, improved access and facilities linking the town centre to the Richmond River.

Richmond Valley mayor Charlie Cox said the river is one of Casino's overlooked natural assets and the beautification fits with Casino's "friendly town" reputation.

Chamber of Commerce president Jannie Stevens gave the idea the nod adding that it was long overdue.

"It will make the streets greener and cooler. I'm very happy with it," she said.

Casino Historical Society publicity officer Myree Perry agrees.

"Anything that makes it easier for people to shop and beautifies the town is good," she said.

However Walker Street retailer Pat Townsend is worried that wider footpaths will see parking spaces reduced in Barker and Walker streets.

"If Casino people can't park close to shops they just drive on," she said.

The plan will go on display for public comment from next Monday, August 8, until September 2 at the Council chambers, the Casino library and at the Casino Shopping Plaza.

Campbell Hospital fight continues

The Mid Richmond Health Service advisory committee visited the Nimbin multi-purpose service centre (MPS) this week in a move organised by the North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) to highlight its benefits.

However, the committee remains firmly opposed to plans to develop an MPS at the nearby Mid Richmond Resident's Village, which they say would effectively spell the end of the hospital.

Committee member Justin St Vincent Welch said a recent public meeting in Coraki gave overwhelming support to the stance taken by the advisory committee.

"The community confirmed their opposition," he said. "It seems to make more sense to us to spend $200,000 to refurbish the hospital rather than spend $2.5 million at the resident's village."

NCAS acting planning manager Wayne Jones confirmed that the time frame for the consultation process, originally planned to take 12 weeks has been extended in response to community pressure. He said a decision would be made on the future of the hospital at the next consultative meeting expected to be held "within a few weeks".

Business confidence explained

Jannie Stevens was re-elected president of the Casino Chamber of Commerce at this week's annual general meeting.

Ms Stevens said the Chamber would continue to support business in the town with promotions and workshops. She is also excited about the Chamber's decision to hold the inaugural Casino Business awards in November.

And to kickstart the year the Chamber is supporting a free presentation by WHK Rutherfords to discuss the findings of the 2005 North Coast and Northern Rivers Business Survey to be presented to businesses in Casino next Tuesday.

Findings from the survey showed that whilst the majority of local enterprises are growing confident over the next 12 months many are still struggling.

To book a place at the presentation at the Casino RSM Club on Tuesday August 9 from 5.45pm to 7pm contact Kristy Foster at WHK Rutherfords on 6621 9222.

Comrades remember the fallen

Preparing to lay wreaths to honour the 86th anniversary of the Casino RSL sub branch are (l-r) Richmond Valley mayor, Charlie Cox and his wife Robyn, President of the central council of the RSL Women's Auxilliary Mrs  Betty-Lou Willis OAM, President of the Casino RSL women's auxilliary Mrs Barbara Magnay, RSL state president Don Rowe, Clarence MP Steve Cansdell, Page MP Ian Causley and Casino veteran Henry Larsson.

President Don Rowe said that when servicemen and women returned after WWI there was no pension.

"The Casino branch RSL was formed to see that those who returned were looked after," he said. "It was founded on comradeship and we recognize those who started this branch. The RSL is as relevant today as when it was formed.