Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Council defends against ratepayer attacks

Stung by criticisms from the Casino Ratepayers and Residents Association, Richmond Valley Council general manager Brian Wilkinson and mayor Charlie Cox have fought back, accusing the group of making claims that are "unsubstantiated, inaccurate, inappropriate and a reflection on what appears to be a desire by the Association to create negativity on a range of issues."

Council is especially miffed over the Associations' claims that it sold land to the Campervan and Motorhome Club (CMCA) below market value, that Council doesn't consult widely with ratepayers and that the Casino CBD plan is not a high priority.

Association president Mrs Pam Brayley hit back.

"We aren't inaccurate," she said. "We can substantiate our claims about the CMCA Village. I think we have a right to ask questions as to why Council sold off land for $600,000 and yet later it was independently valued at $2 million. Are they paying interest on that money?"

Mr Wilkinson said that the sale price reflected values at the time of the sale in 2002 and took into account the community benefit from such a large development. He also claimed that the inflated valuation was due to the increased real estate market, improvements done at the site and the value added by having had a development application approved for the land.

Mrs Brayley said the Association is simply giving people a chance to air their views.

"I think it's time the Council started listening to what people have to say," she said. "Public consultation means more than putting an advertisement in the paper, holding meetings every two months and hand picking who is on those committees."

Mrs Brayley said that whilst she and her members welcomed plans to spruce up the Casino CBD they were more concerned about the poor conditions of many roads in town.

"We are not happy that ratepayers' money is being spent on this," she said. "Council has its priorities all wrong. Funding in general should be used to fix the roads first. We're not against progress in town but they have to look at what people want; they're the ones paying the bills."

Submissions on the Casino CBD plan must be in to Council by this Friday.

Films screen in Evans Head

Students from Casino High and Evans River K-12 School have been busy this week being mini-Speilbergs and making their own short films.

The 'In the Bin' Touring Film Festival (part of Richmond Valley FILMFEST 05), saw them spend three days writing and shooting a five minute film.

This Friday night, the student films will be presented at the Evans River K-12 School Performance Hall from 7.30pm. Tickets are $10/5.

The Richmond Valley FILMFEST brings four short film festivals and two educational workshops to Evans Head, Casino and Coraki in August, September and October.

Tickets to all festivals are on sale now at the Casino Visitor Information Centre, Lismore Visitor Information Centre, Richmond Valley Council Evans Head office, and The Riverside Café in Coraki.

More details from Nyree Epplett on 6660 0203.

Broadwater mail poll

Broadwater residents have the chance to say whether or not they want a letterbox delivery introduced in the village. Australia Post is reviewing mail delivery arrangements in response to a petition from residents who want letterbox delivery, rather than the existing system, where mail is collected from the Broadwater Post Office.

Australia Post spokesperson, Sheridan Beattie, said polling forms were being handed out this week and it was important for residents to take the time to read the documents and understand the mail poll process.

If they don't respond, it will be assumed they're happy with the current arrangements

"A mail delivery service can be introduced, but only if 51 per cent or more of residents want this," Ms Beattie said.

Ms Beattie added that it was also important for Broadwater residents to understand the implications a letterbox service may bring.

"While there are benefits for those who want a street delivery, residents should keep in mind that introduction of the delivery service would also mean the loss of concessional post office box rates, changes to mail delivery times, costs to erect a letterbox and possible impacts on the local post office," she said.

The poll runs for three weeks, closing on Friday, September 9. Broadwater residents wanting further information should contact the North Coast Delivery Network on 6648 7280.

On their bikes for charity

The Casino contingent of the Tour de Hooker bike ride line up with staff from L J Hooker Casino, and Richmond Valley Council's deputy mayor Sandra Humphrys before heading off to Evans Head. The riders hope to raise $10,000 for cystic fibrosis research.