Issue 729

Local Government Week

Meet your local councillors

Lismore City Council councillors (l-r) Reg Baxter, Diana Roberts, Bob Gates and Ken Gallen who will be at the council's information stall in Lismore Shopping Square at various times today and tomorrow as part of Local Government Week, July 23-27.

Lismore City Council will have an information stall in Lismore Shopping Square as part of Local Government Week, which runs until Friday, July 27.

Council spokesperson, Russell Kelly, said the week provides an opportunity for councillors and council staff to meet with the public and get some feedback on council's priorities.

'There are already lots of avenues to get feedback but meeting people in person certainly helps put a fresh perspective on issues,' he said.

'People are welcome to come and simply have a chat or inquire about an issue that's important to them – whether it be about the garbage collection service or the capital works initiatives in the region.

'Currently there are dozens of programs being run by council and central to those programs is the view of the public – they have to be relevant programs that work in the community and public feedback is important to determine their effectiveness.'

Russell also said it's also a chance for ratepayers to discuss issues face-to-face with their representatives rather than over the phone or through written correspondence.

'Councillors already receive phone calls from ratepayers at all hours of the day and night and these meetings are a further way ratepayers can be part of their local democracy,' he said.

'This year the stall will be staffed by councillors and staff from various departments of the council. All requests for information that is not immediately available are being recorded and referred to council staff so that the question or queries are answered as promptly as possible.

'So far we have had an overwhelming response for the public and we are encouraging more people to come and have their say.'

The stall will operate today, July 26, from 10am–9pm and tomorrow, July 27, from 10am–5pm. For more information phone council on 6625 0500.

Valley Of Surprises Offers New Vision

While Local Government Week is the perfect time to approach councillors and council staff for information and to give feedback, Richmond Valley Council is reminding people that its doors are open all year round.

People are encouraged to drop in at the Council Chambers any time to express their views, discuss matters of concern, meet the councillors or simply say g'day to the council staff who keep things running.

'We really want people to be involved and interested in what their local council is doing... the only way the council can change things is through sound planning, involving community feedback and subsequent debate,' Richmond Valley mayor, Col Sullivan, said.

'While Local Government Week is a great time to promote interaction between local residents and Council, we want people to know they're welcome absolutely anytime – as long as it's in business hours!

'It's a great opportunity to see the changes that have taken place since the February 2000 amalgamation of Casino Council and Richmond River Shire Council and the vision the new Richmond Valley Council has for the future.

'We want people to be part of that vision.'

Richmond Valley Council has a balanced distribution of councillors – the mayor is Colin Sullivan of Spring Grove with Shirley Wheatley from Casino undertaking the role of deputy mayor. The other councillors are: Charles Cox, Gay's Hill; Donald Harvey, Evans Head; Sandra Humphreys, North Casino; Raymond Jeffery, Evans Head; Francis McKey, Casino; Eileen Melling, Casino; Robert Mustow, The Bend; and Norma Thomas, Coraki.

While their time is sometimes limited, the councillors are all happy to meet members of the public to discuss important matters of concern or just have a chat about the state of affairs. Either way, people can talk to their local representatives about anything, anytime.

The Council Chambers are at 98 Walker Street, Casino. Phone Richmond Valley Council on 6660 0300.