Local Govt News
 Larry Anthony
National News
Construction of the Alstonville Bypass will begin next year if the Coalition is elected to Government in March, NSW Liberal Leader John Brogden said in Alstonville last week.
During a visit to Alstonville with Ballina MP Don Page, Mr Brogden re-affirmed the Coalition's commitment to the construction of the long overdue Bypass, saying it was a priority project for the area.
This confirms that the Coalition at a State and Federal level are committed to ending the nightmare of a small village like Alstonville carrying the current load of 15,000 vehicles a day.
The Coalition Federal Government will contribute $12 million to the project.
By contrast, the NSW Minister for Roads Carl Scully has ignored the pleas of the local community and commuters for a bypass, merely saying he is "giving consideration to the project."
The NSW Labor Government has allocated no funding for this vital project in this year's Budget papers.
Child Care Benefit
The Coalition Government is trying to make it easier for parents to understand their entitlements and that is why Minister Vanstone and I recently launched a new booklet containing important information for families using Commonwealth approved childcare.
"Things you need to know about Child Care Benefit" is available from Family Assistance Offices and Child Care Centres.
Visit a Zoo with Dad
Dads will receive free or discounted entry to participating zoos and parks across Australia on Father's Day - this Sunday 1 September.
Many zoos and parks have supported this initiative from my office and a list is available on my Internet home page accessed through the Family and Community Services website, www.facs.gov.au
I hope this can become an annual event: it is a great way for families to thank their dad this Father's Day.
 Ian Causley
Canberra Connection
Telecommunications Inquiry
I urge Northern Rivers organisations to make submissions to the Regional Telecommunications Inquiry, which will help the Federal Coalition Government assess whether services are adequate.
This second inquiry is in response to National Party concerns that telecommunication services need to be examined to ensure recommendations from the Besley inquiry are being undertaken and to assess what still has to be done.
The National Party will not endorse the full sale of Telstra until services are of a standard that rural and regional Australians should expect.
More information about the inquiry is available at www.telinquiry.gov.au, or by phoning 1800 064 851. Submissions can be lodged by email to rti@dcita.gov.au, or by mail to Regional Telecommunications Inquiry (Submissions) Locked Bag 8690 Canberra ACT 2601. Closing date for submissions is Friday, September 27.
Nursing Scholarships
Up to 1000 scholarships will be made available over the next four years to encourage more people to study aged care nursing or allow existing aged care nurses to study further.
The Federal Government's scholarships, valued at up to $10,000 a year, will be administered by the Royal College of Nursing Australia. People already working in rural and regional aged care services as enrolled nurses or care workers will be given preference for the scholarships, which will be available from the start of the 2003 academic year.
Scholarships will be available to new or continuing undergraduate aged care nursing students as well as postgraduate students. Funding is also available for scholarships for Registered Nurses in rural and regional aged care services who wish to undertake further postgraduate studies or continue professional development.
Application packs for the scholarships will be available in October. Further information is available from the Royal College of Nursing Australia on 1800 11 66 96 or at www.rcna.org.au.
Tall Poppy Syndrome
I have grave concerns about the long-held pillar of our society where a person was presumed innocent until found guilty.
The latest incident with Archbishop George Pell highlights how people's rights are being trammelled. The Archbishop has not been charged with any offence, there is no police inquiry, only allegations some 40 years old. There seems to be an emerging habit of accusing high-profile people of all sorts of crimes, or misdemeanours. The media happily accommodate the accusations with banner headlines and continuous statements and ill-informed community comment.
Maybe the psychiatrists can give an explanation to this societal behaviour. There seems to be a disturbing trait where it is considered acceptable to make unfounded or untested allegations to attack a perceived tall poppy. I believe these attacks on vulnerable and prominent citizens must be stopped. I see the same accusing individuals leading the charge.
If someone is charged with an offence then they must face the full impact of the law. However, it is important we move to protect individuals from damaging allegations which may have no foundation in fact.
 Col Sullivan - Mayor of Richmond Valley
Council Comment
Richmond Valley is poised for greater economic stability in the future with strong interest over the last month for new development right across the council area.
Development applications worth more than $4.8 million have been assessed this last month with several other projects still in the tentative stages of planning. The strength of our area is highlighted throughout the range of developments right across the spectrum from new commercial ventures to regular residential construction. The interest is also evenly spread across the council area.
While Evans continues to grow in residential appeal, the industrial area of the coast and casino are also attracting plenty of interest.
Committee Help
To build upon the strong growth in the private sector council is also pleased to be supporting a wider mandate through Community Economic Development.
A new 355 Committee of Council has been established to provide a whole of council perspective to community economic development. In a nutshell this committee will provide an umbrella approach to the projects established under the Main Street, Small Towns and Town Life programs.
Ms Louise Ford, Council's Community Development Coordinator has been working extensively within all of the communities across the Valley to engage them in individual and group activities across a variety of programs to bring greater prosperity, social equity and pride to their individual communities.
For further information on any of the above programs please give Louise a call on 6660 0393. As a function of this Committee, a working party will be established to promote the CMCA Rally in Casino next year.
Evans Coast Guard
I was pleased to attend the official launch of the new rescue boat for the Evans Head Coast Guard last week. The Coast Guard plays a very important role in the Evans community and this was reflected through the very significant community funds that were raised to purchase the $130,000 vessel. Christened, Pride of Evans, the new craft was purchased through a Federal Government grant of $55,000 with the remainder coming through donations and funds raised within the local Evans Head community. This is a fantastic effort considering the small population and the village. Well done to all those that have supported such a worthy cause. The safety of our own flotilla and the many visitors to our area will be enhanced by this latest acquisition.
GM Resigns
As announced at last Tuesday's Council meeting our General Manager, Mr Ross Schipp has announced his resignation effective from November 2.
After working with Ross in a variety of local government roles for more than 20 years, but more over as General Manager of the new Richmond Valley Council it was with deep regret that I had to accept his resignation. Citing personal reasons for his departure, Ross will be missed by the team at Council including staff and elected representatives.
With the formation of Richmond Valley Council and the formal aligning of the two former entities within the three-year proclamation period all but complete, Ross felt this was the most appropriate time for a handover for a new person to take the helm.
I'm sure I speak on behalf of all those that have had the privilege to work along side Ross over his 41 years in local government that we wish he and his wife Sharon every happiness for the future.
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