Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

Rail services in jeopardy

Once again I must bring to your attention the seriousness of the recommendation that rail passenger services on the branch line from Casino to Murwillumbah be replaced by buses.

Claims that the service is uneconomical hardly match up with figures showing that in the vicinity of 4,000 people travel by rail between Sydney and Murwillumbah each week.

If state government ceases traffic on the branch line then inevitably it can justify its complete closure using the excuse that it is not being used sufficiently to justify maintenance.

Instead of closing the branch line, a much broader understanding of our region together with a vision for the future is required. Our region's population growth is fast outstripping the maintenance of our road infrastructure whereas rail has the ability to move people safely and in relative comfort.

Those with vision can see enormous potential for not only keeping the Casino-Murwillumbah line open but to complete the link to Robina in Queensland. This would make it possible for a rail circuit from Casino to Brisbane along the coast and returning via Kyogle.

If you can see the potential and need for the branch line to remain open, I urge you to make written submission through Richmond Valley Council or your local state member promptly.

Great show

Congratulations to the organisers of the Coraki Tea Tree Art Prize on the success of their exhibition last weekend. Immediately on entering the hall I knew I was in for something special. The pieces on display clearly show what talent we have in our area. For a small centre Coraki is very much alive and doing very well.

Although the Casino Art Centre is yet to have its official opening (November 9) the doors are open now with a refreshing display of works by our young people. It's well worth a browse.

The arts in our region will receive a huge boost with the launch of Arts Northern Rivers (Regional Arts Board) at Alstonville on November 6. Welcome to Development Officer, Lois Randall and her broad perspective.

Italian visitors

This week Richmond Valley Council is hosting our sister city delegation from Cassino, Italy. The Mayor of Cassino, Cr. Bruno Scittarelli, his General Manager, Dr. Giovanni Lena and 11 councillors have had a busy time sampling life on a cattle property, morning tea at the seaside and enjoying the hospitality of our towns and villages. Yes, we've even taken them to a country pub to have a drink in a dinkum Aussie bar.

Council is most appreciative of the support and sponsorship of the Northern Co-operative Meat Company and our Lions, Rotary and Quota Clubs throughout the visit.

Write on kids

If you want some positives about the quality of our kids writing ability, pay a visit to the Casino public library to read the efforts by the finalists in the recent Nestle Write Around Australia project. Featuring efforts by Year 5 and Year 6 pupils of the region, the standard is particularly high. It was a pleasure to present the awards last Friday and to see so many adults attend to show their appreciation and support for these champions of literature.

Check batteries

Daylight saving has commenced - time to renew the batteries in your smoke detectors.