Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Water restrictions

Last week's rain was not enough to stave off the introduction of Level Three water restrictions in Casino and Kyogle earlier this week, according to Council services manager Mark Hesse.

"The flows in the Richmond River are still low and will continue to decline if substantial rain is not received," Mr. Hesse said. "The rain that we have received over the last couple of months has helped, but it has not been enough to have a beneficial and long lasting effect on the flow in the river."

Details of the restrictions can be found on council's website: www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au

Bar dredging

Dredging of the Evans Head bar will proceed as soon as a big enough dredge is available, but the river will have to wait until NSW Fisheries completes studies to ensure the habitat of the Greensaw shark and Black Cod are not threatened, according to Neil Black, chairman of the Evans Head Fishing Cooperative.

Dredging issues aside Neil said the co-op's trawlers are working up and down the coast due to the dry weather - an ominous sign when it comes to the Christmas seafood rush.

"We need a flood and then another!" Mr Black said.

Reviving drivers

Once again the New Italy Driver Reviver Stop volunteers will be handing out cups of tea and coffee and are expecting to serve in excess of 25,000 this coming summer school holiday period. Mrs Dot Sawatzki, reviver co-ordinator, said that while there are close to 80 people willing to help, there is room if others want to join in.

Volunteers work in three-hour shifts and each roster is usually made up of friends working together.

"It's amazing the number of travellers you meet at New Italy; each have a story to tell and all are in the holiday mood so it's loads of fun helping them out," Mrs Sawatzki said.

The New Italy driver reviver opens on Friday, December 19 and runs until January 26.

"Our section of the Pacific Highway is known as the 'Tired Zone' and has claimed many lives over the past years, so please come along and help us keep this statistic as low as possible,' Mrs Sawatzki said.

To volunteer, contact her on 6682 2476.

Candidate Seminars

Thinking of standing for election to Richmond Valley Council at the local government elections on March 27 next year? If so you should get along to a seminar being conducted for potential candidates by the Local Government Association to be hosted by Lismore City Council on Tuesday February 3.

The seminar will cover topics including the Role of Local Government; Councillors' Roles and Responsibilities; Life as a Councillor; The 2004 Election. Contact Col Cooper or Graeme Wilson on 6625 0500, for further information.

Greencorp recruits

Do you like rivers and birds? Would you like to spend summer in the Bungawalbin wetlands watching and recording rare birds and actively learning about river habitats? Then think about joining the Bungawalbin Restoration Green Corps project being run by Enviromnemtal Training and Employment (EnviTE NSW).

Project Officer Vanessa Ekins said EnviTE is looking for 10 young people from Casino aged 17-20 to participate in a six-month project starting on 27 January

"The Green Corps team of 10 will also plant trees, construct walking tracks and bird hides and develop wetland interpretation materials for presentation to the public and property holders," she said

Interviews will be held in Casino from January 12. Contact EnviTE on 6621 9588.

Super day for Casino shoppers

Casino Bi-Lo store manager Ben Gordon and customer Service Manager Lana Turner with checkout operator Christina Gray (right) present a hamper to Cas Johnson the first customer at the newly opened Bi-Lo supermarket in the Casino RSM Shopping Village on Tuesday.

The second major tenant in the RSM Shopping Village, Bi-Lo supermarket began trading in Casino this week. RSM Club chairman, Bill McMahon is proud of the club's achievement in developing the site.

"This is the first time in NSW that a club has developed a supermarket," he said. "It's new territory for the club and the benefits will be huge for club members and the Casino community. There has been a leakage of over $14 million in supermarket sales out of Casino."

Bi-Lo store manager Ben Gordon agrees saying that Casino people now have more choice in where to shop for their groceries.

"We're very excited and proud," Ben said. "And we've created 104 local jobs in the process."

With Woolies staff seen openly checking out the prices on offer in their new neighbour, hopefully shoppers stand to gain.

Target Country opened in the Village two weeks ago and another six specialty shops will open at the end of January.