Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Council winds up

It might have been the last meeting in the old Casino Council chambers but councillors weren't standing on tradition, getting through the meeting in quick time before adjourning for Chrissy drinks.

As usual, it was the seemingly petty items that produced the most discussion. A DA for a three storey building in Oak Street, Evans Head, featuring three shops and four residential units, was approved with only a few comments about car parking problems. The fact that it exceeds the two storey height provisions in the draft development control plan currently on public display didn't seem to bother anyone.

What really got them going was the issue of kids riding bikes on the footpath and without helmets. Crs Norma Thomas and Ray Jeffery wanted council to crack down on these lawbreakers. Cr Robert Mustow was worried about people who write letters to council and newspapers, but then the locals haven't heard of them, and correspondence is returned "address unknown".

Perhaps a new council chambers and the fast-approaching March council election will focus their minds on more weighty matters.

Woodburn visitor information

The old Ferryman's quarters on the riverbank at Woodburn is being renovated to house a visitor information centre and an outreach location for the Evans Head Community Technology Centre (CTC).

Woodburn Chamber of Commerce is interviewing for a visitor information centre officer and the Evans Head CTC will operate a part-time service from the centre early in the New Year.

Myrtle Creek restoration

The Bungawalbin Catchment Management Group (BCMG) wants to hear from landholders interested in taking part in a voluntary project to protect and restore Myrtle Creek.

Coordinator Dr Wendy Seabrook said the creek has a unique ecosystem with roots of weeping lily pilly, watergum and tufts of lomandra supporting Myrtle Creek's network of sandy channels.

"This is the only place in NSW where this river style occurs, and the creek is still in reasonably good condition," Dr Seabrook said. "If we act now, we can protect the integrity of this unique and beautiful place - and get the added benefits of better water quality, less creek bank erosion, great swimming holes and more fish in the creek."

Landholders and anyone else interested should contact Wendy Seabrook on 6620 3903 (email wseabroo@scu.edu.au) or Paul O'Connor on 6621 9588 (email Paulo@envite.org.au).

Re-scheduled Carols

Casino's Carols in the Park will be held this Saturday following last week's cancellation due to storms. Organisers say there's something for everyone at Colley Park on Saturday, December 20, between 4 and 9pm. with glowsticks, food, Santa, rides for children, ham raffles and much more sure to make for a great night out.

Water restrictions relaxed

It's hard to keep up with the weather according to Richmond Valley Council's service's manager Mark Hesse.

"Follow up rain was received in between deciding to enact Level 3 and the start date," he said.

So this Saturday restrictions are being relaxed to Level 2. Let's hope the weather continues to play a positive role. Details on council's website, www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au.

Casino meatworkers stay safe

Casino meatworker Mark 'Cookie' Cooke receives his Safety Achievement Award from premier Bob Carr with NSW Labor Council Secretary John Robertson (left) and NSW Minister for Commerce Mr John Della Bosca (right).

Two Casino meatworkers have won awards at the 2003 UnionSafe Safety Achievement Awards.

Joe Wilson, a meatworker's union 'shed' delegate at the Northern Co-operative Meat Company, won his award for the strength and wisdom he has shown in dealing with occupational health and safety (OH&S) in the workplace.

Joe is a member on the company OH&S committee and has often directed the meetings for positive outcomes for employees and management.

Co-worker Mark 'Cookie' Cooke is an assistant delegate at the Co-op, and his sensible and mature approach to safety was also recognised.

Cookie helps identify suitable duties for injured employees. His involvement in injury management has assisted many employees to maintain dignity and pride while recovering from a work related injury.

Please feel free to contact Therese with any Richmond Valley news, events, or story ideas, at or Ph: 6662 7735, or fax: 6662 2811.