I am pleased that the recent discussions between Council and the Meatworks have resulted in a positive outcome with regard to our water pricing structure. Now it’s your turn to have a say. A report will be available for viewing and public comment for 28 days. I encourage you to read this and tell us what you think about the results. You can phone Council on (02) 6660 0300 or call in to the Council’s office to access a copy.

There is plenty happening in our business communities. A recent meeting of the Casino Chamber of Commerce saw discussions on opportunities that offered real, down to earth basic benefits for our business owners, ranging from the use of computers to savings on costs and to promoting business activities. If you operate a business in Casino, it would be well worth the time to get involved in the Chamber and take advantage of the individual benefits you can gain by working with others.

A range of promotions that will benefit businesses and shoppers are also planned. These start with promotions through the Beef Week festival. It’s great to see businesses in the Evans Head area also backing, strengthening and growing the festival. A series of meetings between Evans Head businesses and community members has seen a very enthusiastic approach to a bigger ‘Beef Meets Reef’ festival set for Oaks Street on Sunday, May 20. After 30 years, this festival continues to grow and, as I have always wanted, to now grow further throughout the Richmond Valley. It’s another chance to get out and about, have fun and celebrate what’s great about our community.

The Woodburn Chamber of Commerce has also been very active in planning for its future with some great projects on the drawing board. The introduction of community markets every second Saturday in the month, commencing May 12, will add Woodburn to the market circuit. More information on other projects will be revealed shortly but they are well on their way to keeping the area active and alive, which is particularly important when taking into account the impacts of the impending Pacific Highway upgrade.

The business of art and sport is important to us in the Richmond Valley. On the art front, the current exhibition in Platypus Gallery shows the extent of the artistic talent we have right here in our own backyard. It gives a glimpse of what’s in store at this year’s annual Coraki Art Prize event. The quality of the pieces on show sends the message to those who enjoy art and who buy art that you don’t need to go out of this area to appreciate it or buy that special piece – it’s all here.

On the sport front, I recently attended a presentation about the Good Sports Program – a program designed to assist sporting clubs and organisations endorse and manage a healthier approach to running their Clubs – particularly in managing alcohol consumption, reducing alcohol-related problems and making safer environments for families. Council will be supporting the program locally. It would be good to see all sporting groups, and parents and players, being involved. 
 
If there is anything you’d like to discuss with me or have news to share, my door is always open. Please contact me through Council on (02) 6660 0300 to arrange a suitable time. 

20 April 2012