Richmond Valley Council has marked a strong first year of its 2025-2029 Delivery Program with an eye towards a stronger, more resilient future for the area.
Details of Council’s first year were presented in the six-monthly Delivery Program Progress Report at this month’s Council meeting.
Highlights of this period included delivering several significant milestones, including the opening of the new $3.5 million Casino Suspension Bridge, completion of the reconstructed Twin Tatham Bridges, and the start of construction on the Evans Head to Woodburn section of the Three Villages Cycleway.
General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said the results reflected Council’s commitment to delivering on the priorities identified by the community.
“The first year of our Delivery Program has seen significant progress right across the Richmond Valley, with major infrastructure projects completed and important planning work continuing for the future,” Mr Macdonald said.
“The opening of the Casino Suspension Bridge and Twin Tatham Bridges are major achievements that improve connectivity, safety and flood resilience for our communities.
“We’ve also continued to make strong progress on long-term projects that will support housing growth, water security and economic development across the region.”
Council also continued work on several major water and sewer infrastructure projects during the reporting period. These included the Casino Water Security Project, upgrades to the Casino Water Treatment Plant, planning to replace the Casino Sewage Treatment Plant, and the next stage of upgrades at the Evans Head Sewage Treatment Plant.
The reporting period also saw Council awarded a grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund to help unlock future housing growth through the Summerland Estate project.
Mr Macdonald said advocacy remained a key part of Council’s work.
“Meeting the needs of a growing community requires ongoing investment from all levels of government,” he said.
“We are continuing to advocate strongly for funding to support housing, infrastructure and economic development opportunities that will benefit the Richmond Valley for years to come.
Council also continued its flood recovery road repair program, with more than $38m in Essential Public Asset Reconstruction program now completed.
Other achievements included the adoption of the Richmond Valley Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2029, more than $41,000 in community grants to local organisations, completion of a new CCTV network in Coraki, ongoing upgrades to parks and sporting facilities, and environmental projects that delivered mature trees and thousands of native plants across the region.
Council also continued to invest in the next generation of local workers, employing 21 trainees, apprentices, and cadets across its workforce under its Youth Employment Strategy.
Of the 75 major activities identified in Council’s Delivery Program, 73 are on schedule within the reporting period. The remaining Richmond Valley Destination Management Plan and the Floodplain Risk Management Plan have now undergone extensive consultation and were recently endorsed by Council.
Mr Macdonald said the results demonstrated Richmond Valley Council was delivering on the community’s priorities while providing responsible leadership.
“Despite economic challenges that have affected everyone, we’re seeing real progress across all areas of Council’s work,” he said.
“We remain focused on delivering practical outcomes that improve quality of life for our residents and help build a stronger Richmond Valley.”
The report is available from this link: https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Delivery-Program-Progress-Report-Jan-to-June-2026.pdf