MP backs “Stop the Fill” petition

By Tim Howard

Yamba residents urging regulators to change laws that allow developers to pile fill into housing sites on local flood plains, have received backing from a NSW Parliamentarian.

Ms Cairns said possibility of dredging Oyster Channel, on outskirts of Yamba to obtain the fill was also concerning.

Richmond Valley Council proudly honoured seven outstanding individuals during its Australia Day festivities at the Casino Drill Hall Precinct today.

Each year, as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, our nation celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of Australians. These inspiring individuals not only motivate us through their accomplishments but also encourage us to play our part in shaping a better Australia, and indeed, a better Richmond Valley.

The commendable efforts of these awardees in excelling in sports, volunteering, leadership, education, and community inspiration deserve recognition.

All nominations underwent thorough evaluation by an Australia Day selection panel comprised of five esteemed members of the Richmond Valley community.

Today, Mayor Robert Mustow and Member for Clarence Richie Williamson had the honour of presenting the awards.

Citizen Of The Year:

Lillian Colless Lillian embodies an unwavering community spirit and boundless energy, inspiring all those around her. With decades of dedicated volunteerism, Lillian is a cornerstone of the Richmond Valley. Whether she’s embarking on a daily 20-kilometer bike ride or devoting herself to the Evans Head Living Museum, which she helped establish, her commitment to strengthening community ties is evident. Shaped by a life spent predominantly at sea, Lillian’s ethos of mutual care and support resonates in all her endeavours. Her leadership and ingenuity have enriched countless lives in our community, notably through her meticulous curation of museum exhibits and her coordination of significant events like the 70th Anniversary WW2 RAAF celebrations in 2009, which brought together thousands of people from near and far.

The other deserving recipients include:

• Young Citizen Of The Year: Abbie Yourell

• Volunteer Of The Year: Maree Donaldson

• Young Volunteer of the Year: Elaina Underhill

• Sportsperson of the Year: Anthony McAteer

• Young Sportsperson of the Year: Elle Hannigan

• Local Hero Award: Isabelle Miller

To learn more about each winner, click on their photo in the album. Richmond Valley Council takes immense pride in acknowledging the invaluable contributions of these awardees and all our nominees.

Additionally, we welcomed nine new Australian citizens to the Richmond Valley as part of the ceremony.

The Drill Hall Precinct buzzed with activity, offering live entertainment, markets, and delicious food. Despite the heat, a vibrant crowd gathered to celebrate the day’s festivities.

Greens MP Sue Higginson has gone into bat for residents who have petitioned the government to have planning laws altered to better control developments at 52-54 Miles Street and 120 Carrs Drive Yamba

The Yamba Community Action Group’s petition said both developments create problems for nearby residents.

Yamba CAN secretary Lynne Cairns said the NSW planning system needs to urgently change to prohibit ongoing filling of all floodplains up and down the East Coast of NSW.

“The current approved developments on the Yamba floodplain resulted in water diversion into existing residents’ properties and homes in February/ March 2022,” she said.

“Yamba’s stormwater drainage system requires thorough investigation and upgrading as it was unable to cope, causing flooding.”

Yamba CAN said the Clarence Valley Council’s Flood Model 2022 and Proposed Interim Flood Planning Levels required scrutiny.

Ms Cairns said there were concerns about its the adequacy of measures it proposed to achieve the safe occupation and, when required, an effective emergency plan for the efficient evacuation of