Richmond Valley Council

This article is about the local government area. For the regional river, see Richmond River.
Richmond Valley
New South Wales

Location in New South Wales
Coordinates 28°52′S 153°03′E / 28.867°S 153.050°E / -28.867; 153.050Coordinates: 28°52′S 153°03′E / 28.867°S 153.050°E / -28.867; 153.050
Population 22,037 (2011 census)[1]
 • Density 7.2229/km2 (18.707/sq mi)
Established 2000
Area 3,051 km2 (1,178.0 sq mi)[2]
Mayor Ernie Bennett
Council seat Casino
Region Northern Rivers
State electorate(s) Clarence
Federal Division(s) Page
Website Richmond Valley
LGAs around Richmond Valley:
Kyogle Lismore Ballina
Clarence Valley Richmond Valley Tasman Sea
Clarence Valley Clarence Valley Tasman Sea

Richmond Valley Council is a local government area in the Northern Rivers region of north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. The area is named after the Richmond River, which flows through most of it. The area under management is located adjacent to the Bruxner Highway, Pacific Highway, and the North Coast railway line.

It is a rural area for the most part, with most industries involving cattle and crop growing, such as sugar cane, wheat, and pecan plantation.

The Mayor of the Richmond Valley Council is Cr. Ernie Bennett, an independent politician.

History

The Local Government Area was formed by amalgamation of the Richmond River Shire and the Municipality of Casino in February 2000.

Towns and localities

Demographics

In the 2006 Census of Population and Housing there were 24,579 usual residents living in Richmond Valley Council. Of this count, 10,507 (or 49%) were males and 10,806 (or 51%) were females. By age, 19% of the population was under 15 years old, 66% were between 15 and 65, and 15% were over 65 years old. Most people living in Richmond Valley Council were born in Australia (90%). The median age was 41 years.

Economy

According to the 2006 Census of Population and Housing, the median individual income was $342 per week (equal to approximately $17,833 per year). The median family income in 2006 was $826 per week (equal to approximately $43,070 per year); and, the median household income in 2006 was $651 per week (equal to approximately $33,945 per year).

There were 7,786 people employed in 2006 (to give an employment to working age population ratio of 0.48), and 752 people unemployed. The most common occupations were Labourers (20%); Managers (14%); and, Technicians and Trades Workers (13%). The top 5 industries for employment were Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing (7.0%); School Education (5.0%); Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming (3.8%); Hospitals (3.5%); and, Cafes, Restaurants and Takeaway Food Services (3.5%).

Housing

In the 2006 Census of Population and Housing, the median housing loan repayment was $910 per month. This equated to marginally under 35% of median household income. The median rent in 2006 was $145 per week. This equated to just over 22% of median household income. The average household size was 2.5 persons.

Council

Current composition and election method

Richmond Valley Council is composed of seven Councillors, including the Mayor, for a fixed four-year term of office. The Mayor is directly elected while the six other Councillors are elected proportionally as one entire ward. The most recent election was held on 8 September 2012, and the makeup of the Council, including the Mayor, is as follows:[3][4]

PartyCouncillors
  Independents and Unaligned 7
Total 7

The current Council, elected in 2012, in order of election by ward, is:[4]

CouncillorPartyNotes
  Ernie Bennett Independent Mayor[3]
  Robert Hayes Independent
  Robert Mustow Unaligned
  Colin Sullivan Unaligned
  Steve Morrissey Unaligned Elected on Robert Mustow's ticket
  Daniel Simpson Independent Elected on Robert Hayes' ticket
  Sandra Duncan-Humphrys Independent Elected on Robert Mustow's ticket

References

  1. ↑ Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Richmond Valley Shire". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
  2. ↑ "Richmond Valley Council". Department of Local Government. Retrieved 19 November 2006-11-19. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  3. 1 2 "Richmond Valley Council - Mayoral Election". Local Government Election 2012. New South Wales Electoral Commission. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2012.
  4. 1 2 "Lismore City Council: Summary of First Preference and Group Votes for each Candidate". Local Government Election 2012. New South Wales Electoral Commission. 14 September 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2012.
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