Nationals Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, said the resumption of sittings at Casino Courthouse tomorrow is welcome news for the local community.
The court was closed following the 2022 floods, and Mr Williamson has fought for it to be reopened as a matter of priority.
Mr Williamson delivered a Private Member’s Statement in Parliament last May, then wrote to Attorney General, Michael Daley, supporting a Mayoral Minute from Richmond Valley Mayor, Robert Mustow.
The minute sought that urgent priority be given to expediting flood recovery works at the courthouse, given the impacts on the local community and economy.
“Whilst the number one priority of flood recovery should always be about supporting flood victims, restoring key community assets should be a high priority,” Mr Williamson said.
“As I said at the time, the closure of the Casino Courthouse was having a negative impact on the local community and economy with the nearest sittings being heard at Kyogle and Lismore and disadvantaging many in the community.
“Its closure impacted on low socio-economic and high Indigenous communities, some of whom have very limited transport and were struggling to attend because public transport is almost non-existent.
“It was also impacting family members needed at court as support people as well as having an operational impact on our local police force because local police officers were required to travel to Kyogle or Lismore for appearances and court hearings.”
Mr Williamson said Casino was feeling the economic impact of the closure due to the lack of court days, which normally would bring a high number of professional people to the community, where they would quite often stay for the night.
“I thank the NSW Attorney General for his assistance in ensuring the Casino Court House is back up and running.
“It is a great shot of confidence for the community and is part of the healing and recovery process that is so important,” Mr Williamson concluded.
