Farley pleased to explain
One Nation's Member for Farrer, David Farley has clarified his actions in Parliament ... regarding gambling reform and the extension of the fuel excise cut. Mr Farley, in his second week in Parliament with no staff resources, said he made a mistake with the divisions and had sought advice from the Clerk of the House of Representatives about correcting the vote.
No to further buybacks
Hay Shire Council has made a submission to the Basin Plan Review following the recent round of water buybacks, highlighting the basic human need of water and the importance of clean reliable water supply for local water utilities. "Investment in local government and town water supply infrastructure must be considered in any water recovery," General Manager, David Webb said.
Money to support rural communities becomes free cash for Chinese textile giant
Independent Member for the seat of Murray, Helen Dalton is calling on the NSW Government to take back a $10 million grant it gave to the Chinese textile giant that owns Gundaline station. "This grant should never have been made, and the Minns Government needs to get our cash back from this company immediately."
$60m announcement
Minister for Climate Change and Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe will be in Hay this morning to announce $60 million in community benefits unlocked by the South West Renewable Energy Zone. The Office of Minister Sharpe said the initial $60 million will soon begin flowing to communities in the South West Renewable Energy Zone to deliver local infrastructure, services and employment opportunities that will support long-term regional prosperity.
Negative forecast for the season
"It's quite negative out there," were the opening remarks of NSW Drought Co-ordinator, Ray Willis when he spoke at the landholder support day at Booroorban last week. "I'm hearing people who say they cannot do it again. They don't want to go through what they did in 2019."
Historic win – One Nation romps in to claim Farrer seat
David Farley convincingly won last Saturday's Farrer by-election, becoming the first One Nation candidate ever elected to the House of Representatives. For the first time in the history of Farrer, the electorate will not be represented by a Coalition MP. Mr Farley broke through the glass ceiling with a whopping 57.4 per cent of the votes, well ahead of close rival, Independent Michelle Milthorpe's 42.6 per cent.
Dinawan Solar Farm approved despite strong objections
Malaysian-owned Dinawan Solar Farm has received Development Application approval, despite strong objections from neighbouring landowners and opponents throughout the district, including Hay. Dinawan will be located 30km south of Coleambally and 30km north of Jerilderie, within the South West Renewable Energy Zone and the Murrumbidgee Local Government Area.
Council prepares to launch 10-year plan, reflecting economic transition
"Hay sits at the intersection of significant geographic, economic and climatic transitions – a position that brings challenges and opportunities." Those were the words of Hay Mayor, Carol Oataway when she spoke about Council's 10-year plan as the final draft of Shaping Hay's Future - a 10 Year Economic Transition Roadmap was presented to Council at its March meeting.
Building an empire, one agri opportunity at a time
The birth and growth of one of the Riverina’s most successful stories – Whitton Malt House – comes down to one word: opportunistic ... “It was the classic country mindset: if it’s to be, it’s up to me,” Whitton Malt House General Manager, Kaitlin Leonard said when she addressed the recent AgriWomen Connect conference at Whitton.
EnergyCo needs a shake-up
Securing social licence remains an ongoing challenge for councils as the region prepares for energy transition. The message was clear at a hearing in Hay last Wednesday into the impact of renewable energy zones on rural and regional communities and industries in NSW: EnergyCo is not doing enough ... EnergyCo, the NSW Government body responsible for upgrading the grid to build a reliable electricity system as coal-fired power stations retire, came under heavy fire from most witnesses in the hearing...
