$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...
Ley exits with grace and dignity
Member for Farrer for the past 25 years, Sussan Ley has announced her exit from politics with grace and dignity after losing to Angus Taylor in a Liberal Party leadership spill 34-17 on Friday ... "I will be spending the next couple of weeks thanking the amazing people of Farrer, and expressing my gratitude to them, for the honour of representing them for 25 years."
New John Houston Memorial Pool an investment in Hay’s health, wellbeing and vibrancy
The fully refurbished John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool is more than a safe place to swim. It is more than being the largest capital project in Council history. In her official address during the opening ceremony on December 19, Hay Mayor, Carol Oataway said the pool complex was a community hub, a place where families gather, friendships are forged, and active, healthy lifestyles are encouraged.
Anger at boiling point over fuel station approval
A rescission motion has been submitted within 24 hours of one of the most contentious meetings of Hay Shire Council last Thursday when a Development Application (DA) for an unmanned fuel station was approved. Mayor, Carol Oataway exercised her right to cast an additional vote when the decision was tied at three all, and thereby approved the application. This caused the well-packed gallery to erupt in disgust, disappointment and disbelieve.
