Say NO to water buybacks
Hay Shire Council is urging residents to support a petition led by local member for Murray, Helen Dalton, which seeks to protect regional and remote communities from the potential impacts of Commonwealth Water Buybacks. The petition which needs 10,000 signatures calls on the NSW Government to ensure that no water transfers occur without a detailed and transparent report into the expected impact of any Commonwealth buybacks.
Miller leads the polls
New candidate for Hay Shire Council, Will Miller is sitting comfortably in the lead with 331 First Preference Votes. Outgoing mayor, Carol Oataway polled 296 votes and in third place is Martyn Quinn with 183 votes ... Eight councillors will be elected from the 10 candidates.
Yes to free camping
Free camping at Sandy Point again reared its head, briefly, at a recent extraordinary meeting of Hay Shire Council. In a Notice of Motion by retiring councillor, Peter Handford, Council was asked to impose a fee on campers using the facilities at popular Sandy Point Reserve ... General Manager, David Webb said currently the reputation of Sandy Point as a free camp site acts as a significant attraction to Hay, drawing visitors from other free camps because of additional visitor experiences, access to supermarkets, pubs, clubs and fuel stations.
Dunera Mass returns to Hay after 84 years
A Dunera Mass, part-written in Hay more than 80 years ago, is returning for a site-specific performance at Hay War Memorial Hall. The dramatised concert will be performed in Hay during the annual Dunera Commemorative day ... The concert will involve the community where some of Max-Peter Meyer's music was written while he spent part of 1940-41 in the internment camp at Hay.
Strong field in council elections
Ten candidates will vie for a seat of eight on the new Hay Shire Council when voters go to the polls on Saturday, September 14. They are, in order of ballot: David Townsend, Martyn Quinn, Wil Miller, Steven Young, Carol Oataway, Lionel Garner, Darren Tapper, Paul Porter, John Perry and Geoff Chapman. Balranald Shire has 13 contestants in the first Local Government elections since the former Council was put under administration.
Rex not likely to collapse
Three voluntary administrators have been appointed for the Rex Group, with a focus on ensuring Rex’s regional services continue through, and beyond, the administration period. During this time, Rex will continue to service regional Australia through its Saab 340 fleet and Rex Flyers will continue to enjoy the normal benefits they receive under their membership tier.
Report says delays to transmission builds are costing Australians
A new report by Nexa Advisory reveals that delays in building energy transmission infrastructure will lead to higher electricity bills for both households and businesses, compromise energy reliability and jeopardise emissions reduction targets. CEO of Nexa Advisory, Stephanie Bashir said the factors contributing to the slow pace of the energy transition were complex.
Balranald GM resigns
General Manager of Balranald Shire Council, Craig Bennett, has resigned from his position.
“It has been an honour to serve the Balranald Shire Community over the past 18 months,” Mr Bennett said in a media release issued last week.
Council resolves to trade surplus water
Future surplus water will be traded by Hay Shire Council with revenue to be returned to Council’s Water fund for further water projects. A Sale (Trade) of Water policy was unanimously adopted by Council at its recent monthly meeting in a bid to generate additional revenue for the Water Fund as well as improve the efficiency of water usage.
More housing blocks open for Hay
Work on the Bishop’ Lodge subdivision has been completed at a cost of $405,000 and Council hopes to utilise the area to create affordable housing. General Manager, David Webb said many local councils were committing to specific mechanisms and actions to increase housing supply and housing affordability, such as affordable housing contribution schemes.
