No more band-aids for pool
There will be no further band-aid remedies for Hay’s 60-year-old John Houston Memorial Pool. Hay is to get a new swimming pool after Council made the difficult decision last week to borrow up to $4million.
Ivanhoe region faces desperate financial outlook- $1.225M deficit for Central Darling Shire
Central Darling Shire Council will have an operating deficit of $1.225M for 2024/2025 and is facing an extremely strained and desperate financial outlook. It comes as Council prepares for a number of essential, but unaffordable expenses. General Manager, Greg Hill said this was happening at a time when an application for $1.3 million in Natural Disaster Declaration assistance for storm damage had been declined.
Big changes to address local housing shortage
The minimum lot size is to be removed in Hay township (both North and South Hay) and some primary production land will be rezoned to low density residential in a bid by Council to address the housing shortage … Council recently received funding under the regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund to undertake a planning proposal to change the Hay Local Environment Plan (LEP) which governs the land uses and zoning of properties.
New tax to get buried
Another tax has been wacked onto Councils by the State Government. The Cemetery and Cremation Tax which comes into effect on July 1 is set to hit not only Local Government Councils, but also grieving families.
Major improvements to start in Hay’s main street next week
Improvements are on the way for the main street of Hay. Work is set to start next week on improvements to the main street to provide a stronger road and a smoother and safer journey for up to 5000 vehicles that drive through the town each day. Hay Shire Council General Manager, David Webb welcomed the announcement made on Monday afternoon.
How feasible is nuclear power for Australia?
Nuclear remains a topical and contentious issue for Australia, with Labor firmly opposed to this form of energy while the Coalition wants to build nuclear power stations on the sites of existing coal fire stations. Alan Finkel, former Chief Scientist of Australia believes it is worth removing the legislated ban on nuclear power. “Nuclear power is a credible source of abundant zero-emissions electricity, but it would take 20 years to commence operations from a standing start in Australia,” Dr Finkel said.
Addressing the Sturt Highway road toll
A Sturt Highway Taskforce has been formed in response to the rising road toll on the Sturt Highway. The initiation came from Murrumbidgee Council, with the first meeting held earlier this month.
No money left in Council’s charity bucket
Two requests for financial assistance by waiving fees and charges have met with a firm no from Council, and community and sporting organisations and groups can expect this to continue, at least for the current financial year. Council’s budget allocation for assistance of $13,000 has already been fully expended after it was increased in February. “We do not have any money left in the budget,” General Manager, David Webb said.
AGL Energy and Someva Renewables announce community funding as part of Pottinger Energy Park near Hay
AGL Energy and Someva Renewables have announced tens of millions in funding for the Hay Shire and Edward River Councils regions if the proposed Pottinger Energy Park proceeds ... The bulk of the funding will be delivered via two voluntary planning agreements between Someva, AGL Energy and the two councils.
Shearing legends to be honored at 11th Festival of the Blades
Five notable shearing legends will be honoured at Shear Outback’s 11th Festival of the Blades over the October long weekend, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th ... “These legends are famous in the world of shearing, and should be acknowledged for their outstanding contributions and achievements to the shearing industry,” Shear Outback board chair, Sam Barnes said. They are Deniliquin’s Brian Sullivan, Alan Williams (Moama), Peter Black (Dongara, WA) and Damien Boyle (Broomehill West, WA).
