An oar-some announcement
Hugh Schuitemaker. Collaboration between Renmark Paringa Council, the State Government and a local rowing club is set to support a $1.7m infrastructure upgrade ... "The project will result in a 70m long wharf with 6m ramps down on either side to allow the Renmark Rowing Club to host large meets and become a premier destination for rowers statewide": Tim Tol.
BOM working on ongoing Grafton radar issues
The recent wet weather that has seen the eyes of Clarence Valley residents looking to the Bureau of Meteorology’s Grafton radar for approaching weather conditions has raised more questions than answers about what is going on in the atmosphere. Last week the CV Independent received reports for the second time this year that the Grafton radar was malfunctioning … weather being displayed on radar images did not correlate with the conditions on the ground.
Your mysterious power bill changes
Many of the 5.7 million Australian electric power users without solar panels on their roofs are likely to face very different power costs when they receive their next quarterly bill. Although we have continually been told in recent times that the already high price of power will be reduced, certain power retailing companies are simply currently advising their customers that “new electricity rates” will apply from the beginning of this month. They do not, however, warn that the new rates will generally sharply increase...
Findings shared from Australia’s first hydrogen microgrid: Cook, Buti
The Cook Government has ... released a Public Knowledge Sharing Report on the Denham Renewable Hydrogen Microgrid - the first of its kind in Australia. The project, which is now fully operational, includes a 704-kilowatt solar farm, 348kW hydrogen electrolyser and a 100kW fuel cell located in Denham, providing an innovative alternative to diesel generators.
Transformed freight vision can supercharge Victorian economy: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the Victorian agriculture industry can propel the state’s economy and surpass $20 billion dollars of food and fibre exports by 2030 if the Victorian Government focusses on road maintenance, lowering costs and improving freight efficiency. In a submission to the Refresh of the Victorian Freight Strategy, VFF President Emma Germano said having a plan to maintain and fix regional roads would be key to reinforcing agriculture…
Power for the asking, in more ways than one
The NT Government is charging you five times as much for electricity compared to what Fred next door is paying for solar. Got an envelope? Turn it over. Here we go ... Just 13 per cent of the town’s electricity consumption is from solar. A mere 3 or 4 per cent comes from the Uterne Solar Farm ...
Men of Steel lengthen Taggerty’s life
The over one hundred year old Taggerty Buffet Car has been a familiar inclusion of the collection at Donald’s Train Park for many years, having been purchased by Donald Lions Club for $2,000 around twenty years ago. Once having held royalty, it is now being somewhat treated like royalty, with the erection of a steel shed cover to protect the historical carriage from the elements.
Eat or heat
The vulnerable in the district are choosing between heating and eating this winter. If they turn on heating to keep themselves warm during the chilly nights, many say they will be faced with eye-watering power bills. So, what does the public do? The [Naracoorte Community] News asked our decision makers to explain why we have one of the highest electricity prices in the world and what is being done to give regional South Australians some relief.
Region’s historic water significance in the spotlight
Coliban Water recently hosted representatives from Heritage Victoria as part of a bid to have the Victorian Goldfields listed on the World Heritage List. Adam Crameri, General Manager Water and Climate Strategy at Coliban Water, highlighted the significance of the region, noting that its inclusion would make it the 21st site in Australia to achieve this status.
Minister for Water visits and listens
Minister for Water, Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health, Youth and the North Coast, the Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC, visited Wilcannia on Wednesday 26th June to hear residents’ thoughts on the process taken in changing the design of the proposed new weir. Walking freely and looking comfortable, the Minister made herself known to each person she came across gathered around the Memorial in Baker Park.
Opposition explores benefits of nuclear energy in Port Augusta: Speirs, Patterson
Leader of the Opposition, David Speirs ... travel to Port Augusta for the first time since the Federal Coalition announced the Spencer Gulf city as one of seven locations it proposes to build zero-emissions nuclear power plants. The State Liberal Opposition is keen to explore the viability of a civil nuclear industry in South Australia – and its potential to lower energy prices...
Edenhope Equine Facility transformation
The Edenhope equestrian community is going from strength to strength ... The Edenhope Equine Facility features modern amenities ... The fully off grid system will mean that operating costs for these community groups are greatly reduced ... West Wimmera Shire Council Mayor Tim Meyer said Council was proud to have played a crucial role in bringing the Edenhope Equine Facility to life.
Power pole transition plan sparks concerns
A decision by an electricity network which covers more than 90 per cent of the state to phase out hardwood power poles in favour of composite poles made from resin and fibreglass has sparked community concerns amidst allegations the transition will increase power bills, further exacerbating financial pressures during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, as well as compromise the timber industry.
Golden glow to mine plans
Rachel Hagan. The wait is over as Rex hits road Rex Minerals is about to begin construction on the preliminary stages of the Pine Point Road realignment in preparation for full scale copper and gold production at the Hillside Project ... Rex has big plans to prioritise local jobs, and has already begun training interested students through its school immersion program.
Loy Yang identified for power play
A nuclear power station at Loy Yang would create cheaper zero emissions electricity and generate regional economic development, according to the federal Opposition's nuclear energy policy ... Loy Yang is one of seven identified locations at a power station that has closed or is scheduled to close, around Australia ... "Each of these locations offer important technical attributes needed for a zero-emissions nuclear plant..."
Record-setting restoration of rural gravel roads commences
Lismore City Council has commenced an historic effort to restore over 120km of unsealed gravel roads damaged by natural disasters. Over the next three months, Council will deploy six dedicated local crews to grade and repair the most severely affected areas.
Yanchep line station – access maps released
Metronet has released maps showing the preferred access to the three stations on the Yanchep rail line. A Metronet spokeswoman said preferred access to Yanchep station was along Marmion Ave and then via a new road called Botanical Blvd leading to parking facilities.
All aboard for vintage train trips from Casino
Lachlan Valley Railway is bringing a 1960s vintage train to Casino next month. LVR is a rail preservation society in Cowra that was established in 1974. The society aims to preserve and operate former NSW Government Railways locomotives and rolling stock.
Telstra helping customers say goodbye to 3G
Telstra is giving some customers complimentary handsets to ensure they stay connected after the 3G network closure on 31 August 2024. Around 12,000 complimentary mobile devices will be given to some customers who are in difficult situations, live rurally or are elderly.
AMTA launches “Check my Device” tool to help Aussies prepare for 3G networks shutdown
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) today announced the launch of a new web-based tool, Check my Device to help Australians determine if their mobile device will be fully supported on Australian mobile networks after 3G networks close, including the ability to make emergency calls to Triple 0. Check my Device can be found on the website, www.3Gclosure.com.au, is available to all Australians, on any mobile network…
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley calls for nuclear power stations
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has backed the call for nuclear power in Australia ... “So they're trying to do everything with renewables, which is why it's not working. We're saying, take the time to keep gas in the system while we need it. It's not nearly as detrimental as coal. Then build nuclear, because, while expensive to build, it's very cheap to operate, and nuclear is zero emissions."
Confirmed – GBH redevelopment to go ahead
Almost $15 million will be allocated towards the $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) redevelopment over the next 12 months after NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey handed down the NSW State Budget for 2024-25 last week. Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said the Budget papers "lock in the redevelopment with $14.7 million in the coming financial year, and $222.2 million over the next four years."
