Infrastructure

A federal government review has heard that poor telecommunications in regional communities can jeopardise lives and impact on people’s livelihoods. Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines, hosted the Regional Telecommunications Review in Benalla last Friday which was attended by more than 50 people, many of whom spoke about the challenges they face.

Major upgrade works have begun at the Bordertown Speedway to make the facility a “world-class” race track. Once completed, the project aims to put Bordertown on the map, with a facility big enough to attract all types of racing. While the project has hit many speedbumps, the Bordertown Speedway Club says budget has been a big factor.

Field surveys along the proposed VNI West draft corridor have begun, with Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) initiating a Geotech drilling program in Northern Grampians Shire in May. Drilling was halted in early May and is due to restart on 13 May. According to documents provided to the public, the Geotech drilling program will assist TCV to develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental factors such as flora and fauna, as well as geological characteristics within the area.

The first stage of construction at the Nhill Renewable Energy Facility is due to begin in May 2024. GWMWater awarded a contract to Next Generation Electrical for the works. The facility is GWMWater’s first venture into large scale energy generation with direct connection into the local electricity grid.

TCV (Transmission Company Victoria). The Victorian Minister for Planning has confirmed that Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is required to prepare an Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the VNI West project ... In her reasons for the decision under the Environment Effects Act 1978, the Minister noted that the EES process would provide a “robust, integrated and transparent assessment through which the potential environmental effects can be rigorously assessed”.

Almost half a million dollars has been wasted on traffic lights rather than road fixes, according to the Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley ... "This is the real cost of a cash strapped state that can’t pay for what should be urgent repairs. $474,000 has been wasted while these roads were reduced to one lane."

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.

Bendigo Airport's new terminal and business park officially opens today, providing an economic boost to the region ... The terminal-which is approximately four times larger than the previous building-includes new check-in facilities and departure lounge, upgraded restrooms, provision for future security screening, and an indoor arrival area and baggage collection.

Independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines, is encouraging individuals and community groups to take part in a federal government review examining the existing and future telecommunication needs of regional communities ... "Regional communities are held back by unreliable NBN coverage, mobile phone blackspots and slow internet speeds during peak holiday periods," Dr Haines said.

Images from the new Toowoomba weather radar are now live on the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) website and app. The radar is located in an elevated position between Goombungee and Crows Nest. BoM Senior Responsible Officer for Queensland, Dr Peter Stone, said that the new radar will add coverage to current radar gaps to the west and south-west of Toowoomba.

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.