The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has released a new Drought, Fire, and Flood Recovery Guide designed to support producers across NSW facing the challenges of extreme weather events.It addresses the unique issues faced by NSW farmers on the road to recovery from drought, bushfires, and flooding events.  It accompanies the Managing Drought, fire and flood guide released earlier this year which focuses on preparedness and response.  The recovery phase following any extreme event presents a valuable opportunity for producers to assess and improve their strategies, ensuring they are better equipped to face future challenges. To help achieve this, key features of the guide features informed decision-making strategies tailored to assist farmers in navigating the complexities of recovery. Practical advice and guidance on livestock, farm management, and sustainable practices related to soils, pastures, cropping, and natural resources. Resource Information and direct access to relevant resources from NSW DPIRD and Local Land Services (LLS). For more information and to access the Drought, Fire, and Flood Recovery Guide, please visit NSW DPIRD Drought hub website - https://www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/drought-fire-and-flood-recovery-guide

The Riverine Grazier and Back Country Bulletin recently had a fascinating Letter to the Editor arrive in our office. Pease read the following piece on the turning off of 3G, written by local Caroline Booth.We want to hear from you! Please give us your thoughts and experiences by emailing [email protected] wedge between city and country - Caroline Booth Since the turning off of 3G, much of rural NSW has had another wedge placed in the divide between city and country. Where people were once able to make phone calls or even be able to just send a simple text, they have nothing. Left unable to run their business, stay connected with family members, or even make medical appointments. And god forbid if it was needed to call emergency services! Communication has become an integral part of rural business. The number of businesses that we deal with throughout our day in order to put dinner on the table for city folk that require them to call you back has dramatically increased. You call to order something, make an appointment, etc., and they then tell you that there will be a call back.When 3G was on, you could then get on with work and they would call you back on the mobile, but now you either have to wait around the house or just leave it until another day when you would be around. People have become accustomed to being connected. Recently, during a spate of fires caused by lightning, people were disconnected as they were in an area where they once could get phone service, but now there is nothing. Communication was difficult, causing increased stress in an already stressful situation. We have spent the last 10 years using 3G to help us get dinner ready for the nation. Now, we have taken a step backwards. Is it fair that technology for rural Australia gets worse while it gets faster for more populated areas? So if your breakfast, lunch, or dinner is late to the table, enjoy the high-speed downloads!

The Australian government has provided Regional Express (Rex) with an $80 million lifeline to keep the airline operating regional routes. This funding comes after the airline collapsed in July and entered administration. The decision has been met with anger from smaller airlines, who say they offered to take over Rex's routes but were rebuffed. Rex's Collapse and its ImpactRex collapsed following its unsuccessful expansion into capital city routes, where it faced stiff competition from Qantas and Virgin Australia. However, the airline remains a major player in regional Australia, and its collapse has had a significant impact on airfares. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported that airfares have spiked since Rex’s exit from certain major city routes. For example, fares between Adelaide and Melbourne have increased by 95 per cent. Government Intervention and CriticismTransport Minister Catherine King announced the $80 million funding package, which will support Rex’s operations until June, following the next federal election. The government has not clarified whether the funding is a loan or a grant. Smaller airlines have criticized the government’s decision, stating they had proposed solutions to maintain service to regional communities without requiring government funding. Rejected Acquisition BidThe sources reveal that Renaissance Partners submitted a bid to acquire Rex, but it was rejected by the administrators, EY, and the investment bank managing the sale, Houlihan Lokey. Kym Lennox of Renaissance Partners claims their offer would have secured the airline's future without government intervention. They expressed confusion over the government's decision to become financially involved. Emails from a major investment bank, whose name was not disclosed, suggest their willingness to finance the acquisition, pending due diligence. EY declined to comment on the matter. Current StatusSince entering administration in July, EY has sold Rex's Pel-Air air ambulance business to Toll Holdings and property assets to the airline's majority shareholder. EY administrator Sam Freeman said the $80 million from the government will allow Rex's regional network to continue operating uninterrupted and will lead to network enhancements during the extension period.

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has slammed members of the National Socialist Network in parliament recently.“I rise with a message from my electorate of Farrer: those who try to divide us will only make us stronger,” Ms Ley said in her opening statements. In October, up to 50 Neo-Nazis dressed in black, with their faces covered, converged at Corowa in NSW, as part of an organised white supremacist rally.Ms Ley condemned the men who took part.“These men sought support for a publicity stunt. They failed miserably. Corowa rebuked the mob, demanding they leave town immediately. When I visited (Corowa) the next day, the message was clear: your views are not welcome in our town.”The group had also assembled at Albury's war memorial, alone on a cold midwinter evening, sprouting what Ms Ley called “white supremacy rubbish.” Saying their views should be “disappearing into the void of a dark night.” “You might meet in secret or sink into backroom social media sites, but as soon as you come out of the dark, you will be rejected,” she said. “If you think there's a base for you in rural Australia, think again.”

Become part of the growing Natural Capital Asset movement by joining Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc for their free, Nature’s Balance Sheet: Understanding Natural Capital Assets two-part program.By Jenny Dwyer, Murrumbidgee Landcare Local Landcare CoordinatorAbove : Stacey Lugsdin at her Warrendale sandhill restoration site that will be toured as part of the program. Image: Supplied.As a farmer or land manager, you manage natural capital: plants, animals, soils, water, and the services they provide. Enhancing natural capital on your farm can create value for your farming business or property management, as well as improving the environment and supporting the broader economy.Murrumbidgee Landcare Local Landcare Coordinator Jenny Dwyer says “natural capital remains a hot topic and we’re pleased to provide this opportunity for everyone to learn more from specialists in the field.”During the program, you will learn from Riverina Local Land Services, Primary Industries and Regional Development and NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust the value of the natural assets on your farm, how to improve productivity, build resilience, expand or safeguard market access, save on input and finance costs and boost your knowledge and confidence navigating environmental market opportunities.Part I on November 26 will be an Introduction to Natural Capital and Asset Tour of Warrendale, Hay. The visit will include discussions about basic concepts related to natural capital and how to get started, including a walk-through of the Warrendale Natural Capital Profile.Part II on December 3 will be a Carbon Management Workshop, facilitated by DPI’s On Farm Carbon Advice Team, detailing emissions analysis, calculating your on-farm emissions, market drivers and current and future approaches to reducing emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration.Cassie Douglas from the Biodiversity Conservation Trust will also be available to discuss the agreements and assistance the Biodiversity Conservation Trust can offer private landholders to enhance and conserve biodiversity on their property.More information and registration

Murrumbidgee Council has released a report following investigations into an alleged fuel spill at Gundaline Station, east of Hay.In the report, Council’s Director of Planning and Infrastructure Garry Stoll advised no action would be taken.Mr Stoll cites the extended time frame of the alleged incident to the report, the anonymous nature of the allegations and the lack of evidence at the site when inspected in May 2024.In July, The Riverine Grazier published claims that 11,800 litres of diesel had spilled and been drained into a main irrigation channel, causing a fish kill event, in December 2022 or January 2023.The allegations were raised in an unsigned, series of written allegations sent to The Grazier, NSW CEO of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Tony Chappel, Acting Deputy Secretary of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin, District Fisheries Officer Shaun Burke and the regional office of EPA in Griffith.The parcel of information also included photographs and maps.The recent Council report states on August 14 of this year Mr Stoll, Council’s Environmental Health Officer Susie Leeds and NSW EPA Acting Unit Head of Regulatory Operations Michael Waanders met at Gundaline, with a representative of Customised Farm Management (CFM) Richard Malone, to inspect the site of the alleged spill.During this inspection Mr Malone told the inspectors CFM operated an electronic fuel storage monitoring system that would have alerted to a significant fuel loss.He stated that in periods of hot weather it is “not uncommon for fish within the channels, predominately carp, to die off.”The Council report went on to state that on the inspection date of August 12, 2024 no dead fish were found, and the earthen bund around the diesel fuel tank was “in place and no breaches were evident.”CPRCT Consulting is acting for the sources, and has been in contact with Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage and Murrumbidgee Council.“This response is appalling,” a spokesperson said. “It appears this was just a tick a box exercise done months after the report was made. Did they really think or hope the media will not report any further on this matter? “Our plan is to now escalate this matter.“The mention of buried chemicals and excavators as a separate matter desperately needs to be addressed as it is outright illegal.”CPRCT Consulting says it acts for numerous ex-staff and contractors and has documentation to back up their claims, including timestamped photographs, maps and diary notes from Gundaline staff meetings.Background:Fuel spill fish kill alleged at Gundaline Station — The Riverine GrazierMurrumbidgee Council launches investigation into fuel spill — The Riverine Grazier

Last week, in Parliament about the Aged Care Bill 2024 was addressed, this is a critical piece of legislation for our aging population. As the baby boomer generation ages, there will be immense pressure on the aged care system, particularly in terms of funding and staffing. This is especially challenging in regional areas, where workforce shortages are already acute. The Labor Government's mandate for 24/7 registered nurses has further exacerbated this issue, forcing providers to rely on costly agency nurses from cities. This is unfair to experienced local nurses and unsustainable for the sector."I’ve heard from several couples who have been together for 60 or more years and sadly have to spend their final years apart as they’re forced to go to aged care facilities hundreds of kilometres from their hometowns. It’s a terrible tragedy. I believe it’s so important for everyone to have access to aged care facilities in their own town, surrounded by family and friends. It’s a basic human need and one we must strive for. I’m hopeful this legislation will address these issues and consider the unique needs of regional communities." Says Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.

Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, spoke in support of paraquat in Parliament last week in support of friend and colleague; Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster's motion. Urging the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to listen to farmers and science on herbicide dosages, instead of sensationalist journalism.The motion was spurred by an ABC Landline investigation that raised concerns about the potential link between paraquat and diquat exposure and neurological conditions like Parkinson's Disease. "While I acknowledge the distress of those who believe their illnesses may be related to past chemical use, it's important to note that contemporary agricultural practices have evolved significantly" Coulton said. Today, farmers utilize herbicides in controlled environments, significantly reducing exposure risks. M. Coulton spoke from experience; "I know when I was farming and used paraquat, I wore rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt and was in a tractor with a carbon filtered cab. If you follow the recommendations, it is a safe chemical to use. It’s an essential one – one that has enabled our farmers to produce record crops while preserving the soil moisture."

A man has been charged as investigations continue following the suspicious death of a woman in Bourke last week.Officers from Central North Police District were called to Parkdale Road, Bourke, 8am on October 29, after the body of a 47-year-old woman was found outside a home.Detectives commenced an investigation under Strike Force Akitio, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.Initial inquiries led police to arrest a 49-year-old man at the scene shortly after the woman’s body was found.The man was later charged with allegedly threatening a 42-year-old man during an unrelated incident on Sunday October 27. He remains before the court.As part of ongoing inquiries into the women’s death, on November 4 the man was also charged over an unrelated alleged incident at Bourke on October 27, where he allegedly threatened a 16-year-old boy and a 56-year-old man.He was charged with two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic) and destroy or damage property (DV).Additionally, yesterday November 6, the 49-year-old man was charged with wound person intend to cause grievous bodily harm (DV).Police will allege in court the man seriously assaulted the 47-year-old woman prior to her death.The man remains on remand in custody and is due to appear at Bourke Local Court November 7.Investigations into the woman’s death under Strike Force Akito remain ongoing.

Contamination across the three-bin system continues to be an issue and Hay Shire Council will be forced to take action against repeat offenders. “Council staff are constantly finding waste that should not be in your green lidded bin,” General Manager, David Webb said. “If this becomes an ongoing issue at your household, Council will issue you a letter to address the problem. “If the problem continues, a contamination notification sticker will be applied to your bin.” Contaminants found in the green lidded bin in recent weeks include a vacuum cleaner, a tyre, electric cord and hard plastics. To help residents get rid of bulky items that cannot go into bins, Council will have a kerbside clean-up this month from next Monday, November 11. Items which may be put out for collection include furniture, rugs and mattresses, whitegoods, household items such as vacuum cleaners, toasters, heater and kettles and sporting equipment including bicycles. Items which cannot be collected include building material, car parts and tyres, cement items and commercial waste such as large office printers. Chemicals, glass, polystyrene such as pool noodles and beans from bean bags will also not be collected. It is up to individual residents to schedule their kerbside clean-up. To do so, call into the Council office to book your spot. Bookings will not be accepted by phone.

In a bid to restore fairness to the Australian food and grocery industry, the Coalition has introduced a suite of legislative measures. The Food and Grocery (Mandatory) Code of Conduct Bill 2024 would compel supermarkets with annual turnover exceeding $5 billion to abide by a strict code of conduct. The legislation also proposes significant penalties for breaches, empowering the ACCC to conduct audits of supermarkets.To further strengthen regulatory oversight, the Coalition intends to establish a dedicated Supermarket Commissioner. Additionally, the Consumer Competition Amendment (Tougher Penalties for Supermarket and Hardware Businesses) Bill 2024 aims to equip the ACCC with sector-specific divestiture powers, enabling it to address anti-competitive practices more effectively."For too long, the big supermarkets have been taking advantage of consumers and farmers, so this Bill will ensure everyone gets a fairer go with stronger penalties for anti-competitive behaviour. Competitive markets benefit everyone by ensuring lower prices, creating more employment opportunities and fostering innovation." Says Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton.

Transgrid has engaged a big battery to increase the capacity of its network in the Riverina and deliver extra renewable energy to households and businesses without building new transmission infrastructure. Riverina and Darlington Point Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will allow up to 120MW of additional capacity on a constrained section of the Transgrid network between Darlington Point and Wagga Wagga. The BESS facilities are providing voltage support services to Transgrid, allowing additional renewable energy to be delivered to customers in time for the warmer months.The services provided by the combined 150MW/300MWh lithium-ion battery, owned by Federation Asset Management and Edify Energy, will also provide flexibility in the planning of future network augmentations including the South West Renewable Energy Zone and nation-critical VNI West project. “As the nation’s ageing coal plants retire, the need for energy storage becomes ever more pressing. Advanced grid-forming batteries like the Riverina BESS are critical to extracting the maximum capacity from our existing grid infrastructure, allowing timely integration of additional wind and solar generation into the National Electricity Market while our grid infrastructure is upgraded," Federation Asset Management co-founder and head of renewable energy Stephen Panizza said.To find out more about how Transgrid is developing non-network solutions to meet the needs of the consumers through the energy transition, see Chapter 3 of the 2024 Transmission Annual Planning Report (TAPR).For further information about this project visit: https://www.transgrid.com.au/projects innovation/improving-stability-in-south-west-nsw

A series of candidate workshops and drop-in sessions have been scheduled for residents of Central Darling Shire who are interested in becoming a councillor. The NSW Government will bring Central Darling Shire Council out of Administration next year. The new Rural and Remote Council will be made up of three locally elected councillors from the community and three councillors appointed by the NSW Government. Former State President of Local Government Professionals and Public Service Medal awardee (2016), John Rayner, will be conducting candidate workshops in November. John has spent more than five decades in Local Government. His experience includes being an Administrator and General Manager. Workshops will start at 5pm at: • MENINDEE: Monday 25th November - Civic Hall • WHITE CLIFFS: Tuesday 26th November - Town Hall • IVANHOE: Wednesday 27th November - Council Office (MSO) • WILCANNIA: Thursday 28th November - Council Office.In December, the Managing Director of ATSI ICT Aboriginal Corporation, Russell Styche, will be holding drop-in sessions. Russell is a Tubba-Gah man from the Wiradjuri Nation. He has been a director and member of Aboriginal organisations for 30 years. Russell has developed and delivered governance training packages nationwide for the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. Drop-in sessions will be held from 11am – 4pm at the following locations. • MENINDEE: Tuesday 3rd December - Civic Hall • IVANHOE: Wednesday 4th December - Council Office • WILCANNIA: Thursday 5th December Council Office On Council’s website there is a designated page where people can find information and links relating to the 2025 coming election. https://www.centraldarling.nsw.gov.au/News-articles/Future-for-Central-Darling-becoming-aCouncillor

The Independent Wilcannia Weir Review Panel will be in Wilcannia today. LOCATION: Baker Park Following the Remembrance Day Service (approximately 11.15am). Light refreshments will be available.

Australia’s main grid reached a record renewable share of more than 47 per cent in the month of October, while South Australia delivered a wind and solar share equivalent to 85.2 per cent of state demand.The claim was made by Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of energy website Renew Economy."Spring is usually the strongest season for wind and solar – due to the good conditions for generation and the relatively low demand, – although it can also result in high levels of curtailment due to the number of negative wholesale price trading intervals," Mr Parkinson said."But in October, despite the moderate pace of new fully commissioned wind and solar plants over the last 12 months, the share of renewables hit a new high."According to OpenNEM, the share for the month was 47.4 per cent, beating the 45.4 per cent recorded in September and the 45.2 per cent in October last year.Wind and solar alone accounted for 39.7 per cent, up from 38.1 per cent in the same month a year ago. Notably, the biggest contribution came from rooftop solar PV with a 16.8 per cent share of NEM (National Electricity Market) demand in the month.Other data providers came up with a slightly different number for the renewable share in October. Rystad Energy put it at 47.6 per cent and agreed it is a monthly record.Rystad’s David Dixon also noted it was the highest month of renewables generation on record (rooftop solar, utility solar, wind, hydro, biomass) with a total of 8.13 TWh, the first time it has exceeded 8 TWh in a month.The best performing individual state was Tasmania, with an average share of 100.9 per cent over the month from renewables, most of it (72.9 per cent) from hydro.In terms of variable renewables, South Australia led the way with an 85.2 per cent share of state demand – entirely from wind and solar. That’s not actually a record, however, as the state recorded an 86.9 per cent share in the same month last year.Victoria came next with a 51.5 per cent renewable share for the month, with the country’s most coal dependent states NSW and Queensland coming in with 40.4 per cent and 35.6 per cent respectively. Both Victoria and Queensland posted new monthly records in terms of generation, according to Rystad.Western Australia, which operates on a separate grid and with a different market system, which means it cannot export surplus power or import when needed, recorded a renewable share of 41.7 per cent for the month.The share of renewables has grown only moderately over the last 12 to 18 months, but the pace is expected to quicken with a number of big new projects – including the two biggest wind farms to be built in Australia – currently going through the commissioning process.

From November 1 residents across the state can take advantage of the NSW Government's new incentive to make battery storage more affordable.Installing more batteries across NSW will enable homes and businesses to maximise their use of generated solar energy, lower electricity bills, enhance grid reliability and stability, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand periods.A battery can provide households with a backup power supply during natural events.Under this scheme starting 1 November, eligible homeowners and businesses can receive a discount on the upfront installation cost of a battery through government-approved suppliers.The discount, based on battery capacity, ranges from approximately $1,600 to $2,400 for a typical system of 13.5 kWh. This will be available for both new and existing solar systems.The scheme also offers an additional incentive of around $250 to $400 for connecting a household or business battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).This connection allows sites to collectively share their battery capacity with the grid, further enhancing grid stability.Businesses that operate VPPs in some cases also provide additional incentives and bill reductions to participate which can make this an attractive option.Interested residents should contact local solar and battery installers to inquire about their participation in the scheme and obtain multiple quotes to compare prices and get advice on choosing the system that is right for their individual energy use.These incentives are part of the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS), which is a scheme that aims to reduce energy demand during peak hours.The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme is a key pillar of the recently released NSW Consumer Energy Strategy, designed to ensure households and businesses can participate in and benefit from the energy transition.Further information

The Moulamein Men’s Shed is helping to keep the small village alive. The oldest town in the Riverina, members of the shed work hard to do whatever they can to keep various aspects of the town afloat. “We don’t do the things other men’s sheds do,” said Colin Adams. “We are largely a group of busy farmers, with a lot of members having rice or sheep to tend to. “Instead, we do other things like collecting donations of batteries to cash in, and from that we purchase fingerlings to return to the rivers surrounding the town. “We do this with the help of the Department of Primary Industries, and they assist, with every dollar we raised they match it with two, up to a cap. It is an application process, and we get to identify certain spots. “This has been very successful not only for the environmental aspect, but at bringing people into the town. Moulamein’s main drawcard is to fishermen and bird watchers. “People come here and are delighted; they sit on the riverbank and reel in 15 fish, they are too little to keep so they throw them back, but they are really happy to come here because they know they can catch a fish.” This work is of significant importance in an area which has suffered two black water incidents, one in 2016 and another in 2020. Fish and water creatures were lost on a massive scale. The town also has an annual fishing competition, and a mad passion for football. The Moulamein men’s shed also revitalised the Blue Gate; a blue timber gate symbolic of the gates that had to be opened and closed by Cobb & Co drivers on the coach route between Moulamein and Deniliquin, and various other community signs and tasks around the area. This includes a lot of the barbecue tables around the town. The Moulamein men’s shed is a living testament to the spirit of small towns. With the average membership age of 75, and comprised of busy men with their own careers and obligations, they still come together to make a difference in their own little slice of heaven.

Weather forecasters are predicting widespread rainfall for November, across NSW and Queensland.Falls of between 20 and 60 mm are being touted for the Back Country.The Bureau of Meteorology says rainfall is likely to be above average across much of eastern Australia and parts of the interior until January.They say rainfall is likely (60 to 80% chance) to be above average for much of eastern Australia, parts of eastern WA and western SA, and regions in far northern and southern NT.For south-western WA, eastern SA, western NSW and Queensland, and much of Victoria and central NT, rainfall is likely to be within the typical range for the season.Predicted rainfall for the month of November. Image: meteologix.com.Karl Lijnders, who operates the online weather service "Weather Matters" predicts lower falls of between 20-30mm but says the falls will occur in the next two weeks.Image: Weather Matters.

Eligible owners and operators of remote airports and airstrips are invited to apply for Round 11 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade (RAU) program.The RAU program can provide grants from $5,000 to $4 million to help enhance the safety and accessibility of remote aerodromes. The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program provides funding to improve aerodromes in remote areas of Australia. The aim is to provide year-round all-weather access and improve delivery of essential goods and services.The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program provides grants to enhance the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in remote and very remote areas of Australia. This will:improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers using remote and very remote airstripsfacilitate improved delivery of essential goods and services such as food supplies, health care, community mail and passenger air servicescomplement air services delivery to communities subsidised under the Australian Government’s Remote Air Services Subsidy (RASS) Schememeet operational requirements of aeromedical (including the RFDS) and emergency servicessupport improved access to air services for people with disability.The maximum grant amount is $4,000,000.The grant will be up to 50% of eligible project costs, unless:the applicant (you) and a third party (could include state, territory or local government or other non-government funding) are both contributing to eligible project costs, the grant amount for this opportunity may be reduced to a third of eligible project coststhe applicant (you) meets the definition as an Indigenous Owned and/or Operated Aerodrome, the grant will be up to 100% of eligible project costs.Applications to round 11 of the RAU program close December 13, 2024.Apply now