Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) welcomes the announcement of $4.7 billion over 5 years for Family Violence Support Workers and other measures to combat Family Violence from July next year agreed to by the Commonwealth National Cabinet on Friday.The five-year national plan announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will focus on four areas: supporting frontline services, preventing perpetrators from escalating their violence, providing more support for young victims and addressing the impact of alcohol on violence.Part of the funding will also increase financial support for legal services.MASP Manager – Family Safety Amy Cupper said the funding agreement would help boost MASP’s capability to work with families experiencing violence.“With the rise in Family Violence across society as a whole, particularly in the Mallee, more Government investment in programs will go a long way towards supporting our work in helping those experiencing Family Violence,” she said.“We look forward to working with Governments at all levels on ways to combat Family Violence.”For more information on MASP’s Family Safety Program and how to access services go to https://masp.org.au/how-we-help/family-safety/

The Riverine Grazier is getting behind this year’s R U OK? Campaign. In upcoming editions of the newspaper, we will share copies of official R U OK resources The Mateship Manual and Staying Connected. The Mateship Manual is a 12-page booklet written to help someone who's doing it tough in a rural and remote location. Staying Connected is an activity book of games, puzzles and quizzes with personal stories and conversation tips to help senior Australians feel more connected and supported. Copies of each will be included inside your newspaper, courtesy of the team at The Riverine Grazier and R U OK? Day organisers. In 1995, much-loved Barry Larkin was far from OK. His suicide left family and friends in deep grief and with endless questions. In 2009, his son Gavin Larkin chose to champion just one question to honour his father and to try and protect other families from the pain he endured: 'Are you OK?'. While collaborating with Janina Nearn on a documentary to raise awareness, the team quickly realised the documentary alone wouldn’t be enough. To genuinely change behaviour Australia wide, a national campaign was needed. And from this realisation, and with Gavin and Janina’s expertise and passion, R U OK? was born. Gavin remained a passionate champion of the fact a conversation could change a life, even as cancer ended his in 2011. His legacy is a national Conversation Movement that is equipping Australians with the skills and confidence to support those struggling with life. R U OK? was born from lived experience. The valuable insights, storytelling, and expertise of those with lived experience continues to be weaved throughout everything we do. Across our team, Board, Advisory Groups and Ambassadors, we remain respectful and proud of those who share their journeys to help continually improve our work.

A male from New South Wales was the first to be charged under the state's new coercive control laws.Police arrested the 44-year-old man at a Leeton home, in response to a police report made earlier that day, July 26, by the man’s 39-year-old partner.Coercive control is ongoing abusive and manipulative behaviour, dominating and intimidating another. This can include threats, surveillance, insults and withholding money.The man was transported to Leeton police station where he was charged with a range of domestic violence offences, including stalking/intimidation intending fear of physical harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and coercive control.He faced Wagga Wagga Local Court the next day, where bail was refused.Police also applied for an apprehended domestic violence order against the man to protect the alleged victim.Research reflects police received 23 reports of coercive control in the first month after the new laws came into effect on July 1, including one report concerning harming a child and another relating to animal abuse.According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, almost all victims who came forward were female, at 91 per cent.More than 60 per cent of the reported occurrences involved accusations of threats and intimidation, while 48 per cent involved alleged humiliating or degrading behaviour.Almost half of the cases involved alleged harassment, monitoring or tracking of victims and 39 per cent involved financial abuse.The coercive control laws were passed by NSW parliament in 2022.The state's police force underwent close to a year training its officers on enforcement of these laws.It's anticipated more coercive control charges will be laid in NSW in coming weeks and months.

Police were kept busy in and around Hay this week.Sturt Highway closed due to smokeThe Sturt Highway between Darlington Point and Hay was the scene of multiple incidents on the afternoon of Monday September 2, 2024 and resulted in the closure of a section of the road. A fire at the cotton gin at Carrathool/Conargo Road intersection caused the highway to be closed in both directions due to a dangerous amount of smoke generated by a fire in the cotton trash . Intense wind conditions prevailed through out the day. Rural Fire Service MIA operational officer, Justin Mackellar said the fire caused a large amount of smoke in the area and made it dangerous for motorists to pass through. RMS was on the scene to advise motorists to detour if possible. The smoke allegedly caused a truck to crash into another vehicle. No one is believed to have been injured in the incident. Road spikes end Police chaseEarlier in the day, police were conducting speed enforcement duties along the Sturt Highway when a vehicle was detected allegedly travelling in excess of the 110km/h zone. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it failed to comply and a pursuit was initiated. Police allege a pursuit of 65km was covered where speeds of 180km/h were reached before road spikes were successfully deployed five kilometres west of Darlington Point. The driver, a 31-year-old man from Ashmont, was arrested at the scene. A female occupant was also in the vehicle but was not arrested. There were no reports of any injuries. The man was taken to Griffith Police Station and charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed, class A motor vehicle > 45km/h – estimated and two outstanding war rants. He was refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Indecent expose and intimidate PolicePolice arrested a Hay man for indecent exposure and intimidation last week. Police received a number of calls regarding a drug-affected man walking around without shirt on talking to him early last Tuesday morning. When police attempted to talk to him, the man allegedly became aggressive and exposed himself to police. Not long afterwards, the same man allegedly threatened two women with a hammer in Lindsay Street. Police drew a taser on the man and arrested him. He was refused bail to appear before Griffith Local Court on Wednesday September 4, 2024, charged with obscene exposure, two counts of intimidation and intimidating a police officer.

Carrathool Shire Council raised the cost of repairing damage caused by acts of vandalism at the August council meeting.One example, tabled at the meeting, involves the replacement of signage, at a cost to Council of up to $2,450, for signs that appear to have been knocked over by a vehicle."Sometimes the signs can be reinstalled other times replacement signs are required," a report to Council read. "While these acts have occurred recently it has been some time since previous acts of vandalism of this nature have occurred."In addition the report claims approximately 1,000 litres have been stolen from Council plant recently, with several instances taking place in the Rankins Springs area. "This has also coincided with several thefts from rural property which included workshop tools and equipment as well as several vehicles from various properties. "There has been also several instances of fences being cut at Rankins Springs and Carrathool Waste Depots." Council says all incidents have been reported to police. All images: Carrathool Shire Council.

Carrathool Council has agreed to undertake the first stage of the proposed Arid Zone Botanic Garden.In 2020 A master plan was developed for the Hillston Arid Zone Botanic Garden project. This plan consisted of 5 stages and had an estimated cost of just over $6 million. A Council committee was formed relating to the project and Council attempted to source funding from various grant opportunities. Above: The concept plan for Hillston's Arid Zone Botanic GardenTo date Council have been unsuccessful in securing grant funding for the full cost of the project.Councils committee decided to break the project into smaller stages with what could be practically achieved. Fencing, earthworks and the provision of water were identified as being achievable however this was all subject to grant funding. Savings have been made in areas of Councils projects that have enabled $190,000 to be made available to undertake these works.Council approved the following $165,803 budget at the August meeting: Earthworks $35,000 (Remove trees from carpark area, flatten out old levee tops for path in the future, clear fence line.) Fence $17,000 (Hinge joint fence with barb line on top.) Carpark/Free Camp $85,303 (Council to deliver, spread, compact, and shape / 150mm road base material.) Water install $8,000 (40mm water service under bored across to the Kidman Way.) Survey $9,500 (Survey boundary.) Signage $1,000 (Estimate.) Contingency $10,000 (Any unused money to be allocated to a tank and pump system.)Quotes are currently being sought to confirm costings for stages 2 and 3 of the projects. Stages 2 & 3 of the Arid Zone Botanic Garden project are expected to be funded by future grant opportunities.This project will be the only arid zone botanic garden in RAMJO region and Council hopes the community will see an increased tourism spend, increased visitor nights and development of significant tourism product along the Kidman Way Grey Nomad route.

The new managers of Discovery Café in Balranald, Mikayla Bax and partner Connor Westcombe, have opened the doors.Aged 21 and 24 respectively, the courageous pair have decided to branch out for themselves, after Mikayla worked for the former owners for five years. Connor is an electrician, having recently left his job of six years to pursue the venture with Mikayla.“I always loved working at the Discovery Cafe, and for Sue and Charlie,” Mikayla said. “And I always wanted to branch out on my own. So, when the opportunity arose, we mutually decided to have a go.“We are just over the moon, from the time I started working for Charlie and Sue, I knew it was all I wanted to do.Mikayla is a known and beloved local, and recently moved back to the town after living with Connor and their gorgeous baby Willow in Robinvale. The process of applying for the Discovery Café was very quick. The pair saw it advertised, applied, and then three weeks later got the phone call. Despite moving, and preparing the business for opening all in a short time, they were absolutely delighted.Described by locals as a pocket rocket, Mikayla was baking up a storm of sweet treats before the pair opened the doors on December 22.“It works out really well,” Mikayla said with a chuckle. “I love hospitality, and cooking, and Connor loves to eat my food.“We have created our own menu, similar to a Melbourne style but modern, home cooking with a twist.“The locals have been incredibly supportive, when they discovered we were taking over.“They were delighted in being able to have coffee again.”One can visit the Discovery Café and enjoy scintillating delights such as kale and apple salad with balsamic dressing, house made chunky steak and cheese pies, pesto pasta salad, beetroot and feta salad and more.Call into the Discovery Café and say hi to these happy, friendly and amazing people, and enjoy the atmosphere and the wonderful service.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (above) will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of farmers from across the country next week, in an unprecedented rally against Labor’s anti-farming ideology. Mr Coulton said Labor is destroying agriculture and making life impossible for the nation’s producers of food and fibre, due to endless cuts to the regions, anti-farming legislation and unnecessary red tape.“The Nationals 100 per cent support our farmers attending the National Farmer Rally outside Canberra Parliament House,” Mr Coulton said.“This Labor Government has decimated our farming and agriculture industry in the Parkes electorate. It has been more than 40 years since farmers last felt so aggrieved to protest against a government.  It’s easy to understand why our farmers are fed up, after being constantly attacked by Labor and its anti-farming policies, from water buybacks to reckless renewables and its senseless phase out of our live sheep export trade.” The Nationals are demanding 10 key changes by Labor;Reinstate the live sheep export trade.Bring back the Agriculture Visa and fix Labor’s PALM scheme mess.Stop Labor’s water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin.Introduce a container levy (so our own farmers don’t pay for the biosecurity risk created by international competitors). Reverse Labor’s cuts to regional infrastructure. Stop Labor’s truckie tax and vehicle efficiency standard.Create a mix of energy, rather than Labor’s all-renewables approach, which is destroying agricultural land.Scrap harmful emissions profiles, or Scope 3.Stop Labor’s proposed taxes on superannuation, which will impact family farms.Ensure the 88-day backpacker work visa remains in place for the agriculture sector. “These 10 key areas are crucial to farming, agriculture and regional Australia,” Mr Coulton said. “The Nationals will not stop fighting until common sense prevails and our farmers get a fair go.”

At the June meeting Carrathool Shire Council considered a request from the Rankins Springs Progress Committee to rename Ninti Street Park “Centenary Park” or “Centennial Park”, the Council resolved to seek input from the community prior to making a decision.The name change proposal was advertised with submissions being received up until 31 July 2024. Information has been provided by the president of the Rankins Springs CWA Branch that according to their minutes dating back to 1950 it is evident the CWA provided half the funding at that time for the playground and it was then named the “CWA Children's Playground”. The CWA have requested that the park retain the recognition of the Rankins Springs CWA Branch and ask if the park could be named “Rankins Springs CWA Centenary Park”. Two other submissions were received from residents of Rankins Springs both in favour of calling the park “Centenary Park”. At the most recent council meeting held in August Council resolved to place on display the suggested renaming of the Ninti Street Park to “Rankins Springs CWA Centenary Park” for public comment.The motion was moved by Cr Michael Armstrong, seconded by Cr Beverley Furner and moved unanimously.

It is more than ten years since Central Darling Shire residents elected councillors. Now with a local government election on the horizon Council has been fielding questions from residents wanting to know more about becoming a councillor. In July the NSW Government announced plans to bring Central Darling Shire Council out of Administration. The government plans to introduce a new council model. Central Darling Shire will become a ‘Rural and Remote Council’ made up of three locally elected councillors from the community and three councillors appointed by the NSW Government with relevant expertise to support the stable and effective operation of the Council. The inquiries being received by people wanting to know more about being on council is an early indication that Central Darling can look forward to a promising future with elected and government appointed councillors. Residents are also being reminded to make sure that everyone who is eligible is enrolled to vote. It is important for people to have their say about the candidates they would like to see help bring the Council out of Administration. It is also a timely reminder for people to make sure their details are up to date on the electoral role. Information about the plans for the future of Central Darling, and also links to information about becoming a councillor, can be found on Council’s website.

The Mid Western Highway near Hay was closed this morning (Friday, September 6, 2024) due to a truck rollover.Emergency services were called to the accident around 6.30am, after reports a grain truck had rolled.The Highway was closed to traffic in both directions for several hours, but one lane opened at 9am, to allow alternating lanes of traffic to pass.

A program designed to reduce the risk and impact of flood events across towns in inland NSW has been extended thanks to a $3 million Australian Government grant.The Improving Floodplain Connections – Urban Protection Program is a risk-reduction program that targets existing flood works. Since 2022, it has been working to restore hydrological connectivity across northern basin floodplains of inland NSW. The grant, which is funded through the Commonwealth National Emergency Management Agency, will provide $3 million over a three-year period. It will be used to investigate areas where rural flood works are impacting on urban communities and propose remediation options.The funding will allow the NSW Government to expand the program to help develop an evidence-based, coordinated approach to addressing risks to life and property in urban areas in inland NSW that result from rural floodwork development.According to the NSW Government, the expansion will help determine a remediation pathway to modify and approve flood works, working closely with the landholder, raise awareness and help communities better understand the rules around Floodplain Management Plans, which will improve compliance culture and continue meaningful engagement and collaboration with First Nations communities, landholders and other key stakeholders.The expansion will build on the Improving Floodplain Connections Program work to date and will help mitigate against flooding to towns in high-risk locations, including in Moree, Bourke, Forbes, Moama, Narromine, Walgett, Hay, Condobolin and in other inland towns and communities.NSW DCCEEW has identified 14 Local Government Areas across inland NSW where flood works pose known risks, and have received strong support for the program. “We need to build resilience for communities against flood hazards, especially as climate change brings more challenges than ever before," NSW DCCEEW Director Healthy Floodplains Project Delivery Alastair McKenzie-McHarg said."Expanding the Improving Floodplain Connections Program will build on the critical work done to date, and deliver a coordinated approach for these high-risk locations to mitigate against flooding to towns across our state’s west.“Flooding remains one of the biggest natural disaster threats to the people of NSW. This program takes another vital step towards remediating the most high-risk flood works, which will help protect people, their homes and businesses from future harm.”

Organisations in Balranald are crying out for volunteers. It is much easier than people think to put their hands up and become part of organisations. Vinnies Balranald desperately needs volunteers. The vibrant, happy and chatty group of hardworking volunteers needs your help. Lind Nelson has been at the helm of Vinnies for close to 30 years. “People would be surprised how easy it is to become a volunteer, and it is free,” she said. “There is minimal paperwork, with high reward. “You can choose when you can volunteer, as much or as little time you can give to us is appreciated,” she said. “Lately there have been times where we have had to close our doors as we have not had the minimum two people it would have taken to open the doors.” The group of women also specified men are quite welcome to come volunteer as well, and people are more than welcome to come and have a chat and a cuppa.A Working with Children's Check and Police Check are required, but is completely free, and the amount of paperwork required is far less than what one would expect. Not to mention, the team at Balranald Vinnies is always there to help.Open up a whole new world for yourself - head down or recommend a friend head down, it could enrich your life, as well as others.Fire and Rescue NSW Balranald unit are also crying out for volunteers.Get in touch with Kaitley Linnett, head of the Balranald unit. "Anyone can join," Kaitley said. "We have a father with children in the unit, and he brings them along whenever he can and whenever is appropriate. West Wyalong have a kids room, and that is something we are looking into. "We can customise a person's roles and duties to accommodate each areas needs. People need to be available to attend fire calls, but outside of that they can pick their own hours. Any help is a massive help, and mothers looking for something fulfilling to be a part of during school hours, or people who normally would not believe they are wanted or needed should truly get in touch."Broaden your horizons, and be a part of something special. The skills and training you get is ongoing, and the friendships you make last a lifetime.Get in touch with Kaitley Linnett, head of Fire and Rescue NSW Balranald unit. The team are desperate for more members. Retained firefighter Alex Comitti (Balranald), Captain Kaitley Linnett Balranald, RF Maddison Cesco (Wentworth), Senior Instructor Anthony Hatch (based in Griffith). Image: Supplied.

Sunraysia grants have been distributed for 2024 in Balranald. For many years, these generous grants have been enriching many organisations in the Balranald community. Each year there are $20,000 in grants generously distributed by Sunraysia. Sunraysia Solar Farm awarded seven Community Grants in total, with five awardees attending a presensation ceremony at the library. These small-scale grants for local organisations and individuals are an excellent way for Sunraysia Solar Farm, a solar farm located south of Balranald, to annually contribute to positive local projects in the Balranald community. The criteria for the grant are that the proposed purpose will benefit the community, be environmentally and socially acceptable, and be used within the Balranald Shire Council Local Government Area within 12 months of award. Recipients for 2024 were Balranald Cancer Assist Centre, Live Better community Services, Secret Angels, Balranald Football and Netball Club, Balranald Soccer Club, OzFish, Outback Geo Adventures, Balranald Golf Club INC, Southern Cross Balranald, and Balranald Fish and Game. Present for the ceremony were Director John Laing, Jennifer Lao, and Alister Walker who presented the awards.

Clean Peak Energy has officially commenced construction of its Hay Solar Farm, adjacent to Hay Cemetery, east of Hay township.The advancement of the project was marked with an on-site sod turning, which brought together Clean Peak Energy executives and staff, Hay Shire Council and host landholders.Above:  Clean Peak Energy’s founder and CEO Philip Graham, Hay Mayor Carol Oataway and host landholder John Headon at the official sod turning at the Hay Solar Farm. Image – The Riverine Grazier / Krista SchadeStudent Andrew Johnston commenced proceedings with a Welcome to Country.In her address, Hay Shire Mayor Carol Oataway said she was immensely proud to see Hay part of the transition to renewable energy.“The Hay Solar Farm not only brings us into the fold of a renewable feature but also strengthens our community, our economy and our commitment to sustainability.”Founder and CEO of Clean Peak Energy Philip Graham said he expects the farm to connect by December.“It will improve the electrical system in Hay, which is good for the community,” he said.The solar farm sits on 13.5 hectares of land leased from host landholders John and Lisa Headon.“We are excited for the whole project, and the ongoing benefits for Hay,” Mrs Headon said.“From construction to hospitality, our local cafes, restaurants, motels, and hotels will see a boost as they support the workforce behind this project,” Mrs Oataway said.https://www.tiktok.com/@riverinegrazier_hay/video/7408760258476150024?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7410546449592747537Hay Solar Farm is one of six being developed in regional NSW by Clean Peak in order to provide Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct with 100 per cent renewable energy, as part of a landmark agreement with the NSW Government. The development will boast around 10,000 solar photovoltaic panels which track the movement of the sun, and is expected to create 65 jobs during construction. According to Clean Peak Energy three to five employees will be required in the long-term.Mr Graham established Clean Peak Energy in 2017 with business partner Jon Hare and the company now operates 66 sites across Australia.

Carrathool Council statement on cost shifting "Cost shifting is when state or federal governments transfer, or ‘shift’ responsibility for providing a certain service, concession, asset or regulatory function to councils. The link below details a report prepared for Local Government NSW by consulting firm Morrison Low which provides information on how local government ratepayers are funding more than a billion dollars of state government obligations.On average, the research determined that cost shifting represents an additional cost of $460.67 for every ratepayer across the state. With councils having to fund this ongoing subsidy for the state government every year, it means our communities get less or go without. They go without better roads, they go without better parks, they go without important community services that only councils provide and they, and the ratepayers, are effectively paying hidden taxes to other levels of government. The report further indicates that rural councils such as ours have seen a greater impact with rural councils experiencing cost shifting amounting to $590.80 for every ratepayer.Primary examples of cost shifting impacting our shire include:emergency service contributions – through the emergency services levy, councils are required to fund 11.7% of expenditurerates exemptions for government owned propertyinadequate or reduced funding for services required to be delivered by Council – for example libraries (State Government originally funded 50% of costs but this has reduced over time to be approximately 8% in 2021/22)pensioner rebates required to be provided by Council but with only 55% subsidised by the State Government leaving ratepayers to subsidise the remaining 45%provision of services usually provided by other levels of government is particularly an issue for rural councils. Examples include aged care services and medical services.The table below provides actual data for the financial year 2021/22 which demonstrates a minimum cost to the ratepayers of Carrathool Shire of $1,146,470 as a consequence of cost shifting by other levels of government. Our local government area has 2,634 rates assessments. Of these assessments, 700 are exempt from paying rates leaving the other 1,934 to absorb the impacts of cost shifting. This equates to an actual cost of approximately $592.80 per ratepayer. There are additional expenditures such as those for crown land reserve management where it is difficult to reliably estimate a cost to Council.Carrathool Shire Council takes our responsibility to ensure sustainable financial management seriously and cost shifting by the state government seriously undermines our proactive approach to ensure our long-term financial viability while still delivering the infrastructure, programs and services our community expects and deserves.Annual Cost Shifting Report 21-22

Central Darling Shire Council made several property decision at its August meetingCouncil resolved to sell multiple parcels of Council owned vacant land which it says are surplus to current and foreseeable future needs. Following the recent amendment to the Local Environment Plan, a review of all Council owned Operational Land was undertaken. Council identified lands that are surplus to Council’s needs and for which there is a growing demand. According to Council there have been many enquiries, especially from government departments including the Aboriginal Housing Office, NSW Police and Teacher Housing, seeking suitable land to construct housing. “By making available for sale surplus vacant land, Council will be assisting alleviate a critical housing shortage and convert non income producing assets into valuable cashflow,” a spokesperson said. At the same meeting Council resolved to write-off rates and charges of $5,933.23 outstanding against a terminated Crown Land Licence at White Cliffs. The reason given is that Council does not see any avenues to recover the outstanding amount. Council also approved the sale of 18 properties to recover unpaid rates, and authorised the General Manager to perform the necessary actions to enable the land sales, which will include a public auction. The Local Government Act provides that Council may sell any land (including vacant land) on which any rate or charge has remained unpaid for more than five years from the date on which it became payable. The sale of land for unpaid rates is, effectively, a last resort to recover outstanding rates, crystalise increasing bad and doubtful debt exposures and, in many cases, to motivate ratepayers to either pay overdue rates or negotiate payment over term. Council has previously conducted sale of land for unpaid rates auctions, most recently in October 2020, when approximately 83 properties were offered for sale, and in May 2023, when 27 properties were offered for sale. “Further details will be provided to the community including information about the public auction,” a spokesperson said. Central Darling Shire Councillors resolved to acquire the necessary land required at Karoola Homestead in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 for the purpose of works for proposed realignments on the Pooncarie Road Initial Seal Project. Property Owners, Wayne and Arletta Smith, have been lobbying Council since early 2000’s for the road to be realigned for safety reasons, and previous and current General Managers and Director Engineering Services have supported the request.At the August meeting, Council provided further approval to the General Manager to act in relation to the matter now that the plan of acquisition has been registered.

Australia’s largest off-grid poultry farm has commenced operations near Goolgowi. Operated by Agright, a commercial poultry grower in Australia and New Zealand, the 40 shed operation ‘Meriki’ claims to be saving more than 1690 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. "Sustainability is at the forefront of our business model,” Agright owner Daniel Bryant said. “Chicken is already the meat protein with the lowest carbon footprint, but we are continually looking for ways to reduce this footprint further." Bryant is the son of Max, the New Zealand businessman behind the establishment of the ProTen poultry empire, before his retirement in 2018. The high costs and logistical difficulties of connecting to the grid necessitated an innovative off-grid solution for Meriki, and Agright partnered with Australian company Smart Commercial Solar. The location of the proposed site was more than 19 kilometres from the closest grid connection, but the local network was already overloaded. Rather than change sites Bryan set about seeking off-grid solutions. “This advanced system powers a small village of six staff houses, 40 large chicken barns, and associated buildings,” a Smart Commercial Solar spokesperson said. Mr Bryant appeared at an online media briefing in July. “We grow chickens for the leading processors in New Zealand and Australia under long term contracts, and electricity and gas are probably our largest input costs, alongside labour,” Mr Bryant explained. “So investing in solar quite heavily actually provides us with reasonable returns on top of ESG requirements.” “Given that it was going to take a couple of years to connect to the grid, we could build a solar and battery system quicker,” Smart CEO Huon Hoogesteger said. The Goolgowi development encompasses 3.98 MW ground-mounted solar panels that track the sun, a 3.4 MVA PV inverter and 4.4 MWh of battery storage. The network uses a private distribution network of powerlines, covering more than four kilometres, as well as six diesel generations for backup. “From this central location where the solar and battery system is we distribute that power through an 11 kV line in three directions or more (to supply power the 40 sheds and six homes) and then some extended lines out to water pumps and freezers,” Hoogesteger said. While it’s early days Agright says the operation is competely running on renewable energy. “The whole system is backed up by 2MW of synchronous generators and then the farms, themselves, also have another level of further backup just in case anything could possibly go wrong,” Hoogesteger says. “Daniel’s chickens are protected by about four layers of redundancy, so that they’re never without power, because chickens without power means dead chickens – it’s all about protecting the health and wellbeing of those chickens.

At the August meeting of Carrathool Shire Council, the 2023-2024 Community Grants applications were received, with more than $21,000 allocated to 15 local community groups.The motion to move the approvals was made by Cr. Leon Cashmere and seconded by Cr Beverly Furner. Councillors Geoff Peters and Darryl Jardine declared an interest, with both stating their wives were members of applicant groups.The motion was passed unopposed.Two late applications received from Rankins Springs CWA and Hillston Corellas Cricket Club were not considered for funding.