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.

If you are an iPhone user and have found your MessageBank is suddenly full, you are not alone.Telstra has advised that some Apple customer MessageBank voicemail services have stopped working because they are full.Due to a change in process, Apple voicemail no longer automatically deletes voice messages and this now needs to be done by the user.Visit Telstra's troubleshooting page to learn more.

The NSW Police Force is offering a range of incentives for administrative employees and police officers attached to positions within regional areas.Housing is provided by the NSW Police Force at specific regional locations for police officers at a rate of 3% of an officer’s salary per annum – well below the rental market rate.There are reduced mandatory tenure periods for police officers at identified locations to allow greater mobility opportunities for officers.An additional one week of recreation leave is available to both administrative employees and police officers who are attached to locations within the Western and Central Division of the State in accordance with the Crown Lands Consolidation Act 1913 before its repeal.A fortnightly Remote Area – Living Allowance is provided to both administrative employees and police officers who are attached to positions within select remote areas for the increased cost of living and the climatic conditions in a remote area.In July 2023 a modernised incentive scheme was implemented for police officers stationed within remote and special remote locations that provides officers with cash incentives to encourage recruitment to the areas and to acknowledge the unique operating environment of remote/special remote locations.The new scheme provides a great opportunity for officers looking to make a change and diversify their skills to relocate to a regional position.The allowance structure provides a lump sum payment to officers attached to a location, each year for 5 years to the value of:$36,000 for Remote$31,000 for Special Remote$19,000 for Remote Offshore Location (Lord Howe Island)The incentive scheme enables commanders access to additional funding to provide some level of additional assistance to attract an officer when positions become specifically hard to fill. Funds are also available to assist with capability development and rotation opportunities which will enable officers to travel to the metropolitan and/or other areas and stay in these locations for the rotation period.Separate to the above incentives, police officers in locations defined as Special Remote are entitled to financial assistance when there is a need travel to access medical/dental services outside of their location and a preferential transfer at the conclusion of their tenure period.Employment opportunities for Aboriginal PeopleThe NSW Police Force recognises its role in being able to provide employment opportunities and pathways for Aboriginal people.In the spirit of Reconciliation, the NSW Police Force gives high priority to employing, creating employment pathways and providing on-going training for Aboriginal people. Additionally, to improve the quality of the service the NSW Police Force provides, our officers are educated on Aboriginal history, culture and society."We are committed to providing a safe and secure NSW with a police force respected by the community it serves," a spokesperson said."To achieve this, the NSW Police Force ensures our employees reflect the diversity of the general community and our policing practices and procedures are culturally sensitive and responsive."If you identify as a person of Aboriginal descent and are interested in a career as a police officer with the NSW Police Force, we have established external programs to ensure you meet our academic requirements to be eligible to apply to Charles Sturt University for the Associate Degree in Policing Practice (ADPP).As an employee of the NSW Police Force, you can access a number of support networks within our organisation. The NSW Police Force has an Aboriginal Employees Network in each policing region, Aboriginal employees are trained as Peer Support Officers and mentors and a dedicated Aboriginal Employment and Engagement Team. All Aboriginal employees are encouraged to be involved with our Aboriginal Employee Network meetings and events.Should you wish to join the NSW Police as a Police Officer or have any sworn member recruitment questions, please contact our Aboriginal Recruitment Officer on (02) 8286 4733Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD)IPROWD has been an active pathway for Aboriginal people into the NSW Police Force since 2008. It has been a successful program through a partnership between TAFE NSW and the NSW Police Force. The program continues to evolve, and we are excited to invite the Australian Federal Police into this partnership, providing increased opportunities for employment to IPROWD students on completion of their program.The IPROWD program is delivered at specific TAFE NSW campuses across regional and metropolitan areas of NSW. For more information about the IPROWD program, please visit the TAFE NSW IPROWD web site.

In a media release Central Darling Shire Council said it is honoured to have been awarded a 2024 Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Scholarship.Above: Central Darling Shire General Manager Greg Hill. Image: Central Darling ShireThe Scholarship was announced at the LGNSW Local Government Week Awards.The late Cr Pat Dixon was first elected to Armidale City Council in 1983 and worked tirelessly for the community she represented. She is remembered as a trailblazer for Aboriginal women in local government.In recognition of her service and achievements in local government, the scholarship was established for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander councillors and council staff members in NSW to undertake further study, professional development or research.Central Darling Shire Council General Manager, Greg Hill, said the scholarship would make a big difference and was wonderful recognition.Mr Hill said there had never been a better time for young people to consider working with Council. He said the opportunities for career growth were wide reaching.“Working with Council is very rewarding in so many areas. People can learn new skills and gain qualifications all while being paid. There are opportunities for professional development and much more,” Mr Hill said.It comes as the NSW government has announced plans to employ an extra 1,300 apprentices and trainees across the local government sector, from next year, as it seeks to address a looming skills shortage and stem the outsourcing of council jobs.If anyone in the community would like to work for Council they are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Officer, Evelyn Pollard, to discuss potential opportunities with Central Darling Shire: Phone: 08 8083 8815 or 0459 632 220.

Toyota is bidding farewell to one of the iconic symbols of the wide brown outback – the V8 Landcruiser. Often the butt of well-meaning ribbing thanks to the over accessorising of the popular ute, the announcement by Toyota will end an era of motoring across rural Australia.Final production of the V8 Wagon, Troop Carrier, and WorkMate and GX pick-ups will take place in September with vehicles expected to be in customer hands late this year or early next year.The distinctive sounding V8 1VD-FTV 4.5-litre turbo-diesel engine powered the LandCruiser 70 Series since 2007 and Toyota says more than 170,000 V8s have been sold in that time.It has now been replaced by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, with Toyota adding a new five-speed manual gearbox.Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the decision to bring down the curtain on the V8 had been inevitable due to changing regulations and community expectations.“Bidding farewell to the V8 marks the end of one chapter and the start of another for the go-anywhere 70 Series – a vehicle that’s renowned for its ruggedness, reliability and simply getting the job done,” Mr Hanley said.“We continue to work closely with our production team to receive the maximum possible V8 allocation so that we can fulfil as many local customer V8 orders as possible,” he said.Mr Hanley said he would encourage any enthusiasts who might lament the V8 decision to join the growing number of drivers who have found the four-cylinder alternative is even more capable. "Both here and in Japan, Toyota was determined to return the loyalty of our customers by devoting significant resources into ensuring the 70 Series remains a vital part of our line-up for years to come.“The only alternative was to walk away from this model – and that was not an option.”

A man and woman have died following a two-vehicle crash near Hay late Monday afternoon. The accident occurred about three kilometres east of Hay on the notorious Sturt Highway, which has claimed the lives of at least 10 people between Balranald and Darlington Point in the last five years. Emergency services were called to the scene at about 5.10pm on Monday, following reports a sedan and a truck had collided. The driver of the sedan, a 71-year-old man, and the female front passenger, who is yet to be identified, were treated but died at the scene. A rear male passenger of the sedan was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious condition.A second passenger, a 23-year-old woman, was taken to Hay Hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the truck, a 27-year-old man, was treated for minor injuries before being taken to Griffith Hospital for mandatory testing. Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District established a crime scene and an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone with information, CCTV vision or dashcam footage of the incident is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000