Region set to light up

The New England will become the renewable energy powerhouse of NSW, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean last week announcing an $80 million State Government investment to establish the State’s largest, Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the region.
Mr Marshall said the 8,000 MW REZ will deliver the jolt needed to recharge economies and communities right across northern NSW.
“The New England REZ is expected to attract $12.7 billion in investment for new energy infrastructure that will lower household electricity bills and capitalise on established wind and solar projects on the Northern Tablelands.
“Importantly, at a time when towns are looking for new ways to encourage employment opportunities, the REZ will generate 2,000 construction jobs and 1,300 ongoing jobs.
“Already, large scale wind and solar projects in the Northern Tablelands electorate are generating enough electricity to power 254,318 NSW homes.
“With approved projects like the New England Solar Farm at Uralla and Metz Solar Farm at Armidale expected to start construction in the next two years that output is set to explode to well over half a million regular homes.
“Further to that, an area stretching just from Walcha to Tenterfield, there is at least another 10 state-significant projects going through assessment with the NSW Department of Planning.
Mr Marshall said the REZ represented a golden opportunity to diversify economies and provide better infrastructure.
“For the first time in our region’s history, we are on the cusp of being a net exporter of energy building wealth in our communities,” he said.
“Through progressive new policy frameworks and the National Energy Guarantee (NEG), we are balancing the needs of community while government action is driving new investment in new power generation to deliver least-cost energy to customers.
“The benefits of the New England REZ blow way beyond the renewable energy sector, offering the opportunity for mass investment in things like public roads, telecommunications infrastructure and health services.
“Quality infrastructure is not only vital for the efficient delivery of electricity to the network but will also play a role in encouraging people to relocate to our area to work on these ground-breaking projects.
“The official declaration of New England as an 8,000 MW REZ is a long-awaited milestone for the future of the region and I am determined to see community-wide benefits flow from this announcement.”
REZs involve making strategic transmission upgrades to bring multiple new generators online in areas with strong renewables resources and community support. For more information, visit www.energy.nsw.gov.au/renewables/renewable-energy-zones.
February 2021
- New manager at The Hub
- Northern Tablelands land values rise
- Major take-up milestone for seniors travel card
- Small Schools Swimming Carnival
- Chamber Chatter
- Kevin Dupé to retire
- Champions in the pool
- Show time this weekend
- St Mary’s is a special place to be
- CBD mural decision deferred
- Nominate now for Queen’s Birthday COVID-19 recognition
- Businesses urged to register for dine & discover stimulus
- New paws on the beat
- Preschool needs more funds
January 2021
- Guyra's top citizens recognised on Australia Day
- $63,000 ramps up access to Community Hall
- Local students enjoy taste of science
- CWA Art Show
- Spotlight on NEW Business Highland Speech Pathology
- Health Service Fun Day a smashing success
- Long service medal and citations for RFS members
- Have a fun family day out
- $3.8 million needed to remediate old Guyra Landfill
- Spuds going global
- Four nominations for Citizen of the Year
December 2020
- COVID grant delivers $985,000 for Guyra
- Rotary Christmas Raffle
- What’s happening in January 2021?
- Plans in place for COVID safe Show
- Champion volunteers honoured
- New Mayor and Deputy elected
- Enrolments on the rise for 2021
- Protesters fight for change
- Achievements celebrated
- Farewell and welcome
- Bore water supply review finds Council complied with obligations
- 19 year old dies in highway accident
- Shearer training opportunity
- Ribbon cutting for redeveloped Hub
- Schools take part in water safety programs
- Ratepayer activists demand fairness and transparency
- Submissions still open on the proposed SRV
- $20,000 for new smart boards
- Santa out and about on two wheels
- Financial reports confirm worst fears
- Fitting tribute for horse enthusiast
- Dancers take to the stage in Guyra
- "Compelling case" for Rail Trail
- No further action on hydrotherapy pool project
- Water conservation needed as temperatures climb
November 2020
- Peonies pull them in
- Separation plan for new council almost ready
- Rotary public speaking
- Have Your Say: November 25th
- Spotlight – High On Health Natural Therapies
- Honeybee Swarm Season begins
- Councillors back, but with restrictions
- Year 12 told to ‘follow your dreams’
- Guyra farmers will be the big losers
- Peony Festival set to take off
- Fibre Art the focus of new Guyra gallery
- Savings promised for forced amalgamations buried in red ink
- Bald Blair welcomes back transition
- Preschool marks NAIDOC Week
- Zooming in for NAIDOC celebrations
- Postie Bike Dash invades town
- New General Manager to start in January
- CBD powerlines set to get overhauled
- Guyra Show will go on
- $150,000 for Tingha Gems
- Crews respond to unplanned power outage
- Spotlight - JoJo’s Coffee Shop
- Join the New England Gift Card promotion
- Man charged with cattle theft following investigation
- New Mobile Phone Tower at Copeton Dam switched on
- Adopted planning statement sets clear vision for region
- Sharon’s significant contribution recognised
- Book Week Celebrations at Guyra Central
- Gold record now part of museum collection
- Smart water meters proposed for households
- Spotlight - Black Sheep Wool’’n’Wares
- Council seeks views on Special Rate Variation
- Walkers raise $2739 during October
October 2020
- Saleyard upgrades get go ahead
- Discovering science in a fun way
- Q Fever vaccination clinics return
- Garden Club introduces weekend meetings
- Will you help share the dignity?
- Essential work on local powerlines this weekend
- Explosion of colour brightens bare wall
- Awareness day powered by pink
- Push for upgrade of Guyra saleyards
- Enjoy some Halloween fun in Guyra
- Old car finds new home in car museum
- A workshop for anyone interested in wildlife rescue
- Water consumption goes on display
- Second term as President of NSW Farmers
- Dancing through the pandemic
- Quest for Polar Bears get back in the pool
- Revised CBD speed limit for Bradley Street
- Planning begins for Spring Flower Festival
- Peony Festival to bloom in November
- Squealing Piglets ride in for Men’s Health
- HAVE YOUR SAY: No windfarms on prime agricultural land
- Main street upgrade works set to restart
- Chamber Chatter
September 2020
- Inquiry into dysfunction
- Stepping up to the challenge
- Majority still want rural council
- Learning centre plans go on public display
- Planning milestone for proposed wind farm
- Spotlight on business - Burgess Garage Car Museum
- Spotlight on business - Sarah Wren
- Mural brings walls to life
- Health message with coffee
- Medallions for our WWII veterans
- Brow salon now open in Guyra
- Trampolines added to new playground
- Wartime memorabilia preserved
- New President for Guyra Chamber
- Second man charged after vehicle rammed near Guyra
- Dynamic lagoons survey online
- Spotlight on business - The Rainbow Room
- Best result for Glenmorgan
- Local student selected for rural leadership program
- Will our festival go ahead?
- Library restrictions eased
- A workaholic with a passion for plants
- Vehicle rammed and two detained
- Rotary welcomes incoming team
- Spotlight on Local Business - Hammond Plumbing & Khammo
- New leader for Tablelands Health Sector
- Hunt on for new GM as ban extended
- Bin audit identifies need for more organics diversion
- CWA takes stand against domestic violence
- Free course to identify and assist people struggling with mental health
- Vegetation program to ensure power safety
- Spotlight on Local Business - Sue Ross Real Estate
- Education Awards
August 2020
- Ben Lomond RFS celebrates
- Snow day falls short of predictions
- Water restrictions eased to level 3
- Spotlight on Local Business - BESTECH P/L & GUYRA MOWERS & CHAINSAWS
- Sports Reports August 19th, 2020
- Film Society launched
- Bridgewater tops at $10,000
- Local support drives Glenavon sale
- Bald Blair breaks records at annual sale
- Past connections prove a winner
- Operation Stock Check to combat livestock theft
- Hub expansion taking shape
- Meeting backs new Rural Council
- Community survey for learning centre design
- NAB changes opening hours
- Spark remains strong for Geoff Thrift
- Water is life!
- End of an Era for local milkos
- New gateway to Mother of Ducks
- Free webinars help prepare for future disaster events
- Catholic Schools Week
- Spotlight on Local Business – PF & JD Dullaway
- Winner claims Keno prize
- Relief for farmers with multiple holdings
July 2020
- Deano’s shines on lifestyle show
- Keno looking for $45,000 winner
- Show heading in the right direction
- Spotlight on Local Business - Kirk’s IGA
- Level 5 water restrictions will remain
- Malpas dam restocked with rainbow trout
- Scammers targeting the region
- Cattle stolen from Ben Lomond stock route
- Grandstand is something to cheer about
- Beauty Basics by Em now open
- COVID unleashes creativity
- Reverend Campbell becomes State Moderator
- Martin, Murray and Widders gone
- Coming home to Guyra
- Acting General Manager appointed
- Region set to light up
- Spotlight on Local Business - Dasha’s Hardware
- Tropical Winter Song Launch
- OPINION:Should Guyra get its Council back?
- College corner - There’s never been a better time
- Why we need to pay more for water
- Guyra’s Blue Tree
- Grandstand under construction
- Spotlight of Local Business - CT Electric
- Film nights set to return
- Ebor hatchery busy breeding trout
June 2020
- Police warn there are no excuses for drink driving
- Crafty ladies give back to community
- Rainbow Room here to stay
- A just reward for a helping hand
- The community deserves better
- Release of report fails to stem protests
- Much loved Principal retires
- Draft Budget and Operational Plan on exhibition
- Farmers filthy about rubbish charges
- Regeneration a boost to precious habitat
- Is our Lagoon at risk?
- Water sustainability number one for Costa Group
- $66,270 grant secured for Showground
- Sam White to head Angus Australia
- Council suspended and administrator appointed
- Markets and more happening
- Funding boost for hydrotherapy pool complex
- Councillor Gray calls its quits
- ‘In this together’ planting trees at Little Llangothlin
- ‘Why you need Indoor plants in your life’
- OAM for Aileen MacDonald
- House damaged by fire in South Guyra
- Guyra Police investigating thefts
- First snow day of the year
- Administration now a certainty
- Top performance from our Post Office
- Library reopens its doors
- “Be creative with your space”
- Sewing up new jobs
- Wild dog baiting program takes off
- The doors are open again!
May 2020
- Getting back to normal for pubs and club
- Two new energy projects for district
- Community survey for playground equipment
- Arrests over Guyra break and enter
- College Connections
- $400,000 expansion of ‘The Hub’ poised to start
- Minister intervenes in council dispute
- Diners welcomed back in store as restrictions ease
- Mayor welcomes additional assistance
- Rail trail decision unchanged
- Waste turned into art
- Community webinars on groundwater network
- New early learning centre for Guyra
- Whimsical and colourful store opens
- Kids get back to school as restrictions ease
- Restoration grant for historic Church
- CEO showdown in court as Minister called in
- Have your say
- Get out your Green Thumbs!
- COVID-19 Boost for NECC
- Sales hot as auctions go online
- CEO stoush on again
- Tiny toilets unveiled at rec ground
April 2020
- Candles at dawn honour ANZACs
- ANZAC services with a difference
- Crime victim thanks local heroes
- Rail trail motion deferred again
- Drive-through COVID-19 testing
- Learning continues at Black Mountain
- Drought Aid campaign wraps up
- Autumn glory in the garden
- A different day dawns for ANZACs
- Monitoring bores being installed
- Council takes action on feral cats
- New cafe open for business
- Bin audit to assess contanimation
- Calls to care for Mother of Ducks
- No public services for ANZAC Day
- Poetry in motion, despite isolation
- Learning to learn online
- Lamb & Potato Festival scores $130,000 for new space
- Growing tomatoes is an essential service
- MPS has plans in place for pandemic
- Flight lifeline needed after Qantas halts service
- A potted history of the Mother of Ducks Lagoon
- Free TAFE courses on during pandemic
- Letters to the Editor
- Man charged with multiple offences after pursuit in Guyra
- Historical Society needs your help.
- Supermarket workers at the front line
- Guyra couple celebrate Platinum Anniversary
March 2020
- A helping hand from VRA
- Council elections pushed back by 12 months
- Important Update from your local newspaper
- Book and Collect from Library
- St Patrick’s day fun and games
- Be calm and stay patient, we are in this together
- Pandemic strikes hard, forcing a new way of doing business
- Council closes facilities and offices
- MP urges community to keep it real
- How to protect your health
- Hope Family Fun Day cancelled
- CWA test skills at group level
- Grand plans for grand old theatre
- Future bright for Class of 2019
- Glitz and Glamour on the dance floor
- Lions mystery outing a hit with seniors
- Armidale Probus come up the hill
- Show season starts with success at Glen Innes
- Amazing artworks on show
- Rail Trail back on the agenda
- ADRA expanding to better serve community
- Turmoil in the ranks - moves to sack CEO
February 2020
- Show marks new beginning
- Country life suits new Anglican Minister
- Region plays critical role during bushfires
- Malpas Dam hits 50 percent
- St Marys swimming carnival
- Funding boost for Ben Lomond and Guyra projects
- High speed chase ends in Guyra
- Showgirls inspire and learn
- ‘Glimpses of New England’
- Show stopper planned for 2020
- Fundraiser planned for Hope family
- ATMs smashed, but thief left empty handed
- Turning waste into business opportunity
- Glitzy gathering coming up Seniors
- Water strategy a key step to higher dam capacity
- Pamper night works wonders
- Life Lessons learned in Guyra by Warrnambool Citizen of the Year
- Jean Vickery named as Coffs Harbour Citizen of the Year
- Councillors concerns over Mayor’s leadership
- Appeal for cohesion to achieve Council goals
- The Class of 2020
January 2020
- STATEMENT FROM ADAM MARSHALL ON COUNCIL
- AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD FOR DOROTHY VICKERY OAM
- Dams full but water restrictions will remain until drought breaks
- Hay delivery another reason to smile
- GIVIT ready to help out
- Final thank you to Frank Presnell
- Life membership for Bertha and Geoff Reeves
- Sue Adams named Guyra’s Citizen of the Year
- Who will be our Citizen of the Year?
- Train passes the test
- Art Exhibition branches out
- Guyra Dam at 31 percent capacity following recent rain
- Totems unveiled at Kolora
- Australia All Over in Guyra for Australia Day broadcast
- Lamb and Potato Festival gets underway
- Music in the street on Saturday
- Grant funds help raise the roof
- Guyra finally makes the switch to NBN
- THE Seed SCHEME to launch in Guyra
- Water update information sessions next week in Guyra
- Leading sports presenter is Australia Day Ambassador
- RFS volunteers urged to register interest for assistance
- $7,700 to ensure Guyra Show goes ahead
- Crews from across the State head to south-east NSW to help get the power back on
- Westpac Helicopter lands in Guyra on New Year's Day
December 2019
- ‘ Into the Dreaming’ resources for MPS
- Messages of Hope arrive for farmers
- Fire on the home front
- City Santa gives to Bush Kids
- Sarah thanks community ahead of tour
- New airport bore supports aerial firefighting
- Christmas arrives in style
- Graduation time for Preschool
- World’s best practice for proposed Guyra abattoir
- Bus service to make detour to Ben Lomond
- 30th Bowls Carnival underway
- Naming honour for former civic leader
- Choir prepares for Carol services
- Swim School underway
- Schools Spectacular comes to television
- Quicker payments to assist business
- Test drilling brings positive signs
November 2019
- Four words that boosted the bush
- Christmas party in the street
- Outstanding feat of survival
- Have your say
- Lions Youth of the Year
- Santa ready to roll out gifts
- Share a coffee and your ideas at a Cafe catch-up
- A gift of water for Guyra
- Australian theme for dance recital
- Have your say
- Santa’s special run this Christmas
- Total Fire Ban declared
- Variety Postie Bike Dash stops at Bald Blair
- Amazing ladies of the CWA get to work
- A hug in the box for the bush
- Kolora residents evacuated to Inverell
- Be prepared to leave
- Council bushfire measures
- Paying tribute on Remembrance Day
- 7000 hectares burnt out in Wandsworth & Llangothlin fires
- Wandsworth fire spreading towards Ben Lomond
- Costa expansion on hold due to big dry
- Red ribbon day for Gun Club
- Can Assist Melbourne Cup Lunch
- Black sheep is back with new owner
- Facelift for GALA Centre
- Tour de Rocks - on the road again
- Talented students to perform at CAPERS
- 2019 NSW All School Touch
- Old school friends catch up at reunion
October 2019
- Ready to step into the spotlight
- Students inspired by the gift of service
- New card system for water filling stations
- Q Fever vaccination program to run again
- Regional development visionaries sought
- Regional development visionaries sought
- Sharing the Dignity this Christmas
- Year 6 camp a learning experience
- Community Noticeboard
- Classifieds
- Bushfire appeal boosted by councillors
- Fun and fashions at Ben Lomond
- Painting brings back fond memories
- Leadership positions at TAS
- Expo a one-stop shop for water saving ideas
- Diabetes experts visit Guyra
- Rail trail business case on track
- Backwater comes under fire
- Smart water strategies key to business resilience
- Visit looks at heritage rail proposal
- Charity in action
- OBITUARY Gilbert White 1925 ~2019
- Drilling underway in quest for water
- Drought breaking Show planned for 2020
- Home grown radio program
- Afternoon of fashion, food and fun at Ben Lomond Hall
- Proposed changes to Armidale radio frequencies
- Water dispensing station at Mother of Ducks now open
- CWA helping out in the drought
- TroutFest a winner in tough times
- Pipeline becomes lifeline
- Test drilling for bores underway
- TroutFest Fishing Clinic
- Wash away the drought blues
- Stock missing from Guyra property
- Schools out for Year 12
- Fishy weekend coming up
- Gold medal for Deano’s trout
- Think pink this October
- Immediate drought assistance available in the New England
- Bradley St expected to reopen on Thursday
September 2019
- Rebates for residential water saving products start October 1st
- Pool opening despite the drought
- Ever seen or heard an oddgeridoo?
- Savannah set to shine at Schools Spectacular
- 1969 - A victory to remember
- Laundry popping up for rural residents
- Open day and sale at Peterson Kelpies
- Roadworks in full swing
- Membership drive for ratepayers association
- Polocrosse digs deep for Sammy
- Riding for Camp Quality
- End of an era for favourite store
- Murray re-elected as Mayor
- Emergency hay for fire affected farmers
- Deer Information Evening to explain changes
- Roadworks underway in Bradley St
- One-stop shop rolling in to town next week
- Catching up over Scones
- Fire chief signs off for last time
- Superhero Day at Bald Blair
- Start date for CBD upgrade
- Grandstand gets go ahead
- Total fire ban declared
- NAIDOC Experience
- Centenary Celebrations for Bald Blair in 2020
- Father's Day breakfast at St Mary's
- New store a welcome addition
- LLS here to help
- Council pursues SRV and harmonisation of rates
- Planting the seeds for bushfire cooperation
August 2019
- Positive results to groundwater study of Guyra area
- Start a ‘Sconversation’ on mental health
- Goodwill breakfast and gifts
- Leadership Induction Ceremony
- Every Student, Every Voice
- Guyra Gift winners
- Restricted access at Kolora due to gastro outbreak
- Inspiring ideas shine
- ‘Wyldlife’ Camp for Guyra Youth
- Athletics talents on show
- Malpas pipeline in testing phase
- September start for main street
- Drover’s Run raises $250,000 for Rescue Helicopter
- Country Cup Champions
- Avalanche of snow chasers
- Community supporting community through Community Partnership Program
- Fires claims life in Guyra
- Well deserved recognition
- Guyra well represented at NSW Farmers Conference
- OPINION: Water a hot topic for ratepayers
- Frockers flock to Ben Lomond
- Guyra Unites for Major Fundraiser
- Crowdfunding campaign launched for rail trail business plan
- Fight to upgrade Malpas Dam goes to Canberra
- The key to unlocking grazing systems management
- Supporting our farmers
- Symposium sparks cooperative path
- ‘Old Boys Day’ Fundraiser
July 2019
- Exploring wellness in our community
- Meet our latest medical recruits
- Bush fire danger period starts
- Byron Bay artist helps out the bush
- Rehydrating the soil pays dividends
- Outback adventure just days away
- Preschool sets example with water savings
- A & J Vietnamese opening
- Head on down to BottomPub for a fun night out for juniors
- Community forums for library strategy
- Frock up at Ben Lomond
- Troutfest planning underway
- GET BEHIND Guyra’s COMMUNITY projects
- Media spotlight on our town
- Talking dry times in the garden
- Oval named in Ted’s honour
- Sarah leads the way
- New venture for team Crop
- Tingha exits to Inverell
- Councillors divided on Guyra meetings
- Dancers shine at Eisteddfods
- Deputy Premier visits Malpas Dam