New Zealand energy company TrustPower has approached a number of landowners in the Muttama Valley, between Cootamundra and Gundagai, about potentially installing wind turbines for generating electricity. The company will investigate potential sites and make a decision in 12 months time whether any of them are suitable for building a wind farm. With existing wind farms at Carcoar, Crookwell and Gunning proving to be successful projects, it seems inevitable that more will be built in the southern tablelands and slopes region.

Jerilderie

The Food Bowl Inland Rail Alliance met with Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) CEO David Marchant to seek answers as to why the proposed inland rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane is planned to follow the main southern line to Albury rather than run through the Food Bowl districts of northern Victoria and southern NSW. The alliance comprises representatives from many local Government Councils and is preparing a submission to the ARTC on the benefits of running the rail corridor through the region.

Narrandera

Eightee n months of voluntary work was recognised with the launch of a historic steel bridge over the intake channel at the Narrandera wetlands on the June long weekend. The refurbished 1943 panel bridge was originally built by Australian Army engineers and has been restored by locals Terry Smith, Neville James and Bob Manning. The steel bridge was originally put across Old Man Creek near Brewarrina Station to replace a damaged wooden structure. The bridge framework has been restored to its original condition but a new mesh decking suitable for pedestrian use has been installed.

Tumut

An international light aircraft company is planning to establish an assembly facility at Tumut Aerodrome. Aveo International will construct a purpose-built facility to assemble light sports recreational aircraft for global distribution. The manufacturing activities will take place in Kosice, Slovakia with components shipped to Tumut for assembly. The first aircraft are due into Tumut mid-August. There is potentially employment opportunity for up to 50 people as the project expands. This project will give Tumut’s economy another boost.