Bomen Solar Farm

Renew Estate has announced that two key milestones have been reached for the 120 megawatt (DC) Bomen Solar Farm project located near Wagga Wagga. Spark Infrastructure has acquired 100% of Bomen Solar Farm and the construction contract has been awarded to Beon Energy Solutions. Bomen Solar Farm has also signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Westpac. Under the PPA, Westpac has committed to purchase just over a quarter of the solar farm's output under a 10-year agreement. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said "...it demonstrates yet again that regional Australia is at the leading edge of technology and capable of hosting big projects which have statewide and national benefits."
The farm will require a peak workforce of up to 250 workers during the construction phase and produce energy equivalent to powering 36,000 homes. 

Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail Project Begins

Construction has officially begun on the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail project. The project is a pilot for the state and a working model for future rail trails, and has been funded  $5.7 million by the NSW State Government. The 2.2km walking and cycling track is scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2020. Snowy Valleys Council has provided support for the project, expecting it to cement the region as a premium cycling destination.

Deadline for Single Touch Payroll transition extended for small businesses

The Single Touch Payroll (STP) for small business commences on 1st July 2019, however the ATO have extended the deadline to September 2019 to allow for the transition as they understand the impost this has on small business.

The Australian Tax Office is urging small businesses to think about STP, how they will adapt and when they will start the change. Single Touch Payroll is happening and small businesses need to start preparing for it.

How STP works

STP works by sending tax and super information from your payroll or accounting software to the ATO as you run your payroll.

When you start reporting:

• you will run your payroll, pay your employees as normal, and give them a payslip

  • your pay cycle does not need to change (you can continue to pay your employees weekly, fortnightly or monthly)

• your STP-enabled payroll software will send the ATO a report which includes the information they need from you, such as salaries and wages, pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and super information

  • see the ATO employer reporting guidelines for a full list of payments that must be reported through STP.

You will be reporting super liability information through STP for the first time. Super funds will also be reporting to the ATO. They'll let the ATO know when you make the payment to your employees' chosen or default fund. This is an important step toward making sure employees are paid their correct entitlements.

The way STP information is sent will depend on the software you use. STP reporting will be offered in one of the following ways with:

• an end-to-end solution, which allows you to run your payroll and send the STP information directly to the ATO from your software

• a solution which allows you to run your payroll and send the STP information through a third party sending service provider (SSP) which is integrated into your software

• a solution that allows you to run your payroll and requires you to send the STP information through a third party sending service provider (SSP) outside your software.

ATO systems will match the STP information to their employer and employee records.

Your employees will be able to see their year-to-date tax and super information in ATO online services, which can only be accessed through myGov. Their data is updated every time you report (each pay day for most employers). Without STP reporting, employee data is only reported at the end of the financial year.

If you believe that your business will not be ready to start reporting through STP by 30 September 2019, you can contact the ATO to discuss putting a deferral in place.

Wagga to the World: A business seminar on export opportunities

Are you looking to develop new market opportunities and expand your business? Or simply interested in learning more about global trade and exporting?

Wagga Wagga City Council and NSW Department of Industry invites you to attend a free seminar and networking event tailored for businesses in the Riverina-Murray who are interested in export opportunities across the eastern seaboard ports.

The seminar provides access to local, state and national experts in exporting, industry and logistics who will give an overview of global trade and export markets, and answer your questions on everything from initial steps to large-scale exporting.

The Riverina and Murray regions continue to provide growth opportunities for trade & investment with projects.

In Wagga Wagga and the surrounding region jobs, trade & investment opportunities will be created from Wagga Wagga Council’s partnership with Visy Logistics. This partnership will develop the Riverina Intermodal Freight & Logistics (RIFL) hub which will operate on the Inland Rail at Bomen, which has been announced will become a Special Activation Precinct by the NSW Government.

There is also interest in connecting our regional producers to international markets via flights operating to Asia and the Middle East from Canberra Airport.

The day will include information sessions followed by an opportunity for participants to engage with those in the supply chain.

REGISTER here to participate in the Wagga to the World: A business seminar on export opportunities, Wed 1st May 2019.

Lockhart's renewable future

THE Nationals Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has announced $1 million in Federal Government funding through the Community Development Grants Programme for stage one of the Lockhart Renewable Energy Project.

Under the proposal, electricity would be generated locally from renewable energy sources which, combined with battery storage technology, would not only be sufficient to power the town 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but would also generate surplus power which could be sold back into the grid.

“This proposed microgrid demonstration project shows that big things in the area of renewable energy can come from small but innovative places, such as Lockhart,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Government is supporting communities and businesses at all levels to lower energy cost whether it be through backing microgrids, building Snowy Hydro 2.0 or providing grants to local organisations to install rooftop solar panels.”

Lockhart was chosen as the site for the demonstration project because it has a mix of residential, commercial and industrial electricity consumers, as well as public institutions, such as schools and a hospital.

The town is also established in a grid pattern and is NBN connected.

The vision is for Lockhart to remain connected to the main grid – enhancing energy security – while reducing power prices and providing environmental benefits.

“The community, including Lockhart Shire Council, is fully supportive of the project and that is one of the reasons I am right behind it,” Mr McCormack said.

CSIRO pilot study shows inland rail could save $76 per tonne in transport costs

The results from a pilot study looking at the potential transport cost savings available from Inland Rail were announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, on 21 March 2019.

The results demonstrate an average transport cost saving of $76 per tonne, when shifting specific agricultural supply chains from road to Inland Rail.

Key findings:

• Inland Rail could reduce supply chain costs by saving an average of $76 per tonne for horticulture and post-processed food supply chains (compared with transport by road); and $31 per tonne for horticulture products currently transported by rail on the coastal line

• Inland Rail could lead to a reduction in heavy vehicle congestion, with the pilot study finding a reduction of up to 63,000 heavy vehicle trips per year along segments of the Newell Highway

The Pilot Study marks the beginning of two phases of work (to be done sequentially, for two periods of 12 months) that will be applied to the broader Inland Rail corridor, commencing with the southern corridor, from Narromine to Seymour, and then on to the northern corridor, from Narromine to Toowoomba, to obtain even more detailed potential cost savings across a broader range of agriculture and other supply chains.

To read the executive summary or the full report see here.

ATI Riverina: Ready to Launch! Program

Do you have a business idea that you want to grow into a reality?

Applications are now open for the AgriTech Incubator program, Cohort 4.

ATI Riverina: Ready to Launch!

This program will help you take your business, product or service from idea to execution in just 8 weeks. This program is perfect for all kinds of new founders – including those who have a day job or are studying. It's a hands-on, immersive experience that uses Lean Start-up principles, to bring your idea to life. This isn’t a theory program. You will get out of the classroom and into the real world to validate your idea and achieve a deep product fit. Participants will meet and be paired with some of the regions most experienced mentors and have the chance to become part of the dynamic start-up network. You will exit with a business ready to execute not a business plan!

What is involved in the ATI: Ready to Launch program?

The program runs for 8 weeks, commencing on Monday 29th April 2019, with a commitment of 2.5 hours each Monday evening from 6.00pm – 8.30pm on the Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga Campus, concluding with a ‘pitch evening’ on the 17th June 2019.

(Noting: June 10 is a public holiday a replacement class will be held on Tuesday 11 June)

 In between sessions, participants will be encouraged to complete tasks to reach the milestones of that week.

Does my business idea have to be specifically around AgriTech?

No – the ATI team will consider applications from all industries and is open to a diverse range of ideas.

To apply, visit our website https://bit.ly/2HEgzPx. Applications close 8th April at 5.00pm AEST. Limited spaces available.

Individuals and Teams welcome.

"The CSU AgriTech Incubator provided an opportunity to meet with other entrepreneurs in the early stages of their business ventures. We were able to share our journeys, ideas, thoughts, questions and experiences in a supportive environment, and the weekly meetings helped create accountability for our progress throughout the program. This was important for me, because I had been working on my business idea for years but had felt unable to take the next step. At each stage of the program, I was able to address and overcome some of the barriers that had kept my business concept from becoming a reality, and the positive relationship built with my mentor was pivotal in this process. By the end of the eight weeks, I was not only ready to present my pitch, but put the initial phase of my business plan into action."

Jenny Rolfe-Wallace, founder of Sprout Ed and AgriTech Incubator alumni

2019 Local Government Energy and Innovation Conference

Tuesday 26 March 2019

Venue: Conference Room, The Rules Club, Fernleigh Road, Wagga Wagga

Who should attend: Council staff, councillors and the community

The conference will put a focus on the latest innovations in energy generation, energy management and energy efficiency. A wide variety of topics will be covered, providing participants with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge about the sector, hear about some of the amazing innovations that are occurring, and learn how councils and their communities can benefit from them.

Energy management basics training for small business

Free 1 hour energy management training for business

Learn how to:

• Analyse your energy bills

• Understand how your business uses energy

• Identify energy saving opportunities, including no-cost and low-cost solutions

• Access resources and funding that will help you take action

Who should attend?

Small business owners or staff

Locations and dates:

Wagga Wagga April 1 2019
Junee April 1 2019
Narrandera April 2 2019
West Wyalong April 2 2019
Temora April 3 2019
Cootamundra April 3 2019
Gundagai April 4 2019
Tumut April 4 2019

Australian UAV drone services expands into the Riverina

Australian UAV Pty Ltd (AUAV) drone services announced today the continued expansion of its business with a new location in Wagga Wagga, NSW.

In recent years drone data has provided increased efficiency and safety across a wide range of industries. Drone aerial mapping of land and the environment allows for more effective analysis, planning and monitoring over time. Precise and detailed 3D data can record the condition of any site or asset, from heritage items through to maintenance inspections of high-value assets and infrastructure. Digital capture reduces the need for people to travel to site and avoids most work at heights or in hazardous conditions.

The opening of AUAV’s Wagga Wagga office recognises the city’s position as a major regional centre, with a growth rate exceeding the national average and with important new economic developments underway such as the Intermodal Freight & Logistics hub. “We’re excited to be bringing this technology directly into the heart of regional NSW”, says AUAV’s NSW Operations Manager, Andrew Chapman. “We will be able to better service the area, be more responsive to local events, and avoid the travel costs from our Sydney and Melbourne offices”.

Regional areas stand to benefit from drone technology to perhaps an even greater degree than the capital cities, due to the large expanse of land and environment needing to be managed and the distances involved when mobilising engineers and other specialists to project sites. Drones are the perfect way to cover more ground in regions where there are often less staff available. For example a drone aerial survey can typically achieve in an hour what a traditional land survey team would cover in a day.

The expansion also represents a positive move for jobs growth in Wagga Wagga and other regional areas for highly-skilled technical and engineering roles.

In addition to AUAV’s most common inquiries around survey, engineering projects and assisting local councils, it is anticipated there will be specific requirements in the region around irrigation design, flood modelling and environmental management, as well as opportunities to work with the university on development projects and to provide high-quality research data. “CSU has run an innovative teaching and research program in the areas of precision agriculture and remote sensing which have incorporated drone technology for a number of years”, says Dr Remy Dehaan, Senior Lecturer in the School of Agriculture and Wine Sciences. “We’ve done some projects with AUAV in the past and are excited to see them setting up here and look forward to future collaborations. Combined with the university program and Silvertone drone manufacturing, Wagga is now very much a hub for drone innovation in the region.”

The new Wagga Wagga location is helmed by Lachlan Feeney, previously a member of the Australian Defence Force and more recently working with the local branch of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Lachlan has a degree in Environmental and Spatial Science, and is also completing a Masters of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems, making him a perfect fit for AUAV’s work in the area. “I love the Riverina area and in particular our Murrumbidgee River”, says Lachlan. “I’m excited to see what we can achieve working with the local government and industry to take best advantage of this new technology to improve the environment and grow our local economy”.

AUAV is a leading provider of drone flight services and data solutions throughout Australia, with existing offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart and regional centres. The company is on a fast-growth trajectory since it was founded in 2013, with a focus on large area drone mapping and the inspection of assets and infrastructure for Top 500 companies and government agencies throughout the country.

For more information contact AUAV’s NSW Operations Manager Andrew Chapman (0488 130 900, andrew.chapman@auav.com.au) or Lachlan Feeney (0417 026 318, lachlan.feeney@auav.com.au).

$16 Million in manufacturing efficiency funding available

$16 Million in funding for NSW Manufacturers to Save Energy

Applications opened on 22 February for manufacturers to access $16 million in funding as part of the NSW Government Energy Saver program to help them save energy, money and stay competitive globally.

Up to $120,000 per site is available to NSW manufacturers. Businesses that have implemented similar projects have found savings can run to over $100,000 a year, while reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

The funding will help manufacturers to:

• upgrade energy monitoring systems

• replace or retrofit old, inefficient equipment

• install new energy-efficient equipment

• improve manufacturing processes.

The first round of funding is open from 22 February 2019 to 30 June 2019. More information on the program is available at www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/manufacturing

The Energy Saver program also provides an additional $3.5 million for energy intensive manufacturing businesses to improve the way they manage energy. These manufacturers can receive free energy management system benchmarking to understand their performance against industry standard. Participating businesses can then receive up to $30,000 of support and coaching from industry experts.

Briefing sessions will be held to help businesses understand the funding offers, get tips for a successful application and ask any questions they may have. These will be held across regional and metropolitan NSW in March and April.

Information about the offers or arrangements for an interview, can be made by contacting Colleen Kurdian at 02 8837 6028.

Click here to register for the Wagga Wagga briefing session.

Remote working: making it work for businesses and professionals

We’re pleased to be working with Pointer Remote Roles at Regional Development Australia Riverina to give business another option in filling their workforce needs. We are heading to Temora for our first free Remote Working Forum! Know a business owner or professional that would benefit from finding out more about how remote work can help combat skill shortages in the regions? Send them our way! Our panel session is made up of three incredible women who have embraced remote work and will give participants a warts and all insight into how it all works.

Register here: https://pointerremoteroles.com.au/forums/

Boots off - share a laugh!

Riverina local land services is hosting a series of free community events aimed at bring together famers and small communities who have been doing it really tough.

You’re invited to kick off the work boots and join them - renowned speaker Neville Brady (a farm boy from Swan Hill and former Richmond AFL player) will shed some light on how to stay positive in the face of tough times in our farming communities. This is a chance to come together and share some laughs, and learn a thing or two about looking after yourself and your family when the weather isn’t going with you.

These events are FREE and ALL are welcome - please spread the word!

Junee

• Monday 25 February

  Junee Licorice Factory 45-61 Lord St

  6pm start, finger food provided

Coolamon

• Tuesday 26 February

  Coolamon Sport & Recreational Club 71-73 Lewis St

  8:30am start, breakfast supplied

Lockhart

• Wednesday 27 February

  Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club, 83 Green St

  8:30am start, breakfast supplied

There will be friendly faces from the Rural Financial Counselling Service, Rotary, Riverina Bluebell and other local organisations, along with Local Land Services staff (including their vets!) to discuss any issues over a cuppa after Neville’s presentation.

RSVP appreciated for catering: Book online www.lls.nsw.gov.au/riverina

Or contact Anna Wilson - 0428 964 785 / anna.wilson@lls.nsw.gov.au or Ted O’Kane 0427 781 514 / ted.o’kane@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Opportunity to Join the RDA Riverina Team: Grow Our Own Industry Liaison Officer

Regional Development Australia – Riverina is part of a national initiative charged with economic development across our regions. This is achieved through building partnerships and ensuring that all governments and stakeholders are responsive to local regional priorities and needs. RDA Riverina is a conduit between government and local communities and a provider of information.

Stretching 500km from east to west across south-central NSW, the RDA Riverina region covers almost 80,000 square kilometres. The region is home to 170,000 people (2016 Census), many who rely on the region’s largest employer – agriculture – for their livelihood. The region encompasses 14 local government areas and is home to the major centres of the City of Wagga Wagga and City of Griffith.

RDA Riverina wish to employ an Industry Liaison Officer to join the team in the Griffith office. This position is initially a contract until December 31st, 2019 with opportunity for extension if funding allows. This position will be a part time role 0.5 of a FTE position at 35 hours per fortnight. School hours would also work for this position. Remuneration will be negotiated in accordance with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

Position Overview

The RDA Industry Liaison Officer will be responsible for coordinating the Grow Our Own (GOO) program for the Western Riverina, including the management of the Industry component of the STEM Industry/School Partnership program (SISP):

Principal Responsibilities

• Identifying industries based on regional strategic advantages including AgriTech and other industries such as health;

• Developing effective relationships with the industry partners and fostering existing relationships from the Grow Our Own stakeholder group;

• Collaborating effectively with the Department of Education STEM Project Officer;

• Facilitating effective relationships between the schools and the industry partners;

• Developing and organising region-specific STEM based activities or career events;

• Providing support and advice to Industry on the logistics of School/Industry partnership activities; (e.g. Insurance, working with children checks, identification, DoE policy and procedures;

• Organising the industry component of excursion and incursions with schools and the industry partners in consultation with STEM Project Officer;

• Facilitating industry engagement at SISP Challenge Days and SMART Discovery Days;

• Coordination of stakeholders in the end of project Showcase event and STEM competitions;

• Collecting milestone data and completion of milestone reports;

• Posting and responding to appropriate social media;

• Coordinating with other organisations who can assist in delivery of SISP and GOO programs;

• Other duties as directed by the Director of Regional Development / CEO.

Capabilities

It is expected that the successful applicant for this position will have the following capabilities:

• An ability to achieve goals and priorities, and undertake work without continuous direct supervision.

• High level of computer literacy skills, including demonstrated experience in word processing, spreadsheets, social media and database management

• A high work ethic and willingness to help out other members of the work team.

• A willingness to request help and/or guidance when it may be required.

• Professional skills, particularly regarding professional discretion and maintaining confidentiality as required.

Physical Capabilities

Consideration should also be given to areas such as:

• Sitting for long periods at a computer desk.

• Current open driving licence essential

Selection Criteria

Applicants are expected to address the selection criteria when applying for this position.

Essential

1. Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma level qualification with relevant work-related experience;

or a certificate level qualification with post-certificate relevant work experience; or Year 12 and

normally at least 3-4 years' relevant work experience; or an equivalent level of knowledge gained

through any other combination of education, training and/or experience;

2. Connections with and/or understanding of Industry in the Western Riverina especially STEM related

industry;

3. Demonstrated expertise in using Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Word;

4. An excellent grasp of both written and spoken English;

5. An ability to work in a team environment with minimal supervision;

6. Sound administrative skills;

7. A working with children check;

8. Current driving licence;

Applicants should submit a resume of no more than three pages including contact details for two referees, a response to the selection criteria and a cover letter addressed to the CEO of RDA Riverina, Rachel Whiting by COB Friday 8th March 2019 via ceo@rdariverina.org.au   

https://www.jobsriverina.com.au/job/12455/industry-liaison-officer

View other similar jobs or join Jobs Riverina at https://www.jobsriverina.com.au

Agtech, AgriFood and Advanced Manufacturing Breakfast in Griffith

Agtech, AgriFood & Advanced Manufacturing Innovation & Workforce Industry Forum

• Wednesday, 27 February 2019

• 7:00 am  9:00 am

Kickstart 2019 with some new strategies to remain competitive in your sector and secure your workforce.

You are invited to join AusIndustry, RDA Riverina and Deakin University  at breakfast on 27 February and learn how we can work collaboratively with you to accelerate business innovation  and attract a highly skilled workforce

Housing Development EOI Leeton Shire at Whitton

Leeton Shire Council has identified an opportunity for a 22 lot housing subdivision at Lot 1, DP 1053043, Conapaira Street in Whitton.

To test the level of housing demand Council is inviting expressions of interest from persons/businesses interested in purchasing or building a new home within two years as well as from housing developers who may be interested in exploring house and land packages at this site. 

With growing opportunities for employment in the proximity of Whitton and with the township’s rich history and excellent facilities, this is an exciting and affordable opportunity particularly for workers or families in the region wanting to build a home.

This opportunity could also be a major influence on Whitton’s enhancement as a residential village. 

Should you or any of your contacts, colleagues and/or employees be interested in building a house or in developing housing at the site, an EOI document which includes the EOI form is attached. 

 click here for EOI document

EOI’s can be lodged via EOI form to myself at:

Leeton Shire Council

Economic Development Coordinator

23-25 Chelmsford Place, Leeton 2705

or by email to monicaa@leeton.nsw.gov.au. 

EOI close by 5pm, Thursday 14 March 2019.

Council will analyse expressions of interest to determine if and how it will proceed.

This email is for your information but I would appreciate if you could also distribute information on this housing opportunity to any of your contacts that may be interested if appropriate.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 6953 0902 or 0427 029 153 if you require further information.   Many thanks.

Kind regards,

Monica Armanini

Economic Development Coordinator
Leeton Shire Council

23-25 Chelmsford Place

Leeton NSW 2705

P: 02 6953 0902

E: monicaa@leeton.nsw.gov.au

W: www.leeton.nsw.gov.au

The National Awards for Local Government

The National Awards for Local Government The National Awards for Local Government is an annual celebration of the best of Australian local government achievements. The Awards highlight innovative and resourceful solutions that local governments have implemented to make a difference to their local communities.

New Chair For RDA Riverina

The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina, The Hon Michael McCormack MP has today announced the appointment of Richard Allsopp to Chair of RDA Riverina.

2019 Riverina Inspirations

It seems late to be saying Happy New Year, but now we are past Australia Day and the children are all back at school, we can no longer deny 2019 is really here and that holidays are truly over.

As we reflect on our long weekend and the celebration of Australia Day, there are many discussions about the day and the date and what it means or should mean.  I was fortunate to be invited to the City of Wagga Wagga’s Australia Day awards ceremony on the Friday night before Australia Day.  As well as seeing the amazing community nominees, there were two slightly different and very moving speeches. The first was by Wagga’s Australia Day Ambassador and Aboriginal Comedian Dane Simpson.  He spoke about what Australia Day meant for him as an individual and an Aboriginal man and Australia’s maturity in having an open conversation around the date.  The other was from Miss Wagga 2019 Stina Constantine.  Stina was born from Sri Lankan parents in Norway and completed high school and university in Wagga Wagga.  Her conversation about what it means to be an Australian was unique as she is still seeking a permanent visa.  She loves Australia and wants to be an Australian citizen. From first nations to willing migrants, we are all Australian and we need everyone to make the Riverina strong.

RDA Riverina are very pleased to announce a new Chair.  Richard Allsopp is a great addition to our committee. Richard is the founder of Rundles Auctions and pioneered industrial auctions in country NSW. He opened his first business in Wagga Wagga in 1997, and then expanded into Dubbo and Tamworth. It has now become the largest regional industrial auctioneers in NSW, selling cars, trucks, earthmoving equipment and machinery for state and local government, banks, finance companies and corporate clients.  As an auctioneer for 35 years and a resident of the Riverina for 21 years operating his business out of Wagga, Richard was motivated by keeping country profits in the country.  After retiring from the auction business, Richard is looking forward to giving back to community through RDA Riverina activities.

Drought Assistance

The latest Drought Assistance information from the Australian Government can be downloaded here: