Drought-stricken NSW farmers offered water from public pool as national talks begin in Canberra

In a town in New South Wales, the drought has become so desperate that farmers are turning to their new local swimming pool for water supply.

In a town in New South Wales, the drought has become 

 so desperate that farmers are turning to their new local

swimming pool for water supply.

The eight lane outdoor pool is still being built, and was filled with water last week while it was tested for leaks.

Gunnedah Mayor James Chaffey said he did not want that water to go to waste.

"There's more than two megalitres of water that is non-potable, water that is now becoming available," he said.

"We don't want to pump that down the drain.”

Today the council will offer the water — which is not for human consumption — free to anyone who needs it.

Read the story by Anna Henderson from ABC News - “Drought-stricken NSW farmers offered water from public pool as national talks begin in Canberra.”

Little town versus Big energy prices

You shouldn’t have to choose between turning on your heater or paying your power bill.

For many of the residents of Strathbogie, this was a very real and difficult decision they were making every day. 

Power bills were escalating, with people freezing in their homes in winter and boiling in summer, because they just couldn’t afford to turn on their heaters or air conditioners.

But not local farmer, David Jamieson.

When David built his home ten years ago, he made the decision to go off-grid - and he couldn’t be happier. With solar installed, he reports a 170% on investment.

But the game-changing moment came when the Strathbogie Shire Council, in partnership with Yarra Energy Foundation, recognised the potential of solar, and jumped on it.

Watch this enlightening video  - “Little town versus Big energy prices” - from the Climate Council.