It takes so much community resource and energy to respond to such proposals, which are largely driven by the attractiveness of the regions proximity to gas infrastructure and the national power grid as well as company profitability.

This community resource that could be so better spent ensuring the viability and sustainability of the communities themselves.

The Gunning and Dalton communities are already supporting a significant component of power infrastructure by way of the Cullerin and Gunning Wind Farms. This infrastructure must be located somewhere and often its location is driven by factors more related to environment, geography and history, such that the communities have little or no influence over their positioning.

What is common between these infrastructure elements is that communities are not the direct recipients of their outputs but rather receive grant and other community support as part of the terms of operation of the facilities.

It is ultimately the community which must then make the best use of the support provided. To leverage this support to make the communities themselves more sustainable takes a more concerted effort.

One way this could be achieved is for Upper Lachlan Shire to follow Yass Council’s lead and become a Power Partner in the Climate Councils Cities Power Partnerships, which has already signed up local government areas covering 7.5 million Australians. Another would be to follow Tarago’s approach and focus on creating a community master plan with the support of a local wind farm or other community funding source. Another would be to directly pursue community projects designed to deliver sustainable and viability.

Or as community enthusiasm will dictate, all the above.

Living in our communities and villages is a privilege, something of great pride and the result of a very deliberate lifestyle choice. Their viability and sustainability is very much in the community’s hands.

The much predicted rain has come as a welcome deluge to the district. Creek levels have risen but no significant flood damage has been recorded.

Meadow Creek is in flood from the local catchment after receiving a good flush of water, with Barbour Park RVs voluntarily moving to higher ground at the height of the flows.

The falls peaked at lunch time Saturday and persisted as sustained falls into the afternoon with in-excess of 50mm being recorded in most areas. The rain has brought cooler temperatures but with only light winds.

Rains have persisted in what marks a very wet beginning to December.

Last Saturday night saw a movie night run by the Gunning District Association Youth Representatives which started at 4.30pm in the Shire Hall. It featured three movies for a range of age groups and was well attended.

The event was supported by Upper Lachlan Shire Council, Mission Australia and Veolia Mulwaree Trust.

Thanks for all the support to put on such a great youth event and hopefully all made it home okay through the rising creeks.

The 59th annual Gunning Seniors Christmas Party was held last Saturday in the Shire Hall starting from 10am, with 95 Gunning and district residents, past and present.

The Wellbeing Group made it all happen on the day which consisted of entertainment by acapella group ‘Alfresco Jubilo’, a chance to catch up with old friends and new, a lovely meal, speakers and raffles.

The event is one of the highlights of the Seniors calendar and continues to be well attended.

Thanks to all those who volunteered and sponsored through donations to make the event a success, which is reflection of the strength of the Gunning community.

Local Gunning author Keith Brown has written a third book, this time about the how Crookwell/Taralga Aged Care came to be.

By the Community – For the Community will be officially launched on Tuesday, December 12 at the Crookwell Memorial Hall at 2pm. All are invited to attend. All proceeds from the book sales will be donated to Viewhaven Lodge in memory of Keith’s wife, who recently passed away in their care.

Copies of the book will be available on the day for $18. If you wish to attend, RSVP to Grace on 4832 2437 or via email ctac@ctac.org.au

It brings to mind the Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody song “From Little Things Big Things Grow”.

Former Gunning News correspondent Ann Darbyshire and her husband Doug are leaving the district. They depart with many fond memories of their time here and hope to pay regular visits. Ann and Doug wish everyone a joyous and safe Christmas with a happy, healthy 2018 to follow.