Ondine Slack-Smith

Jun 27, 2024 | abc.net.au | Ondine Slack-Smith |Lily McCure |Maddelin McCosker

In short: Goat slaughter rates in NSW are up by almost 5,000 per cent as Bourke abattoir gets underway. 200 new employees are bringing new life to the town. What's next: A $50 million investment by Thomas Foods International will see an expansion of the plant to meet the growing demand for goat meat overseas. It might not be on the menu, but goat meat is one of the reasons Tanya Milgate's Bourke bakery is thriving.

Jun 11, 2024 | abc.net.au | Ondine Slack-Smith

In short: A farmer from southern New South Wales is concerned about the amount of public liability insurance available in light of a solar farm development next to his property. Stephen Pumpa fears he would be liable if a fire spread from his place to the solar farm. What's next? He is hoping for a solution before construction of the solar farm is completed in 2026.

May 30, 2024 | abc.net.au | Emily Middleton |Ondine Slack-Smith

In short: Dubbo's council wants to lease or sell its livestock market which is operating at a $1.7 million deficit. Livestock producers and agents are concerned about potential fee increases, but the ALMA says higher prices can produce better outcomes. What's next? Dubbo Regional Council will present a report on the expressions of interests received in the coming weeks. Australia's biggest livestock saleyard may be put up for sale and people in the New South Wales city of Dubbo are worried.

May 7, 2024 | abc.net.au | Ondine Slack-Smith |David Claughton

In short: Waste-to-energy plants are being proposed in regional areas away from big city populations. Only one NSW project is in the planning process as residents oppose plants in their towns. What's next? Australia's first energy-from-waste plant, in WA, is near completion, but other countries are warning of the health risks from incinerators using old technology. It sounds like a win-win solution for Australia's waste disposal problems — take a million tonnes of rubbish and turn it into energy.

May 6, 2024 | abc.net.au | Ondine Slack-Smith |Lara Webster

In short: NSW shearer Jeanine Kimm has set a benchmark Australian women's shearing record after she shore 358 ewes, making her average 80.8 seconds per ewe. The 31-year-old is the first Australian woman to attempt a shearing record of any kind and the first woman globally to attempt a shearing record with merino sheep. What's next? Ms Kimm hopes her landmark achievement will help inspire other women to take up work in shearing sheds.