A great place to live, work and invest
IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE ... Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...... Page 2
2. Location ...... Page 3
3. Climate ...... Page 4
4. Real Estate ...... Page 5
5. Key Industry ...... Page 6
6. Infrastructure ...... Page 8
7. Lifestyle and Leisure ...... Page 9
8. The Murrumbidgee River ...... Page 11
9. Recreational Facilities ...... Page 12
10. Museums ...... Page 13
Contact Information ...... Page 14
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 1 1. Introduction
Hay Shire is located on the Hay Plains, one of the flattest sections of land in the world. The community of Hay is an oasis nestled on the banks of the picturesque Murrumbidgee River in south western NSW. Halfway between Sydney and Adelaide and just 4 ½ hours from Melbourne, Hay is centrally located.
Hay is a progressive and proactive community with agriculture the main base of the economy but in recent years the community has embraced tourism. This diversification has created a range of employment and business opportunities in the private and govern- ment sector.
Community members are proud of their homes, gardens, environment and history and heritage, and Hay’s vibrant main street features some exquisite heritage buildings that provide a unique shopping experience.
The friendly community of Hay welcomes new people, businesses and innovations. From enjoying a great coffee to playing sport, volunteering at a museum, learning to paint, starting a business or relaxing by the river the Hay community has much to offer.
Hay is alive with opportunity and energetic activity, a community embracing change. A place where you can “be yourself”.
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 2 2. Location
The Hay region is located in the Western Riverina region of New South Wales approximately 697 km from Adelaide, 410km from Melbourne and 758km from Sydney, and within 700km of over 60% of Australia’s population.
Hay is the centre of some of the flattest country on earth. The Plains offer their own distinct beauty being only 90 - 91 metres above sea level.
Hay
HAY SHIRE AT A GLANCE Area: 11,328.3 sq km Highways: The Sturt, Mid Western and Cobb Highways pass through Hay Communities: Hay, Maude and Booligal Elevation: 90 - 91m
Hay Distance: Sydney 758km Melbourne 410KM Adelaide 697km
Hay Sydney Canberra 520km Canberra Griffith 150km Wagga Wagga 275km a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 3 3. Climate
The region’s climate is semi-arid and sunny all year round, with mild winters and warm summers. The region has an average annual rainfall of 325mm.
Statistics Jan Feb Mar apr May Jun Jul aug sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Temperature
Mean max temperature (°C) 33.0 32.6 29.2 24.1 19.3 15.8 15.1 17.3 20.7 24.5 28.4 31.2 24.3
Mean min temperature (°C) 16.6 16.4 13.7 9.9 6.8 4.5 3.5 4.6 6.7 9.5 12.5 14.9 10.0 Rainfall
Mean rainfall (mm) 27.0 28.0 29.0 28.1 34.7 36.0 31.0 32.0 31.4 34.9 25.0 26.8 363.9
Decile 5 (median) rainfall (mm) 14.3 15.0 19.0 21.0 28.8 31.4 28.0 28.7 28.0 26.7 18.6 15.5 359.4
Mean No.of days of rain ≥ 1 mm 2.8 2.6 3.0 3.4 4.5 5.6 5.9 5.9 5.0 4.7 3.4 3.2 50.0 Other daily elements
Mean daily sunshine (hours)
Mean No. of clear days 15.6 13.6 15.9 13.3 10.8 9.3 8.6 9.2 10.6 11.8 11.7 13.6 144.0
Mean No.of cloudy days 5.4 5.3 5.1 6.9 9.8 9.9 10.8 8.8 7.6 8.2 7.4 6.3 91.5
075031 HAY (MILLER STREET) Commenced: 1877 Last Record: 2010 Elevation: 93 m State: NSW Latitude: 34.52 Degrees South Longitude: 144.85 Degrees East
www.bom.gov.au
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 4 4. Real Estate Residential properties range from modern homes to stylish weatherboard houses with an abundance of charm. Or if you are looking for the wide open spaces then why not invest in a rural property. For those seeking rental properties Hay offers a selection of residential rental properties from houses to flats and units.
Housing in Hay is very affordable offering economical alternatives to the increasing prices of metropolitan centres.
Hay Australia
Dwelling Median rent ($/weekly) 118 190 Characteristics Median housing loan repayment ($/monthly) 650 1,300 - Occupied Average household size 2.4 2.6 Prvate Dwellings Average number of persons per bedroom 1.1 1.1
In Hay (Urban Centre Localities), the median weekly rent was $118, compared to $190 in Australia. The median monthly housing loan repayment was $650, compared to $1,300 in Australia. The average household size was 2.4 and the average number of persons per bedroom was 1.1.
TENURE TYPE Hay % of total australia % of total - OCCUPIED occupied occupied PRIVATE private private DWELLINGS dwellings dwellings in Hay in Australia
Fully owned 389 36.9% 2,478,264 32.6%
Being purchased (includes being purchased under rent/buy scheme) 263 24.9% 2,448,205 32.2%
Rented (includes rent-free) 329 31.2% 2,063,947 27.2%
Other tenure type 7 0.7% 65,715 0.9%
Not stated 67 6.4% 540,050 7.1%
In Hay (Urban Centre Localities), 36.9% of occupied private dwellings were fully owned, 24.9% were being purchased and 31.2% were rented. a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 5 5. Key Industry
Hay’s geography, climate and environment are conducive to a range of agricultural and pastoral activity. The Hay Shire is well known for its Merino sheep and wool industry as well as producing a diverse range of commercial crops such as rice, corn, cotton and wheat. Irrigated horticultural land produces lettuce, rockmelon, broccoli, grapes and garlic. Hay is centrally located to transport this produce to markets in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra. The potential to value add in the horticultural industry is extensive.
The communities diversification into tourism has also seen new opportunities inthe hospitality and retail sector. A number of new businesses have established themselves in Hay during the past few years, obviously realizing the potential of the region.
Agriculture
Agriculture is one of Hay’s most important industries. For over 150 years, livestock have grazed the native shrubs and grasses of the vast Hay Plains and drank from the Murrumbidgee. The district is most famous for wool production and over time this industry has been the most important for Hay’s economy.
The last few decades have seen new forms of agriculture emerge along this famous stretch of river. Irrigated crop production started to gain in popularity when profits from wool suffered a slump in the 1990’s. It was seen as a way to supplement a grazing properties income. Today there are many specialised cropping enterprises dotted right along the river corridor of the Hay Shire. Reliable irrigation, good soils and an abundance of sunshine, enables a wide range of crops to be grown. Lettuce production has been very successful and is now one of Hay’s most important industries. Other horticultural crops include grapes, rock melons, pumpkins, onions, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, wombok and garlic.
Several large irrigation farms grow broadacre crops. In summer, crops like maize, sun- flowers and soybeans are planted. Winter crops include wheat, barley, faba beans and chickpeas.
Rice production started in the district in the mid- 1990’s and has been another success story. Rice needs continual warm weather and plenty of light, something Hay’s climate easily provides. Rice grows so well here that our yields are up with the highest in the world. Most recently, a number of farms are starting to grow cotton. This crop has performed better than expected and will provide another option for local farmers.
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 6 Industry and Trade
Often supporting the agriculture industry, there is a wide range of contracting and trade services that operate in Hay. Painters, builders, plumbers, fencers and electricians, as well as manufacturing businesses provides services for both residential and commercial with agricultural work accounting for a large percentage of their income.
Accommodation and Hospitality
Hay currently has six motels with another one to commence building towards the end of 2010. All motels are of a good standard and range up to 4 star. Several are equipped to handle large volumes of travellers as well as offering conference facilities.
There are two caravan parks to choose from, both belonging to holiday park networks, and offer clean modern facilities.
In addition to the above we have an extensive range of Bed and Breakfast, Farm- stay, Pub Accommodation and camping options for the weary traveller.
Retail
Hay has a broad range of retail shops including supermarkets, discount shops, electrical goods and furnishings, banks, newsagents, gitware, butcher and bakery just to name a few.
Well known for our country hospitality, customers are treated to service with a smile and retailers will often order stock in to suit individual needs.
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 7 6. Infrastructure
Roads
Hays central location between the capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide ensures constant passing trade through the town as travellers follow the major highways. Because of its remoteness, Hay has become an important stop over to refuel, have something to eat and a bed for the night.
The Sturt Highway travels east-west and is the main route between Sydney and Adelaide. The Cobb Highway travels north-south and provides access from Victoria into the Riverina region of NSW. The Mid-Western Highway is an important link for those travelling through inland NSW to the NSW coast or into Queensland.
The highways are maintained regularly and are used by a wide range of vehicles including recreational vans, commercial freight, road trains, stock cartage and over -size accompanied vehicles.
Transport
Hay has a taxi service for transport within the town. Daily coach services are available to Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra. Countrylink services provide access to Sydney via coach connection to XPT.
Hay was a well maintained airport only 4kms from the town centre, however there is no local air service. Rex Airlines services Griffith (150km from Hay) with several flights per day to Sydney.
There is a high level freight capacity with various carriers.
Telecommunications
Hay has had infrastructure for ADSL since 2003, enabling quick and reliable internet services to the business and broader community.
2HAYFM 92.1 is Hay’s local community radio station with a broadcasting range of approximately 100km. This service is complimented by a selection of AM and FM commercial and national services. ABC, WIN TV, PRIME and SBS are well received in the Shire. Austar provides pay television services via satellite.
The Riverine Grazier, a locally produced weekly newspaper provides coverage on local issues of interest.
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 8 7. Lifestyle and Leisure Hay is an extremely active community and boasts a number of trendy cafes where you can relax over a great coffee, while our restaurants offer you a memorable dining experience.
Hay’s registered clubs and numerous hotels offer the ideal venue for you to mingle with friends, enjoy great entertainment and food. Education
Hay offers its community a comprehensive range of quality educational facilities.
Our young children are well catered for with a nationally accredited Long Day Care Centre for children from 6 weeks to 6 years, a Pre School Kindergarten for 3 to 6 year olds and a Mobile Children’s Service.
As our children move on to primary school education Hay offers the choices of Hay Public School and St Mary’s Catholic School.
The Hay War Memorial High School was established in 1923, as a co- educational comprehensive high school and has a particularly strong tradition befitting a war memorial linked to the ANZAC tradition. Today the school offers a comprehensive curriculum to cater for the changing needs of today’s youth. Hay War Memorial High School is currently providing education for 222 students.
School of the Air is one of the major facilities for the education of isolated students. It uses a variety of communication techniques including video conferencing, satellite lessons, telephone, fax and email and written material to deliver curriculum content to 45 travelling students, as well as 22 isolated students.
Post secondary education and vocational training is available locally through TAFE and various other providers.
Tertiary education is offered through numerous universities located in Albury/Wodon- ga, Melbourne and Wagga Wagga.
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 9 Health and Community Services
The residents of Hay are well provided for with a large range of health and community services. The Shire is serviced by two resident doctors and is part of the Greater Southern Area Health Service and receives a range of health services including dental, mental health, allied health, pathology and radiology.
The Hay Hospital was opened in 2003 and boosts a well equipped emergency depart- ment, modern hospital wards and the McFarland Wing aged care centre. Community and Nursing Services, Community Health Services and the Ambulance are also based at the facility.
The Haydays Retirement Village offers low level permanent and respite care accom- modation for our older residents.
Hay Home and Community Care provides a number of services for the residents of Hay including: Respite Care, Community Transport, Medical Transport, Home Modification and Maintenance, Meals on Wheels, Dementia Care and Neighbour Aid Social Support.
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 10 8. The Murrumbidgee River Hay is situated on the picturesque Murrumbidgee River, and has numerous river reserves ideal for camping, picnics and water sports. The riverbanks of the Murrumbidgee are the place to find seclusion and relax under towering river red gums. In the summer the river is a popular spot for water-skiing, canoeing, swimming and fishing.
Fishing the Murrumbidgee Hay has many great spots along the river for fishing, and the best times of year to fish are the autumn months. The Murrumbidgee River is a haven for many varieties of fish including Murray Cod, Yellow Belly (Perch), Redfin, Brim, Catfish and Carp. Crayfish can also be caught in season, but bag and size limits must be observed. Bait is readily available in Hay, and there are several outlets where fishing licenses can be purchased. The Hay Weir is a popular fishing spot, along with several other reserves.
Cruising the Murrumbidgee Experiencing the river by boat you will see some of Hay’s unique river wildlife, majestic river red gums and you will also hear nature as you meander along this wonderful wa- tercourse. It’s a great opportunity to see the remnants of Hay’s once thriving Riverport including old wharves and historic buildings. The river is ideal for kayaks, canoes and small-medium boats.
Sports
There is an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports or become immersed in cultural activities to consume your leisure time.
Sport facilities in Hay include:
• A golf course • Tennis court complex • Squash courts • Free olympic size swimming pool and children’s and toddler’s pools • Skate park • Well maintained parks and ovals • Bowling greens • Health and Fitness Club • Clay Target shooting and Pistol Club • Horse sports • A fully equipped gymnastics gym
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 11 9. Recreational Facilities Hay Shire offers a vast range of recreational facilities for both visitors and locals to choose:
The Hay Park The Hay Park (accessible from Moppet and Pine Streets) is a large park with well kept gardens, picnic tables, free electric BBQ and toilet facilities. Children will find plenty to do. They can play in the playground, work out on the outdoor gym equipment or feed the ducks and geese in the duck pond.
Four codes of football are played at the grounds including AFL, Rugby League, Rugby Union and Soccer. There are also three netball courts, turf wickets for the cricket sea- son and a community hall at the park.
Brewery Park Brewery Park is the name of one of Hay’s newest parks. Named because it stands in close proximity to the former old Red Lion Brewery (used until 1915). This park can be found at the western end of Moppet Street. There is good parking, a picnic table and a panoramic view of the Murrumbidgee River.
Lions Park The Lions Park is situated on the northern side of the Murrumbidgee River just near the bridge. This lovely park has a large grassed area, where visitors can relax, toilets, free electric BBQ and a rain water tank for refreshing the “billy”.
John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool The swimming complex is run by the Hay Shire Council and is FREE entry. There are three pools in total: olympic size, a medium size pool and a toddlers pool. The swimming pool complex has a BBQ and children’s playground.
Dal Wright Park Dal Wright Park is a small park named after the man who turned this area into a delightful park and playground. The park can be found on the first left over the bridge from the south, beside the town’s water tanks.
Apex Park The Apex Park is close to Hay’s famous attraction, The Goal Museum. Children can enjoy the swings and a pretend ride on the restored vintage tractor.
Hay Showground The showground contains a number of buildings and facilities which are uti- lised throughout the year including the Annual Hay Show, the Hay Races, special events and as a camping facility. It also houses the Hay Gun Club.
Hay Tennis Courts The Hay Tennis Club has seven synthetic and four clay courts, and is located in Lach- lan Street. Junior and senior teams and individuals compete locally, regionally and at state level with several tournaments held at the complex each year.
The Hay Golf Course Hay has one of the best 18-hole sand-green golf course in NSW. Located on the Sturt Highway (west of Hay), it is situated on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.
Sandy Point Sandy Point Beach is the town’s swimming beach. There is a sandy split leading to the safe family swimming area. Majestic old River Red Gums provide shade to enjoy a relaxing swim or a picnic break. Free electric BBQs and toilet facilities available.
Bushy Bend Located on the northern side of the Murrimbidgee, Bushy Bend offers a meandering dirt track by the river and is home to The Long Paddock Sculptures which are strategically placed for quiet contemplation. a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 12 10. Museums A team of nearly one hundred enthusiastic local volunteers have created the town’s museums, which are an important drawcard for bringing tourism to the Shire. Each month many busloads of tourists take the town tours offered by the Visitor Information Centre to get an insight into the colourful heritage of the town.
The Hay War Memorial High School Museum The people of Hay built the War Memorial High School to remember those who served in World War 1.
An excellent collection of local war related material and school history is displayed in the school hall, beneath the town’s Honour Rolls.
Dunera Museum Over 6,000 German, Italian and Japanese internees and POW’S were housed in three Hay Camp’s between 1940 and 1946, guarded by the 16th Aust. Garrison Battalion.
Housed in two air conditioned railway carriages, the museum tells the story of the camps in Hay where the ‘Dunera Boys’, were held during WWII.
The Hay Gaol Museum A diverse collection of artefacts showcasing the history of Hay is displayed in the build- ings and grounds of the old Hay Gaol. The complex has had many uses since it was built in 1978: a gaol, maternity hospital, lockup for the insane, Prisoner of War detention centre, Institute for Girls, and now museum.
Exhibits include everything from windmills to beer pumps, and dolls to motorbikes.
Shear Outback Australian Shearer’s Hall of Fame Shear Outback offers visitors a great insight into the Australian Shearing industry, from the legendary stations of our folk law to the significant industrial changes the unions achieved, and life for the shearing fraternity today.
Bishop’s Lodge Historic House & Heritage Rose Garden Bishop’s Lodge is an extraordinary 1888 iron house designed by architect John Sulman and the Bishop of the Riverina to combat the region’s extreme climate.
The building is surrounded by a wonderful heritage garden, which contains a remarkable collection of heritage roses, some of which are unique to this garden.
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 13 For more information contact:
ROBYN RYAN Manager of Tourism and Economic Development Phone: 02 6993 4045 Email: [email protected]
a g re a t p l a c e to live , wor k & I nve s t 14