A Tale of Two Barnabys: One Builds with Wind Power, the Other Battles It

While one Barnaby is helping deliver healthcare to rural Australia through wind farm funding, the other is ranting against renewable energy — despite standing atop a clean energy goldmine.

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Origin Energy’s massive 1.46 GW Yanco Delta wind project has just contributed $5 million towards building a brand-new medical centre in Jerilderie, NSW. The funding is part of a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) triggered after the project secured transmission access rights in April 2025.

The new facility will include GP, dental, allied health, and minor procedures, and aims to tackle the rural healthcare crisis by attracting and retaining medical professionals.

“This purpose-built facility will support both health access and long-term recruitment,” said Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae.

Origin acquired the Yanco Delta project in 2024 for a total of $300 million and has committed $31 million in community support over the wind farm’s lifespan — including regional partnerships and Indigenous programs.

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A second $5 million will be paid to Edward River Council once the project reaches its Final Investment Decision, expected in 2027.

“This is exactly what smart, community-led energy development looks like,” said Origin’s Lauren Barnaby.

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Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce is doubling down on his anti-renewables stance, calling wind farms “swindle factories” and vowing to repeal net zero legislation with a Private Members Bill.

In a fiery Facebook rant, he claimed the clean energy transition is a “lunatic crusade” and “a taxpayer-funded disaster.”

He even ditched his boot brand in protest — all while his own electorate in New England holds Australia’s richest wind and solar resources, according to ANU.

“The New England region could generate half of Australia’s electricity,” said ANU researcher Dr. Cheng Cheng. “There’s billions on the table and thousands of jobs to match.”

But Barnaby insists he’ll fight renewables “all the way.”

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