At the moment, they are charged the rates for “farmland” because that’s what it’s been – farmland.

But with wind turbines, there is now another, non-farming use on these properties between Glen Innes and Inverell.

So what should the rate charge be?

Nobody seems to know. According to Glen Innes Council, there is a view in the state government that “it’s all over the shop”. Some councils are levying rates at the “farmland” rate. Others at the rate for businesses.

The sums are not negligible. According to Glen Innes Severn Council: “Currently, there are 19 parcels of land affected by supplementary valuations of this nature with a combined effect of increasing potential rates income of $95,301.57 for 2017-18.”

It matters in this region because of the existence of the Sapphire and White Rock Wind Farms and the possibility of a third wind farm. The same isse would apply when the planned solar farms are built.

Inverell has already started levying a business rate on some farms in its area. Glen Innes, though, has decided to hold back until it knows the legal situation (if, indeed,it can be known with certainty). – if it levies the wrong rate, the chance of legal action is high.

One thing does seem reasonably clear and that is that the rates should be payable only on the small area around the turbine.

But for the rest, there is doubt and lawyers are involved.

There is money for the public purse if the legalities can be worked out – a windfall, in fact, both for the council and the lawyers.

A windfall – but for whom?