PolicyEnergy & ClimateRenewablesWhy farmers in Hughenden are choosing ‘mailbox money’ over politicsJun 5, 2026 – 5.00pmIf it wasn’t for the cash, there’s no chance Ashley Smith would be allowing wind turbines to be built on his cattle farm west of Townsville.“This climate change thing, I think it’s a load of crap, personally,” the 48-year-old grazier tells AFR Weekend. “But it’s more of an economic thing.”Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Latest In Energy & climateFetching latest articlesMost Viewed In Policy