Case progress
Carousel items
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Referral received
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Speaker registrations open
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Submissions open
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Meeting with DPHI
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Meeting with Applicant
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Meeting with Tamworth Regional Council
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Meeting with Upper Hunter Shire Council
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Meeting with Liverpool Plains Shire Council
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Meeting with Muswellbrook Shire Council
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Speaker registrations close at 12pm
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Site inspection day 1
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Site inspection day 2
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Second meeting with Tamworth Council
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Locality tour
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Neighbouring site visits
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Public meeting day 1
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Public meeting day 2
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Submissions close at 5pm
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Submission extension deadline 5pm
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Submissions open on additional material
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Submissions close on additional material at 12pm
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Overview
Under court appealMap showing the location
Documents
Document | Date |
---|---|
241129 Statement on Hills of Gold wind farm appeal (PDF, 149.94 KB)
| 28.11.2024 |
Document | Date |
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09.09.2024 | |
Development Consent Hills of Gold Wind Farm SSD9679 (PDF, 2.96 MB)
| 09.09.2024 |
Document | Date |
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01.07.2024 | |
01.07.2024 | |
14.06.2024 | |
21.05.2024 | |
07.05.2024 | |
29.04.2024 | |
15.04.2024 | |
26.03.2024 | |
Statement on Hills of Gold extension for submissions (PDF, 136.38 KB)
| 12.02.2024 |
Document | Date |
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Clarification from the Department 3 July 2024 redacted (PDF, 130.57 KB)
| 05.07.2024 |
Clarification from the Department 27 June 2024 redacted (PDF, 318.25 KB)
| 27.06.2024 |
25.06.2024 | |
Attachment B Department request for Information redacted (PDF, 114.86 KB)
| 25.06.2024 |
Attachment C Engie Response to RFI 27 March 2024 redacted (PDF, 10.79 MB)
| 27.06.2024 |
Attachment D IEAPET Advice (PDF, 1007.87 KB)
| 25.06.2024 |
Attachment E Recommended Instrument of Consent (PDF, 2.85 MB)
| 25.06.2024 |
Document | Date |
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Referral letter Redacted (PDF, 272.04 KB)
| 13.12.2023 |
Assessment Report (PDF, 5.26 MB)
| 13.12.2023 |
Recommended conditions of consent (PDF, 3.35 MB)
| 13.12.2023 |
Appendix H to Assessment Report Redacted (PDF, 1.37 MB)
| 13.12.2023 |
Appendix K to Assessment Report (PDF, 562.56 KB)
| 13.12.2023 |
Appendix L to Assessment Report (PDF, 10.29 MB)
| 13.12.2023 |
Document | Date |
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Conflicts Register (PDF, 535.19 KB)
| 20.02.2024 |
Meetings
Meeting information
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10:00am Thursday 01 February
Nundle Memorial Hall and Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall Location 1: In person at Nundle Memorial Hall (101 Jenkins Street, Nundle) Location 2: In person via video link at the Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall drop-in and livestream viewing studio (26-28 Fitzroy Street, Tamworth) -
10:00am Friday 02 February
Nundle Memorial Hall and Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall Location 1: In person at Nundle Memorial Hall (101 Jenkins Street, Nundle) Location 2: In person via video link at the Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall drop-in and livestream viewing studio (26-28 Fitzroy Street, Tamworth)
Livestream and recordings
A livestream of this public event will commence at the advertised event start time. A video recording of the public event, which may be edited or redacted prior to publication in line with our guidelines, will be published as soon as practicable after the event and be available until the case is completed.
Speaker schedule and transcripts
Document | Date |
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Final Public Meeting Speaker Schedule v2 (PDF, 720.9 KB)
| 31.01.2024 |
Public meeting transcript day 1 redacted (PDF, 829.63 KB)
| 08.02.2024 |
Public meeting transcript day 2 redacted (PDF, 352.04 KB)
| 08.02.2024 |
Speaker documents
Public meeting notification
The community will be able to have their say in a public meeting on a proposal by Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd for a wind farm and associated infrastructure. The proposed project comprises up to 64 wind turbines, battery storage and grid connection and is located 50km south-east of Tamworth and 8km south of Nundle.
The decision on whether the Hills of Gold Wind Farm State Significant Development application (SSD 9679) will be given planning approval has been referred to the Independent Planning Commission because the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure received an objection from Tamworth Regional Council and at least 50 unique submissions objecting to the proposal.
Commissioners Clare Sykes (Chair), Juliet Grant and Duncan Marshall have been appointed to determine the development application.
The Commission will hold a public meeting on Thursday 1 February and Friday 2 February 2024 (10:00 AM AEDT starts) to hear the community’s views, with an additional day to be scheduled if required. Speakers can attend in person at the Nundle Memorial Hall (101 Jenkins Street, Nundle) or via video link by attending the Commission’s drop-in studio in person at the Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall (26-28 Fitzroy Street, Tamworth), making the meeting locally accessible for people in both locations. The public meeting will be livestreamed on the Commission’s website and broadcast at the Tamworth venue. Speakers can also join via telephone or online video link from their homes or elsewhere. The format of any additional day will depend on demand and is to be confirmed.
The Commission is also inviting written submissions from the public. The Commission already has access to all previous written submissions made to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure on the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. It is particularly helpful for the Commission Panel to hear the community’s views in response to the Department’s recent whole-of-government Assessment Report on the key issues and its recommended conditions of consent. Key issues identified in the Department’s Assessment Report include visual impacts, traffic and transport, and biodiversity impacts.
Anyone wishing to present at the public meeting must pre-register on the Commission’s website using the Speaker Registration Form.
The deadline for speaker registrations is 12:00pm AEDT on Tuesday 23 January 2024.
Written submissions can be lodged via the ‘Make a Submission’ portal on the Commission’s website. The Commission will also accept submissions made via post or email. Written submissions will be accepted until 5:00pm on Monday 12 February 2024.
Please note
Registered speakers for the public meeting will be asked to indicate a preference for presenting to the Commission Panel either in-person at the Nundle venue, via video link from the Tamworth venue, or virtually from elsewhere (i.e. via video link or telephone).
If demand for speaker timeslots is high and the two-day meeting becomes fully booked, the Commission will endeavour to schedule a third day on a date and format to be confirmed. The whole public meeting will be livestreamed on the Commission’s website and YouTube channel.
If any change to the meeting format occurs, this will be fully communicated to all registered speakers in advance, including how the Commission can assist people to attend the meeting virtually. Please read the Speaker Registration Form carefully, and provide as much detail as possible.
These flexible arrangements ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to be heard, while also making best use of public resources.
Meeting information
Date and time
11:00 AM Mon 15 January 2024
Meeting documents
Document | Date |
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Applicant meeting transcript (PDF, 251.65 KB)
| 31.01.2024 |
Applicant meeting presentation (PDF, 6.06 MB)
| 21.01.2024 |
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Locality Tour information
Date and time
9:00 AM Wed 31 January 2024
Locality Tour documents
Document | Date |
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Locality Tour Notes (PDF, 245.96 KB)
| 09.02.2024 |
Locality Tour Images (PDF, 845.07 KB)
| 09.02.2024 |
Locality Tour Applicant Road Diagrams (PDF, 5.19 MB)
| 09.02.2024 |
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Meeting information
Meeting documents
Document | Date |
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Department meeting transcript (PDF, 175.09 KB)
| 21.01.2024 |
Department meeting presentation (PDF, 1.59 MB)
| 21.01.2024 |
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Neighbouring site information
Date and time
12:30 PM Wed 31 January 2024
Neighbouring site documents
Document | Date |
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Neighbouring Site Visit Notes (PDF, 379.06 KB)
| 09.02.2024 |
Neighbouring Site Visit Images (PDF, 1.14 MB)
| 09.02.2024 |
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Site inspection information
Date and time
12:00 PM Mon 29 January 2024
11:30 AM Tue 30 January 2024
Site inspection documents
Document | Date |
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Site Inspection Notes (PDF, 1.47 MB)
| 09.02.2024 |
Site Inspection Images (PDF, 1.36 MB)
| 09.02.2024 |
Site Inspection Applicant Drone Footage Transverse Track (MP4, 274.19 MB)
| 12.02.2024 |
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Meeting information
Date and time
4:00 PM Mon 15 January 2024
Meeting documents
Document | Date |
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Liverpool Plains Shire Council meeting transcript (PDF, 113.13 KB)
| 21.01.2024 |
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Meeting information
Date and time
9:30 AM Thu 18 January 2024
Meeting documents
Document | Date |
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Muswellbrook Shire Council Meeting Transcript (PDF, 131.5 KB)
| 23.01.2024 |
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Meeting information
Date and time
1:00 PM Mon 15 January 2024
Meeting documents
Document | Date |
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Tamworth Regional Council meeting transcript (PDF, 186.87 KB)
| 21.01.2024 |
Tamworth Regional Council presentation (PDF, 4.05 MB)
| 21.01.2024 |
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Meeting information
Date and time
2:30 PM Mon 15 January 2024
Meeting documents
Document | Date |
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Upper Hunter Shire Council meeting transcript (PDF, 121.02 KB)
| 21.01.2024 |
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Meeting information
Date and time
3:30 PM Tue 30 January 2024
Meeting documents
Document | Date |
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06.02.2024 | |
Tamworth Regional Council second in person meeting transcript (PDF, 225.89 KB)
| 07.02.2024 |
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Public submissions
ID | Name | Date | Submission |
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Hills of Gold Preservation Inc | 29/08/2024 | ||
Rachel Greig | 05/08/2024 | ||
Anthony Gardner | 25/07/2024 | ||
Gwenda Hague | 22/07/2024 | ||
Chris Eagles | 21/07/2024 | ||
Robyn Kightly | 21/07/2024 | ||
Geoffrey Purcell | 21/07/2024 | ||
Paul Elbourne | 19/07/2024 | ||
Sharon Thomas | 19/07/2024 | ||
Susie Hooper | 19/07/2024 | ||
Amanda Thompson | 18/07/2024 | ||
April Hillier | 18/07/2024 | ||
Cameron Greig | 18/07/2024 | ||
Cheryl Sipple | 18/07/2024 | ||
Dennis Armstrong | 18/07/2024 | ||
George Kightly | 18/07/2024 | ||
Guy Manson | 18/07/2024 | ||
Ian McDonald | 18/07/2024 | ||
Janice Fletcher | 18/07/2024 | ||
Joyce Holbourn | 18/07/2024 | ||
Kelly Jaffer | 18/07/2024 | ||
LindaJean Lowe | 18/07/2024 | ||
Mark Eather | 18/07/2024 | ||
Maureen Eagles | 18/07/2024 | ||
Michael Hill | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Natasha Soonchild | 18/07/2024 | ||
Rachel Webster | 18/07/2024 | ||
Robert Dempsey | 18/07/2024 | ||
Selena Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Simone Timbs | 18/07/2024 | ||
Sue Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Vladimir Vlasoff | 18/07/2024 | ||
Abby Delforce | 18/07/2024 | ||
Andrew Brown | 18/07/2024 | ||
AnneMarie Vine | 18/07/2024 | ||
Berg Blomfield | 18/07/2024 | ||
Carol Fiddes | 18/07/2024 | ||
CJ MC Eagles Partnership Business | 18/07/2024 | ||
Ella Worly | 18/07/2024 | ||
Heidi Howden | 18/07/2024 | ||
Jenny Vaughan | 18/07/2024 | ||
Kate Durack | 18/07/2024 | ||
Ken Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Mark Fogarty | 18/07/2024 | ||
Megan Sullivan | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Penny Greig | 18/07/2024 | ||
RED4NE | 18/07/2024 | ||
Rosa Reynolds | 18/07/2024 | ||
Sally Edwards | 18/07/2024 | ||
Vicki Dempsey | 18/07/2024 | ||
Warren Trevor | 18/07/2024 | ||
Alena Lavrushkina | 18/07/2024 | ||
Anika Heintze | 18/07/2024 | ||
Bill Stinson | 18/07/2024 | ||
Catherine W | 18/07/2024 | ||
CWO REZist | 18/07/2024 | ||
Dave Munsie | 18/07/2024 | ||
Erica Haliday | 18/07/2024 | ||
Jackson Worley | 18/07/2024 | ||
Jessica Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
John Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Kathy Keane | 18/07/2024 | ||
Kerry Nixon | 18/07/2024 | ||
Leslye Cole | 18/07/2024 | ||
Megan Trousdale | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Phillip and | 18/07/2024 | ||
Shawn Stone | 18/07/2024 | ||
Theresa Folpp | 18/07/2024 | ||
William Archer | 18/07/2024 | ||
Amber Pedersen | 18/07/2024 | ||
Anne Jones | 18/07/2024 | ||
Barbara Kernick | 18/07/2024 | ||
Brent McKay | 18/07/2024 | ||
Daniel Jennings | 18/07/2024 | ||
Faye King | 18/07/2024 | ||
Gergely Kocon | 18/07/2024 | ||
Ian Vaughan | 18/07/2024 | ||
Jim Sue | 18/07/2024 | ||
June Burr | 18/07/2024 | ||
Kylie Bradford | 18/07/2024 | ||
Liz Watts | 18/07/2024 | ||
Mark Eather | 18/07/2024 | ||
Meg Worley | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Nathan Coates | 18/07/2024 | ||
Paul Tyson | 18/07/2024 | ||
Ratepayer | 18/07/2024 | ||
Saffron Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Selena Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Skye Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Susan Peatfield | 18/07/2024 | ||
Timor Community | 18/07/2024 | ||
William Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Adelaide Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Bill Rainnie | 18/07/2024 | ||
Cody Savage | 18/07/2024 | ||
Danielle Douglas | 18/07/2024 | ||
Geoffrey Houston | 18/07/2024 | ||
Graeme Watts | 18/07/2024 | ||
Hills of Gold Preservation Inc | 18/07/2024 | ||
Irving Greig | 18/07/2024 | ||
Jenny Ware | 18/07/2024 | ||
Joe Worley | 18/07/2024 | ||
Katherine Mackaway | 18/07/2024 | ||
Ken&Michelle Park | 18/07/2024 | ||
Larry Walker | 18/07/2024 | ||
Megan Trousdale | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Nick Bradford | 18/07/2024 | ||
Peter Hooper | 18/07/2024 | ||
Samuel Archer | 18/07/2024 | ||
Sylvester Cattle Co ATF Sylvester Pastoral Trust | 18/07/2024 | ||
Vicki Dempsey | 18/07/2024 | ||
Warwick Fletcher | 18/07/2024 | ||
Yestin Hooper | 18/07/2024 | ||
Alexander Vlasoff | 18/07/2024 | ||
Anna Vlasoff | 18/07/2024 | ||
Bob Worley | 18/07/2024 | ||
Brietta Hague | 18/07/2024 | ||
David Beirman | 18/07/2024 | ||
Geoffrey Travers | 18/07/2024 | ||
Ian Eddison | 18/07/2024 | ||
Janice Fairall | 18/07/2024 | ||
Keith Hutcheson | 18/07/2024 | ||
Kerry Weaver | 18/07/2024 | ||
Limbri Community | 18/07/2024 | ||
Mark Schmitt | 18/07/2024 | ||
Melissa Hadley | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Natasha Soonchild | 18/07/2024 | ||
Robert Delforce | 18/07/2024 | ||
Ryan Brooke | 18/07/2024 | ||
Tim Vlasoff | 18/07/2024 | ||
Uarbry Tongy Lane Alliance Inc | 18/07/2024 | ||
Victoria Vlasoff | 18/07/2024 | ||
Belinda Milgate | 18/07/2024 | ||
Daniel Sassi | 18/07/2024 | ||
Garry Smith | 18/07/2024 | ||
Gina Vereker | 18/07/2024 | ||
Hamish Sylvester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Ian Worley | 18/07/2024 | ||
Jason Nester | 18/07/2024 | ||
Jocelyn Guy | 18/07/2024 | ||
June Hooper | 18/07/2024 | ||
Mark Ether | 18/07/2024 | ||
Michele Longman | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Pegg van | 18/07/2024 | ||
Rory Dempsey | 18/07/2024 | ||
Sallina Crowe | 18/07/2024 | ||
SL Tritton | 18/07/2024 | ||
Valentina Vlasoff | 18/07/2024 | ||
Voice for Walcha Inc | 18/07/2024 | ||
Andrew Reynolds | 18/07/2024 | ||
Bill Stinson | 18/07/2024 | ||
Brian Tomalin | 18/07/2024 | ||
Catherine Murphy | 18/07/2024 | ||
Emma Bowman | 18/07/2024 | ||
Graham Ware | 18/07/2024 | ||
Hon K Anderson MP | 18/07/2024 | ||
J Summers | 18/07/2024 | ||
John Kite | 18/07/2024 | ||
Kathryn Reynolds | 18/07/2024 | ||
Kerry Fitts | 18/07/2024 | ||
Laurie Chaffey | 18/07/2024 | ||
Lynette LaBlack | 18/07/2024 | ||
Megan Trousdale | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 18/07/2024 | ||
Narelle Langfield | 18/07/2024 | ||
Nicola Worley | 18/07/2024 | ||
Russell and | 18/07/2024 | ||
Sandra Weaver | 18/07/2024 | ||
Vicki Dempsy | 18/07/2024 | ||
Water NSW | 18/07/2024 | ||
Applicant for the Gomeroi People Native Title Claim | 21/02/2024 | ||
Nanette Peatfield | 21/02/2024 | ||
Lynette LaBlack | 20/02/2024 | ||
RP | 20/02/2024 | ||
Shawn Stone | 20/02/2024 | ||
Brendan Nawrocki | 16/02/2024 | ||
Daniel Jennings | 16/02/2024 | ||
Fabian Norrie | 16/02/2024 | ||
Kylie Bradford | 16/02/2024 | ||
S | 16/02/2024 | ||
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s | 16/02/2024 | ||
Ieesa Colgan | 16/02/2024 | ||
Lynette LaBlack | 16/02/2024 | ||
Nick Bradford | 16/02/2024 | ||
Timothy Vlasoff | 16/02/2024 | ||
Ducia Shvetsoff | 16/02/2024 | ||
Catherine Murphy | 16/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 16/02/2024 | ||
Todd Middlebrook | 16/02/2024 | ||
M Davis | 16/02/2024 | ||
Nundle Woollen | 16/02/2024 | ||
Selena Sylvester | 16/02/2024 | ||
A Submission | 16/02/2024 | ||
Carol Bell | 16/02/2024 | ||
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s | 16/02/2024 | ||
Ken Sylvester | 16/02/2024 | ||
RB | 16/02/2024 | ||
Akilina Yakimoff | 16/02/2024 | ||
Darren Purcell | 16/02/2024 | ||
Peter Howarth | 16/02/2024 | ||
Resident | 16/02/2024 | ||
Stephen Payne | 16/02/2024 | ||
Tommy Carroll | 16/02/2024 | ||
Zachary Bradford | 16/02/2024 | ||
Valentina Vlasoff | 15/02/2024 | ||
Danielle Douglas | 15/02/2024 | ||
Joe Summers | 15/02/2024 | ||
Lara Carroll | 15/02/2024 | ||
MS | 15/02/2024 | ||
Sylvester Cattle | 15/02/2024 | ||
Yellow Rock | 15/02/2024 | ||
Lynette Melrose | 15/02/2024 | ||
Natasha Carroll | 15/02/2024 | ||
Russell Sydenham | 15/02/2024 | ||
Victoria B | 15/02/2024 | ||
Camilla Taylor | 15/02/2024 | ||
Jason Nester | 15/02/2024 | ||
Andrew Hill | 15/02/2024 | ||
Brian Tomalin | 15/02/2024 | ||
Greg Chapman | 15/02/2024 | ||
Joshua Taylor | 15/02/2024 | ||
AnneMarie Vine | 15/02/2024 | ||
Megan Carberry | 15/02/2024 | ||
SG | 15/02/2024 | ||
Timothy Carroll | 15/02/2024 | ||
Y | 15/02/2024 | ||
Anthony Ridgway | 15/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 15/02/2024 | ||
Anne Eagles | 14/02/2024 | ||
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s | 14/02/2024 | ||
Jim Robinson | 14/02/2024 | ||
GB | 14/02/2024 | ||
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s | 14/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 14/02/2024 | ||
Scott Middlebrook | 14/02/2024 | ||
Steve Debus | 14/02/2024 | ||
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s | 14/02/2024 | ||
Damien Timbs | 14/02/2024 | ||
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s | 14/02/2024 | ||
Jim Robinson Pty Ltd | 14/02/2024 | ||
Silvia Lomaca | 14/02/2024 | ||
NE | 14/02/2024 | ||
Collin Cummins | 14/02/2024 | ||
Brian Tomalin | 13/02/2024 | ||
Glen Wilson | 13/02/2024 | ||
Bridget Ryan | 13/02/2024 | ||
Geoffrey Travers | 13/02/2024 | ||
Nundle resident | 13/02/2024 | ||
Toni Swain | 13/02/2024 | ||
Ken Sylvester | 13/02/2024 | ||
Voice for Walcha Inc | 13/02/2024 | ||
Emily Mulcahy | 13/02/2024 | ||
Mark Oldham | 13/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 13/02/2024 | ||
Anders Oldham | 13/02/2024 | ||
Cindy Hill | 13/02/2024 | ||
Elizabeth Watts | 13/02/2024 | ||
Lana Carroll | 13/02/2024 | ||
Lynette LaBlack | 13/02/2024 | ||
Jeremy Reading | 13/02/2024 | ||
Valentina Vlasoff | 12/02/2024 | ||
April B | 12/02/2024 | ||
CC | 12/02/2024 | ||
Timor Community | 11/02/2024 | ||
William Sylvester | 11/02/2024 | ||
Greg Chapman | 11/02/2024 | ||
HoG Windfarm Landslides Timor Communit | 11/02/2024 | ||
William Sylvester | 11/02/2024 | ||
Teresa Eather | 11/02/2024 | ||
Shane Cahill | 09/02/2024 | ||
Mark Rodda | 07/02/2024 | ||
Richard Longman | 07/02/2024 | ||
Michele Longman | 07/02/2024 | ||
Fabian Norrie | 07/02/2024 | ||
Brian Tomalin | 07/02/2024 | ||
Talhan Ninness-Good | 31/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 31/01/2024 | ||
Steve Whale | 31/01/2024 | ||
Mark Rodda | 31/01/2024 | ||
SOS | 29/01/2024 | ||
SOS | 29/01/2024 | ||
Mathew Pringle | 15/01/2024 | ||
Hon Kevin Anderson MP | 08/01/2024 |
Hills of Gold Preservation Inc
Organisation |
Hills of Gold Preservation Inc |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
29/08/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-presevation-inc-submission-redacted-08082024.pdf (PDF, 1023.27 KB) |
Rachel Greig
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
05/08/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
rachel-greig-submission-13072024-redacted.pdf (PDF, 54.23 KB) |
Anthony Gardner
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
25/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
anthony-gardner-submission.pdf (PDF, 205.93 KB) |
Gwenda Hague
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
22/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
gwenda-hague-submission-130724.pdf (PDF, 41.92 KB) |
Chris Eagles
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
21/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
chris-eagles-submission-redacted-120724.pdf (PDF, 209.61 KB) |
Robyn Kightly
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
21/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
robyn-kightly-submission-100724.pdf (PDF, 136.48 KB) |
Geoffrey Purcell
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
21/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
geoffrey-purcell-submission-redacted-12072024.pdf (PDF, 110.53 KB) |
Paul Elbourne
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
19/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
paul-elbourne-submission-redacted-11072024.pdf (PDF, 87 KB) |
Sharon Thomas
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
19/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sharon-thomas-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 34.78 KB) |
Susie Hooper
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
19/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
susie-hooper-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 56.26 KB) |
Amanda Thompson
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
amanda-thompson-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 74.82 KB) |
April Hillier
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
april-hillier-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 214.33 KB) |
Cameron Greig
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
cameron-greig-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 50.8 KB) |
Cheryl Sipple
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
cheryl-sipple-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 95.95 KB) |
Dennis Armstrong
Organisation |
SOS |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
dennis-armstrong-sos-submisison-01072024.pdf (PDF, 1.74 MB) |
George Kightly
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
george-kightly-submission-100724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 149.46 KB) |
Guy Manson
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
guy-manson-submission-110724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 91.42 KB) |
Ian McDonald
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ian-mcdonald-submission-redacted-12072024.pdf (PDF, 189.09 KB) |
Janice Fletcher
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
janice-fletcher-submission-13072024.pdf (PDF, 82.67 KB) |
Joyce Holbourn
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
joyce-holbourn-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 44.93 KB) |
Kelly Jaffer
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
kelly-jaffer-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 53.36 KB) |
LindaJean Lowe
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
lindajean-lowe-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 95.26 KB) |
Mark Eather
Organisation |
National Party Branch |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
mark-eather-for-national-party-branch-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 27.38 KB) |
Maureen Eagles
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
maureen-eagles-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 159.83 KB) |
Michael Hill
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
michael-hill-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 137.92 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-1-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 85.19 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-16-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 78.58 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-21-submission-13072024.pdf (PDF, 37.19 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-3-submission-080724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 97.76 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-36-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 89.89 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-9-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 312.04 KB) |
Natasha Soonchild
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
natasha-soonchild-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 109.12 KB) |
Rachel Webster
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
rachel-webster-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 87.7 KB) |
Robert Dempsey
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
robert-dempsey-submission-redacted-11072024.pdf (PDF, 61.2 KB) |
Selena Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
selena-sylvester-for-ivr-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 276.64 KB) |
Simone Timbs
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
simone-timbs-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 72.84 KB) |
Sue Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sue-sylvester-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 197.88 KB) |
Vladimir Vlasoff
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
vladimir-vlasoff-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 195.86 KB) |
Abby Delforce
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
abby-delforce-submission-redacted-12072024.pdf (PDF, 54.71 KB) |
Andrew Brown
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
andrew-brown-submission-redacted-290624.pdf (PDF, 65.95 KB) |
AnneMarie Vine
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
annemarie-vine-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 39.22 KB) |
Berg Blomfield
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
berg-blomfield-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 92.89 KB) |
Carol Fiddes
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
carol-fiddes-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 32.97 KB) |
CJ MC Eagles Partnership Business
Organisation |
CJ MC Eagles Partnership Business |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
cj--mc-eagles-partnership-business-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 152.12 KB) |
Ella Worly
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ella-worly-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 35.92 KB) |
Heidi Howden
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
heidi-howden-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 129.7 KB) |
Jenny Vaughan
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
jenny-vaughan-submission-redacted-11072024.pdf (PDF, 109.14 KB) |
Kate Durack
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
kate-durack-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 120.23 KB) |
Ken Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ken-sylvester-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 139.96 KB) |
Mark Fogarty
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
mark-fogarty-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 158.28 KB) |
Megan Sullivan
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
megan-sullivan-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 116.65 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-11-submission-11072024.pdf (PDF, 102.9 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-19-submission-11072024.pdf (PDF, 252.59 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-24-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 57.56 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-31-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 89.9 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-4-submission-140724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 41.26 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 205.73 KB) |
Penny Greig
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
penny-greig-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 39.17 KB) |
RED4NE
Organisation |
RED4NE |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
red4ne-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 288.12 KB) |
Rosa Reynolds
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
rosa-reynolds-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 93.01 KB) |
Sally Edwards
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sally-edwards-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 526.15 KB) |
Vicki Dempsey
Organisation |
Nerrub Pty Ltd |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
vicki-dempsey-for-nerrub-pty-ltd-submission-10072024.pdf (PDF, 63.86 KB) |
Warren Trevor
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
warren-trevor-submission-redacted-12072024.pdf (PDF, 2.31 MB) |
Alena Lavrushkina
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
alena-lavrushkina-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 503.46 KB) |
Anika Heintze
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
anika-heintze-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 167.24 KB) |
Bill Stinson
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
bill-stinson-submission-2-08072024.pdf (PDF, 3.6 MB) |
Catherine W
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
catherine-w-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 105.52 KB) |
CWO REZist
Organisation |
CWO REZist |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
cwo-rezist-inc-submission-redacted-130724.pdf (PDF, 114.24 KB) |
Dave Munsie
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
dave-munsie-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 108 KB) |
Erica Haliday
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
erica-haliday-submisison-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 89.34 KB) |
Jackson Worley
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
jackson-worley-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 35.08 KB) |
Jessica Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
jessica-sylvester-submission-140724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 123.24 KB) |
John Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
john-sylvester-submission-140724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 2.25 MB) |
Kathy Keane
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
kathy-keane-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 93.94 KB) |
Kerry Nixon
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
kerry-nixon-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 150.5 KB) |
Leslye Cole
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
leslye-cole-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 44.3 KB) |
Megan Trousdale
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
megan-trousdale-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 65.77 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-14-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 131.02 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-2-submission-290624.pdf (PDF, 81.01 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-28-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 204.89 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-34-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 29.93 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-7-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 296.91 KB) |
Phillip and
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
phillip-and-vicki-dempsey-submission-10072024.pdf (PDF, 123.44 KB) |
Shawn Stone
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
shawn-stone-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 98.14 KB) |
Theresa Folpp
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
theresa-folpp-for-muswellbrook-shire-council-submission-redacted-12072014.pdf (PDF, 1.12 MB) |
William Archer
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
william-archer-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 56.01 KB) |
Amber Pedersen
Organisation |
Burrendong SOS |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
amber-pedersen-for-burrendong-sos-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 171.64 KB) |
Anne Jones
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
anne-jones-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 99.91 KB) |
Barbara Kernick
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
barbara-kernick-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 99.44 KB) |
Brent McKay
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
brent-mckay-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 20.5 KB) |
Daniel Jennings
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
daniel-jennings-submissions-140724.pdf (PDF, 90.29 KB) |
Faye King
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
faye-king-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 97.35 KB) |
Gergely Kocon
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
gergely-kocon-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 120.81 KB) |
Ian Vaughan
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ian-vaughan-submission-12072024.pdf (PDF, 136.8 KB) |
Jim Sue
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
jim--sue-submission-080724.pdf (PDF, 99.14 KB) |
June Burr
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
june-burr-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 93.37 KB) |
Kylie Bradford
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
kylie-bradford-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 81.66 KB) |
Liz Watts
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
liz-watts-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 126.51 KB) |
Mark Eather
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
mark-eather-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 104.03 KB) |
Meg Worley
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
meg-worley-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 120.8 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-1-submission-290624.pdf (PDF, 67.17 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
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Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
name-redacted-17-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 27.58 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-22-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 92 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-3-submission-140724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 288.79 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-37-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 132.9 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-submission--15072024.pdf (PDF, 959.86 KB) |
Nathan Coates
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
nathan-coates-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 173.58 KB) |
Paul Tyson
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
paul-tyson-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 163.59 KB) |
Ratepayer
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ratepayer-submission-300624-redacted.pdf (PDF, 97.83 KB) |
Saffron Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
saffron-sylvester-submission-redated-15072024.pdf (PDF, 89.26 KB) |
Selena Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
selena-sylvester-submission-redacted-13072024.pdf (PDF, 148.19 KB) |
Skye Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
skye-sylvester-submission-redacted-10072024.pdf (PDF, 93.43 KB) |
Susan Peatfield
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
susan-peatfield-submisison-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 69.66 KB) |
Timor Community
Organisation |
Timor Community |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
timor-community-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 203.59 KB) |
William Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
william-sylvester-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 236.74 KB) |
Adelaide Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
adelaide-sylvester-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 122.39 KB) |
Bill Rainnie
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
bill-rainnie-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 51.15 KB) |
Cody Savage
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
cody-savage-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 6.03 MB) |
Danielle Douglas
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
danielle-douglas-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 51.54 KB) |
Geoffrey Houston
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
geoffrey-houston-submission-redacted-30062024.pdf (PDF, 228.55 KB) |
Graeme Watts
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
graeme-watts-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 463.42 KB) |
Hills of Gold Preservation Inc
Organisation |
Hills of Gold Preservation Inc |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-preservation-inc-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 3.77 MB) |
Irving Greig
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
irving-greig-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 45.2 KB) |
Jenny Ware
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
jenny-ware-submission-140724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 177.88 KB) |
Joe Worley
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
joe-worley-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 38.81 KB) |
Katherine Mackaway
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
katherine-mackaway-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 75.09 KB) |
Ken&Michelle Park
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ken-and-michelle-park-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 93.14 KB) |
Larry Walker
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
larry-walker-submission-redacted-13072024.pdf (PDF, 91.17 KB) |
Megan Trousdale
Organisation |
Nundle Business Tourism Group Inc |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
megan-trousdale-for-nundle-business-tourism-group-inc-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 57.54 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-12-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 112.33 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-2-submission-130724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 29.79 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-25-submission--15072024.pdf (PDF, 101.86 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-32-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 82.44 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-5-submission-140724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 50.45 KB) |
Nick Bradford
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
nick-bradford-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 86.95 KB) |
Peter Hooper
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
peter-hooper-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 333.31 KB) |
Samuel Archer
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
samuel-archer-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 41.13 KB) |
Sylvester Cattle Co ATF Sylvester Pastoral Trust
Organisation |
Sylvester Cattle Co ATF Sylvester Pastoral Trust |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sylvester-cattle-co-atf-sylvester-pastoral-trust-submission-redacted-13072024.pdf (PDF, 124.15 KB) |
Vicki Dempsey
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
vicki-dempsey-submission-redacted-10072024.pdf (PDF, 41.65 KB) |
Warwick Fletcher
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
warwick-fletcher-submission-redacted-13072024.pdf (PDF, 81.75 KB) |
Yestin Hooper
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
yestin-hooper-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 89.4 KB) |
Alexander Vlasoff
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
alexander-vlasoff-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 56.54 KB) |
Anna Vlasoff
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
anna-vlasoff-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 59.66 KB) |
Bob Worley
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
bob-worley-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 35.76 KB) |
Brietta Hague
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
brietta-hague-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 94.2 KB) |
David Beirman
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
david-beirman-submission-redacted-12072024.pdf (PDF, 84.46 KB) |
Geoffrey Travers
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
geoffrey-travers-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 110.33 KB) |
Ian Eddison
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ian-eddison-for-ackma-submission-redacted-07072024.pdf (PDF, 159.96 KB) |
Janice Fairall
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
janice-fairall-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 1.57 MB) |
Keith Hutcheson
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
keith-hutcheson-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 53.02 KB) |
Kerry Weaver
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
kerry-weaver-submission-redacted-12072024.pdf (PDF, 66.01 KB) |
Limbri Community
Organisation |
Limbri Community |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
limbri-community-submission-120724.pdf (PDF, 118 KB) |
Mark Schmitt
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
mark-schmitt-submission-12072024.pdf (PDF, 64.06 KB) |
Melissa Hadley
Organisation |
NHVS |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
melissa-hadley-for-nhvs-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 441.88 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-1-submission-120724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 29.01 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-15-submission-1507204.pdf (PDF, 58.3 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-20-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 34.95 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-29-submission-13072024.pdf (PDF, 30.06 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-35-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 80.29 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-8-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 134.18 KB) |
Natasha Soonchild
Organisation |
Stormcrow Studi |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
natasha-soonchild-for-stormcrow-studio-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 75.56 KB) |
Robert Delforce
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
robert-delforce-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 95.48 KB) |
Ryan Brooke
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ryan-brooke-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 111.57 KB) |
Tim Vlasoff
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
tim-vlasoff-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 40.75 KB) |
Uarbry Tongy Lane Alliance Inc
Organisation |
Uarbry Tongy Lane Alliance Inc |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
uarbry-tongy-lane-alliance-inc-submission-redacted-130724.pdf (PDF, 209.2 KB) |
Victoria Vlasoff
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
victoria-vlasoff-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 202.07 KB) |
Belinda Milgate
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
belinda-milgate-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 1.51 MB) |
Daniel Sassi
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
daniel-sassi-submission-140724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 244.9 KB) |
Garry Smith
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
garry-smith-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 99.51 KB) |
Gina Vereker
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
gina-vereker-for-tamworth-regional-council-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 549.56 KB) |
Hamish Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hamish-sylvester-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 102.31 KB) |
Ian Worley
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ian-worley-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 58.79 KB) |
Jason Nester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
jason-nester-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 214.99 KB) |
Jocelyn Guy
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
jocelyn-guy-submission-redacted-11072024.pdf (PDF, 672.27 KB) |
June Hooper
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
june-hooper-submission-120724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 95.01 KB) |
Mark Ether
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
mark-ether-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 766.9 KB) |
Michele Longman
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
michele-longman-submission-12072024.pdf (PDF, 143.5 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-10-submission-11072024.pdf (PDF, 143.12 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-18-submission-11072024.pdf (PDF, 486.98 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-23-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 37 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-30-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 79.88 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-38-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 87.79 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-submission-120724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 37.03 KB) |
Pegg van
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
pegg-van-zalm-submission-100724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 97.11 KB) |
Rory Dempsey
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
rory-dempsey-submission-redacted-10072024.pdf (PDF, 41.67 KB) |
Sallina Crowe
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sallina-crowe-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 86.81 KB) |
SL Tritton
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sl-tritton-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 43.75 KB) |
Valentina Vlasoff
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
valentina-vlasoff-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 51.97 KB) |
Voice for Walcha Inc
Organisation |
Voice for Walcha Inc |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
voice-for-walcha-inc-submission-130724.pdf (PDF, 277.8 KB) |
Andrew Reynolds
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
andrew-reynolds-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 110.85 KB) |
Bill Stinson
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
bill-stinson-submission-1-07072024.pdf (PDF, 4.47 MB) |
Brian Tomalin
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
brian-tomalin-submission-140724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 304.69 KB) |
Catherine Murphy
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
catherine-murphy-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 98.37 KB) |
Emma Bowman
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
emma-bowman-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 131.23 KB) |
Graham Ware
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
graham-ware-submission-140724--redacted.pdf (PDF, 190.19 KB) |
Hon K Anderson MP
Organisation |
Hon K Anderson MP |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hon-k-anderson-mp-submission-redacted-090724.pdf (PDF, 1.73 MB) |
J Summers
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
j-summers-140224.pdf (PDF, 5.57 MB) |
John Kite
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
john-kite-submission-redacted-04072024.pdf (PDF, 3.23 MB) |
Kathryn Reynolds
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
kathryn-reynolds-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 112.72 KB) |
Kerry Fitts
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
kerry-fitts-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 97.14 KB) |
Laurie Chaffey
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
laurie-chaffey-submission-redacted-12072024.pdf (PDF, 245.01 KB) |
Lynette LaBlack
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
lynette-lablack-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 306.27 KB) |
Megan Trousdale
Organisation |
Odgers and McClelland Exchange Stores |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
megan-trousdale-for-odgers-and-mcclelland-exchange-stores-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 87.69 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-13-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 31.2 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-2-submission-15072024.pdf (PDF, 2.02 MB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-26-submission-06072024.pdf (PDF, 113.78 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-33-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 154.2 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-6-submission-14072024.pdf (PDF, 278.39 KB) |
Narelle Langfield
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
narelle-langfield-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 55.4 KB) |
Nicola Worley
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
nicola-worley-submission-redacted-15072024.pdf (PDF, 101.34 KB) |
Russell and
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
russell-and-meg-sydenham-submission-redacted-14072024.pdf (PDF, 976.5 KB) |
Sandra Weaver
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sandra-weaver-submission-redacted-12072024.pdf (PDF, 65.89 KB) |
Vicki Dempsy
Organisation |
Phillip And Vicki Pty Ltd |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
vicki-dempsy-for-phillip-and-vicki-pty-ltd-submission-redacted-10072024.pdf (PDF, 112.72 KB) |
Water NSW
Organisation |
Water NSW |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
18/07/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
water-nsw-submission-110724-redacted.pdf (PDF, 350.51 KB) |
Applicant for the Gomeroi People Native Title Claim
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
21/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
applicant-for-the-gomeroi-people-native-title-claim.pdf (PDF, 374.42 KB) |
Nanette Peatfield
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
21/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
nanette-peatfield-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 119.64 KB) |
Lynette LaBlack
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
20/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
lynette-lablack-submission-200224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 331.3 KB) |
RP
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
20/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
rp-submission-200224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 37.4 KB) |
Shawn Stone
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
20/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
shawn-stone-submission-200224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 95.97 KB) |
Brendan Nawrocki
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
brendan-nawrocki-for-nundle-guitars-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 50.81 KB) |
Daniel Jennings
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
daniel-jennings-submission-160224.pdf (PDF, 93.64 KB) |
Fabian Norrie
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
fabian-norrie-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 159.19 KB) |
Kylie Bradford
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
kylie-bradford-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 101.9 KB) |
S
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
s-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 111.17 KB) |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s
Organisation |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-wind-farm-pty-ltd-submission-15-february-2024--submission-letter.pdf (PDF, 272.68 KB) |
Ieesa Colgan
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ieesa-colgan-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 133.79 KB) |
Lynette LaBlack
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
lynette-lablack-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 175.98 KB) |
Nick Bradford
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
nick-bradford-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 110.52 KB) |
Timothy Vlasoff
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
timothy-vlasoff-submissions-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 143.71 KB) |
Ducia Shvetsoff
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ducia-shvetsoff-submission-160224.pdf (PDF, 100.61 KB) |
Catherine Murphy
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
catherine-murphy-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 105.14 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
r-submission-160224.pdf (PDF, 69.15 KB) |
Todd Middlebrook
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
todd-middlebrook-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 101.67 KB) |
M Davis
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
m-davis-submission-130224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 158.55 KB) |
Nundle Woollen
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
nundle-woollen-mill-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 107.38 KB) |
Selena Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
selena-sylvester-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 94.72 KB) |
A Submission
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
a-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 98.51 KB) |
Carol Bell
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
carol-bell-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 661.94 KB) |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s
Organisation |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-wind-farm-pty-ltd-submission-15-february-2024--herbert-smith-freehills-letter-redacted.pdf (PDF, 261.63 KB) |
Ken Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ken-sylvester-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 103.12 KB) |
RB
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
rb-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 97.85 KB) |
Akilina Yakimoff
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
akilina-yakimoff-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 447.55 KB) |
Darren Purcell
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
darren-purcell-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 2.45 MB) |
Peter Howarth
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
peter-howarth-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 88.35 KB) |
Resident
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
resident-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 97.06 KB) |
Stephen Payne
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
stephen-payne-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 94.65 KB) |
Tommy Carroll
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
tommy-carroll-submission-160324.pdf (PDF, 353.86 KB) |
Zachary Bradford
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
zachary-bradford-submission-160224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 96.54 KB) |
Valentina Vlasoff
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
valentina-vlasoff-submission-130224.pdf (PDF, 140.96 KB) |
Danielle Douglas
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
danielle-douglas-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 2.58 MB) |
Joe Summers
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
joe-summers-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 5.57 MB) |
Lara Carroll
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
lara-carroll-submission-120224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 96.93 KB) |
MS
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ms-submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 81.54 KB) |
Sylvester Cattle
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sylvester-cattle-co-submission-120224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 4.34 MB) |
Yellow Rock
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
yellow-rock-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 89.78 KB) |
Lynette Melrose
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
lynette-melrose-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 91.82 KB) |
Natasha Carroll
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
natasha-carroll-submission-120224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 96.93 KB) |
Russell Sydenham
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
russell-sydenham-submission-140224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 1.13 MB) |
Victoria B
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
victoria-b-submission-130224.pdf (PDF, 42.35 KB) |
Camilla Taylor
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
camilla-taylor-submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 95.82 KB) |
Jason Nester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
jason-nester-submissions-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 65.54 KB) |
Andrew Hill
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
andrew-hill-submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 96.89 KB) |
Brian Tomalin
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
brian-tomalin-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 44.26 KB) |
Greg Chapman
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
greg-chapman-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 196.81 KB) |
Joshua Taylor
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
joshua-taylor-submission-15022024-redacted.pdf (PDF, 96.1 KB) |
AnneMarie Vine
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
annemarie-vine-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 83.79 KB) |
Megan Carberry
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
megan-carberry-submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 76.67 KB) |
SG
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sg-submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 248.65 KB) |
Timothy Carroll
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
timothy-carroll-submission-120224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 96.93 KB) |
Y
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
y-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 4.29 MB) |
Anthony Ridgway
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
anthony-ridgway-submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 98.87 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-submission-140224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 179.11 KB) |
Anne Eagles
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
anne-eagles-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 90.19 KB) |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s
Organisation |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-wind-farm-pty-ltd-submission-12-february-2024-moir-report.pdf (PDF, 98.76 MB) |
Jim Robinson
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
jim-robinson-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 49.74 KB) |
GB
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
gb-submission-15022024-redacted.pdf (PDF, 54.17 KB) |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s
Organisation |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-wind-farm-pty-ltd-submission-12-february-2024-annexures.pdf (PDF, 398.72 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
name-redacted-submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 107.54 KB) |
Scott Middlebrook
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
scott-middlebrook-submission-130224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 1.67 MB) |
Steve Debus
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
steve-debus--submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 136.72 KB) |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s
Organisation |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-wind-farm-pty-ltd-submission-12-february-2024-submission-letter.pdf (PDF, 646.02 KB) |
Damien Timbs
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
damien-timbs-submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 69.95 KB) |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s
Organisation |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Pty Ltd s |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-wind-farm-pty-ltd-submission-12-february-2024-biosis-report.pdf (PDF, 207.28 KB) |
Jim Robinson Pty Ltd
Organisation |
Jim Robinson Pty Ltd |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
jim-robinson-pty-ltd-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 44.95 KB) |
Silvia Lomaca
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
silvia-lomaca-submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 108.52 KB) |
NE
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
ne-submission-150224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 1.6 MB) |
Collin Cummins
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
14/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
collin-cummins-submission-150224.pdf (PDF, 151.53 KB) |
Brian Tomalin
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
brian-tomalin-submission-130224.pdf (PDF, 600.32 KB) |
Glen Wilson
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
glen-wilson-submission-130224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 118.47 KB) |
Bridget Ryan
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
bridget-ryan-submission-130124-redacted.pdf (PDF, 308.4 KB) |
Geoffrey Travers
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
geoffrey-travers-submission-120224.pdf (PDF, 360.01 KB) |
Nundle resident
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
nundle-resident-submission-130224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 93.56 KB) |
Toni Swain
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
toni-swain-submission-130224.pdf (PDF, 87.95 KB) |
Ken Sylvester
Location |
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Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
ken-sylvester-submission-120224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 103.53 KB) |
Voice for Walcha Inc
Organisation |
Voice for Walcha Inc |
---|---|
Location |
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Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
voice-for-walcha-submission-130224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 143.26 KB) |
Emily Mulcahy
Location |
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Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
emily-mulcahy-submission-130224.pdf (PDF, 90.17 KB) |
Mark Oldham
Location |
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Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
mark-oldham-submission-130224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 93.53 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
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---|---|
Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
name-redacted-submission-130224.pdf (PDF, 58.99 KB) |
Anders Oldham
Location |
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Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
anders-oldham-submission-130224.pdf (PDF, 88.19 KB) |
Cindy Hill
Location |
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Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
cindy-hill-for-bukit-padang-pty-ltd-submission-130224.pdf (PDF, 199.63 KB) |
Elizabeth Watts
Location |
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---|---|
Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
elizabeth-watts-submission-120224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 1.65 MB) |
Lana Carroll
Location |
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Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
lana-carroll-submission-130224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 116.37 KB) |
Lynette LaBlack
Location |
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Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
lynette-lablack-submission-redacted-120224.pdf (PDF, 1.1 MB) |
Jeremy Reading
Location |
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---|---|
Date |
13/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
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Attachments |
jeremy-reading-submission-130224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 115.12 KB) |
Valentina Vlasoff
Location |
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---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
valentina-vlasoff-submission-130224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 246.03 KB) |
April B
Location |
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---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
april-b-submission-130224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 501.21 KB) |
CC
Location |
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---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
cc-objection-submission-130224.pdf (PDF, 51.83 KB) |
Timor Community
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
timor-community-submission-addendum--hill-of-gold-wind-farm-redacted.pdf (PDF, 308.59 KB) |
William Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
william-sylvester-video-attachement.mp4 (MP4, 2.56 MB) |
Greg Chapman
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
greg-chapman--hills-of-gold-written-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 10.85 MB) |
HoG Windfarm Landslides Timor Communit
Organisation |
HoG Windfarm Landslides Timor Communit |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
hog-windfarm-landslides-timor-community-submission-attachment.mp4 (MP4, 42.88 MB) |
William Sylvester
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
william-sylvester-submission-120224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 8.15 MB) |
Teresa Eather
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
teresa-eather-for-national-party-of-australia-submission-120224-redacted.pdf (PDF, 495.32 KB) |
Shane Cahill
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
09/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
shane-cahill--geof-mansfield-city-of-newcastle-submission-to-ipc--hills-of-gold-wind-farm-ssd9679-re.pdf (PDF, 517.5 KB) |
Mark Rodda
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
07/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
mark-rodda-additional-submission-to-the-independent-planning-commission--proposed-hills-of-gold-wind.pdf (PDF, 1.32 MB) |
Richard Longman
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
07/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
richard-longman-email-hog-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 149.16 KB) |
Michele Longman
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
07/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
michele-longman-hog-email-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 141.33 KB) |
Fabian Norrie
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
07/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
fabian-norrie-drone-vid-youtube-link-hills-of-gold-windfarm-redacted.pdf (PDF, 255.52 KB) |
Brian Tomalin
Organisation |
Deputy Captain Hanging Rock RFS Bushfire Modeling |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
07/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
brian-tomalin-senior-deputy-captain-hanging-rock-rfs-bushfire-modeling.pdf (PDF, 592.39 KB) |
Talhan Ninness-Good
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
31/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am neither for or against the wind farm but I do believe that it will not affect me if it does proceed. |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
31/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am neither for or against. If it goes ahead, I'd hope there will be jobs for locals or apprenticeships / training available for locals to be come qualified. My concerns are: 1 Roads and maintenance, 2 housing / accommodation (rentals rising in cost for locals) |
Steve Whale
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
31/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
steve-whale-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 26.42 KB) |
Mark Rodda
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
31/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
mark-rodda-submission-to-ipc-hills-of-gold-wind-farm.pdf (PDF, 599.83 KB) |
SOS
Organisation |
SOS |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
29/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sos-submission-to-hills-of-gold-wind-farm-1-redacted.pdf (PDF, 1.05 MB) |
SOS
Organisation |
SOS |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
29/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
sos-submission-to-hills-of-gold-wind-farm-2-redacted.pdf (PDF, 458.63 KB) |
Mathew Pringle
Organisation |
Upper Hunter Shire Council |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
15/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please refer to attached submission. |
Attachments |
hillsofgoldwindfarmssd9679submissiontoipc-redacted.pdf (PDF, 322.56 KB) |
Hon Kevin Anderson MP
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
08/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Comment |
Submission method |
|
Attachments |
the-hon-kevin-anderson-mp-submission-for-hills-of-gold-wind-farm-redacted.pdf (PDF, 1.69 MB) |
ID | Name | Date | Submission |
---|---|---|---|
Elena Raskovic | 12/02/2024 | ||
Perdita Humbles | 12/02/2024 | ||
Geraldine Wilson | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Leslye Cole | 12/02/2024 | ||
Rachel Webster | 12/02/2024 | ||
Amanda Thompson | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Belinda Washbrook | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Mike Dean | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Cody Savage | 12/02/2024 | ||
Megan Schmitt | 12/02/2024 | ||
Victoria Vlasoff | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Jessica Sylvester | 12/02/2024 | ||
Graeme Watts | 12/02/2024 | ||
Susie Hooper | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Graeme Watts | 12/02/2024 | ||
Jason Nester | 12/02/2024 | ||
Joe Worley | 12/02/2024 | ||
Matt Langfield | 12/02/2024 | ||
Svetlana Carroll | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Jane Bloomfield | 12/02/2024 | ||
Belinda Milgate | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Emma Bowman | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Selena Sylvester | 12/02/2024 | ||
David Bell | 12/02/2024 | ||
Ben Humbles | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Rachel Webster | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
John Sylvester | 12/02/2024 | ||
Alena Lavrushkina | 12/02/2024 | ||
Josie Howarth | 12/02/2024 | ||
Myee Hill-Moody | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Dave Stien | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Anika Heintze | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Selena Sylvester | 12/02/2024 | ||
Katherine Eagles | 12/02/2024 | ||
Brent McKay | 12/02/2024 | ||
Yestin Hooper | 12/02/2024 | ||
Peter Gill | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Gina Vereker | 12/02/2024 | ||
Robyn Lang | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Steve and Julie Collins | 11/02/2024 | ||
Vicki Dempsey | 11/02/2024 | ||
Phillip Dempsey | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Gwenda Hague | 11/02/2024 | ||
Brenda Schmitt | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
John Krsulja | 11/02/2024 | ||
Scott Clarkson | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Phillip Dempsey | 11/02/2024 | ||
Melissa Hadley | 11/02/2024 | ||
Debbie Taylor | 11/02/2024 | ||
Sophie Taylor | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Roland Reid | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Rory Dempsey | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Beau Wooden | 11/02/2024 | ||
isaac enright | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Isabelle Rowlatt | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Ashley Lowe | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
M Newmann (legal representative) Newmann | 11/02/2024 | ||
Peter Roberts | 11/02/2024 | ||
Nikki Taylor-Worley | 11/02/2024 | ||
Brenda Schmitt | 11/02/2024 | ||
John McBratney | 11/02/2024 | ||
Natasha Soonchild | 11/02/2024 | ||
Ella Worley | 11/02/2024 | ||
Amanda Marston | 11/02/2024 | ||
Carol Hasleham | 11/02/2024 | ||
Dallas Ninness | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Fiona Hubbard | 11/02/2024 | ||
Megan Trousdale | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Robert Dempsey | 11/02/2024 | ||
Meg Worley | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Paul Robertson | 11/02/2024 | ||
Mikhaela Oldham | 11/02/2024 | ||
Jackson Worley | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
John Mackay | 11/02/2024 | ||
vicki Dempsey | 11/02/2024 | ||
Mark Eather | 11/02/2024 | ||
Linda-Jean Lowe | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Ian William Worley | 11/02/2024 | ||
Megan Trousdale | 11/02/2024 | ||
Kelly Jaffer | 11/02/2024 | ||
Bob Worley | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Teresa Eather | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Sarah Willis | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Susi Bell | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
George Kightly | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Keith Hutcheson | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Neryl Purcell | 10/02/2024 | ||
Natasha Soonchild | 10/02/2024 | ||
ROBYN KIGHTLY | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Carol Fiddes | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Larry Walker | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
hamish adams | 10/02/2024 | ||
Paul Thompson | 10/02/2024 | ||
Sally Edwards | 10/02/2024 | ||
Geoff Purcell | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 10/02/2024 | ||
Peter Hooper | 10/02/2024 | ||
Caroline Larnach | 10/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Alison Reid | 09/02/2024 | ||
Ian Vaughan | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
June Hooper | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Pamela Eagles | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Joyce Holbourn | 09/02/2024 | ||
Anthony Gardner | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Kerry Nixon | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Professor Neil Curtis | 09/02/2024 | ||
Mark Fogarty | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
DAG Sheep Station | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
Marguerite Gardner | 09/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 08/02/2024 | ||
Annette Thompson | 08/02/2024 | ||
Matthew Austin | 08/02/2024 | ||
Pat Thompson | 08/02/2024 | ||
Joel Stanmore | 08/02/2024 | ||
Chris Eagles | 08/02/2024 | ||
Danny Sherman | 08/02/2024 | ||
Daniel Sassi | 08/02/2024 | ||
John Natoli | 08/02/2024 | ||
Lennon Windle | 08/02/2024 | ||
Frank Caruso | 08/02/2024 | ||
Paul Thompson | 08/02/2024 | ||
Emma Thompson | 08/02/2024 | ||
Theresa Folpp | 08/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 08/02/2024 | ||
Nicola Worley | 08/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 08/02/2024 | ||
Brittany Thompson | 08/02/2024 | ||
Geoff Travers | 08/02/2024 | ||
Rachel Greig | 08/02/2024 | ||
Ian Worley | 08/02/2024 | ||
Chris Eagles | 07/02/2024 | ||
Jane Skey | 07/02/2024 | ||
Kelly Bridge | 07/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 07/02/2024 | ||
JOYCE HOLBOURN | 07/02/2024 | ||
Barbara Webster | 07/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 07/02/2024 | ||
Maureen Eagles | 07/02/2024 | ||
Chris Eagles | 07/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 07/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 07/02/2024 | ||
Cameron Greig | 07/02/2024 | ||
Brian Tomalin | 07/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 06/02/2024 | ||
Kristie Witten | 06/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 06/02/2024 | ||
Barry Lang | 06/02/2024 | ||
Kristie Witten | 06/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 06/02/2024 | ||
Kristie Witten | 06/02/2024 | ||
Peter Crowe | 06/02/2024 | ||
Kerry and Joy Fitts | 05/02/2024 | ||
Paul Tyson | 05/02/2024 | ||
Graham Ware | 05/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 05/02/2024 | ||
Jenny Vaughan | 05/02/2024 | ||
Julie Tyson | 05/02/2024 | ||
Sharlie Ware | 05/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 05/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 05/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 04/02/2024 | ||
David Beirman | 02/02/2024 | ||
john kite | 01/02/2024 | ||
Richard Brand | 27/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 23/01/2024 | ||
Beau Blenman | 22/01/2024 | ||
Clare Buswell | 20/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 16/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 15/01/2024 | ||
Garry Smith | 09/01/2024 | ||
Ian Eddison | 23/12/2023 |
Elena Raskovic
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
My name is Elena Raskovic. I am a former employee of the Mount Misery Gold Mine Café and the DAG Sheep Station, Nundle, and local resident of both Nundle and Hanging Rock. I object to the proposed project of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. At the beginning of the Independent Planning Commission’s live hearing for the Hills of Gold Wind Farm, February 1st, 2024, Clare Sykes, Nicole Brewer from the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure, and Scott De Keizer from Engie, Australia and New Zealand, all began their speeches by expressing the Acknowledgement of Country “I begin today by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather today, and pay my respects to their elders both past, present, and emerging. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.” If they truly cared about the land of the Elders and Custodians, then why is there even the slightest possibility of these detestable turbines going up on a land that was once owned by our Elders. These turbines will cause more damage to the environment and wildlife than good for the land up at Hanging Rock and through Nundle. Reducing the number of turbines wont benefit or improve the negative impacts by this project. The only way to ensure there are no effects on anything is to get rid of every one of those turbines. There are many native and protected species here, including the wedge tailed eagle, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas. By putting up those turbines, it will endanger and greatly affect these native Australian animals. The turbines will be in the way of where these eagles fly, where the koalas live in the surrounding trees and areas, the kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas will also be affected by these unwanted machines. Removing one turbine from all of what was 97 turbines, won’t make a difference when it comes to soil types. Majority of the land where the proposed wind turbines will be located consist of similar or the same soil type all around. Toward the beginning of this proposal, they attained a soil sample down from Goulbourn, although the wind farm site is in Hanging Rock, hiding the fact that majority of the land that will be used for this proposed project is made up of grade 8 soil, which is stable enough for cattle grazing, not a wind farm with each turbine totaling its weight to 164 ton on average. By removing a singular turbine thinking it will benefit soil types, they’re wrong. If this proposed wind farm project was safe, secure, and properly considered both environmental and structural factors, there would be no need for ongoing modifications to the developing plan of destruction. “The construction of the wind farm will require the improvement of some local public roads and bridges leading up to the project site.” It’s not clear to me that Engie’s plan is to build new roads, build on top of existing roads, create bridges, knock down a house that had been purchased by the main founder of this wind farm in the last two years, destroy historical trees along Jenkins Street, and interfere with traffic and available parking outside the post office and the coffee container, Machina, just so wind turbines will be of clear view along the ridgeline surrounding the villages of Nundle and Hanging Rock? If this wind farm project is such a great investment and will benefit the community in such a profound way then why is there barley information on the Engie website and at the local information hub on the corner of Jenkins Street and Oakenville Street. I went in to the information hub back in 2022, the lady there couldn’t answer any of my questions and wasn’t clear on where any of these turbines were placed along the ridgeline of Morrison’s Gap Road, and where the start of this wind farm begins along Morrison’s Gap Road. If Engie can’t help me answer my questions or give a clear answer, then what would I know about this project? How am I supposed to learn about the benefits that this wind farm has on my hometown? I could not find one article about the maintenance of those turbines, continual operations and construction that will be going forward if these turbines ever go up. And I have not seen Engie write about the safety precautions and legality of the placement of these turbines. The Nundle State Forest is the main source for Plantation Pine Products, the company transports the logs from the pine forest, in order to be shipped off. The trucks that transport those logs weight approximately 60-90 ton, depending on the specifications. Along Nundle Road, Oakenville Street and Barry Road, the state of the roads is atrocious. There are potholes, part of the road has been torn up and part of the beginning of Barry Road has started to collapse, and just after the turn off onto Forrest Way, part of the road has already collapsed, forcing residents, locals, and tourists to travel over the detour to get passed. The trucks used to transport the logs from the pine forest to the main loading dock in Westdale are tearing up the roads, I don’t want to imagine what damage the trucks will do when transporting parts of each and every turbine up to their project site. As a result of the trucks bearing the weight of the material, along with the weight of the truck itself, it will delay all traffic heading to and from Hanging Rock, including the trucks for the logging companies. So, because the unfaithful founder of this project wants to put up a wind farm where it is least desirable, it will affect a business situated an hour and a half out of Hanging Rock, which may delay any other businesses that import and export materials from Plantation Pine Products. |
Perdita Humbles
Organisation |
Bliss Nundle |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
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I am a retail business owner in Nundle. About 95% of my business depends on tourism. I do not agree with the DPHI Assessment that Hills of Gold Wind Farm will not significantly impact tourism. Nundle plays an important role regionally in contributing to the attractiveness of the Liverpool Plains, Tamworth and New England. Having Nundle as a destination can mean a visitor extends their stay in the region and spends more money. From speaking to tourists every working day I know that the high scenic beauty of the landscape is a significant motivation for their visit. A wind farm on the highly visible mountain range reduces the tourism appeal for Nundle and Hanging Rock. I know from experience that any road disruption discourages tourists, from roadworks to congestion, and inability to park. Nundle already has limited street parking with school drop off zones, bus zones, time restricted parking and reserved parking. Planned parking restrictions on Oakenville and Jenkins Street have not been exhibited. We don’t know what will happen. The uncertainty is distressing from a business perspective and makes it difficult to plan for the future or have motivation. I request a Condition limiting construction and blasting to weekdays to reduce impact on tourism and resident amenity. A lot of people who visit Nundle include a visit to Hanging Rock, either for fossicking, bushwalking, camping or Sheba Dam, Ponderosa and Hanging Rock Lookout. The use of Barry Rd and Morrisons Gap Rd for heavy and oversize overmass vehicles for 6-14 months or longer will discourage visitors from using those roads, or cause uncertain delays. I request that Barry Rd and Morrisons Gap Rd are removed for heavy and oversize overmass vehicles. Please reject Hills of Gold Wind Farm. |
Geraldine Wilson
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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I am a resident of Nundle living at the end of Oakenville Creek Road, approximately 2km from the centre of Nundle. The property that I rent backs onto Oakenville Creek and looks up to the tree-lined hills of the Great Dividing Range. Our property is rich in wildlife with many native birds, echidnas, wallabies, kangaroos, the Eastern Spotted Quoll and wombats. This property reflects what I love about living in this part of Australia. Nundle is a beautiful pristine area with a rich source of natural beauty, diverse species of rare birds and wild-life, rare plants and geological treasures. The air is also super healthy due to the clean environment, proven by the amount of lichen visibly seen on most vegetation. Engie is approximately worth $93,000 Billion, recently purchased by its parent company, an "investment giant" BlackRock approximate worth $6,230 Billion. Engie is a multi-national company with 98,000 employees. BlackRock are reportedly the largest shareholders in Australia and until 2021, according to the Finacial review, BlackRock was one of the investment managers for the NSW Government. Surely, here-in lies a potential conflict of interest between the NSW Government and the proponents. The sheer influence on the global economy due to BlackRock's management of over $15 trillion in combined global assets, is concerning. Financial commentators state that BlackRock's ownership and stakes in numerous public companies, allow a significant leverage in matters of corporate governance matters, including environmental policy. Without delving further into the complex world of finance on the face of it, we have to ask: Does money “Talk”? Sometimes it lies. Can we trust a companies and investors with such enormous power and influence to take ownership over a large tract of land in Nundle? Are we to now accept that land management of this part of the world, so sacred to those of us who live here, is to be handed over to a foreign multinational with this scale of influence? Is the offering of a 'Community Fund' simply a form of manipulation, preying on the vulnerabilities of some residents, business owners and community groups. It is fair to say that we are potentially handing our pristine environment to a company known for buying and raping lands and countries (literally buying Governments) for their own financial gain, power and influence. This type of dictatorship smacks of a “One World Order”. In the biblical story of David and Goliath, is Nundle not the David and Engie and BlackRock the Goliath? As for retiring wind turbines, their batteries and blades, where will this waste be 'stored' for 're-use', as they claim? The recent discovery in QLD of a turbine graveyard appears to prove the impossibility of biodegradability. Re-usable and recyclable products? How can we justify the use of the term 'renewable' when there is no possible further use of for the waste products? There is no such thing as renewable energy. There is always a cost and that is to us and our natural environment. Bear in mind: God forgives always, people sometimes, nature NEVER. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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I am writing to lodge my strong objection to the proposed Hills of Gold windfarm. The DEP has not adequately addressed concerns that have been raised including the serious threat to many threatened species (including koalas), soil issues, and the risk of jeopardising water supply to those lower down in the valley including the local communities, their farmlands and livestock – all of whom rely heavily on this water supply. The terrible droughts suffered by this particular region in recent years (and the devastation this caused to the local community) highlight just how precious access to this water supply is in this part of the country. It would be unacceptable for the IPC to approve this windfarm which risks obstructing or at least diminishing the local community’s access to this water supply – which could cause serious and irreparable loss and damage to the community, and possibly even the loss of lives. The issues that have been raised by the opponents of the windfarm make the Hills of Gold site unsuitable for the windfarm development and not in the public interest. I also don’t know how the proponent can access the site given Native Title on lands. It would be unreasonable and illegitimate for the IPC to approve the Hills of Gold windfarm in this site in the face of the issues that have been raised and not adequately addressed by the DEP. It is time the IPC and State and Federal Governments started thinking of our future generations and paid proper regard to the longterm adverse impacts of planning decisions on local communities and the environment (including unique and protected flora and fauna), rather than prioritising the prospect of earning some short-term financial gains (most of which will benefit a French company and its foreign shareholders) which are certainly not guaranteed and which will destroy the local habitats, protected environments and local communities in their wake. The windfarm must be rejected by the IPC and moved to a more suitable site where identified risks can be mitigated. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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Objection to DPE Recommendation I have been a Nundle resident for more than 20 years I object to DPE’s recommendation that Engie’s Application be approved . I ask that DPE’s Assessment be rejected for following Reasons: 1. Blade access (off Crawney Road) to Site: • No Access for Blades to Project site is approved. • No Agreements with First Nations Groups signed • No Agreements with and Crown Land Department finalised. • No determination after 6 years of discussion/amendments/analysis /changes by Engie • No certainty that Agreements will ever be achieved. Conclusion: Reject DPE Approval Recommendation as inadequate, and Engie’s Application as incomplete on a crucial issue. 2. Peel Inn Private Road Route for Blades. DPE uses the following language about the private road: • Decommissioning, Removal (on completion of construction); reinstate as necessary, (during Operational period) remove and rehabilitate again and so on.(p.49,74) • Flood issues relating to land not addressed-no flood study. • Project Car Park issues, using some of same land, not determined. • Application by Engie Non-compliant- no photo montage provided. Conclusion: Reject DPE’s Approval Assessment because: • Establishing, removing, establishing, removal process impractical. • Non-compliant application by Engie 3. Traffic volumes through Nundle Village. • 100% of the Projects traffic (apart from Switching Station traffic) flows through Nundle Village: OSOM, Heavy, Light, Standard) 65 % 35 % split, Barry/Crawney • Traffic from South and North enters Nundle by Nundle Road, Crosby Street and Oakenville Street. There is no other way in to Nundle and on to the Project Site. • Massive increase in traffic on Nundke Streets Conclusion: Reject DPE Assessment as DPE says the project • would not adversely impact intersection performance, • and the level service on all roads and intersections are expected to remain acceptable with the addition of traffic generated by the project. (DPE Assessment,6.4.4. 176 p.55 4 .Nundle Village Streetscape Heritage. The Blade transportation via Private Road would see • Oakenville St/Herring Street North Street numerous mature and more recently planted trees. • Inness St/Jenkins Street intersection modification will see destruction of a number of mature trees. • Hard stands Temporary Laybys will see multiple trees destroyed in Oakenville Street, Herring Street North, Inness Street and Jenkins Streett when the intersections are modified to cater for blade movements. • Visual impact of modifications to Oakenville, Herring St North, Innes Street and Jenkins will scar the Nundle Village Streetscape. Conclusion: Reject DPE’s Assessment as it has nothing to say about Visual impact of Project on Nundle Village’s tree lined Streetscape Heritage. 4. Intersection Assessment: Oakenville St/ Gill St, Nundle Village. • No assessment made of this vital Village intersection. • No reference to upgrades of the intersection (See upgrades Table 7.1 and 7.2) • 65% of Project traffic passes this intersection. • 100% of Timber haulage trucks pass this intersection, loaded and empty. • Intersection is narrow with stormwater draining impacting the carriageway. • Numerous Residential, Community Services, Local Government (TRC) and Businesses use the Intersection (See note below) • Nundle Post Office, Woollen Mill Car Park, Oakenville Farm Shop and several residences adjacent to intersection and annual Country Picnic and Christmas Markets held opposite /adjacent to the intersection. Conclusion: Reject DPE’s Assessment as • No assessment has been made of this intersection and no upgrades proposed . (See Tables 7.1 and 7.2, p.34) • Dismiss DPE’s assertion that the Project: would not adversely impact intersection performance, and the level of service on all roads and intersections are expected to remain acceptable with the addition of traffic generated by the project. (DPE Assessment,6.4.4. 176 p.55) And that traffic could be managed: in a manner that would not adversely affect the level service on all roads and intersections required by the Project. (p.iii) NOTE: Residential ,Community Services and Businesses using the Intersection include: 1 Nundle Retirement Village Units residents 2. Nundle Police , Station in Gill Street 3. Nundle Community Transport Garages. 4. Tamworth Regional Council Storage Shed/Council Parking area 5. Tamworth Regional Council Workshops 6. Nundle Rural Fire Brigade 7. Nundle SES Unit 8. Mt Misery Gold Mine Cafe & Museum Vehicle and Pedestrian access 9. Goldfields Guest House Accommodation & Car Park entry/Exit. 10.Nundle Woollen Mill Staff Car Park and Entry/Exit Work area 11.Nundle Woollen Mill Bulk Goods delivery in/out Entry/Exit 12. Gill Street residents 5. Intersection Assessment: New England Highway/Wallabadah Creek Road • SEARs require an assessment of intersections. ( EIS SEARs p.9) • DPE says intersections assessed (Assessment 6.4.4 176 P. 55) • No turning lane or road widening at this intersection and none listed in Road upgrading. (Compare with New England Highway/Lindsays Gap Road assessment just north of this intersection) • Southern Project traffic will make right hand turn across this busy Sydney/Brisbane Hwy • Construction of Switching Station, involving OSOM loads, and ongoing Operation of Project will use this route. Conclusion: Reject DPE ‘s Assessment as Traffic Route is incomplete. No assessment made or upgrades required for this potentially risky intersection. 6. Aboriginal Heritage • DPE acknowledges Place as Heritage, as distinct from scattered objects/artefacts • DPE accepts Engie’s Consultant who concentrated on identifying objects (scattered ‘stone axes’) and ignored the significance of Place.(See Definitions Heritage Item p.4) • No comprehensive study of the area that includes the Project, has ever been done. • The Place has been, for centuries, a migratory seasonal trail for First Nations people to move from the plains to the sea and from the sea to the plains. • The Place is connected to trading tools, food, cultural exchange and ceremonies, associated for centuries with ‘ancestral ceremony and trade’. • Implement all reasonable and feasible measures to avoid and minimise harm. • Engie and DPE admit that destruction will take place, will be “unavoidable”, even though all reasonable and feasible measures to avoid and minimise harm are taken. ( B 28) Conclusion. Reject DPE’s Assessment because: • DPE acknowledges place as important but concertantes on provisions for collection and salvage of objects. • DPE is obviously happy to accept that the project will lead to, as Engie’s documents state, Total loss of Value and Direct Total Impact to four (4) of the recognized Heritage sites. (EIS Table 14-3. p.293.); Appendix M, Table 14-3 p.296.297). 12/02/2024 |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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I have many objections to the proposed Hills of Gold Windfarm. Many, more qualified individuals have made submissions regarding biodiversity, hydrology, lack of transparency, failure to consult all affected landholders, the engineering and constructability of the project, etc. and I have made my thoughts known in previous submissions to the DPHI. In this submission, I will limit myself to discussing the effect on amenity and peaceful enjoyment of township life that I predict will happen if the windfarm is allowed to go ahead, and some localized economic impacts. While there has been consideration of traffic flow, I don’t feel this has taken on town planning and use considerations. I am a regular at Nundle Library, in the heritage Council building on the corner of Jenkins and Innes Streets. In addition to library services, the office is also a tourist information outlet, Council shop-front and will soon house the Gil Bennet mineral collection, which is among the best of its kind in Australia, and a tourist drawcard on the Fossickers’ Way. On the Innes Street side is a community garden. Like all libraries, this is a social hub, hosting meetings and workshops, community welfare agency outreach and cultural opportunities, of the kind that are vital in a small, isolated town. The proposed southbound OSOM bearing road from Oakenville Street will join Jenkins Street, via a proposed road across flood prone land, leading onto Innes St. OSOM traffic will emerge into the four way intersection, directly opposite the Council building, taking a right hand turn to travel along Jenkins St. The potential vulnerability of the building from vibration has been noted in submissions made to DPIE. I would contend the building is at decided risk of a more detrimental kind. On December 6th, 2023, an oversized truck bearing a house, turned right from Innes St into Jenkins. The truck crossed onto the wrong side of the road and ran onto the lawn of the Council building. This was witnessed by nearby residents and passersby. Not only is the Council building listed heritage, but there are items of significance on those lawns, which fortunately weren’t damaged. TRC installed a large sculpture by Karen Balsar on the corner, during the COVID pandemic, attesting to community resilience. There is also a Lone Pine grown from the seed of the Gallipoli tree, as an ANZAC memorial. The building itself hosts a large marble war memorial plaque on the veranda and houses an expanding local history collection. While I recognize that the Innes / Jenkins corner will be subject to engineering works, tree removal and the possible demolition of Windy Ridge B and B to create a wider turn, I lack confidence in an even more massive series of trucks safely negotiating this corner without a similar incident. But it is the effect on the use of the building that worries me more. Turning vehicles and their escort will impede access to the Innes Street parking area from Jenkins Street, while also preventing people from parking on Jenkins Street in the vicinity of the corner. Traffic to the library will likewise be impeded from Gill Street, where it meets Oakenville Street, by traffic movements going to the Windfarm’s northern access via Barry Road. In short, traffic movement will isolate this important town asset from much of the town, including regular users like Nundle Public School, who will not want to march young children across heavily trafficked roads. The library currently provides a quiet, pleasant atmosphere, typical and desirable in a library. It is a source of warmth in winter and is airconditioned in summer. This is important for residents without adequate heating or cooling in an extreme climate, as well as the hidden homeless living in caravans in campgrounds and sometimes the park. It is the sole source of public photocopying, printing, free wifi and computers. This peaceful amenity will be affected by tree lopping, road construction and maintenance, power outages as poles are relocated, possible demolition of the Windy Ridge B &B, and the passage of heavy vehicle traffic only meters away, six and a half days per week, for two years. While the construction phase may be seen as a temporary adjustment for locals, the library has already seen downturns in use, partly due to Covid, but also due to the social harm that has resulted from division over the merit of the project. While the staff remain non-partisan in dealings with the public, perception is impossible to control and people don’t want to share space with others seen as being opposed to their position. The drawn out process has been corrosive. While I believe the library will continue to operate, matters like funding based on usage, hours, staffing, public programs and grants are all open questions. As a public entity, the library cannot apply for money from the proponent’s community compensation scheme. Tourist information and access to the Gill Bennet collection, especially for tour buses, will also be compromised. Tourists will not want to sit behind OSOM vehicles travelling at low speeds through hilly, winding Lindsays Gap Road with its single lane, creek crossings, multiple crests and badly eroded edges. The route into Nundle from the New England Highway will be congested and the road further damaged. TRC struggles to keep it navigable, Engie would need to throw an inordinate amount of money into it. I foresee the proponent arguing over responsibility for future damage to this road, given its history and shared usage with logging trucks. That road is already subject to frequent repairs and accidents, due to logging trucks and rain events. For example, in September 2023, a fully loaded logging truck overturned across Lindsays Gap Road, blocking traffic in both directions from Tamworth and Quirindi for many hours. Fortunately, no one was killed or critically injured. I fear Jenkins Street, between Innes and Oakenville, will become an island of closed doors to failed businesses between two rivers of traffic. Also on that section of street is the Pre-school and the Community Health Centre. Parents, the sick, and elderly will experience delays, pedestrian access and parking issues when they want to visit. The Friendly Grocer shop, the post office on Oakenville Street and the iconic Nundle Woolen Mill will become considerably less accessible. Shop owners are considering shutting up shop. Like locals, tourists will find conditions tedious and off-putting, the construction and tree removal ugly, noisy, offensive and sad. Their ‘getaway’ will be a visit to a town that has traded charm and peace for industry, the scarification of its Hills of Gold, and the tradeoff of renewable energy credits for actual biodiversity. A stay at Sheba Dams, Hanging Rock, will be a steep climb behind slow trucking to a noisy camping ground. In the event of a fire, the single road access to HR will make escaping it extremely perilous, particularly as aerial fire-fighting in the mountainous landscape could be hindered by the presence of turbines, and emergency vehicles may be blocked by road traffic. This would be a human tragedy, but also a tourist death knell. Two years of negative experience will take the town’s tourism many years to recover from, if it does at all. It will also deter new, sympathetic projects, such as the proposed Dark-Sky initiatives, which would be adversely affected by aviation hazard lights on turbines. For many it will be the end of their businesses. They won’t be in line to claim compensation from the proponent. Without tourism, there will be less employment after construction, not more. For me personally, there will be loss of enjoyment of walks down Jenkins Street with my eighty-four year old friend and dog to the riverside parks at the end of Innes Street. Mature street trees which she helped plant on Jenkins with the Garden Club will be lopped, or heavily pruned. My dog will be terrified by the trucks, if we can get across. At present, vehicles can be heard more than a kilometer away on quiet mornings, such is the peace here. The Easy Access walk we take along Innes Street and through the parks, will be redundant – no one with mobility issues will risk it - if it isn’t subsumed by road widening. These may seem trivial short term complaints, but this has been my way of life for many years. For my friend and dog, it will be a condition that outlasts theirs. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
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I am a singer-songwriter who lives on a small farm just outside Nundle. I have made several previous submissions that outline my objections to this project. The amendments that have been made do not change my strong feeling against this project. Whether this project is 20 turbines or 47 changes nothing. There will still be destruction to the beautiful hills from which I gain inspiration for my art and which offer me a calm existence. Our small business, the operation and profitability of our farm will be impacted due to increased traffic. I also believe clearing and earthworks will impact the hydrology of the catchment and may disrupt the flow of Oakenville Creek which runs behind our property. I feel the impacts on hydrology and soils has not been adequately investigated in the SEARS and EIS. Members of the community and independent soil and environmental scientists have done a more thorough assessment than Engie and the Department. I regularly travel to Hanging Rock with my daughter to swim and fish. The destruction of such a pristine environment and the devaluing of this area for recreation will definitely be a result of this project. I have seen through the political spin and green-washing of this project from the beginning. I have little faith or trust in Engie and its shareholders, specifically BlackRoc who are driven by profit and land acquisition. The farmer and landholders who have lived here for many generations, and the traditional owners before them, know this country better than anyone, and truly care about preserving and protecting it. I love the scenic Hills of Gold and I wish them to stay exactly as they are. |
Leslye Cole
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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It’s hard to believe this inappropriate industrial proposal is still on the table for one of the most ecologically sensitive and picturesque landscapes of the world. The threatened ridges and mountains of Hanging Rock and the surrounding range are the vital water recharge points where rainfall filters through the rocks and tree roots, moving down into the ground to the water table and aquifers in the valley catchments to the Barnard River to the east and the Peel River to the west, joining into the Namoi and continuing to the mighty Murray River. The Eastern Australian landscape, and all those who live there, depends on the flow of this water. Plugging up these recharge areas with a string of monolithic concrete platforms joined together with roads will prohibit the natural flow of water in these important Australian water systems. The protection and conservation of the fragile ecological environment that is threatened by the development is of utmost importance. Specifically, the endangered and critically endangered flora communities, the endangered and critically endangered fauna, also the physical structure of the ridgelines and plateaus of the project area which perform the vital water recharge function as a source of the groundwater storages of the Hunter, Barnard and Peel river catchments. Since the commencement of engagement with stakeholders in 2017, the situation for our wildlife has changed dramatically due to the Black Summer bushfires — one of the worst wildlife disasters in modern history. The koala has been identified as being vulnerable to extinction, with surveys by ecological consultancy Biolink, finding 71% of koala populations died in 6 study areas of NSW after the fires. As detailed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), there are thirteen threatened terrestrial fauna species directly within the Development Footprint, including Koala. The proposed works include the removal of 186.73 hectares of native vegetation. Of the area to be cleared for the project’s internal roads, 40-45% is threatened ecological communities (Map F9-1). The area immediately surrounding the project location already has 18,160 hectares of native vegetation removed due to State Forest timber production — 13,000 hectares in Nundle State Forest, 4,800 ha at Hanging Rock and 360 ha at Ben Halls Gap, resulting in ridgelines of a radiata pine monoculture, uninhabitable by many native animal species. Adding to their plight, regular logging operations leave large tracts of land completely bare. Much of the remaining land in the area is cleared and semi-cleared agricultural farmland. Consequently, all remaining native bushland needs to be protected as being extremely valuable habitat for every section of threatened ecological flora communities detailed in the EIS. The only existing protected nature reserve, Ben Halls Gap, at 2,500 ha, is now under threat to be impacted by at least 15 wind turbines. Regarding the biodiversity study, specifically the noted bird species in the proposed site 9.3.5 Bird Utilisation / 9.4.2.3 Collision Risk (Birds) there has been at least three major raptor omissions, and a serious underestimation of the number of Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila Audax. I am a keen birdwatcher and have observed the Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides, Brown Falcon Falco berigora, and Swamp Harrier Circus approximans, flying over the ridgelines at our farm every year at Ogunbil, approximately 35 km from the site. The Little Eagle searches for prey by soaring up to 500m altitude. Considering their flight path is known to stretch 3,300 km it is reasonable to assume it would frequent the proposed site. The Brown Falcon is known as a wind turbine collision victim flying up to 2000m elevation. The Swamp Harrier also hunts by soaring and gliding often at great heights up to 1700m. I have also observed 7 wedge-tailed eagles feeding on the one carcass at the same time. Are there any other major omissions in the EIS? 13.1.3 HAZARDS AND RISKS / Aviation Safety / Assessment of Impacts / Aerial application of fertilisers, pesticides and aerial baiting of the EIS states: ‘Safe aerial application operations would be possible on properties within the Project Area and neighbouring the Project Area, subject to final turbine locations…by…the use of helicopters (which) enables aerial application operations to be conducted in closer proximity to obstacles than would be possible with fixed wing aircraft due to their greater manoeuvrability.’ I have observed two fixed wing crop-dusters working in tandem in the most amazing aerial acrobatic display on the one property on the Crawney Road, 8 km away from the proposed site, fulfilling their fertiliser application contract. What risks would there be to these contractor’s employment and/or safety with the placement of 70 turbines surrounding the area? Is it acceptable that a company arranging for French and Japanese companies to buy into productive Australian agricultural land now dictates to the surrounding farmers how they can manage their property when, as savvy business people in their own right, they employ the best contractor for the job at hand? A lot has changed since this project was proposed in 2017. There has been a huge shift in Australia’s regional economy with diversification of income and employment. Rural areas are no longer dependent on the agricultural sector, especially since COVID-19, with the pandemic changing the way we live and work. The year 2020 prompted a rethink of priority for many as working from home became the new norm. This motivated large numbers of tree and sea-changers to search for rewarding and healthy lifestyles in rural and regional areas, taking advantage of lower rent and house prices. University research has recorded ‘a new love of nature’ for people since the start of lockdown, with city dwellers yearning to spend more time in, and have connection with nature. This year has seen an influx of people into regional areas bringing their income with them. The recent drought has also kick-started an enterprising business initiative in #buyfromthebush which has diversified income in the rural economy. Social media has offered country businesses a direct line to their city kin. The rich pool of talent and ingenuity in the country is broadcast with a never ending array of creative products being showcased, purchased by customers who enjoy knowing exactly where their money is going and what impact it is having. Farmers have also taken advantage of the increased desire for beautiful landscapes and open spaces, diversifying their income with farmstays and the exploding market of hosting Airbnb’s. This proposal will destroy the vibrant town of Nundle, a town run by enterprising, entrepreneurial and caring business people who have individually and collectively attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, and consequently, revenue to the town, and to the Tamworth region. Although a small community, they are passionate members who punch well above their weight, winning heritage awards for preserving the built history of the town, and Community Leadership awards. They host a full calendar of events, including the annual Nundle Go For Gold festival which alone generates about $400,000, attracting up to 16,000 visitors over 2 days, Hats Off To Country, The Great Nundle Dog Race, The Nundle Country Picnic to name a few. The Nundle Woollen Mill has won multiple tourism awards, educating about the original mill and the region’s rich wool producing history. The Dag Station plays an integral part in the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the owner being a fine musician in his own right, hosting songwriting clinics for up-and-coming artists, and concerts throughout the festival. The annual event regularly brings 40,000+ visitors to the region, contributing more than $50 million to the local economy. Tourists come to the area for the country music, horse events, fossicking, heritage, the slow pace and beauty of Nundle and the surrounding landscape. It offers a step back in time which appeals to history buffs and those with ‘slow living’ values, looking for an authentic country experience. The recent COVID-19 lockdown popularised this slow living concept, epitomised by the craze of making sourdough bread. Our government is hell-bent on sabotaging its food & fibre production while deliberately destroying and vandalising its precious landscape with hundreds of industrial energy plants, huge transmission lines and associated infrastructure, while clearing hundreds of square kilometres of native bushland and covering up productive agricultural land. Why do ministers in the Australian government have no regard for our country? Give no value or protections for our picturesque landscape, valuable agriculture, food and wine, authentic rural life, and everything our communities have to offer? Why do you not prize and fiercely protect our unique lands and way of life? The cause of this proposed waste and vandalism? The massive push towards net zero emissions, an unattainable pie in the sky. |
Attachments |
hillsofgold2024submissionpdf_redacted.pdf (PDF, 175.2 KB) |
Rachel Webster
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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Oakenville Farm Submission against the Hills of Gold Wind Farm We run a small business in Nundle which operates both from a shop front in Oakenville Street and from our small farm on Oakenville Creek Road. Our shop front business, Oakenville Farm store has been open since October 2022. I (Rachel) have been teaching pilates and holding workshops and retreats at our farm for the past 2-3 years. Our farm is also registered on HipCamp and we accommodated over 30 guests during the Country Music Festival Period in January this year. Our offering as affordable camping accommodation enables more visitors to come to Nundle and surrounds in peak periods. Both my partner and I are also musicians and this year were involved in the Nundle Rocks music event at the Nundle Hall. This event sold over 250 tickets over a long weekend, and we were able to accommodate travellers at short notice when all other accommodation options in Nundle were full. This assisted in bringing more business to our town. In 2023 we ran a series of workshops: a Wet-felt Hat-Making Workshop (4 participants), 2 Eco-plant Dyeing workshops (17 participants, 2 sourdough bread-making workshops (10 participants), a Mindful Movement and Sound Bath workshop (10 participants), 2 Coldwater therapy workshops (10 participants), a crocheting workshop (9 participants), a rag-weaving workshop (12 participants) and 2 kids craft workshops with 20 participants in total. Participants travelled as far as Armidale, Narrabri, Manilla and Bendemeer to attend. It is clear that our business contributes to tourism and adds to the unique experiences offered in this town. I run an exercise group of between 4- 7 women who walk together twice a week either along Jenkins St towards Happy Valley Road, or along the proposed Route 1 (Oakenville Street, Old Hanging Rock Road, Happy Valley Road, Jenkins Street). I also regularly walk my 5 year old daughter to school from Oakenville Creek Road to Oakenville Street and turn right into Jenkins Street. These walks along mostly quiet country roads form the highlight of my week. I am often reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a place surrounded by natural beauty which can be enjoyed on a quiet stroll with my family, friends or clients. My previous submissions have detailed my concerns for traffic impacts, particularly on our business, and unfortunately the amendments have done little to address or allay my concerns. The roadworks associated with hardstands is likely to cause disruptions to our family's travel and may also prevent us safely using the Route 1 roads for walking. The increased traffic on these roads will also impact our safety and previous enjoyment and relaxation walking along these roads. These may like sound trivial complaints, however the positive impacts on well-being, mental health and productivity extend well beyond the 7 or 8 individuals with whom I walk these roads. Our group includes business owners, mums and community group members and we all have a great pride in and contribute significantly to our community. Our ability to 'give back' to our families, business and community is very much dependent on the mental, social and physical wellbeing these walks provide. Most of us chose Nundle for the quiet, relaxed lifestyle and business owners such as ourselves, are also greatly dependent on tourists who also come here to escape their busy lives. As per Table 1 on the Amendment Report (Nov 2022) APP H Traffic and Transport Assessment, Routes 1 and 3 will result in over 1000 passes of OSOM vehicles past our shop front and end of our Road (Oakenville Creek). The noise impacts of these OSOM vehicles over the 9 month construction phase will greatly disturb the ambience of our shop and will certainly disrupt business. As an example, when the current log trucks pass our shop, I am unable to hear customers speak due to the noise of these trucks. An additional 6 OSOM vehicles per day on top of the 30 passes from log trucks and the additional 126 passes by trucks and 30 passes by water trucks will impact my business operations significantly over the 9 month period transporting the components. We are a struggling small business and whilst we do our best to cater for locals, we also rely heavily on tourists to keep our doors open. It is unlikely that the products we sell including: fresh produce, herbal teas, herbal skincare and locally made furniture, art and crafts, will be appealing to fly-in fly-out style workers on this project, given our understanding of our shop's customer demographic. We expect there to be a reduction in tourists during construction and I fear that our small business could not survive without the topping up from tourism. In addition, despite our best efforts to be inclusive and welcome all people in our shop, we are already struggling due to community division as a result of this windfarm development proposal. It saddens me that the ethical business we have built, which is centered around building sustainable communities and a sustainable future for our natural world, could be potentially forced to close as a result of an apparent "green" project. The core of our business is in creating meaningful change from the ground up, educating and inspiring others to actively participate in the protection of our planet and its people. The proposed Hills of Gold windfarm project, owned by a foreign multi-national, is not driven by a genuine desire to create a better world, but by profit. Like many multi-nationals before it, small businesses who run on passion and the smell of an oily rag, will suffer and eventually be forced to close. I agree that some businesses in Nundle, mainly hospitality and accommodation may benefit somewhat from this development, but ours will not. If this windfarm goes ahead, I fear there will be yet another closure of a business that offers a unique experience in a much-loved tourist destination. Our closure will also negatively impact other businesses. We strongly disagree that this project will help to 'save' a 'dying' town. As a small business we are certainly struggling, but this project is likely to stamp us out, not build us up. My hope is that this town and surrounds continues to grow, capitalizing on its strengths, not being exploited for its resources. - Jeff Gibson, Rachel Webster and Maisy Gibson |
Attachments |
oakenville-farm-final-submission-against-wind-farmpdf.pdf (PDF, 719.81 KB) |
Amanda Thompson
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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I wish to object to the proposed Hills of Gold wind farm. My family and I live on and run a large property. Our residence despite being on the same property as NAD 80 has never been assessed by the proponent. The outlook from our residence will be hugely visually impacted. There have been no photo montages/visual assessments done on the property. We have had no contact at all from the proponent completely failing in their obligation to thoroughly consult with the local community. The visual impact the proposal will have on our daily life is unacceptable, we love our view, our dark night skies, having to look at the turbines during the day and the red lights at night would be intolerable. The entrance to our home is via Nundle Road, which happens to be situated where every vehicle will go past during construction. My children catch the local school bus at our front gate and will continue to do so for the next 12-15 years, no risk assessment has been completed to consider the safety of local road users. The sheer number of extra vehicles travelling the road will create problems for all of us whilst we are going about daily life. Our property has boundaries with three of the roads planned for one of the transport routes and the negative effects that this will have include unacceptable noise levels to all the residences on the property. Potential damage, by heavy loads and over size trucks, to the Peel River system and ground water systems on which we rely on for water to the entire property. The dust and weed transfer by vehicles travelling along Crawney Road will affect the water quality in the river. The planning is completely inadequate and in parts has not been done at all, despite being in the planning for six years there is still no legal access to the site, therefore the project cannot be approved. Destroying pristine native bushland to construct the project would be an absolute disaster. Koalas have officially now become an endangered species so clearing over 45Ha of koala habitat is unthinkable and the project should be rejected just on that basis. The project has completely overlooked environmental and social issues and has caused great division in our small town. The majority of people in the area are opposed to the project and feel the town has been misled by a large company intent on getting their project over the line by any way they see fit. I ask that the IPC please reject this project. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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I have provided two attachments |
Attachments |
galina-shvetsoff-objectionpdf_redacted.pdf (PDF, 556.45 KB) galina-shvetsoff-photomontage-comparisonpdf.pdf (PDF, 998.64 KB) |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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• Suitability of the Site The proposed site of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm is a difficult site to access. Access is via winding and steep narrow roads. Surely it makes more sense to locate windfarms in open and accessible areas. It seems the main attraction of this site is the proximity to transmission lines. As wind farming develops in NSW, there will be opportunities to connect to the transmission lines from open and accessible sites without causing the destruction and disruption required to establish the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. A similar amount of disruption and destruction will also be required when the farm is decommissioned. • Sound Conditions, Assessment Report, page 98 - Verify through noise monitoring that the noise generated by the operation of the wind farm does not exceed 35 dB(A) or the existing background noise level (LA90 (10-minute)) plus 5 dB(A) for each integer wind speed. It is fine to monitor but what conditions exist to correct noise levels if the monitoring reveals that it is unacceptable. Has there been any study of the effects of temperature inversion and night-time sound from the ridge? Temperature inversions, when they occur, have the ability to increase noise levels by focusing sound waves. Temperature inversions occur in Nundle predominately at night during the winter months. Where will the noise monitoring occur? Will it monitor noise in the village and surrounding properties? • Heritage Buildings in risk of being compromised by vibrations from ongoing movement of heavy vehicles. These include the Blake Snake Gold Mine, The Peel Inn, Jenkins Street Antiques and Fine China, Odgers and McClelland, The Council Office/ Library • Big Sky Country The night sky is part of the Nundle Tourism experience. Flashing red lights will compromise the “Big Sky” experience for tourists. • Nundle’s point of difference is that it is one of the few unspoiled parts of the State. The natural beauty, tranquillity, slow-living lifestyle is its attraction. Without this it will lose its “point of difference” • Not in a Renewable Energy Zone. The Hills of Gold Windfarm is not in a REZ and this should matter. Why have zones if they are not going to be observed? • Other I continue to agree with the views expressed by the majority who are concerned about the wind farm. There are engineering complexities, yet to be resolved with the roadworks needed in Herring Street. Concerns also include threats to native flora and fauna, erosion, the impact on the water supply and the social impacts. Please reconsider the suitability of this site. It is a problematic site when compared to other wind farm sites in NSW, most of which are accessible. Do we have to spoil every part of the State or should we leave some unspoiled country for the next generation to experience. The pursuit of renewable energy goals is commendable but not at any cost. Windfarms need to be sited in areas that are accessible and where the impact on the surrounding area is less extreme. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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Growing up in Nundle you learn to accept you live 60 kilometres from ‘Town’ (Tamworth). Teenagers take a three-hour round trip to high school. I did it for six years. It was a long slog but when we’d arrive home with the sun setting and see the outline of the ridge from the school bus, it felt like home. In Year Ten, Mum worried about the long commute and suggested we move to Tamworth. My sister and I were horrified. As kids, we didn’t want to live anywhere else. It’s a special place that taught me the meaning of community. I now reside in the city but spend a great deal of time with family in Nundle. Why am I against a wind farm in Nundle? It’s not a case of NIMBYism (‘not in my backyard) as developers might claim. Nundle is nestled into a valley and surrounded by the Hills of Gold. Nundle’s very existence is built on the unique history and beauty of the countryside. If the windfarm goes ahead, it will significantly disturb our special Heritage sites and the overall visual impact of our town. The unique and precious natural environment will be affected, there will be a great loss to biodiverse habitat (in particular to Ben Hall’s Gap Nature Reserve and Ben Halls Gap State Forest - as well as the nature corridor that connects Crawney Pass national park through Ben Hall’s Gap all the way to the coast), Developers have not adequately addressed the critical concerns raised by locals and the local council including; access/transport route, or disruption to soil. There are no detailed engineering plans for transverse track along mountainside. The community has been divided in terrible way by the prolonged process of the windfarm development. The developers have not been transparent about the positive gains of the project eg. The number of people employed in the project and the ongoing jobs. A clear majority of the community opposes this development. The developers have not taken into consideration the character of Nundle and Hanging Rock, or the tourism appeal of the entrance to the village (Nundle is more than Jenkins St. The drive into the valley is a unique experience for those entering the village…). There is no way to ‘offset’ the loss of the special, intangible qualities Nundle has. People come Nundle because it is special. It connects us to our rural heritage. It’s blessed with historic buildings like the former courthouse and police station that have been placed on the Register of the National Estate and beautiful examples of 19th century architecture like the Woollen Mill, the Peel Inn and the Primitive Methodist Church. But other towns have historic buildings. It’s the natural setting that completes the picture. If you say you’re from Nundle most Sydney-siders know where you’re talking about. How many other villages can say the same? During the day, wind turbines would dominate the landscape and at night, red aviation hazard lighting would dominate the night sky. The OSOM road proposed to cut behind the pub would destroy the quiet heritage village atmosphere. Very old trees and beautiful trees within the village would need to be ripped up to accommodate these roads and they would be precariously built on a known flood plain. No noise assessments have taken place for the impacts to Jenkins Street residents when the town will be turned into bypass for huge OSOM vehicles for 9 months (this would have a negative affect on the tourism). In regard to the village’s special qualities and without the community’s blessing the losses will far outweigh the gains. What is left will have a severely negative impact on the town. I hope my children and their children will live in a society that values history and cares for the local environment. And I hope as a society we can learn how to combat climate change without alienating and hurting the communities we’re trying to save. |
Belinda Washbrook
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New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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I Have lived in Nundle for many years and currently look after my elderly father. I am concerned with the change of character of the Nundle township by the building of the temporary roads and the potential removal of trees that provide such a welcoming feel to the street scape for both reidents and tourists. I am also concerned with the difficulty with access for myself and my father to essential services in Nundle during the construction phase as over size over mass vehicle, heavy vehicle and service vehicles will all be using the road network through the village. I also have concerns for the native animals and birds that will lose their habitat or suffer injury or death during construction and operation of the wind turbines . I oppose this project and request the commissioners reject its approval. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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Re SSD-9679 Objection to Hills of Gold Wind, Crawney Nundle region, Sacred, Sacred, Sacred. Ben Halls Gap is Sacred. You are now knowing this, Clare Sykes, panel chair, Commissioner I have in view. Add the other two, Duncan Marshall, AM, for what please, what please - AM is for what, please ? Juliet Grant. My need is a Royal Commission into Renewables on Sacred Lands that are not Protected, as they Must be, please. The Crawney Nundle region I do know quite well, quite well, you see. Born in Tamworth, and a frequent visitor I have been to Hanging Rock, Sacred, Yes, Sacred. It is Sacred, Hanging Rock, yes, Sacred. I have a need to have an Inquiry into Renewables. I feel Renewables can be Easily positioned upon Rooftops, and I Demand All Future Wind Turbines be On Rooftops, and Bladeless, Thank you. I have a Need to Protect Wildlife and humans who live in the Nundle region you plan 64 Turbines with 3 Blades, Near, NB, Near Community, Community. Are you reading near Community. Would you do that to Your Community, please say, Thank you, thank you. If you had a neighbour who had eight 3 Bladed Wind Turbines neighbouring you, what would you do ? I need a Reply by 1 weeks time, thank you. Why ? Why ? Why position a Wind farm So Far from a City of how many ? Over 100,000 ? Why would you do that ? Give me your answers, Thank you. Thank you. In a very time The Land is Needing Ultimate Care to Wildlife, and Wild Life also, eg. Greater Glider I know are Rare in this area, Crawney, which I have Walked you see. It is Endangered Species Habitat – Bushland isolated. Please Leave Crawney area well alone please. It is Sacred, and you know that now. You do. Cease and Desist the turbines that have 3 Blades, and Cease and Desist any further, the 3 Bladed Wind turbines that Harm humans, yes. I have evidence of that. I do need Care for Country , and All On Country in Crawney area, Nundle, please. This is Sacred Land, it is. Which Traditional Owner gave the Farmers Permission to enter Crawney area, Nundle, with 3 Bladed, NB, 3 Bladed, NB, 3 Bladed Wind turbines, that are a Sound Impact to Land, Water, and Wildlife, and of course, humans, of course. Nundle is a town of Tourists as their Income, you see. How Dare You even think of allowing Wind turbines, with 3 Blades, NB, 3 Blades, anywhere near a village whose Income is Tourism. Tourism. Tourism. In the area, Crawney, there are National Parks, all around the proposed Hills of Gold Wind farm. How Dare government, State, Federal, Local, even Consider this area available for Wind generation. What is going on, re Protection of Endangered Species, with NO Protection at all, you see. How Dare you All in Government, you see, Government, threaten Endangered Species. What is going On ? I Demand an Inquiry now, re Habitat Loss For No Reason but Money. How Dare You All. How Dare You All. I need Assistance to Stop 3 Bladed Wind turbines . I Demand 3 Bladed Wind turbines be Stopped Immediately, immediately, Immediately, Immediately, Immediately. Cease and Desist Renewables On Country, On Farmland, In Wildlerness, In Oceans, Immediately. Place All Renewables upon Rooftops, and let us All Benefit. All Benefit. All Benefit, All. The Crawney region into Pilliga area is Sacred, and is Known to be so, yes. I have a Need to know which Traditional Owners have been advised about a 3 Bladed Wind Farm through Sacred Land Crawney, into Pilliga - the very Sacred Basin of the Murray Darling Basin. The Pilliga is a Vital region , Sacred. Cease and Desist the 3 Bladed Wind turbines in Crawney area, Nundle, Immediately, immediately, Immediately please. To the Commissioners, Unable, I say, Unable, I say, Unable, I say. Unable are 3 Commissioners at a Job they have No right to have. I need a Inquiry into renewables Immediately, Immediately, Immediately. I Demand a Royal Commission into Renewables. I Demand a Royal Commission into Renewables. I Demand a Royal Commission into Renewables. I need Assistance to Cease and Desist Hills of Gold Wind Immediately, Immediately, Immediately. I know the area, you see. I lived in Tamworth from birth to age 32. Nundle I have Walked you see. I have been near Crawney many times. I have attempted to find Greater Glider as a 26 year old, asked to try to find this rare Species, Greater Glider. That was back in 1990. Ben Halls Gap is a National Park and How Dare You enable a Wind project adjacent to vital, vital, Vital National Parks in the Nundle area, Sacred, Sacred, don’t you know that. How Dare You All , as government, be ignorant about Country, why, in this day and age, you have access to Elders of Traditional Lands, don’t you ? How did you get access to Crawney area ? I need to know. A foreign company will not Care for Country, Sacred. Government Do Not Care for Country, Why ? I Demand a Royal Commission into the Reasons Government, Australian, State, Local, have No idea what Sacred Land is in 2024. Protect Crawney region, Nundle, Now. Protect the People, Community of Nundle, Now. What if a Wind Farm was built near your Community ? Give me your reasons you say that’s OK. It’s Not. It is Not OK. Infrasound is a Issue, and France recognise Infrasound as a Impact to humans. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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I object to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I live locally and have over 20 years of close connection to the development site. The Assessment Report doesn’t solve objections raised previously by the community. My objection does not cover all my reasons for objecting however I have endeavoured to express them in an easy-to-read manner. I also watched the public hearing live for both days and support all reasons for objecting. Many supporting submissions have only addressed the subject of renewable energy and climate policy, which is outside of the scope of this final assessment and should be disregarded as irrelevant. I am greatly concerned about the cave structures in the area. Engie has not carried out surveys of underground water, yet underground streams exist in the caves system in Timor and Crawney. This is an unsupervised caving system and a great tourist attraction. Is this another potential disaster were a cave to become flooded? The presentation by Hunter Valley Speleological Society mentioned that caves are still being discovered. As a parent of children who visit these caves, I am filled with great trepidation. I support Wallabadah’s submission of concern re underground water - see public hearing. Groundwater contamination and change in paths is an unacceptable risk which has not been assessed nor mitigated. I’d like to address the aspect of community funding, which motivates many supporters. Engie has provided funds to some community groups in the past, however this funding has also contributed to community division and ultimately to the demise of the much loved, award winning Hills of Gold Easter Festival. This was a huge disappointment to the community and the subject of ongoing discussion even as late as yesterday 11/2/2024 in the Nundle Community Noticeboard Facebook Group. There are many grants available and it is very unifying for an organisation to go through the rigorous process of processing their application. One of the benefits of grants is they help to prove the efficacy of the applicant. Engie’s current program does not have rigorous processes and this should be part of the CEF rules. I have had many discussions with other community members who are distraught at the division and loss of community vision. I make these statements as a display of my faith in the community to again become self-sustainable. Community funding should not be a reason for approving the project, rather a program of renewal and reconciliation should proceed after rejection. I believe that a grant for mental health, resilience or community building should be made available. If Engie continues to dominate the community and social landscape, through the lure of free money, then the community will not recover. The CEF is not sufficient reason to approve the project. This was repeatedly stated during presentations at the public hearing. Only those “on the grid” and choosing to be customers of ENGIE would benefit from any energy rebate, however many properties choose to be off-grid, with some spending considerable amounts of money. It is a promise with scattered and undefined benefits and should not be relied upon. Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve is an important ecosystem and part of the wildlife track. It should not be jeopardised for a wind project. It is a closed park because of the fragility of the area. Turbines adjacent the park should be removed 500 m in accordance with local ecologist Phil Spark’s previous recommendations. I would like to address the DA at Morrisons Gap Rd, which requires the removal of several turbines. I support the right of a landowner to proceed with developing their land, notwithstanding the existence of a SSD. This is the concept that the proponents used in defending land clearing for grazing, but which appeared to follow the path of the wind turbine layout. If that principle exists for the proponent, it must exist for everyone and the recommended removal of relevant turbines must be upheld. Bushfire hazard prevention has not been satisfactorily addressed. It is not sufficient to propose that the HOGWF workers be trained in bushfire control. The Pages Creek fire (Hanging Rock and Timor) in 2019/20 and Pearson Trail 2023 (Duncans Creek) were ultimately controlled with aerial fire fighting with the main water resource being a dam at Nycooma. This water resource would not be available due to the citing of wind turbines. Further fire events occurred in late 2023 in Hanging Rock and Duncans Creek, demonstrating the high risk area that it is. Aerial firefighting would also depend on the availability and willingness of a pilot to fly around the turbines. This is an unknown factor and it is not acceptable to risk lives and property with this option. I request the removal of turbines which impede on the use of this water resource. I object to the proposal also on the grounds of transport and construction. It is not acceptable that road designs are not finalised. I object to DPIE’s comment that “the final road upgrade specifications would be subject to detailed design and approval of the road asset manager or Council.” P5 It is too late for the community then. Transport impacts in the villages are too great. The impact will be too great for the small communities and amounts to a redefinition of the community “brand” . It's not guaranteed that the local food and beverage businesses will greatly benefit due to traffic congestion and the majority of workers being housed on the construction site. There may be space for new business but it will be at the detriment of others. The net benefit is not proven. The remote location is not suitable for large scale construction. With only one road in and out of Hanging Rock, lives would be at risk if there was a breakdown or accident. I am supportive of Morrisons Gap Road being sealed before construction and again afterwards to an “as new” condition however, I believe that heavy traffic should not go through Morrison’s Gap Road, Barry Road or Oakenville Road at all due to the unacceptable risk and impact to the environment. Turbines along Shearer’s Road Hanging Rock should be removed due to their closeness to the road and the risk to road users. I note from other submissions that this road will be closed at times. As noted re bushfire risk, this poses a risk for firefighters and emergency services. Visual impacts are greater than many people realise. I have seen turbines close up and they are a dominant feature in the skyline. They change the ambiance from country relief to an industrial presence; steel equals industry. The visual impact is great in many areas and I cannot see how planting trees can possibly be an acceptable mitigation when plants take many years to grow. These turbines cannot be screen out. I am astounded that NSW DPIE would recommend approval for a project which does not have landowner’s consent to cross private land or to demolish or sell homes. After 6 years, the evidence is clear that the project does not have social licence. The state government legislation does not allow for resumptions for private projects, so Engie has suggested “Voluntary Land Acquisition” This is an affront to every landowner and occupant who is objecting to any renewable energy project across NSW. As far as I can see, there is no policy which allows this. The relevant policy https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-03/voluntary-land-acquisition-and-mitigation-policy.pdf is for “Mining, Petroleum and Extractive Industries” These are the so-called “dirty” industries. To approve a project which does not have a sure route due to community rejection, would result in a “dirty” land acquisition scheme. The project should be rejected as it is unsuitable for the area, lacks social licence with unproven benefits. I support the removal of turbines as outlined in the Assessment Report as well as moving of turbines along Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve, Nycooma property and Shearer’s Road. |
Mike Dean
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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- The ecological costs of the HOG WF far outweigh any benefits. How can it be a benefit to earth’s sustainability to sacrifice multi-century old trees for a 35 year industrial wind development? - This development causes the fragmentation of the natural environmental corridors between Crawney Pass National Park and Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve (BHGNR). These two natural settings are themselves part of the wider network of conservation reserves located on top of the Liverpool Range ( part of the Great Dividing Range where the HOG WF is proposed) that also includes Coolah Tops, Murrurundi Pass NP and Towarri NP, Cedar Brush/ Wallabadah and Wingen Maid Nature Reserves. - All of these form part of a regional corridor providing habitat connectivity along the Liverpool Range and is also located within the broader Great Eastern Initiative conservation corridor. - 190.54 ha of native vegetation will be removed which will cause serious direct and indirect impacts to listed threatened flora and fauna species and communities and also impacts to birds and bats through blade strike, habitat loss and barotrauma. - There is no confidence in the DPE assessment of Engie’s response of its ability to stop the potential of sedimentation of waterways going into BHGNR which could impact the EPBC ( Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act) listed Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest. - There are 14 listed Threatened fauna species within this development site that will be impacted and put at further risk. - Koalas are one of these and 46.2 ha of koala habitat will be cleared. NSW Koala Strategy has set a target to double koala numbers by 2050 or it is feared they will be extinct in NSW by that time. The NSW Government lists some the greatest threats to koalas as habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat, bushfire, vehicle strike - all of these are present as impacts of this HOG WF proposal. - It is impossible to use the system of Biodiversity Offsets, in whatever form, to compensate for the destruction of the land where this development is proposed. It is impossible to offset sub- alpine forest communities - they are island communities that can’t be replicated in an offset place. Once they are gone, they are gone for good! Biodiversity offsets cannot mitigate real losses, as the DPE chooses to believe. They make appeasement through legislation only. Bats and Birds - It is hoped that the presentation to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) by Melissa Hadley, a member of the Newcastle and Hunter Valley Speleological Society (NHVSS) and a regular caver in the exact area of this wind farm development footprint, gave cause for grave concern about the DPE assessment of the impacts to high species diversity and density of microbats and other bat species in the development area. - The information that Engie used to inform its assessment and responses to the DPE is inaccurate and grossly outdated. The DPE appears to have accepted these without proper scrutiny and assessment, notwithstanding multiple Submissions they received throughout this process by the NHVSS members and other Speleological groups. - There is a staggering amount of inaccurate and outdated information in the reports relied upon by DPE and highlights the inadequacy therefore to inform critical decisions about environmental conservation. The data used is taken from a 1985 reference book ( Australian Karst Index 1985), which fails to reflect the current documented caves ( and their inhabitants) in the development area of concern. As just one example, the references cited only 3 of the known 9 caves at Crawney Pass, 1 of 2 known in Barrington, and does not even mention the further 171 caves. - The reliance on the outdated , inaccurate information negates the DPE’s entire assessment of the threats to Bats ( and Birds); it undermines the accuracy of the proposed Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Plan (BBAMP); it renders as useless Engie’s Environmental Impact Statement studies; and puts into jeopardy the long term viability of our ecosystems. - The DPE had an obligation to ensure that decisions affecting our environment are based on the best, current scientific data. This did not happen. - The mitigation measures in the Report are woefully insufficient, ignoring the complexities of bat ecology and behaviour and the interconnectedness of their habitats. |
Name Redacted
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I am a keen motorcycle enthusiast and travel to Nundle regularly. The route through Barry, Hanging Rock and the Crawney is one of New England's most beautiful Adventure motorcycle rides. It is travelled consistently by many motorcycle groups and associations, and I'd suspect it brings a large amount of tourism to the town. I am a keen supporter of Green Energy and sustainable future and with this in mind , I do not support the proposed Hill of Gold windfarm, for the following reasons: 1. Outside allocated REZs (Renewable Energy Zones) The project does not fall within the designated REZs. REZ's are set as part of the NSW Governments Strategic Plan to provide a coordinated investment in renewable energy to ensure efficiencies and provide the best possible return on investment in renewable energy. 2. Site location I can appreciate the location has benefits, with so much of our natural bushland already been cleared for farming< I do not see the benefits of proposing the location so close to a Nature Reserve or National Park. 3. Overall Visual impact The size and number of proposed turbines will be visable along the top of the range, alongside the large scale transmission lines as you approach the project site from the Timor Crawney Rd (heading north), Lindsays Gap Road (heading East), and Nundle Road from Tamworth (heading South) will be unmissable. The visual impact will be negative for the surrounding beautiful countryside. The Hills of Gold Wind Farm SHOULD NOT PROCEED and I FIRMLY OBJECT to any further conditions of consent being granted. |
Cody Savage
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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Please see the attachments included |
Attachments |
cody-savage--complying-development-certificate-redacted.pdf (PDF, 21.58 MB) cody-savage--letter-to-anthony-ko-from-zuzana-savage_redacted.pdf (PDF, 31.77 KB) from-cody-savage-dad01-nad67pdf.pdf (PDF, 85.84 KB) |
Megan Schmitt
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Hills Of Gold Wind Farm Objection Megan Schmitt As a young woman who recently settled in Nundle along Crawney Road, my residence has a direct view of the proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm. Nestled on a cattle farm, our livelihood relies heavily on the integrity of the land, with water quality being a paramount concern. I express strong objection to the construction of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm, citing numerous reasons that significantly impact both my personal living situation and the broader community as well as being a member of the younger generation, I harbor scepticism about the true environmental friendliness of this "green" energy project. What Will this mean for our Tourists Upon relocating to Nundle, my initial exploration focused on local attractions. A swift Google search directed me to a website where the foremost attraction was identified as the Hanging Rock Lookout, lauded for its "impressive" features. Another noteworthy discovery was Crawney Pass National Park. Nundle has successfully nurtured its community, drawing strength from its breathtaking views and natural landscapes. Introducing wind turbines raises concerns about the potential repercussions for a community reliant on the influx of travelers who are captivated by the area's scenic beauty. The impact of such developments could potentially alter the dynamics that sustain Nundle's charm and economic vitality. No Local Job Creation One of the topics that has arose for the support of the wind Turbines of our small community is that the project would create more job opportunities for locals. This simply is not the case as raised concerns about potential exaggeration of the project's benefits. Initially, the developer estimated 35 ongoing jobs, later reduced it to 16. In contrast, the community organization has estimated in its submission that only 12 ongoing positions would be generated. Considering the amount of stress and impacts this would have on local businesses and people living around the wind turbines only creating 12 jobs for the duration of the build is simply not enough to sustain our community which will be impacted in many ways, a big one being tourism. Not to mention these “jobs” will have to be outsourced due to the qualifications required to maintain and operate the turbines these jobs will not be given to members of our local community. Wind Turbines High Global Warming Potential Some individuals may overlook the potential threat posed by the construction of wind turbines to our existing global warming crisis. The concern lies in the use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas employed as an insulator in electrical components, including those integrated into wind turbines. SF6 is notorious for its susceptibility to leakage into the atmosphere during the operational, maintenance, and decommissioning phases of electrical equipment. Even minor leaks can have a significant impact due to the high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of SF6, estimated to be more than 23,000 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. The extended atmospheric lifespan of SF6 substantially contributes to global warming. Several states, including California with its Global Warning Solutions Act of 2006, are implementing bans on the use of SF6 due to its environmental impact. This raises questions about the contradiction in promoting wind farms as green energy while simultaneously contributing to environmental issues through the use of SF6. The replacement of natural ecosystems with wind turbines fails to address the underlying problem, as it perpetuates the addition of potent greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. This calls for a more comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact of wind energy projects and the development of alternative technologies that align with sustainable practices that don’t take away from the land that our community so heavily relies upon to make a living. Critical Concerns and Deficiencies in Bushfire Assessment The bushfire assessment for the Hills of Gold Wind Farm project is deemed inadequate. The information provided appears generic, offering little insight into the unique characteristics of the Project Area and its surroundings. Concerns extend to inaccuracies in bushfire history mapping, omitting major fires in 2009 and 1994, as well as the incomplete representation of the Pages Creek fire's extent. Contradictions arise regarding the availability of the "Nycooma" dam for aerial firefighting. Furthermore temperature and wind data from Tamworth Airport and Quirindi Post Office are criticized as irrelevant, while rainfall data from Nundle Post Office and "Head of Peel" is noted to be up to 50% lower than actual rainfall in the Project Area. Additionally, the positioning of turbines along the ridge line poses obstacles to safe helicopter operations for water extraction from dams, with specific turbines and the Battery (BESS) hindering access to the "Nycooma" dam. The arrangement of turbines along the ridgeline is highlighted as a limiting factor for effective aerial firefighting efforts. |
Attachments |
megan-schmitt--hills-of-gold-wind-farm-objection.pdf (PDF, 72.99 KB) |
Victoria Vlasoff
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New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Our family has owned Lot 22 on Morrison’s Gap Rd for well over 40 years. My husband has been managing this Lot going on two decades for his parents and the other owners. The connection to our land is incredible. Generations have grown up there and we hope many will continue to. Unfortunately, the proposed development will have such an enormous impact on our land and as yet, Engie and co have had no interest in having communication with the owners, no interest in conducting proper visual and sound assessments, and no interest in listening to the voices in our community who object to having such a severe and lifelong disruption to their environment and everyday lives. They have created division, conflict and devastation for the hundreds in the communities surrounding this development. We ask that all turbines along Morrison’s Gap Road are removed from the project (turbine numbers 64,65,66,67,68,69 and 70). There are simply too many residents along this road that will have to travel in between turbines (often in severe weather) several times a day. This is an enormous health and safety issue which has been ignored by the applicant and similarly by the department of planning. This is the ONLY road available for residents and landholders and blocking it up with two plus years of construction, as well as the imminent hazards of ice and sleet off turbine blades is unacceptable. These turbines are also within the 3km distance from existing DA at our property. The closest being just over 1km. Turbine location this close is against policy guidelines and all of these turbines should be removed. We ask that all turbines located around the nature reserve Ben Hall’s Gap are removed to protect biodiversity and unique ecosystem in our Hills of Gold. We ask that the proposed transport route of Barry Rd and Morrison’s Gap Road are removed and put off the table completely. This route is unacceptable for heavy transport. Slow, heavy transport traveling up Devil’s Elbow on the daily will severely impact access to not only residents in the area, but also tourists who travel to the area. The transport noise would impact all throughout Hanging Rock Village, Sheba Dam, and all the residents along Morrison’s Gap Road. Morrison’s Gap Road is also too narrow for such transport and we object to the extensive clearing of native vegetation to widen the road. Oakenville Creek Bridge was never included in any assessments so it is not known if it can take these heavy loads or if it is even wide enough. The applicant has also failed to produce accurate noise and vibration assessments, including traffic noise from the proposed transport routes. In this route, they identified 11 houses that would be affected, however, failed to include an additional 12 that will be affected. Since the transport amendment in November 2022, they have failed to conduct any assessments of houses impacted along this new route. A number of areas have also been neglected for visual assessment. The applicant has a duty to address all areas that will be visually impacted by the development. There has been no visual assessment of the Transverse Track on the face of the Wombrumurra mountain. This is visible from everywhere driving into Nundle. There has been no visual assessment of the Western Connector road from Crawney Road (an access option) to the development corridor on the ridge. There has been no visual assessment for the proposed private road bypass behind Peel Inn. This is at the entrance to the town and the applicant has neglected to have proper assessments done. There has also been no photo montage of the visual impact of the two options for the location of the substation and the associated infrastructure with in (including a battery bank, work shed, concrete batching plant, night lighting and car park). This location will be visible from everywhere and needs to be assessed appropriately. There is also a proposed car park for construction vehicles in Nundle, however, no location has been disclosed and therefore, no visual assessment. We ask for all of these impacted areas to be assessed in accordance with the EIS guidelines, that so far, the applicant has failed to do. On the public meeting dates of the first and second of February 2024, the commissioners were able to hear from three different RFS members of the Hanging Rock Brigade. Each member spoke of the incredible risk this development would impose. They spoke of the unsuitability of location for this development due to the fire risk and spoke of the various difficulties of terrain, access, water and aerial water bombing needed to combat fires in this area. Two members who spoke were part of an incredible team that sacrificed and fought the horrific fires in 2019-2020. Sadly, the landholder host to the development attempted to discredit the efforts of the Hanging Rock RFS to the commissioners, showing the unfortunate attitude that has befallen any individual, volunteer group, community group and business that has opposed this development. It is a clear message for the last 6 years from both the hosts and supporters of this development and from Engie, that if one does not approve of this windfarm development then you are venomously dismissed. It is a divisive and aggressive attitude that has divided the community terribly. Thankfully, many of the community DO remember and acknowledge their RFS volunteers door knocking, to check on the safety of residents, fighting fires for weeks and weeks that saved some community member’s houses, and also the kind donations of food and water that several in the community gave in to the local café which was then taken up to the firefighters. During an unprecedented time where 6 Australian Fire fighters died during this disaster period across our state, our RFS volunteers sacrificed dearly to make sure our community was safe. Three members of the Hanging Rock brigade (including the current Captain and Senior Deputy Captain) were also recognised for their sacrifice and service by the Australian Government with letters of thanks from former Premier Gladys Berejiklian and awarded the National Emergency Medal from His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor General of Australia. This was celebrated by the community at an awards ceremony in Tamworth with photos posted on a local community Facebook page as well as Tamworth Regional Council News. It is important for the Commissioners to listen to the local Hanging Rock RFS that spoke and submitted their deep concerns. They are trained and experienced and hold merit in their objections to the development. I ask that the applicant addresses where they will source water, gravel and sand. This is a question that many in the community have sought answers for, for almost 6 years. These need to be addressed and yet, the applicant refuses to address these, like so many other factors. Finally, it is the applicant’s duty to include in the EIS the reasons why this development should be approved. Instead - due to their incomplete and some non-existent assessments (including hydrological, soil, visual, sound), complete lack of community consultation, lack of transparency, divisive tactics in the community, no viable transport route, and resounding objections from all across the community and beyond – they have proved why this development should NOT be approved. The applicant has proved that this is NOT a suitable site in regards to rural dwellings, rural villages, conservation (this is evident in the amount of clearing needed for this development), land of high scenic value and the tourism that this community depends on. I implore the commissioners to listen to the vast majority of objections and concerns from the numerous community members, community groups, expert analysts and councils. This development is not suitable, not sustainable and the applicant has neglected to sufficiently address numerous areas within the EIS. With the lack of social license and the poorly addressed guidelines, this development should never be approved. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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The persistence and tenacity of the Hills Of Gold Preservation Inc committee is something I believe everyone in Nundle can agree is something to be respected and admired. This relentless fight for the protection of the community has been ongoing for six years, with the project being opposed by the majority of Nundle’s residents, which is a fact often ignored by both media and government. A central reason I choose to oppose the wind farm is the direct impact it will have on the village itself. In order for 91 metre long vehicles to get through Nundle, roads, fences, trees and bridges will need to be removed or replaced for the sake of a project that the majority of the town didn't even want in the first place. Residents of Nundle will be unable to park on specific streets during construction, traffic will become overly complicated, and annoy even those who wanted it, and the humble, quiet, easygoing feeling of the town will be destroyed. Trucks carrying turbine parts will be going through Nundle 6.5 days a week and will no doubt affect Nundle’s identity as a tourist destination, an aspect of the town which will affect Nundle’s variety of small businesses built off of tourism. Engie investors and representatives don’t care about Nundle or their destructive impact on the community, they only care about the profits that they can squeeze out of the town. Their carelessness is demonstrated especially in the fact that many of the property owners whose properties are directly affected by the location of the project, in six years, have never been visited by any representatives of the company, even to just hear them out or assess the Noise or Visual impact. The six years spent fighting against Engie are years I desperately hope pay off for the sake of my family, and all of those who fought so hard to preserve the Hills of Gold. The approval of this project would only split the community even further apart than it already has been, and the debate and conflict would extend through generations. If the project is rejected, however, the community can slowly grow and heal from this part of its history, without constant reminders perched atop the Hills of Gold we fought so hard to protect. |
Jessica Sylvester
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
see attached file |
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jess-ipc_redacted.pdf (PDF, 82.22 KB) |
Graeme Watts
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Please see attached as submission. |
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graeme-watts-2-submission-to-ipc--hills-of-gold-windfarm--ssd--9679--12224pdf-1redacted.pdf (PDF, 145.66 KB) |
Susie Hooper
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I object to this proposed development. Please see the attached document for all information. |
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sh-objection-submission--ssd9679--finalpdf.pdf (PDF, 883.78 KB) |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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I moved from a city to Hanging Rock for peace and serenity, the rural landscape of Nundle and isolated mountain landscape of Hanging Rock. The transport impact of Hills of Gold Wind Farm on Barry Rd, Morrisons Gap Rd and Shearers Rd has been underestimated. Residents of Shearers Rd and Morrisons Gap Rd will be seriously inconvenienced by a proposal to use radio communication for entering and exiting their properties. It already has dangerous atmospheric conditions for driving, with heavy mist, and sometimes snow. Having construction traffic to deal with will make it more dangerous and cause delays for commuters. Residents and visitors enjoy the picturesque drive and are often distracted by the scenic views. Construction activity and ongoing operation of Hills of Gold Wind Farm will reduce the amenity of residents and visitors. Barry Rd from Forest Way and Morrisons Gap Gap are classified as Local Roads and they should be removed from the project for heavy and heavy vehicles requiring escort. The mapping for the project indicates that wind farm infrastructure such as compounds, blade trespass, internal tracks and underground cabling trespass with the public road reserve. It is unclear what barrier infrastructure will be in place surrounding the Morrisons Gap Rd project area. I request that Turbines 64-70 are removed from the project. |
Graeme Watts
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Submission attached as PDF. |
Attachments |
graham-watts-submission-to-ipc--hills-of-gold-windfarm--ssd--9679--12224pdf_redacted.pdf (PDF, 145.98 KB) |
Jason Nester
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New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
The PDF is attached |
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nad-07pdf_redacted.pdf (PDF, 382.26 KB) |
Joe Worley
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Please see attached document. |
Attachments |
joe-worley--wind-farm-objectionpdf_redacted.pdf (PDF, 74.7 KB) |
Matt Langfield
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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⬛⬛⬛ Astor ⬛⬛⬛ nundle creek road Nundle Below are my objections to Hills of gold wind farm * Community engagement has been poor at best. We had many meetings at our property but did not get much in the way of information. We took many days off work to find out as much as we could about this project, costing us a lot of money. From the start, my partner and I agreed to both be present at these meetings for our safety, as we did not know these people. *We even asked for any info to be emailed, as we wanted all info in writing as well as taking time off work our employers understood, but at times were not happy about taking time off when it suited the applicant instead of us. *The applicant did not want to put info in writing and wanted to see us one on one to get the signature they needed. * The applicant does not have access at either end of this project; the applicant still does not know where gravel and water for roads will be sourced. * Photo montages provided show only 1 spot from our farm. We asked for photos from other spots of importance to us but photographers were late and did not have time to do this for us. *we were told to plant trees in our driveway to block our view; I’ve lost count of how many trees we have planted since we purchased our farm. We will not be planting the trees the applicant have advised because of bush fire hazards and risk of falling limbs on our vehicles and house. *mental health is important in rural and farming communities, I am lucky enough to have an amazing partner, family & friends to get us through the last 6 years, to ether sit and talk or just have someone to sit with in silence. To have some one to be there for us in the tough times means more than anything the applicants can offer. *from the first public meeting with the applicants they said if the community does not want this, it would not go ahead. I have meet the applicant at every meeting they wanted to me attend, every chance to put my concerns in writing at DPI submissions & surveys. Its clear by numbers of support vs objections this project is not wanted by the majority. Ive done every thing this company has asked of me and I only ask for one thing, to leave us alone. Please do not ask us about voluntary land acquisition, the damage to the ridge line will last generations, not just the 30 years of the project. This project should be rejected. Thanks ⬛⬛⬛ |
Svetlana Carroll
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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My parents own one of the proposed site’s neighbouring lots. This is the land that my family will inherit. It has been in our family for over 40 years. LAND USE: We use this land as a lifestyle lot, our children being Kamilaroi (from their father’s side) often enjoy the natural landscape and partake in traditional hunting and gathering activities on this land. We drink from the natural water source on this land. CONSULTATION The applicant has not properly consulted my parents, they have not addressed any of their concerns with regards to visual and noise impacts and health concerns arising from the wind turbines. The applicant’s responses are vague and generic. WATER SUPPLY where will water be sourced from? My understanding is that water licences are only required to be obtained once the project is approved, if this is the case the process is back to front. Water availability is a key component to the construction and function of this site due to its location. Our concerns with water allocation and water contamination is of high importance. How can approval be granted if there is no real information as to where water will be drawn from. Our concerns stem from the fact that in the past we have had water pumped out of our water source without our permission by the main land holder that will host these turbines. They trespassed onto our land and installed a pump, photo evidence was taken and the act reported to EPA and NRAR. If this landowner was desperate enough to trespass and pump water from our water source due to drought conditions then surely the site in its current state lacks sufficient water supply for this major project. LAND VALUE: Our land value goes hand in hand with our land use. We use our land as a lifestyle lot. We enjoy the natural fauna and flora and the tranquility of its surroundings. The construction of a wind turbine factory at our door step takes away from the nature of our lot. The use will be undermined by heavy industrial equipment that will negatively affect our property’s views, noise and displacement of native animals on our land. The juxtaposition of the proposed site and our natural land undermines what makes our land valuable, the tranquility. This project jeopardises our only sanctuary and my children’s ability to connect with their land. If the project is to proceed the wind turbines that are within 3km of our boundary being 64-70 must be removed. |
Name Redacted
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12/02/2024 |
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I am ⬛⬛⬛ and my family own Wombramurra Station located at ⬛⬛⬛ Head of Peel Road Nundle. I am part of our family business Sylvester Cattle Co that runs a beef cattle breeding and fattening operation. As part of family succession planning I am keen to take on the section of our property Wombramurra Station located in the southern corner that is on a separate title and comprises approximately 900ha . There is an approved preliminary DA to build a dwelling on this section of the property. The location for the dwelling I chose due to its elevated views of the property, main access roads and infrastructure. The site will be within 2kms of the closest proposed turbine WTG22 and approximately 1km from the proposed transverse track. The proponent has noted the existence of the Preliminary DA however there have not been visual or noise assessments carried out from the nominated location. The DPE Assessment Recommendations to IPC states in section 119 As discussed earlier, although there is the possibility of future dwellings (subject to approvals processes), these warrant a lower weighting due to their uncertain nature and the ability for them to be designed, sited and oriented to avoid or reduce impacts. Also, Section 120. the potential future dwelling locations could be located beyond 2 km of turbines and oriented away from the project to minimise visual impacts and in locations where the noise criteria could be met. I wish to object to these statements as the project does not have approval and we should not be restricted to build on sites that do not add maximum value to our land. I would like to highlight comments made by the Peer review presented by the Hills of Gold Presentation society in the Table 17 lack of consideration of future effects and their impacts, including operation, decommissioning and the effects of climate change. It will be my generation who will be dealing with the decommissioning phase of these projects and the DPE recommendations in Table 17 are inadequate and provide no confidence in the process for adjoining non associated Landholders. Hills of Gold Wind Farm is not located in a Rez Zone and as noted by the DPE there is a long and detailed proposed conditions of Consent. As commissioners you have the responsibility to see the flaws in this project greatly outweigh the potential energy production. This project should not be approved as it sets a dangerous precedent for future projects. If the commission do consider approval it is vital in line with the DPE Assessment turbines 9-11 and 53-63 need to be removed from this project and the Preliminary DA in place should add weight to this. Turbines 24,28 and 42 need to be removed due to biodiversity impacts and the proximity to our property. In addition I request the removal of Turbine 22 which is the closest proximity to the PDA. Turbine 40 due to is proximity to the PDA and Ben Halls Nature Reserve Turbine 39 due its proximity to Ben Halls Nature Reserve and will allow turbine 38 to be microsite to a more suitable location. Turbine 12 as it is located on a high erosion site (slope 30% or Greater ) and the constructability requires massive earth works and cut and fill on an already unstable area I refer to the extra information provided by the Proponent in the report commissioned by the DPE by engineering specialists David Piccolo report appendix B Being 24 years old it will be my generation left to deal with the decommissioning of these type of projects. The DPE recommendations as cited in the Assessment report and Instrument of Consent B49 table 2 are totally inadequate and provide no protection for the environment or neighbouring non associated landholders. It will be impossible to truly rehabilitate this site due to the slope and sensitive soil types. The potential of environmental and water pollution during construction and decommissioning have been totally underestimated. We should not be exposed to the risks associated with disturbance of such a sensitive site that will have significant effects on our land as neighbours to the project site for 20km. This includes increased erosion and instability of the ridgeline causing landslips and increased siltation of rivers and streams. The possibility of polluted water entering our property and the associated blue green algae risks identified in Greg Chapmans submission to the IPC have not been addressed. Neither has the risk of biosecurity breaches due to introduction of weeds, that then move onto our property through water ways. I would like to draw the commissioners‘ attention to the Windy Hills Wind Farm near Ravenshoe QLD where in July 2023 it was reported that decommissioned components of the wind farm were being stacked in old quarries in the vicinity of the wind farm. I do not consider this an acceptable outcome and highlights my concerns for comments made at the IPC Public hearing for Hills of Gold Wind Farm where the DPE and Engie both stated they will deal with the decommissioning phase when required. There needs to be a firm commitment to a structured decommissioning plan that covers all aspects including component removal and location, evidence that the surface disturbance including hard stands, lay off areas, all roads and tracks and all associated buildings are removed. There also needs to be a clear and transparent way this work will be paid for and by whom. This needs to be addressed and agreed upon prior any consent being given for this project. Allowing proponents to “sort this out later” sets a dangerous precedent and allows proponents to make decisions without consultation resulting in disastrous outcomes for the environment. As neighbouring landholders the way the proponent has dealt with us over the past five years has been far from transparent and honest, the lack of a decommissioning plan does not give us any confidence in the processes and conditions of approval associated with the DPE recommendations. This project had so many changes and variations over the past five years it is clearly sited in the wrong location. I am also concerned the approval by the DPE has been pushed through with large amounts of critical information missing. It is my generation who will deal with all the poor decisions that are currently being made in the renewable energy sector please make sure this is not one of them. This project is located outside the designated renewable Energy Zone, will have disastrous repercussions for the environment and biodiversity of such a sensitive area, lacks community support and has no social license. This project needs to be rejected by the IPC. The below photos and map highlight the areas of transverse track and the proximity of the turbines to the PDA. |
Attachments |
photo-from-the-pda-site-1jpg.jpg (JPG, 3.45 MB) photo-from-the-pda-site-2jpg.jpg (JPG, 2.34 MB) south-western-end-wombramurra-stationjpg.jpg (JPG, 283.74 KB) |
Jane Bloomfield
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New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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I object to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm (SSD - 9679) for some of the reasons stated below. I visit this area where my friends live and work and the environment is a fragile and delicate one often beset by droughts. This development has never had social licence. For six long years the local communities most affected by this project have had clear and undeniable majority opposition. The impact of forcing this development into a fragile ecological landscape on the Great Dividing Range at natural elevations of 1400m; the geotechnical, near impossible, constraints associated with such; and the extensive destruction of the natural environment on which it sits will result in significant and irreversible environmental, visual, heritage, economic and social cohesion impacts. The DPE assessment states that the visual integrity will remain intact and the wind farm will not dominate the visual landscape. The community disagrees as no amount of vegetative screening can hide turbine structures (230m tall) that will sit atop the natural elevation at 1600 m height. It is easy to rate a visual blight as not impactful when you will not see it for the next thirty-five years. The ecological costs of the HOG WF far outweigh any benefits. How can it be a benefit to earth’s sustainability to sacrifice multi-century old trees for a thirty-five year industrial wind development? This development causes the fragmentation of the natural environmental corridors between Crawney Pass National Park and Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve (BHGNR). These two natural settings are themselves part of the wider network of conservation reserves located on top of the Liverpool Range ( part of the Great Dividing Range where the HOG WF is proposed) that also includes Coolah Tops, Murrurundi Pass NP and Towarri NP, Cedar Brush/ Wallabadah and Wingen Maid Nature Reserves. All of these form part of a regional corridor providing habitat connectivity along the Liverpool Range and is also located within the broader Great Eastern Initiative conservation corridor. 190.54 ha of native vegetation will be removed which will cause serious direct and indirect impacts to listed threatened flora and fauna species and communities and also impacts to birds and bats through blade strike, habitat loss and barotrauma. There is no confidence in the DPE assessment of Engie’s response of its ability to stop the potential of sedimentation of waterways going into BHGNR which could impact the EPBC ( Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act) listed Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest. There are fourteen listed Threatened fauna species within this development site that will be impacted and put at further risk. Koalas are one of these (now currently listed as Endangered) and 46.2 ha of koala habitat will be cleared. NSW Koala Strategy has set a target to double koala numbers by 2050 or it is feared they will be extinct in NSW by that time. The NSW Government lists some the greatest threats to koalas as habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat, bushfire, vehicle strike - all of these are present as impacts of this HOG WF proposal. It is impossible to use the system of Biodiversity Offsets, in whatever form, to compensate for the destruction of the land where this development is proposed. It is impossible to offset sub-alpine forest communities - they are island communities that can’t be replicated in an offset place. Once they are gone, they are gone for good! Biodiversity offsets cannot mitigate real losses, as the DPE chooses to believe. They make appeasement through legislation only. The consequences and impacts of this development, to the native flora and fauna, the human inhabitants, its waterways and aquatic life, the heritage are too great, serious and irreversible. The believe that the DPE has made the wrong assessment this project. I ask that the IPC reject the application for the Hills of Gold Wind farm. If the IPC approves this Application I ask for the following Conditions of Consent. 1) Condition of Consent B21 (b) (iv) needs to be amended and strengthened to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into the Chaffey and Glenbawn Catchments AND the Isis River.” 2) Condition of Consent added to B21 (b) to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into Perry’s Creek, Pages Creek, Dead Eye Creek and Whites Creek” to protect the interests of the Isis river communities. 3) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 turbines, as indicated by DPE report, due to non-compliance with visual, noise and biodiversity guidelines be upheld. Remove WTGs 9, 10, 11, 24, 28, 42, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 4) Condition of Consent that there be no use of Upper Hunter Shire Council (UHSC) local roads. 5) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 additional turbines due to serious concern about proximity of turbines to important habitat features ( tree canopies, hollow bearing trees, and the BHGNR) and the resultant threats to bat and birds. Removal of WTGs 6, 9, 16, 18, 21, 22, 32, 33, 40, 42, 43, 49, 50, 51, 58, 59, 61. - as posed by BCS and NPWS in the DPE report point 206, page 63. 6) Condition of Consent should state that a suitable and meaningful decommissioning bond must be instituted which starts at the commencement of construction and continues throughout the operation of the project; the “within 18 month timeframe” must stand firm as the beginning of decommissioning with a finished rehabilitation timeframe of no more than three years from the rehabilitation commencement date; all rehabilitation objectives should remain firm and not be able to be waived by the Planning Secretary; additionally all the underground concreting and other underground infrastructure must be removed to enable the restoration of the development site to its natural vegetation and landscape value. |
Belinda Milgate
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New South Wales |
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12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Dear Commissioners Thankyou for the opportunity to submit another submission. Please refer to previous submission in attachment. ( Site meeting 31st January 2024 question ask by team member regarding public road. This is covered in attachment ) My submission will be brief considering it has been 51565 hours or 2150 days or 70 months & 2 weeks since we have been dealing with this proposal that dose not even have access to site. Engie has not provided us with correct information & we disagree with the reinstatement of 11 turbines which some will affect our health. We agree with DPIE with the proposed removal of 11 turbines & would like the removal of turbines 64 to 70 to ensure all turbines are not in our vicinity. This proposal has mentally, physically & financially drained myself, my family & many people within the community. I oppose this proposal. Kind regards Belinda Milgate |
Attachments |
belinda-milgate-objection-wind-farm-2021-3pdf_redacted.pdf (PDF, 2.62 MB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
• Acknowledgement of Country Nundle stands on Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi country. I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land around Nundle. It is concerning to me to see and hear that Engie has engaged in very little consultation with traditional owners about this project. • Impact on Jenkins Street Antiques and Fine China Business I own an Antiques and Fine China business and premises in Jenkins Street, Nundle. The building was constructed in 1926 and has heritage status. The proposed route via Herring Street is behind the store. Vibrations from the repeated movement of heavy vehicles will compromise the building. The stock inside the shop is fine china and porcelain, some of which is rare and valuable. Vibration causes stock to move on the shelves and increases the risk of it becoming fatigued, falling, cracking and breaking. The business relies almost solely on tourism. People come to escape into the tranquillity and slow-living culture of Nundle. Their shopping is usually part of an experience rather than to source something in particular. The heavy vehicle movement will shatter the peaceful atmosphere and will make visits to the town difficult. Visitors from Newcastle will have to endure delays along their entire trip from Newcastle to Nundle via the NE Highway and Lindsay’s Gap Road. The Nundle economy relies heavily on Tourism. Good access and a variety of retail, cultural and environmental opportunities are essential to ensure an ongoing stream of visitors. The shop adjacent to the antique store is an award-winning homewares business. The owners will leave Nundle and close their business if the Hills of Gold Wind Farm goes ahead. This in turn will negatively affect my business as the businesses complement one another and attract similar clientele. Businesses in Nundle are interdependent. • Impacts on the Council Library and Office on Innes Street (heritage building) This building will have heavy vehicles passing if the Herring St/ Innes Street route is used. The building has heritage value and could also be compromised by the constant vibrations. Libraries are heavily used by the young and elderly. Preschool children walk from the preschool to the library crossing Innes Street. The elderly park outside the library and there is a disabled parking spot in Innes Street near the Jenkins street corner. The heavy vehicle movement in Innes Street will impact our most vulnerable community members. • Suitability of the Site The proposed site of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm is a difficult site to access. Access is via winding and steep narrow roads. Surely it makes more sense to locate windfarms in open and accessible areas. It seems the main attraction of this site is the proximity to transmission lines. As wind farming develops in NSW there will be opportunities to connect to the transmission lines from open and accessible sites without causing the destruction and disruption required to establish the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. A similar amount of disruption and destruction will also be required when the farm is decommissioned. • Sound Conditions - Assessment Report page 98 - Verify through noise monitoring that the noise generated by the operation of the wind farm does not exceed 35 dB(A) or the existing background noise level (LA90 (10-minute)) plus 5 dB(A) for each integer wind speed. It is fine to monitor but what conditions exist to correct noise levels if the monitoring reveals that it is unacceptable. Has there been any study of the effects of temperature inversion and night time sound from the ridge? Temperature inversions, when they occur, have the ability to increase noise levels by focusing sound waves. Temperature inversions occur in Nundle predominately at night during the winter months. Where will the noise monitoring occur? Will it monitor noise in the village and surrounding properties? • Big Sky Country The night sky is part of the Nundle Tourism experience. Flashing red lights will compromise the “Big Sky” experience for tourists. • Nundle’s point of difference is that it one of the few unspoiled parts of the State. The natural beauty, tranquillity, slow-living lifestyle is its attraction. Without this it will lose its “point of difference” • Not in a Renewable Energy Zone. The Hills of Gold Windfarm is not in a REZ. I continue to agree with the views expressed by the majority who are concerned about the wind farm. There are engineering complexities, yet to be resolved with the roadworks needed in Herring Street. Concerns also include threats to native flora and fauna, erosion, the impact on the water supply and the social impacts. Please reconsider the suitability of this site. It is a problematic site when compared to other wind farm sites in NSW, most of which are accessible. Do we have to spoil every part of the State or should we leave some unspoiled country for the next generation to experience. The pursuit of renewable energy goals is commendable but not at any cost. Windfarms need to be sited in areas that are accessible and where the impact on the surrounding area is less extreme. |
Emma Bowman
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please accept the attached as my objection to the Hills of Gold Wind project. |
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-ipcn-submissionpdf.pdf (PDF, 1.78 MB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I live on Nundle Creek Rd where we run cattle. I object to Hills of Gold Wind Farm. My front verandah has a clear view of the project area. We moved from the Lower Hunter for the peace and quiet. We love it. There’s nothing better than sitting out on the verandah and there are no traffic lights or street lights. Based on PM 14 attached the visual impact is terrible. We believe the nearest turbine number 63 is 3.5km, and turbine 67 is 4.2km. We will see the whole northern cluster. We will also be impacted by the steady red aviation hazard lights. I request removal of turbines 64-70 and support removal of turbines 53-63. We rely on Nundle Creek and the catchment for stock water. Any sedimentation of the water is a great concern. |
Attachments |
img6066jpg.jpg (JPG, 436.78 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please find submission attached. |
Attachments |
ipc-submission-12224pdf.pdf (PDF, 31.99 KB) |
Selena Sylvester
Organisation |
Nundle Pony Club |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
As the president of the Nundle Pony Club I wish to object to the Hills of Gold Wind farm and request it be rejected. The proponent and project has caused division is a once vibrant cohesive community and the offers of financial assistance to encourage people to support this project have greatly divided the community. Proponents should not be encouraged to behave in these ways in rural communities that rely so much on people working together. |
David Bell
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please see attached |
Attachments |
submission-feb-24-davidpdf.pdf (PDF, 79.6 KB) |
Ben Humbles
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
My name is Ben Humbles, I live at NAD 4a on Shearers Road in Hanging rock. I object to this wind farm n the following grounds: I work in high risk job in underground mines and I understand industrial risk and the processes involved in mitigation it. There are a number of turbines in a very close proximity to Morrisons Gap road which raise red flags. Not only they pose a risk to the driving public, but take away the possibility to mitigate it. Any incident, or even the routine maintenance required a safety zone around the turbines. How do you establish the safety zone when there is a public road going through it?? I personally will drive under one of the turbines and in close proximity to others to get home. Engie's risk assessment statement seen to imply that there will be no public access to wind farm site. How is this possible when residents have to drive THROUGH the site? My home might not be visually impacted by the turbines but I will have to put up with this impact driving through. Also with shadow flicker and ice throw. This is a very cold area with high humidity and ice will be common. I disagree with the idea to issue us with radios so we can ask for permission to travel on Morrisons Gap road! This is a public road, not a private driveway. I disagree with the use of Barry road and Morrisons Gap road for any wind farm associated transport, heavy or not. My conditions: remove turbines near the road (from 64 to 70) and prohibit the use of Morrisons Gap road. |
Attachments |
screen-shot-20240212-at-112311jpg.jpg (JPG, 439.4 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I am writing to lodge my strong objection to the proposed Hills of Gold windfarm. The DEP has not adequately addressed concerns that have been raised including the serious threat to many threatened species (including koalas), soil issues, and the risk of jeopardising water supply to those lower down in the valley including the local communities, their farmlands and livestock – all of whom rely heavily on this water supply. The terrible droughts suffered by this particular region in recent years (and the devastation this caused to the local community) highlight just how precious access to this water supply is in this part of the country. It would be unacceptable for the IPC to approve this windfarm which risks obstructing or at least diminishing the local community’s access to this water supply – which could cause serious and irreparable loss and damage to the community, and possibly even the loss of lives. The issues that have been raised by the opponents of the windfarm make the Hills of Gold site unsuitable for the windfarm development and not in the public interest. It would be unreasonable and illegitimate for the IPC to approve the Hills of Gold windfarm in this site in the face of the issues that have been raised and not adequately addressed by the DEP. It is time the IPC and State and Federal Governments started thinking of our future generations and paid proper regard to the longterm adverse impacts of planning decisions on local communities and the environment (including unique and protected flora and fauna), rather than prioritising the prospect of earning some short-term financial gains (most of which will benefit a French company and its foreign shareholders) which are certainly not guaranteed and which will destroy the local habitats, protected environments and local communities in their wake. The windfarm must be rejected by the IPC and moved to a more suitable site where identified risks can be mitigated. Please see my attached written submissions with my further reasons for objecting to the windfarm proposal (in addition to the objections raised by others in public submissions lodged to date, which I endorse). |
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-windfarm--opposition-submissions-to-the-ipc.pdf (PDF, 174.97 KB) |
Rachel Webster
Organisation |
Upper Peel Landcare Group |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Website |
Submission |
My name is Rachel Webster and my submission is on behalf of Upper Peel Landcare Group of which I've been a member for 5 years. Also as an individual who has dedicated her lifestyle, education and career to environmental stewardship. My Landcare group and I are deeply concerned about the potential long-term impacts on biodiversity. We believe that the ecological costs outweigh the benefits of this project and it should not go ahead. My personal attachment to the natural world is a long one. I grew up on a small farm where we lived a very self-sufficient lifestyle, growing much of our own food minimising our resource use, improving our soils and biodiversity through re-vegetation and weed management. This deep-seeded need to care for our natural world continued into university where I completed a Bachelor degree with first class honours in Wildlife Management and Recreational Ecology. I then spent several years in ecological research In Kosciuszko and Yuraygir National Parks, 3 years as a BeachCare Coordinator in SE QLD and then the Regional Landcare facilitator for NW NSW. My next 15 years were spent in education in the field of science, indigenous culture and sustainability. I am now a small business owner and farmer in Nundle. On our farm in Nundle we continue the lifestyle of my childhood, living with a very small ecological footprint, capturing our own off-grid energy with solar panels, growing our own food and building with recycled materials. My 20 year Environmental Science career working across many levels; from individuals, to community, business and as an advisory to Government, has highlighted the importance of collaborative decision-making. This project has the opportunity to be an example of this; where extensive, democratic collaboration lead to a decision which addresses the needs of the majority of affected people. But above all, remaining a humble student of the natural world and keeping in mind that we as humans are but a small part of a much larger ecosystem. Protecting, managing and restoring our natural world through biodiversity has always been my key focus and is shared by our Landcare Group and the greater Landcare movement. I have long protested against reliance on fossil fuel energy and my early leaning was in support of this apparent green energy project. This was until I started to look deeper into the impacts on biodiversity and I was reminded that renewable energy projects are just one solution amongst many to address the climate crisis. Moving forward from this project, I hope that biodiversity moves to the fore of climate management strategies. Our Landcare group shares the view that there is an important place for renewable energy projects, however these must not be at the expense of natural climate solutions. For example: can we justify the clearance of 190 hectares of land, 8 hectares of which are the endangered Box Gum Woodland, for 64 turbines with a realistic lifespan of only 20-25 years? The trees to be cleared may have taken two centuries to grow and the estimated lifespan of the wind farm pales in comparison. In the pursuit of reduced carbon emissions must we degrade 447ha of existing vegetation and soils which already act as a healthy, functioning carbon sink? Box Gum Woodlands have been the focus of many Landcare Groups in this area with over 6000 trees planted by the Tamworth Urban Landcare Group and over 1000 trees planted by the Upper Peel Landcare group (Tamworth Regional Landcare Association, 2023). Given that there is less than 400 hectares of White Box Woodland remaining in NSW and that Box Gum Woodland supports over 60 threatened species, every effort should be made to protect these communities (Tamworth Regional Landcare Association, 2023). Our Landcare group have successfully collaborated with other community groups, Indigenous elders and local council. As a group we are dependent on a shared vision for sustainability projects. Sadly our once cohesive community has been fractured and we have noted reduced community participation vital for the success of Landcare projects. It is frustrating to our group that there is a proposed clearance of 46.28 ha of existing mature Koala habitat, meanwhile our fellow Landcare community in nearby Gunnedah are working to create 45 ha of new koala habitat. The proposed removal of street trees for the transport route, some of which were planted by local residents, is not supported by our group. These street trees provide habitat, but are also essential in reducing reflective heat, cooling our urban area by up to 10 degrees, an important climate management strategy. The argument that the community fund offered by this project will benefit the community is null and void if there are no volunteers willing to participate in Engie-funded activities. No amount of money can replace long-standing relationships and partnerships based not on money, but on a shared vision. Our group supports the Department’s removal of 17 turbines to reduce Visual, Noise and Biodiversity impacts. However, we believe there are many indirect impacts which have not been addressed and must be considered. We have grave concern for the direct fragmentation of habitat due to transport and transmission lines and indirect fragmentation due to increased weed dispersal. It does not take a University degree in Ecology to observe how opportunist species can invade a disturbed area and threaten biodiversity. Who will manage further potential spread of these weeds? Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve and Crawney Pass National Park are an integral part of the wildlife corridors our group is trying to preserve. The EPBC Act has been put in place to protect ecologically significant ecosystems. The Ben Halls Gap Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest is listed under the EPBC Act as a critically endangered community. This community is similar to the bog communities in the subalpine areas of Kosciuzko National Park where Sphagnum cristamum is the dominant ground cover species. This particular species was one of the most severely impacted by fire, following the severe fires of 2003 (Walsh & McDougall, 2004). Previous studies found that this species and associated communities such as the sphagnum-dominated bogs, are highly sensitive to other impacts such as grazing and trampling and may require between 15- 45 years to recover from disturbance. The location of the Ben Halls Gap Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest community on the boundary of Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve already makes it vulnerable to edge effects. Its close proximity to the boundary of the wind farm makes it even more so, particularly to drying effects from increased exposure. Erosion from land clearance and earth works also pose a serious threat to this sensitive community. Walsh & McDougall (2003) found that the sphagnum-dominated bogs of the alpine areas in Victoria and New South Wales which had been impacted by erosion and habitat fragmentation may never recover naturally and become locally extinct. The Scientific Committee established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act suggest that the survival of this community is attributed to its inaccessibility and therefore reduced exposure to human impacts. The presence of this wind farm negates this previous protection (NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure, 2021). The existing placement of turbines 32, 33, 39, 40, 43 and 45 near the internationally significant biodiversity area should be removed to protect these highly sensitive communities. We believe the recommended 130 m blade tip buffer from the boundary of the Reserve should be increased. We also agree with the recommended 50 m blade tip buffer from existing native vegetation canopy. We ask that the 6 turbines, unable to meet these buffers, be removed. Our group believes the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme, is impressive on paper but holds little true ecological weight. My many years of field study have reinforced that specific environmental parameters of a subalpine microclimate cannot be replicated elsewhere. The pre-European remnant vegetation and subalpine microclimate on the top of the range is unique. Species which rely on cooler temperatures and altitude who already have a limited geographical range, cannot simply be moved. In the world of biodiversity, it is never like for like. We believe as the project stands, there will still be a net loss of biodiversity and some of the critically endangered communities and species may be threatened with local extinction. This project is potentially undoing the important conservation works of not only Landcare, but the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which has a zero extinctions target in all parks and reserves. Research in the subalpine communities in Kosciuszko National park provide an opportunity for some projections for impact in the subalpine communities at this site. Williams et al. (2014) found a minimal impact of climate change on plant diversity and species composition over a 8 year study. However, the pattern of snow reduction at Kosciuzsko National Park has been noted in an expansion of the range of native macropods and wombats (Hartley et al., 2022). This impact may also be relevant and should be considered at this site. The main concern found based on the many studies in this area, rests with exotic species, particularly hard-hooved animals. Williams et al. (2014) conclude that ungulates such as cattle, horses, deer and pigs should be completely absent from alpine ecosystems. All of these were noted at this site. Occasional fires such as those in 2003 and 2007 which initially caused widespread devastation in the alpine and subalpine areas of the Snowy Mountains, are not considered a ‘catastrophic’ threat in Koscisuszko National Park according to Williams et al. (2014). These alpine ecosystems have indicated resilience to fires, however they are protected as National Parks (see attachment for remaining submission) |
Attachments |
submission-wind-farm-individualpdf.pdf (PDF, 677.66 KB) |
Name Redacted
Organisation |
C & D Hill trading as PA & D Hill |
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Location |
|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Please refer to my attached PDF submission as a representative of the partnership C & D Hill located at Bowling Alley Point 10 km downstream from Nundle. Our business is heavily reliant on Nundle townships natural beauty, character and tourism appeal. The project will negatively impact our accommodation and tourism enterprises. Crucially it is also a real and documented threat to water quality in the catchment. This project threatens the economic viability of our multi generational family farm and the economic and physical health of those downstream from the construction site. |
Attachments |
wind-farm-submission--partnership-of-c--d-hill-trading-as-pa--d-hillpdf.pdf (PDF, 190.67 KB) |
John Sylvester
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
The Head of Peel Road has been identified as an emergency access to the project however in the maps I will attach it connects to logging tracks and tracks used for transmission line infrastructure. As the owner of the land on which Kirks Road is located, I do not give permission for any heavy vehicles or service vehicles associated with this project to transverse the right of carriage way which was granted to our neighbour in good faith as a right of carriage way for agricultural purposes and not an industrial development. If the commissioners intend to approve this project we ask as a condition of consent the use of Kirks Road is only allowed for Fire, Police and Ambulance to access the site in an emergency. Please see the attached file for further comments I draw your attention to our property map as attached and the extent to which our property is surrounded by this project also map showing Kirks Road and the roads within the project site that run off it. |
Attachments |
john-ipcsubmission.pdf (PDF, 144.11 KB) screen-shot-20240124-at-190906jpg.jpg (JPG, 1.37 MB) south-western-end-wombramurra-stationjpg.jpg (JPG, 283.74 KB) |
Alena Lavrushkina
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please see the Submission attached |
Attachments |
alena-l-final_redacted.pdf (PDF, 187.76 KB) |
Josie Howarth
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
To whom it may concern, I strongly oppose to the proposed Hills of Gold Windfarm! Over the last 6 years I have followed the proposal, amendments, and planning of Engie closely and have submitted several opposing submissions. To date I have no confidence in Engie's integrity, competency, and ability regarding the execution of this project. As an almost 18-year-old I have spent much of my childhood in Nundle during the school holidays. Nundle is a special place because of how peaceful and undisturbed it is as well as the fascinating charm that the town brings. My passion and love for horse riding evolved in Nundle on my grandparents’ farm, and along with my love of horse riding came my love for the countryside. The beautiful rolling hills and abundant farmland that is home to many animals (domestic and native) as well as a source of income for friends and families. It is a concern for me that 190 acre of natural and historical land is to be cleared which not only impacts people’s livelihood on their own properties but also the businesses in the town as Nundle won’t be as appealing as it once was should the wind farm go ahead and therefore, tourists will be less inclined to visit. As a young person I am extremely conscious and aware of climate change and agree that renewable sources of energy positively benefit climate change. However, with this proposal of the wind farm comes the risk of destabilising a beautiful, natural, and abundant town that has deep historical roots for many people including indigenous peoples and many native animals. The distinction of animals is ever-present, and it would be heartbreaking to clear 46 acres of precious kola habitat. The world already has so much destruction, more is not needed! Therefore, I strongly oppose to the proposal of a windfarm in Nundle, due to the industrialisation of the village which would be unforgiving and irreversible the residents’ livelihoods being in jeopardy and the hundreds of acres of vegetation that would be lost. Essentially being replaced by concrete and windmill parts which will affect Nundle’s ecosystem and the beauty of the landscape for hundreds of years. I urge you to consider whether this is the best solution to the problem and how it will affect the people, animals, and ecosystem of Nundle. |
Myee Hill-Moody
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
My name is Myee Hill-Moody. I am joint owner of a farm at Bowling Alley Point called ‘ ⬛⬛⬛' located at ⬛⬛⬛ Nundle road, Bowling Alley Point, 2340. We also run an agro tourism business on the farm letting houses out on a short stay basis. Our houses are very popular due to their proximity to Chaffey Dam, the delightful tourist town of Nundle and the Hanging Rock district. The picturesque location of this area is a hidden gem for tourists. Our guests are free to roam and walk around the farm, climb hills and enjoy the spectacular views in every direction. We also have incredible night skies. The best I have ever seen. Our guests visit to enjoy the landscape and the district. They are not coming to see a windfarm. As a landowner in the vicinity of the proposed Hills of Gold windfarm, I have not had any contact with Engie about their proposal. Our nearest large village is Nundle. Although we are outside the 10km radius of the proposed windfarm it will affect our business. I wish to submit my reasons for strongly opposing the proposed Hills of Gold windfarm located about 5km south of Hanging Rock and 8km south-east of Nundle. My reasons for opposing the windfarm are: Environmental impact: - Unnecessary destruction of natural forest which our planet desperately needs to breathe. - Permanent destruction of habitat of native and threatened species including the Spotted-tailed Quoll. - Permanent destruction of native flora. - Increased bush fire risk in a high lightening strike area. - Erosion caused from constructing a windfarm on steep unstable soil. - Any additional silt and weeds entering Peel River will ultimately end up in Chaffey Dam. This is Tamworth’s and our farms water supply. What is the knock-on effect further down this chain of water ways, as the Peel River is a part of the Namoi catchment within the Murray-Darling basin? - The quantity of native forest destruction is unjustified for the windfarms limited life span. - The reduction of proposed turbines and the windfarm footprint still does not remove the impact on this environmentally sensitive and valuable area. Social impact: - The social and economic cost on a community. The once vibrant community of Nundle has been fractured by the proposal of this windfarm. - Ultra large trucks will be needed to transport construction materials. These are not appropriate on narrow country roads and will be dangerous for tourists and locals. - Noise pollution from construction activities, and the noise and vibration from operational turbines will effect fauna and anyone living in the vicinity. Visual impact: - Nundle’s and our tourism business relies on the natural beauty of this area. The windfarm will destroy the horizon and replace it with a man-made one visible for miles around. This will no longer be a natural view of the Hills of Gold, but an interruption by a man-made feature deterring tourism. - Light pollution from operational turbines will destroy any Dark Sky Tourism. The proposed windfarm is a great idea, but only in the right location. I am not against renewable energy. This windfarm is geographically an irreversible mistake that will impact future generations. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I do not give permission for the following Lot Number/Deposit Plan (DP) to be included in the DPHI Recommended Development Consent, Appendix 2: Schedule of Lands, pg 26-27. As previously advised I do not give permission for trespass on the following Lot Number/Deposit Plan (DP). Lot 4/Section 27/DP758798 Lot 70/DP651371 Lot 1/DP1067837 |
Dave Stien
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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In the early days the developer’s representative told the community that if the majority was against the wind farm, it wouldn’t go ahead. The local majority has spoken out and the company is still here. It has been unclear over six years which roads the applicant intends to use. The only information they could give us was to impose the project on the community. The company has not developed trust with the majority of impacted landholders. My house is NAD-39 inside the blue line, 4km from the nearest turbine. My house is located on an elevated hill with the ground sloping around in all directions. I have looked at the maps and contour lines and turbines 67, 68 and 69 are a cluster in the valley that I overlook. I ask for removal of turbines 67, 68 and 69. There are only a couple of roads in and out of Nundle and Hanging Rock. Our roads can’t handle the industry that is here now, let alone construction for the wind farm. The applicant has shown no understanding of the sometimes brutal climate and topography. There will be periods when road modification won't be possible and the developer won't be able to access the project area simply because of the extreme weather and extreme terrain. The cost of construction is greatly underestimated, still using 2020 figures. With the size of the project decreased to 47 turbines, you have to question the viability of the project and value for NSW consumers. I ask that Barry Rd be removed from the transport route in the conditions. The road is classified as a Local Rd and not suitable for B-Doubles. The road will not handle the heavy and oversize and overmass vehicles proposed. It doesn’t handle the vehicles that are on it now. Residents do not want to experience the delays and inconvenience of construction traffic for two years, but likely four. It is a small town with a beautiful outlook,. Why ruin it? The wind farm will have a high visual impact as you move around the area. Living on the mountain I am aware of the local flora and fauna. I’ve noticed animals up there that I don’t see very often. They are quite rare. The local animals are going to be disturbed, if not killed. The bird life is a big thing to me. I am concerned about the resources that the wind farm is going to use, particularly water. The applicant hasn’t identified where the water is coming from for the project. The project has had a terrible effect on the town, destroying friendships. We don’t need tense relations. Regards, Dave Stien |
Name Redacted
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12/02/2024 |
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As a passionate supporter of action to mitigate climate change, I would normally support any renewables energy project. But there is a point at which the location of a wind farm can cause more environmental damage than it mitigates. Nundle, which is outside the Renewable Energy zone, is simply not an appropriate place. Leaving aside the damage that would be caused transporting massive turbines through such winding, narrow roads, the project has the potential to severely harm the biodiversity of the nature corridor connecting Crawney Pass National Park to Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve and Ben Halls Gap State Forest. Then there is the visual impact. Supporters of the project may argue that not wanting to see turbines shouldn’t stop them being built. But why choose a heritage village and a place renowned for its natural beauty for such a visually intrusive project when there are so many other locations available? I have seen the devastating effect the various proposals have had on the community over the past five years, setting those in favour of the wind farm against those opposing it. And the great majority are strongly against it. Most people in Nundle genuinely value its quiet, are of course looking forward to an influx of workers but most residents are dreading it. And the question that has never been satisfactorily answered for them is ‘Why Nundle?’ Everything suggests it should never have been a serious proposition. Regardless of the final decision, the bitterness will remain in the community, perhaps for generations. |
Anika Heintze
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
12/02/2024 |
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Website |
Submission |
To whom it may concern, I would like to make a point that I, strongly oppose the proposed Hills of Gold Windfarm! Whilst I firmly agree with the need and necessity of renewable energy, I whole heartedly believe that this windfarm is not in the right place and doomed to fail. Over the last 6 (!) yearsI have followed the proposal, amendments and planing of Engie closely and have supmitted a number of opposing submissions. To date I still have absolutely no confidence in Engie's integrity, competency and ability regarding execution of this project. I also believe that the research and comunity/expert consultation is by no means comprehensive enough. What really concerns me is that there is little to no accountability with regards to the many 'conditions', connected to the approval of this proposal, once the project is approved! Many crucial aspects like: ▪︎transport, ▪︎transmission lines, ▪︎land management, ▪︎biodiversity, ▪︎division within the Nundle community, ▪︎impact on nature reserves and ▪︎ inpact on endangered species, ▪︎impact on private land owners, ▪︎ impact on residents lives, ▪︎ impact on livelihoods, ▪︎impact on exsisting businesses and ▪︎ impact on exsising employment is not satisfactorily addressed nor resolved. It is evident that this project is unwanted by the majority of Nundle residents. We, my husband and I, as well as our extended family, had property and lived in Nundle for over over 30 years. We love Nundle for it's beautiful surrounding nature, it's people, it's fascinating charm and most and foremost it's rolling hills, the ancient mountain range and the history that is preserved and presented. What a rare gem, to find a vibrant little town with a large amount of services, clubs, businesses and heritage off the beaten track, so far away from the main highway!! My husband and I have build, owned and still run tourism and hospitality businesses in Nundle (we build The DAG Sheepstation), Sydney and the Blue Mountains. We understand from our own experience the attraction of rural tourism: the 're-set' visitors experience, the energising stay in a place like Nundle, untouched from the high density, build up hassle and bussle of cities and urban living. Nundle is good for the sol, a place that offers something for absolute everyone: Single travellers feel safe to explore and rejuvenate, couples can enjoy a romantic getaway and families can enjoy time together and make memories, -spending an active holiday that includes something for everyone effortlessly. Places like Nundle, where visitors and residence can experience and live part of Australian history (gold rush, pioneering, farming) are becoming more and more rare. At the same time, or because of that, it is more important than ever to enable Australian people and international visitors/new residents connect to Australien history and preserve those places. Please considder and realise that 'The Hills of Gold Windfarm' would mean lasting change to the character and charm of Nundle. It would harm the substantial heritage and ruin the natural and rural landscape surrounding Nundle. The industrialisation of the village would be unforgiving and irreversible. The loss of amenity to residents is a great concern as well. The impact on tourism from industrialisation and road disruption will be detrimental. Long standing, successfully run businesses will potentially close. I sincerely hope that my concerns will be considdered and I thank you for your efforts. With Kind Regards, Anika |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
See attached file. |
Attachments |
catherines-submission-finalpdf.pdf (PDF, 367.57 KB) |
Selena Sylvester
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
see att |
Attachments |
ipc-submission-final-ss_redacted.pdf (PDF, 667.24 KB) |
Katherine Eagles
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
As a concerned citizen, who has previously owned a property in the Isis River area for over 25 years, I have loved the natural beauty of the landscape in this area. I am a supporter of Wind farms as a move towards a more sustainable energy future. But the HOG is the right 'concept' project in THE WRONG spot, why destroy ecologically sensitive land & vital wildlife corridors to protect our environment??? It just does not make sense. Projects such as these are made for areas that have already been deforested, areas not ecologically sensitive. Projects such as 'HOG' are not for land abutting National Parks and Nature Reserves. Please see Sense !!!. Further notes to support the above. - The ecological costs of the HOG WF far outweigh any benefits. How can it be a benefit to earth’s sustainability to sacrifice multi-century old trees for a 35 year industrial wind development? - This development causes the fragmentation of the natural environmental corridors between Crawney Pass National Park and Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve (BHGNR). These two natural settings are themselves part of the wider network of conservation reserves located on top of the Liverpool Range ( part of the Great Dividing Range where the HOG WF is proposed) that also includes Coolah Tops, Murrurundi Pass NP and Towarri NP, Cedar Brush/ Wallabadah and Wingen Maid Nature Reserves. - All of these form part of a regional corridor providing habitat connectivity along the Liverpool Range and is also located within the broader Great Eastern Initiative conservation corridor. - 190.54 ha of native vegetation will be removed which will cause serious direct and indirect impacts to listed threatened flora and fauna species and communities and also impacts to birds and bats through blade strike, habitat loss and barotrauma. - There is no confidence in the DPE assessment of Engie’s response of its ability to stop the potential of sedimentation of waterways going into BHGNR which could impact the EPBC ( Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act) listed Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest. - There are 14 listed Threatened fauna species within this development site that will be impacted and put at further risk. - Koalas are one of these and 46.2 ha of koala habitat will be cleared. NSW Koala Strategy has set a target to double koala numbers by 2050 or it is feared they will be extinct in NSW by that time. The NSW Government lists some the greatest threats to koalas as habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat, bushfire, vehicle strike - all of these are present as impacts of this HOG WF proposal. - It is impossible to use the system of Biodiversity Offsets, in whatever form, to compensate for the destruction of the land where this development is proposed. It is impossible to offset sub- alpine forest communities - they are island communities that can’t be replicated in an offset place. Once they are gone, they are gone for good! Biodiversity offsets cannot mitigate real losses, as the DPE chooses to believe. They make appeasement through legislation only. Bats and Birds - It is hoped that the presentation to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) by Melissa Hadley, a member of the Newcastle and Hunter Valley Speleological Society (NHVSS) and a regular caver in the exact area of this wind farm development footprint, gave cause for grave concern about the DPE assessment of the impacts to high species diversity and density of microbats and other bat species in the development area. - The information that Engie used to inform its assessment and responses to the DPE is inaccurate and grossly outdated. The DPE appears to have accepted these without proper scrutiny and assessment, notwithstanding multiple Submissions they received throughout this process by the NHVSS members and other Speleological groups. - There is a staggering amount of inaccurate and outdated information in the reports relied upon by DPE and highlights the inadequacy therefore to inform critical decisions about environmental conservation. The data used is taken from a 1985 reference book ( Australian Karst Index 1985), which fails to reflect the current documented caves ( and their inhabitants) in the development area of concern. As just one example, the references cited only 3 of the known 9 caves at Crawney Pass, 1 of 2 known in Barrington, and does not even mention the further 171 caves. - The reliance on the outdated , inaccurate information negates the DPE’s entire assessment of the threats to Bats ( and Birds); it undermines the accuracy of the proposed Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Plan (BBAMP); it renders as useless Engie’s Environmental Impact Statement studies; and puts into jeopardy the long term viability of our ecosystems. - The DPE had an obligation to ensure that decisions affecting our environment are based on the best, current scientific data. This did not happen. - The mitigation measures in the Report are woefully insufficient, ignoring the complexities of bat ecology and behaviour and the interconnectedness of their habitats. |
Brent McKay
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
As a resident and local business owner in Nundle I object to the Hill of Gold wind Farm project. The scale of the project is immense, and I am amazed at the complete lack of information available to local residents. At least some input from the proponent should have been a priority to ensure every resident, not just in Nundle and Hanging Rock but all affected areas, are fully informed. Visual impact on the area has not been suitably assessed, if at all. The aviation night lighting on the range will destroy the amazing dark skies. I will see turbines from my residence and am therefore affected by the proposal. Aerial firefighting was crucial to controlling the recent bushfires, my business was directly affected by these fires and to hear that any future aerial firefighting will be compromised due to the size and placement of the turbines is unacceptable. The transport routes are unclear and have changed many times so we are unsure as to which route/(s) will be used. The planned increase in vehicle movements will also negatively impact my business, not to mention further damage roads and infrastructure that is already showing signs of wear as they are not maintained at all. Water, gravel, and sand sources for construction have not been identified. The project is situated outside of a REZ. As a property owner in Nundle I would like to hope that property prices are unaffected, but this project has the potential to devalue houses and land. The majority of local residents have objected to the project and would like their voice finally heard. This area is not suited to a large-scale industrial wind farm therefore I ask that the IPC please reject this project. |
Yestin Hooper
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to the proposed project, please see attached submission for further details. |
Attachments |
ipc-submission-nundle-meeting-2pdf.pdf (PDF, 66.87 KB) ipc-submission-ssd9679docxpdf.pdf (PDF, 3.39 MB) |
Peter Gill
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please refer to attached file. |
Attachments |
240212ipcchogwfsubmissionpdf_redacted.pdf (PDF, 677.8 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am a landowner, tourism business operator, artist gallery/studio operator, teacher, and farmer on the foreshores of the Peel River, Chaffey Dam and Cann’s Creek at Bowling Alley Point where my family have farmed since 1925. My parents also owned a farm on the Morrisons Gap range during my childhood and from my understanding some of this land is now the subject of discussion regarding the Hills of Gold Windfarm project. Reference is made to my family’s close involvement with the land where the proposed road development will occur to highlight that our lived experience has resulted in an accumulated wealth of knowledge about terrain and biodiversity, as well as the difficulties in terms of access, runoff flows, water concentration, and instability during and following rainfall events. Please refer to the attached PDF document to read my full submission - although it is less than 2000 words the character limit will not allow its submission in the space. |
Attachments |
individual-submission-for-local-community-memberpdf.pdf (PDF, 140.92 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
We moved from the Lower Hunter to Nundle where we live on acreage and enjoy the peace and quiet. I object to Hills of Gold Wind Farm. Based on our neighbour's photomontage PM 14 we will have an unacceptable visual impact. Our house has a clear view of the project area. The nearest turbine, 63, is 3.5km. Turbine 67 is 4.2km. We will see the northern end of the project during the day and aviation hazard lights at night. I request removal of turbines 64-70 and support removal of turbines 53-63. Maintaining the quality of water in Nundle Creek is important for stock water supply. |
Attachments |
img6066jpg.jpg (JPG, 436.78 KB) |
Gina Vereker
Organisation |
Tamworth Regional Council |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please see uploaded submission and referred to attachments. |
Attachments |
trc-submission-to-the-independent-planning-commission--12-february-2024pdf_redacted.pdf (PDF, 1.67 MB) |
Robyn Lang
Organisation |
Tamworth Regional Residents and Ratepayers Association |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The Tamworth Regional Residents and Ratepayers Association Inc. (the Association), continue to object to the proposed windfarm at Nundle going ahead for the following reasons: 1. Despite assurances that the proposal covers a very small area of the total catchment and that, as a result, the impact on inflows to Chaffey Dam would be minimal, reports to substantiate this appear lacking. We refer specifically to report Appendix N prepared by Dr Robert Baker that has not been subsequently addressed by the proponent. We are very sensitive to this issue because Tamworth very nearly ran out of water just a few years ago in 2018-2019. 2. The Association supports the Tamworth Regional Council in its opposition to the proposal because of the steepness of the slopes and soil types and subsequent difficulties of access. Road construction for access will have adverse impacts on sediment control and run-off. 3. The Department of Planning and Environment should not have approved the windfarm because of the insufficient detail on water and construction provided by the proponent. Relying on the detailed design phase after approval, to address these issues, is fraught with danger. |
Attachments |
robyn-lang-trrra-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 142.88 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to the Hills of Gold wind farm proposal |
Attachments |
da-lot-22pdf.pdf (PDF, 316.18 KB) objection-ipcpdf.pdf (PDF, 77.22 KB) visual-of-position-of-approved-dajpg.jpg (JPG, 1.18 MB) |
Steve and Julie Collins
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
We object to the proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm. It is not a farm it is an industrial development in a farming area. During the last forty years my wife and I (and family later) have been regular visitors to Nundle. It is most unfortunate this unsightly, environmentally irresponsible, and divisive proposal has got this far. It is totally at odds with existing land uses in the area which have been primary production since 1885. Would you please note the following reasons for this objection to the proposal: • Visual – it is ugly and visually objectionable, a scar on the rural landscape and not in keeping with the aesthetics and long held land uses of this historic region. The area has high scenic and conservation values. Landscape and Visual Photomontages are required under the process and are missing – these photomontages are required, the principal location at Wombrumurra of the full development including any lights which are on at nighttime – these montages should be the view from several locations including but not limited to Hanging Rock lookout. The same montages should be duplicated from the optional location at Governor’s Shelf. Other montages should also include the traverse track on Wombrumma Mountain including cuts and batters. Together with the access road behind the Peel Inn (given it is an access to the township) and the proposed construction vehicles car park. • Habitat under threat and destruction of vegetation – protected, threatened and other species will be severely impacted during the many years of the proposed development – large swathes of vegetation and home to many animal habitats will be destroyed. • Loss of Wildlife – the rotation of these enormous industrial blades will kill many birds including but not limited to the protected Wedgetail eagle – breeding areas of wildlife will be decimated. • Community – the community was once cohesive and neighbourly, it is now divisive and is pitting neighbour against neighbour – this will only get worse over time. • Water quality – erosion from the development will find its way into the creeks and waterways leading to Chaffey Dam – this will lead to silting issues, degradation of the water quality for the habitat living in and around the creeks. • Roads and bridge access – Barry Road and Morrisons Gap Road are not capable of handling heavy industrial type machinery and should be removed from any transport route options– Oakenville Creek bridge has not been assessed to handle such heavy non-farm type loads nor is it wide enough – Devil’s Elbow is also not suitable for heavy industry when going up the winding road. • Erosion – despite erosion mitigation measures there will be erosion of road embankments and development areas which will silt up Nundle Creek, various minor waterways and eventually will impact on Chaffey Dam. • Noise – the noise and vibration of rotating blades – this will adversely affect the wildlife and breeding patterns and kill many birds during flight. The noise during the years of construction and many truck movements particularly around Hanging Rock village including Sheba Dams tourism precinct will be untenable. • Tourism – people come to Nundle for its natural beauty, village quaintness and rugged untouched environment – all of which will be impacted by the intrusion of an unsightly industrial development – this is a threat to Nundle’s tourism and commerce – people come to Nundle to get away from such industrialisation. • Unknown underground mine shafts – various parts of Nundle have been mined for gold, opal, and other precious commodities during and after the gold rush days in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries – this could lead to unstable underground conditions should those areas be developed. |
Attachments |
objection-hills-of-gold-wind-farm.pdf (PDF, 132.84 KB) |
Vicki Dempsey
Organisation |
Phillip and Vicki PTY LTD |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
see file attached |
Attachments |
phillip-and-vicki-pty-ltd-ipc-redacted.pdf (PDF, 48.63 KB) |
Phillip Dempsey
Organisation |
Nerrub Pty LTD |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
see files attached |
Attachments |
phillip-dempsey--nerrub-pty-lt1-ipc-redacted.pdf (PDF, 48.67 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am concerned about the environmental damage as a result of the clearing for the project. It will impact the water retention of the mountain range and the fragile ecosystem. I have witnessed landslips on the range and I am concerned that the DPHI assessment is inadequate in understanding the risk of building roads and other infrastructure on the range and steep slopes. It is an important location being the head of three water catchments. I live on the southern transport route where 35% of heavy and light traffic will be directed for 6-14 months, as well as up to six oversize overmass vehicles daily for nine months. It will be a major inconvenience to our family negotiating day to day life, including travel for work. I live in Nundle because I want a quiet lifestyle. The DPHI Assessment underestimates the cumulative Visual, Transport and Biodiversity impacts to our community. We can see the snow on the range from our house. If we can see the snow, we will see wind turbines. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
We jointly own a heritage property on Jenkins Street and are concerned about the change to the heritage character of Nundle village. Our property is located in close proximity to the proposed Oversize Overmass access via Jenkins Street and Innes Street. We request there is a condition that the Applicant complete a vibration impact assessment, and develop a vibration risk mitigation plan for any property damage as a result of vibration near the transport route. We object to the construction traffic travelling through Nundle and the impact it will have on residents and tourists. The Department's report and conditions do not demonstrate understanding of the significance of visual impact to the possible loss of existing businesses and families in and around Nundle. This threatens the sustainability of keeping essential services in the town for all. The construction of the project will result in unacceptable disturbance to the range, and loss of biodiversity. It compromises the role of Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve and Crawney Pass National Park to protect biodiversity and the catchment, and recreation areas Teamsters Rest and Sheba Dams as places to enjoy natural heritage. |
Gwenda Hague
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am attaching two files |
Attachments |
gwenda-hague-addendum-to-submission.pdf (PDF, 270.58 KB) submission-to-ipc-fridaypdf.pdf (PDF, 187.57 KB) |
Brenda Schmitt
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
NSW IPC Commission I, Brenda Schmitt am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Hills of Gold wind farm development at Nundle NSW. While I understand the increasing importance of renewable energy sources, I believe that the potential negative impacts associated with this particular project outweigh the perceived benefits. We operate a beef cattle farming business at “Wombramurra” located 2km south of Nundle which traverses the Crawney Road. Wombramurra is the earliest settled property in the area. We would be impacted by 14 turbines in direct view. Firstly, the aesthetic impact on the natural landscape cannot be overlooked. The pristine beauty of “Wombramurra” is a valuable asset for our family and the history of Nundle, which is a farming and tourist town. The construction of an industrial wind farm would undoubtedly alter the visual appeal of the area, potentially leading to a decline in property values and negatively impacting the local tourism industry. Having been involved with wind farm developments on other properties we have owned we can say firsthand the massive impact to our property and the area from lighting the turbines at night which are a major visual impact on our home which faces the range. The tourist industry would also suffer with the lighting of turbines changing the appeal of the town with major economic impacts. We also have major concerns with the impact on aerial firefighting capabilities in an area which is very difficult to protect from bushfire and posing huge risks to the local community. In conclusion, I firmly believe that the proposed Hills of Gold wind farm is not in the right location and should not have progressed to this stage due to the lack of proper planning for this location. We strongly object to this project being approved and highlight all the local opposition which has been put forward. Thank you for considering our concerns. I trust that you will take into account the perspectives of the local community and carefully evaluate the potential consequences of this project. Sincerely, Brenda Schmitt |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Submission attached |
Attachments |
ipc-written-submission--personalpdf.pdf (PDF, 57.27 KB) |
John Krsulja
Organisation |
Hills of Gold Preservation Inc. |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please find attached the Hills of Gold Preservation Inc. IPC Submission, objecting to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm SSD.9679. Kind regards Hills of Gold Preservation Inc. |
Attachments |
hogpi-ipc-submission11022024pdf.pdf (PDF, 11.09 MB) |
Scott Clarkson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I’d like to raise objections to the proposed windfarm development in Nundle. My concerns are: TRAFFIC – We live on Barry Road below Morrison’s Gap Rd which is a proposed route for all vehicles including Oversized Heavy Machinery. We are concerned that 1: Our access to work will be compromised. As a shift worker as a train driver I can be asked to work at short notice as low as an hour – the traffic disruption on Barry Rd, Oakenville St, Nundle Rd, Lindsay’s Gap Rd and New England Hwy will compromise my travel times. The school bus run comes past our house and our son uses this to get to school daily in Tamworth. We are concerned about his safety and travel times to get to school, while competing with the traffic. We ask that Barry Rd and Morrison’s Gap Rd not be included in the proposed development for this reason. WATER – there is no clear indication how the development will affect groundwater in our area. We rely on bore water for our residence which is part of Spring Gully and Happy Valley Creek catchments. The deep concrete footings for the turbines will surely affect the underground aquifers which will subsequently affect our water supply. We are also concerned about runoff and water erosion at the Barry Rd end of the project where there will be cuttings for all sized vehicles across the gullies which are the top of the Peel River catchment. There are major concerns about water flows and soil disturbance which will wreck the quality of water in the Peel, Chaffey Dam and Tamworth water supply. Fishing is a major tourist attraction for the area in all of our creeks and rivers and there is a risk of aquatic biodiversity being compromised. There has been no accurate disclosures of where water will be sourced to build the concrete foundations of the towers. We ask that the project not be approved based on the lack of information and research on how the project will affect the water supply. VISUAL We were attracted to Nundle for its majestic scenery and environment. We won’t see the turbines from our home, BUT we regularly go sightseeing in the area and the turbines will be a blight on the visual amenity of our tranquil environment. Thousands of tourists come to Nundle for the natural beauty of the direct area. We request that the project not be approved as it will destroy the beauty of the environment that brought us and all tourists here. BIODIVERSITY. – as well as the aquatic biodiversity mentioned above, we are concerned that the clearing of hundreds of hectares along the ridge for the ‘farm’ and access to it, will heavily compromise the flora and fauna biodiversity of the area – we have lived experience in sighting koalas, quolls, eagles, bats and other species whose habitat could be destroyed by the project. We request that the project not be approved as it will compromise the biodiversity of our sensitive environment. BUSHFIRE – As we live in a heavily timbered area there is added risk of bushfire due to lightning strike of turbines, and a concern that our aerial firefighting capability will be adversely affected by the turbines. The consequence of this this could be tragic for the community and the biodiversity of the area, especially in Ben Hall area. As a member of the Nundle RFS I request that the project not be approved as it will compromise our ability to fight fire, during construction and when complete. COMMUNITY – the community is very divided in their attitude to the project even though it seems that the majority of residents are against the project – the social license for this project does not exist and the communications that Engie claim to have made with the community haven’t – they have never discussed the project with us even though they will be transporting right past our door. The community will be heavily affected by the construction of the project, especially in terms of travel around the villages, I don’t think people are really aware of the disruption that the project will create for them. More importantly, there have been no guarantees that anyone in our community will be employed in the project. Nundle and Hanging Rock rely heavily on the tourist industry, it is our primary source of employment and economy, apart from farming. We fear that the major disruptions caused by this project, and the reduction of visual amenity for tourists, will heavily impact our town economically – many of our businesses will be at risk of closure – this would be a complete disaster. We request that the project not be approved as it will compromise the community and economic future of the wonderful piece of God’s Country that we live in. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Our family strongly opposes the Hills of Gold Wind Farm project being approved and going ahead. We do NOT accept the visual impacts, traffic and transport and biodiversity impacts this project will incumbent our community with. Our property’s front boundary sits on Crawney Road and the planned route along this road will be hugely disruptive to our lives with all of the added traffic and heavy vehicles proposed during the construction phase. We have teenage sons that go to high school in Tamworth, in addition they both have very busy extra-curricular activities that require regular attendance around Tamworth and the region. I am hugely concerned about trying to get in and out of our property and the Village with the burden of being stuck behind trucks and vehicles slowing our access in and out of Nundle. I also work from home running a busy Tourism, Marketing and Events business and I am regularly required to travel for work, both driving and air to other parts of the country and internationally, this again would be hugely disruptive to my working life trying to get in and out of the Village and attend work meetings and events. I don’t believe the extra traffic noise would be compliant. We request there be no construction or truck/traffic movement before 8am on weekdays and after 2pm on weekdays, with absolutely no traffic or construction works on weekends. Who is going to monitor this if you approve the project, and will the developer be held accountable should they not comply? The visual impact from our property would be great. We are 8.7km from turbine 68, and 8.3 km from turbines 53-63. I would like this removed from the project as they will be seen from our property. We own a 6 acre lifestyle property at the Southern end of the Village and nobody on our lane has been contacted by the developer to have our visual impact thoroughly assessed. Our family has not benefited from the Engie Community enhancement fund and nor do we support this approach to convert unknowing community members to their “pro” side. I am questioning the truth to statements such as “300 jobs”. Will these be jobs for locals or outside contractors that have no connection with our community and our families. We are also not “gifted” our protest signs or paid rental funds to display them at our property, we purchase these ourselves. The Biodiversity impact for Nundle and Hanging Rock will be so great it will take hundreds of years for the trees, vegetation and wildlife to return, if they ever do. The removal of historic trees from our streetscape in the centre of the Village is heartbreaking to hear. It astounds me that the Government honestly can quantify a project like this in our location with so much devastation to nature and wildlife and call it “green” or “renewable”. Why are our historic forests and unique and threatened wildlife not at the forefront of projects such as these? This then leads to the concerns about how much wildlife and vegetation will continue to be lost if this project actually goes ahead and operates on the ridge. Our teenage sons are 4th and 5th generation Nundle locals. Our family has a deep generational connection to this Village and we chose to raise our children here for the lifestyle and natural environment, space and non-industrialisation that Nundle offers us. This project has destroyed our community and caused huge division and hurt. The generational trauma may never recover and it is shameful we live in a Country with a Government that allows multi-national companies to come in and destroy small communities, people’s lives and livelihood for the sake of corporate greed. It is abhorrent that this process has taken 6 long years and we have had to live through this process for so long. |
Phillip Dempsey
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
see file attached |
Attachments |
phillip-dempseyipc-redacted.pdf (PDF, 48.77 KB) |
Melissa Hadley
Organisation |
Newcastle & Hunter Valley Speleological Society inc. |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I am submitting this letter to express my objection to the proposed development of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm in the Nundle & Crawney Area. Please find attached a detailed objection letter, from the Newcastle & Hunter Valley Speleological Society Inc. (NHVSS), outlining our concerns regarding the preservation of our region's caves, biodiversity, and ecological integrity. We strongly believe that the amended development proposal has not adequately addressed the main issues of concern, particularly regarding the bat populations within the project area. Thank you for considering our objections. |
Attachments |
melissa-hadley-submissionfebruary2024pdf-redacted.pdf (PDF, 266.52 KB) |
Debbie Taylor
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Objection Hills of Gold Windfarm (HOGWF) SSD-9679 I am a Nundle resident who opposes the Windfarm project fin NUndle. I am on the transport route and will be impacted directly through the construction, commissioning and decommissioning periods of the project. Please see the attached document for further information. |
Attachments |
objectionpdf.pdf (PDF, 206.95 KB) |
Sophie Taylor
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Objection Hills of Gold Windfarm (HOGWF) SSD-9679 Renewable Energy I am a Gomeroi (Gamilaraay Kamilaroi woman) and I am concerned about the environmental impacts of the proposed windfarm at Nundle. This is the area where my Indigenous foremothers lived. As a First Nation person I understand that I am a caretaker of the land, and as a Gomeroi woman, have the cultural responsibility to care for the waterways. To see pristine landscapes decimated, desecrated in the pursuit of “green” energy amounts to nothing more than “green washing”. Although accused of being anti-renewable energy sector, I am not against windfarms. I want to see an end of fossil fuel-based energy sources. But Nundle, Crawney and Timor are not appropriate sites for a windfarm. The site may get good wind flow, but the destruction of the environment and loss of biodiversity will be insurmountable and unrepairable. Those of us who care deeply on a holistic level for the environment are concerned about the destruction of old growth forest, alpine rainforest, koala habitat, bird and bat strikes and loss of habitat and migratory paths, sphagnum moss ecologies, the disruption/destruction of vital underground and overground water sources and the light pollution of our pristine night skies. Many specialists in each of these areas have used their knowledge, education and wisdom to explain why the windfarm will have adverse effects and their concerns should be listened to, acknowledged and acted upon. Yet Engie has failed to address these issues in any meaningful way, often ignoring, or underestimating the issues as of no real concern. The windfarm’s footprint includes land which were once forests, no cleared by the proponent before approval was granted. Approval of this project, gives tacit approval to environmental vandalism.. This sets a dire and dangerous precedent for future development proposals, where the dollar signs at the end of the road are of utmost importance to the landowner and are worth the fiscal risks of environmental vandalism. This project lies outside of the NSW Renewable Energy Zone. Why set guidelines for future developments when they can be cast aside at the whim of a land owner or developer? Again the dollars to be gained by a few comes at the cost to the planet, our flora and fauna, our farmers and rural lifestyles. My mother’s father and brothers reside in Nundle, and I have been visiting with her since I was a baby. She is soon to be a resident, currently in the process of building a home on Old Hanging Rock Road. I will be visiting much more then. My daughter (3yrs) loves visiting Nundle. Her placenta was buried under an old red gum in a ceremony during which Mum and my Uncle introduced my baby to her ancestors. This ceremony strengthened her connection to Country and her ancestors. That tree will be directly under the wind turbines out on Nundle Creek Road. Nundle is a town that relies on tourism, the drawcard being the natural beauty of region, the historic charm of the village, the opportunity to experience rural living and the magnificent night skies. The windfarm will spoil all of that. It has already been responsible for the demise of the Hills of Gold Festival, resulting in loss of income for artists and artisans, and entertainers in the district. Please don’t let a big multinational company destroy Nundle, a uniquely Australian village. Reject the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I oppose the proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm to be located on the range at Nundle/Hanging Rock. After visiting Nundle on several occasions, my wife and I decided to make an investment for our future. Purchasing a block of land 10 years ago on the outskirts of Nundle the block provides a clear and amazing outlook to the ridgeline looking south east. Over the years we have done improvements to the block in preparation for our transition to early retirement to Nundle. Our Reasons for choosing Nundle: • The village atmosphere • The magnificence and beauty of the hills • Friendliness of the locals • The peace and quiet, with the convenience of a major country town (Tamworth) 45min away. Had we known that there was the possibility of a wind farm being placed on the hills, we would never have purchased in Nundle. As I am now semi retired, I travel to Nundle from Lake Macquarie 2 to 3 times a month to maintain our block and do improvements. Nundle is a small village which packs a big punch, with regard to the beauty of the surrounding hills. I fear a wind farm of any scale on the ridgeline would be a disaster for the village of Nundle, the surrounding area, residents and visitors. We consider ourselves lucky to have found our block when we did, it has been our sanctuary from suburban living and we always feel a sense of peace when we are there. Our place being approximately 40 metres south of Crosby/Oakenville St, on the west side of the river. We currently enjoy the peace and quiet of being just outside of town. The proposed traffic movements during construction, coming into town will be unbearable at our place. One of our favourite things to do each morning while in Nundle is take a walk into town, most days we can walk down the middle of the road, back to our place as traffic is light, but with no footpaths along Oakenville St, to our side of town, this walk would be too dangerous with the added traffic movements. The thought of the increase in truck and traffic movement on Lindsays Gap road terrifies me, it is narrow with a lot of bends and crests where visibility is poor. When I think about how badly the road currently gets (chewed up from the logging trucks), add oversize trucks bringing components of the wind turbines into Nundle. The added travelling time for ourselves, tourist traffic coming into town, local traffic and emergency services (on occasion) all getting caught up in traffic. We love Nundle, we have made some lovely friends, that have welcomed us to the town and we love spending time at our place. I really do feel an industrial wind farm along the ridgeline will be detrimental to Nundle’s ability to continue as town that offers a sanctuary of peace, quiet and abundant beauty. |
Roland Reid
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
File attached. |
Attachments |
nundle-wind-farm-objectionpdf.pdf (PDF, 427.45 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I object. Please see attached. |
Attachments |
marion-wileyipcpdf_redacted.pdf (PDF, 60.36 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Iam strongly apposed to this proposed development . Destruction of land , lack of planning for the side effects of this development into the future . There are far to many key issues that Engie have not addressed and dem reluctant to do so . This project belongs at a different location that is much more suitable with much less side affects to flaura and fauna and the general community . It’s been proven over several submissions now the nundle and surrounding communities don’t want this project . It’s time to end the stupidity and relegate this project to the trash where it belongs . |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I am a resident of Nundle. I strongly object to the proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm. Many people come to Nundle to fossick, bird watch, bush walking, for its laid-back nature, shopping, for yearly events, weddings, photography, functions, family reunions and for its beauty. I personally don’t know of anyone or heard anyone say they are heading to an area with a windfarm to go and admire it or walk underneath them. I don’t believe we need a windfarm here to bring people to the town. Its already happening. How does the construction of a windfarm over a few years bring people and money to Nundle when there are no homes to buy or houses to rent? I hear of so many people wanting to buy or rent in Nundle and are unable to move here due to nothing available. Where do the visitors stay in Nundle if construction workers are taking up the accommodation? Sheba Dams is a very popular place for so many people and reasons. Its history, being a great spot for fishing for rainbow trout, kayaking/ canoeing, swimming, bushwalking and a great spot for picnics and camping. The dams are very close to the road which the road will be used during construction and after. I believe this will have a major effect on this area known for its natural beauty. Who goes to an unpowered camp site beside a very busy road of oversized trucks, police escorts, work vehicles which will be 24/7 I believe??? It will destroy the sense of peace and quiet that Sheba Dams offer everyone that visits. I’ve watched the oversized trucks escorted by police go through Tamworth at 4am in the morning with the turbines and lights flashing. This is what Nundle will have to deal with all hours of the day and night, trucks, vehicle’s, lights flashing and noise. Driving into Nundle now is beautiful and welcoming. I don’t agree with a huge construction road going through the village behind the pub for OSOM carriers. This will change the village character completely, turning it into an industrial entrance to the village, the DPI hasn’t properly considered the visual (and lived) impact of this, what this kind of change would do to the tourist appeal, the nature of the village and how people value it. I ask the Commissioner to reject the hills of Gold Wind Farm. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Hills Of Gold Wind Farm remains one the most controversial Wind Farm proposals in NSW. While the developers remain focused on local support, they have neglected to give weight to objections, risks and concerns from both Tamworth Regional Council and the majority of the local community of Nundle, Hanging Rock, Crawney and Timor. There is a suite of renewable projects (including both wind and solar) either approved and not constructed or currently in the assessment process that also have the capacity to provide renewable energy in NSW. The impacts of the project on the local community significantly outweigh its potential benefits to the broader community of NSW. The Hills Of Gold Wind Farm site is NOT suitable for a large-scale wind farm, and that the project is NOT in the public interest, and should NOT be approved. My Objection Submission is broken into 2 parts (See attached PDF). 1. The DPIE was asked to question both the integrity of this proposal and development and to address the transparency and consultation of the developers. The Development Consent ‘fails’ to address either. IPC to question the integrity of this proposal and development. IPC to address the transparency and consultation of the developers. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Jupiter Wind Farm The similarities between HOGWF & Jupiter WF include environmental, social and economic impacts of the project, submissions on the EIS, relevant environmental planning instruments, the suitability of the site for the project, and the public interest, in accordance with the requirements of the EP&A Act. |
Attachments |
ipc-submission-110224pdf.pdf (PDF, 242.02 KB) |
Rory Dempsey
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
see files |
Attachments |
rory-john-dempsey-ipc-redacted.pdf (PDF, 49.07 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I live on the southern transport route of the project. I am concerned about the change in character of Nundle from a quiet country town to an industrial site. We also own a property on the entrance to Nundle and the visual impact from there has not been assessed. Even though we would be about 8 km from the nearest turbine, it will still reduce our amenity because of the change in character. We can already see noticable changes on the ridgeline. There are many elderly residents in our community who can have emergency medical situations and there cannot be any reduction to our ability to access transport to Tamworth. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission |
I live on the southern transport route. I am concerned about potential vibration damage to my property from Oversize Overmass vehicles. I request there be a condition that the Applicant complete a vibration assessment and a risk mitigation plan for vibration damage. My amenity will be reduced from the enjoyment of my house and garden, to my enjoyment of the rural landscape surrounding Nundle and Hanging Rock. The village experiences ambulance visits nearly once a week because of the elderly population. The additional congestion to the major access roads from transport traffic will cause delays for medical treatment. The public meeting confirmed my previous objecting submissions. |
Beau Wooden
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I object to the wind farm development for the following reasons: TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS The access in and out of Nundle is limited to two sealed roads. There will be disruptions along Jenkins St up to Crawney Rd This creates disrupted access to Tamworth for my young family who travel in to Tamworth regularly Disruptions along Lindsays Gap Rd Disrupted access to New England Hwy which I regularly use to visit my wife’s family who need our constant support. My parents are in Gwandalan. They also need my support. I work for the Tamworth council and regularly travel to other areas west of Nundle. Lindsay’s Gap Road is a major route for me and I’m not prepared to work around the delays in it’s reconstruction and the transport of machinery on it. Old Wallabadah Road is not sufficient for safe travel. I request that the developers publish detailed roadwork and transport scheduling to minimise transport disruption across the entire project. These details need to be published in advance, with ongoing adjustments (live time) and easily accessible on the internet to affected townships residents like myself. VISUAL IMPACT Our house and verandah faces East directly to the ridge - Approximately 8km to WT 64 to 69 I strongly request that turbines 64 to 69 be removed from the project to minimise the dominant visual position that the turbines impose on the view from my property. I also support the deletion of turbines 9, 10 and 11 to minimise the visual impact to residents on the southern side of the range, which additionally benefits the residents on the northern side of the range and the residents of Nundle facing them. We will also see and have visual impact from WT 2 to 52. There is no opportunity to screen my property from the visual impact of the turbines as my space is limited. I strongly request that the project is not approved – I bought the property in December 2022 and have made a substantial investment in my home, the town, and I am a ratepayer. ENVIRONMENTAL I am concerned for the health of the remaining forest and biodiversity of the immediate area, as from my knowledge these have not been properly addressed in the submission and recommendations – especially in the Ben Hall area and road reserve areas along the proposed transport roads. I strongly request that more thorough environmental and biodiversity studies are completed before this project is approved. |
isaac enright
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to the hills of gold wind farm because it will destroy the irreplaceable natural landscape and beauty of the area. |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I first visited Nundle in 2022 and due to my positive experience I took up residence in a beautiful heritage building in Nundle’s main street in July 2023. If approved, Engie’s Hills OF Gold Wind Farm (HOGWF) will affect me by completely altering both the unique character and landscape of this heritage town and disrupting the peaceful rural outlook that is my own backyard. A new access road would need to be purpose built for oversize overmass vehicles on Herring Street which would need to be widened immediately to the rear of where I live. The proposed access road will border the rear boundary and is a mere 120m from my residence. The present quiet rural aspect of my back yard would be transformed into a contruction zone trafficking the oversize over mass vehicles which I am told would be transporting loads up to six movements per day over 6 and a half days a week for a period of up to two years during decommissioning. I currently utilise my backyard as a retreat and sanctuary from village life and it’s essential to me as a balance for peaceful recreation as it offers a quiet space to enjoy the natural unspoiled views of the surrounding hills in contrast to the noise of the main street that my house fronts. The rear aspect is a unique feature of the property and one of the deciding factors of why I chose to live here. I have both seating and a meal preparation area set up to maximise the getaway ambience. If approved, the HOGWF project will irreversibly destroy my property’s back yard function and rural outlook. Of even greater concern is the only rear access to my backyard is via the paddock proposed for the new road that will need to be built. I currently have the owner’s permission to enter his property to gain access to my backyard and when needed to service my septic system, so it’s imperative that this agreement is upheld. Nundle sits below the beautiful unscathed Great Dividing Range and it’s importance to the local community can’t be overstated both for lifestyle and business profile reasons. With dwindling biodiversity, let’s keep our unique environment a sanctuary for numerous endangered and vulnerable fauna and flora that have been identified within the 190 hectare area ear-marked for clearing for the wind farm and other associated infrastructure. During summer the drive to Sheba dams for exercise is a twice daily trip along Barry Road. It makes up an integral part of my health regime and is essential to my overall wellbeing. The potential hazard and inconvenience of having to share roads with oversize over mass vehicles could be a real concern during the construction phase. Renewable energy must first and foremost be site appropriate and have low impact on the natural environment otherwise it is merely paying lip service to being part of the climate solution that Governments endorse. Any proposed site should not disrupt or interfere with the local fauna, flora and the welfare and lifestyle of any affected community. I believe that visitors and tourists are like me and come to Nundle for it’s unique natural environment and heritage character. When I first heard about Engie’s Hills Of Gold Wind Farm proposal in Nundle I was completely unbiased and possibly more in favour of the prospect of the positive contribution that the project could have on the state’s renewable energy provisions. On listening to all public submissions during IPC public hearing on 1st and 2nd of February I heard numerous claims by affected property holders on Morrisons Gap Road and the Crawney, Timor regions who voiced that Engie company literally failed to return phone calls, thereby effectively ignoring genuine attempts to reach out and get answers to serious questions and concerns about the proposed Hills Of Gold Wind Farm. This runs contrary to and makes a mockery of Engie’s assertions of quality ongoing community consultation, engagement and communication and raising concern about the company’s priorities regarding working with community on The Hills Of Gold Wind Farm. Theoretically, philosophically and in practise where I can I am a supporter of the concept of renewable energy projects such as wind and solar energy, having 68 solar panels on my roof, but no environmental offsets will replace this unique part of the Great Dividing Range, nor can it be justified to destroy endangered and vulnerable species habitat. What of the endangered fauna Spotted-Tail Quoll, Southern Great Glider, Booralong Frog and Koalas? I urge the Commission to not overlook or make inconsequential this amount of clearing for the transport and construction of turbines with high possibility of landslips, erosion and soil that will flow into the water systems of the Crawney, Timor and Isis Rivers. On considering all the objections brought to light by the community, Tamworth Council and environmental experts I believe HOGWF has no social license and a project of such scale in this particular landscape would be unsuitable. I therefore request the Commission rejects The Hills Of Gold Wind Farm |
Isabelle Rowlatt
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I wish to lodge my strong objection to this project on the grounds that the project is not suitable for the proposed location, will have unacceptable visual impacts given the proximity to non-associated residences and the nearby historic village that relies on tourism, and will have serious and irreversible impacts on the local natural environment. I grew up in Nundle and continue to return many times per year to visit my family home. In the near future I am holding my wedding in Nundle and look forward to celebrating this special time overlooking the mountain range. The project area is a highly scenic area, adjoining state forests and state conservation areas (including Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve, Nundle State Forest and Hanging Rock State Forest). The landscape is of enormous value to local residents and visitors. Visitors from all over NSW are attracted to Nundle for its natural beauty. I am extremely concerned about the proposed industrialisation of this landscape. The setting of the town, including its collection of heritage buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, and its picturesque rural landscape are essential to the community’s sense of place and the significance of the town. The landscape is pristine and of great beauty, which draws many thousands of visitors each year and has attracted many people to make the village their permanent home. The development will have serious and irreversible impacts on the heritage character of the historic town. I note from the Visual Independent Expert Review, pg 24, regarding the change in character of the highly valued Nundle/Hanging Rock landscape: “The resultant change of character to a combination of Natural Appearing and Wind Energy Character is significant. The proposed change will be critical to the ongoing community perception of the value of the surrounding landscape. The effect of this significant change of character should be carefully considered in the evaluation of the overall project suitability and determination of Development Consent.” The proposed access roads through and around the village centre are entirely inappropriate and incongruous with the character of the village. I am extremely concerned by statements in the Department’s Assessment Report that access roads ‘would need to be reinstated and rehabilitated as required during operation and decommissioning.’ This means that the heritage landscape surrounding Nundle cannot be restored for the life of the project in order to maintain access. The damage will be serious and irreversible. I am concerned that the development proposal has failed to adequately consider impacts to the Black Snake Gold Mine (Item 134). The detail, nature and extent of below ground workings is not fully understood and has not been investigated as part of this application. The potential for construction and vibration impacts to heritage fabric is not able to be robustly understood. The setting of the town within the valley, surrounded by the Great Dividing Range, combined with its collection of 19th and early 20th century buildings, presents an environment of peaceful village life. The undisturbed landscape contributes enormously to the cultural landscape and its relative isolation, and is essential to the community’s sense of place and the significance of the town. The construction of the proposed wind turbines, atop the existing ridgeline at 1200-1400 metres above sea level, together with associated infrastructure (including transmission lines, access tracks, underground and overhead electrical cabling, substation and clearing of vegetation), will have an extreme and irreversible detrimental impact on the character of the town. The project area is home to thirteen threatened terrestrial fauna species, including koalas. Following the terrible January bushfires of 2020, we must be protecting koala habitats at all costs given how much destruction occurred during that devastating period. A NSW parliamentary inquiry in 2020 found that koalas would be extinct in NSW by 2050 unless governments take urgent action to address habitat loss. This development will destroy many hectares of koala habitat, as well as many other threatened species. The turbines will likely be required to have obstacle lighting where turbines exceed 150m in tip height. The proposed turbine height for the project is 230m to blade tip. The potential night lighting requirements for the project may include two flashing red obstacle lights per turbine to be lit. This will be a highly noticeable element in the night-time landscape around Nundle and the surrounding areas that have exposure to views in the project area. The project area is identified as bushfire prone land. The area is isolated, rugged, with difficult access for fire trucks. Turbines will undoubtedly provide additional hazards for firefighting helicopters/planes to access the area. A bushfire at the project area has the potential to be completely devastating and the project itself will create additional risks for bushfire during construction and ongoing operation. It is unacceptable that old growth trees, some plantings pre-dating European settlement and others over 100 years old, could be cut down for a renewables project. Some of the plantings are extremely rare due to the elevation and overlapping of bioregions. They cannot be offset or rehabilitated because they don’t grow anywhere else. It is a unique location. The destruction of these old growth forests and habitat of threatened species cannot be justified for a project with an operational life of 20-30 years. This ridge line must be protected for future generations. It is not in the community’s interest to approve this application as demonstrated by the strong and consistent opposition to this project by the majority of local residents. I am concerned that access to the site has not been resolved and yet the application is recommended for approval, despite proposed use of private property and private easements with no evidence of legal access; no information whether bridge replacement will be required for the Peel River bridge; inaccurate assessment of impacts at Morrisons Gap Road, which is heavily used as a tourist access road and not only for low-volume residential use; potential flooding impacts from the proposed route through the Peel Inn curtilage impacting properties backing onto this proposed route - this has not been assessed. I am concerned about the impacts of this development, associated with the construction and ongoing operation, on the tourism industry of Nundle. Tourism is essential to the operation of my parents’ store in the village centre. I urge the Commission to consider how their livelihood will be affected by huge increases in construction traffic; road closures; destruction of the heritage village character to build industrial roads through the town; noise and vibration impacts; destruction of the scenic natural landscape that attracts so many visitors upon which they and other families rely. Please reject the Hills of Gold Wind Farm, and instead encourage investment in renewable sites with evidence of access, away from national parks, and with community support. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I wish to express my objection to the Hills of Gold windfarm. Our family moved to Nundle two years ago. We chose Nundle due to its quiet peaceful way of life, ideal for us to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and to help raise our grandchildren. The area is beautiful and unspoiled, and we would like it to remain so. It was a big shock for us to learn about the project, we were unaware of any details despite living along one of the possible transport routes and our house being in close proximity to the road. We should have been approached and informed by the proponent. We have had numerous conversations with local community members, both for and against the project and are saddened by the level of uncertainty that even after six years of planning, there are still many issues that have not been addressed. We can very clearly see the negative effect this uncertainty has had on the community. The potential to devalue our property is of great concern to us and many other residents. My employment heavily relies on tourism and visitors to the area, without which we would be unable to stay in Nundle. The affects to visitor numbers, especially during construction, has not been adequately assessed. How will emergency services be impacted while oversized and a substantial amount of extra traffic on our already damaged roads? No risk assessments have been conducted and for all the regular users of the roads these extra movements pose a huge risk to safety of residents coming to use facilities in Nundle, school students travelling to and from primary and high schools, commuters, and the logging trucks. To sum up how can a project six years in the making still be so far away from being accurately planned and have all affected parties completely informed? Please reject this proposal. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Dear Sir/ Madam, As a Nundle resident I have numerous concerns about the proposed Hills Of Gold Wind Farm which include impacts to biodiversity, transport and visual and amenity. Biodiversity. The ridge line and it’s steep terrain that the proposed Hills Of Gold Wind Farm would impact is a unique and ancient landscape that’s home to three river systems, the Barnard, Peel and Isis Rivers. The Nundle community relies on water provided by the Peel River and during construction the water quality would be adversely affected. I’ve seen no detailed plans that address runoff over the proposed site other than “standard suit of erosion control measures” which, in my opinion, do not address the specific concerns of the site. Detailed information is required given the soil type and steep terrain of the proposed site. The proposed site contains many tree species including White Box, Stringybark, Black Sallee, Mountain Ribbon Gum, Snow Gum, Ironbark and other Eucalypts. Mountain Ribbon Gum is an endangered species of the forest / woodland community capable of growing between 30 and 40 metres in height. They are most common in substrates derived from Basalt material, which exists on the proposed site. Older Ribbon gums readily form nesting hollows and mature woodlands host a diverse assemblage of small mammals such as the yellow-bellied glider and possum. Throughout the winter period, these woodlands become a valuable food source, producing an abundance of nectar-rich flowers for birds and insects along with an important food source for koalas which exist on the proposed site. Eucalyptus trees have a great carbon sequestration value. A hectare of Eucalyptus trees can store 15.7 tons of CO2 per year after 4 years of growth. After 15 years of growth that number can increase to 25 tons. Multiply that by the 190 hectares that is proposed to be cleared and you get 4,750 tons of CO2 that is stored per year, a significant number which also demonstrates how effectively the current pre existing environment is in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Of that 190 hectares, 45 hectares are old growth forest and another 46 hectares is current Koala habitat. Under the N.S.W. Governments ‘Saving our Species’ (SOS) program, the Koala Habitat Restoration Project established 45 hectares of new koala habitat on private properties across the shires of Gunnadah and Liverpool Plains in 2021. The thought of clearing 45 hectares of Koala habitat for the proposed Hills Of Gold Wind Farm is abhorrent. Transport. The roads around Nundle and Handing Rock were not built to carry loads of up to 171 tons. There are no details regarding the construction of 28 kilometres of internal access tracks. Given the steep terrain erosion and sediment issues during and after construction will be of significant impact to the environment. As a part of my exercise regime, I swim in Sheeba Dams at Hanging Rock twice a day. If this project is approved then anyone who uses Sheeba Dams will be greatly affected by increased travel times or restricted travel as a result of Oversize Overmass vehicles using the road. My property is Heritage listed as a result of its significant architecture and original use as the Bank Of New South Wales. As the current caretaker I take my responsibilities seriously. The potential damage to it and the other surrounding Heritage listed properties by contruction vibration damage as a result of heavy transport movement is of great concern and raises serious questions. As someone who has a great understanding of sound frequencies and has a Architect son, I’m aware of the potential damage caused by heavy machinery. Some types of vibrations at a greater distance can be more damaging than those closer in. This is due to the lowering of ground vibration frequency with distance as a result of soil, which absorbs higher frequencies. The lower frequency vibrations have more efficient interactions with house structures and it’s these lower frequencies that pose a threat to both the Heritage buildings and residential houses in Jenkins Street and indeed any street that has to accommodate these vehicles. The lower and most intense and damaging frequencies of sub 40 Hz are typical of earth moving machinery and trucks carrying heavy loads. Cracking of brick walls, damage to mechanical systems, window and door misalignment, damage to concrete, exterior cracks and other signs of distress are all possible with the heavy equipment used both in initial road construction and it’s continued use over a 35 year period. The potential damage and subsequent cost of repairs is of significant concern, and who is going to foot the cost? I ask that my Heritage property is included for protection in the conditions and a risk mitigation plan for any vibration or associated damage. I’ve been working a business plan based on my property for a year now having already spent $40,000 towards it with significantly greater amount earmarked for renovation before I open to the public. If the Hills Of Gold Wind Farm is given approval those plans will become null and void as the proposed new road will have such a negative impact on the amenity to guests and my ability to entertain them with construction disturbance and noise. Visual The dominant visual impact of 230 metre turbines and the significant change of character to both the surrounding landscape and village is unacceptable. Aviation Hazard Lighting will be visible for up to 20 kilometres and will permanently change the night time environment, this is also unacceptable. As you drive into Nundle from Tamworth you are met with lovely old trees that that act as a warm welcome to visitors. Some of these trees will be removed. Only last week singer John Williamson was staying with me and specifically commented on how welcoming these trees were as you approached Nundle. Nundle is a destination, not a through fare to another destination. Being welcomed by such works on an industrial scale is not welcoming at all and will only add to a decrease in visitor attraction. Amenity. I purchased my property because of its architectural heritage and the peaceful rural outlook over the backyard and neighbouring paddock towards the Peel River. There is a verbal agreement with the owner of the Peel Inn to access my property via that land and that agreement must be upheld to enable the servicing of my septic system and general access to my property. The proposed construction and operation of the private road for Oversize Overmass vehicles, and consent for rehabilitation and reinstatement of this road for the 35-year life of the project, has the potential to reduce the appeal and potential value of my property for residential or commercial sale. My back deck is approximately 120 metres from the proposed construction activity. I’m concerned there may be disturbance from noise and lights during construction and the transport of large components during the night and early hours of the morning. My property has not included in the Noise or Transport Assessment. I ask the Commissioners to prohibit construction and transport on Saturdays and outside nominated construction hours and I ask the Commissioners to request the applicant to do a flood study of the private road so that the potential flood impacts are understood by the applicant, the Tamworth Regional Council and the community. Conclusion I’ve been a member of this community since last July and I’ve not had a single interaction with anyone representing Engie. I know I’m not alone in this regard. Engie is attempting to cover up their unsustainable corporate agenda and policies and continues to spend large amounts of money in the media ( note their current TV campaign ) promoting their ‘green’ credentials by attempting to improve public perception while completely ignoring specific details of any sound environmental practices. I’m a huge fan of renewable energy and my property has 68 solar panels which regularly feed back 1,800 kilowatts per month into the grid, but my concerns regarding The Hills Of Gold Wind Farm are chiefly about its inappropriate location and the damage it will cause to the environment. I believe it’s our duty as citizens to protect the flora and fauna of such a unique environment for future generations. As a consequence I request the Commissioners reject the proposed Hills Of Gold Wind Farm. |
Ashley Lowe
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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I have been living in Nundle for the past couple of years now and all I have heard is how destructive this wind farm is going to be to the local biologically diverse environment and the small towns aesthetic. This proposal is absolutely barbaric and is extremely heartless in regards to the locals peaceful environment and the delicate flora and fauna that this will be directly affecting. Nundle is one of the most beautiful rural towns I have ever been to and resided in, the streets are lined with stunning trees, heritage buildings and the local wildlife is so beautiful. This wind farm will destroy all of the natural beauty that is Nundle and Hanging Rock. Trees are going to be torn down, wildlife will be relocated and killed (regardless of proposed efforts, it will still happen), pollutants will be seeped into our water supply and local rivers, new roads will be built and original ones ripped up, trees will be removed, and precious resources will be abused. Wind farms have never been a sustainable way of electricity production, the sheer amount of waste and chemicals that are used to produce these “sustainable, renewable energy solutions” are a facade to the fact that they are just as destructive as regular means of energy production. They sound pollution alone is enough to slow wildlife growth and reproduction, and the fossil fuels that are used to produce these “environmentally friendly” are still heavy pollutants and will effect wildlife elsewhere too and not to mention the senseless destruction of habitats and sensitive microbiology of ecological systems in the bushes and local rivers, not to mention the extensive pollutants that will be excreted during building these massive eye sores, including exhaust fumes, sound pollution, an increased amount of traffic and trucks, and excess coal used to produce the energy that’s going to used to build said “environmentally friendly” wind farms and the . The effects on humans have been proven by physicians all over the world directly stating “ People who live or work in close proximity to industrial wind turbines have experienced symptoms that include decreased quality of life, annoyance, stress, sleep disturbance, headache, anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. Some have also felt anger, grief, or a sense of injustice. Suggested causes of symptoms include a combination of wind turbine noise, infrasound, dirty electricity, ground current, and shadow flicker. Physicians should be aware that patients reporting adverse effects from IWTs might experience symptoms that are intense and pervasive and might feel further victimized by a lack of caregiver understanding. Médecine working group report notes that noise is the most frequent complaint. The noise is described as piercing, preoccupying, and continually surprising, as it is irregular in intensity. The noise includes grating and incongruous sounds that distract the attention or disturb rest. The spontaneous recurrence of these noises disturbs the sleep, suddenly awakening the subject when the wind rises and preventing the subject from going back to sleep. Wind turbines have been blamed for other problems experienced by people living nearby. These are less precise and less well described, and consist of subjective (headaches, fatigue, temporary feelings of dizziness, nausea) and sometimes objective (vomiting, insomnia, palpitations) manifestations”. The fact that this is happening with total lack and disregard for the locals that are stuck with this situation years after the fact is completely negligent of the damage caused to mental health and future stressors that are going to be forcibly inflicted on us. The developers claim that it will be good for the local and economic growth for Nundle, this is a short term propaganda take to win people over. What happens when it’s all over and done with? All the workers on the wind farm move out of Nundle, business drops back down and there is a massive decline of economic growth because of a mass amount of workers moving and a decline in tourist activity due to the now massive eye sore that’s destroying the beautiful scenery that the tourists come here for to begin with. All of this destruction is claimed to be justified for a maximum 5 years of an economic growth spike just for a steep decline of everything else. They claim that wind energy is more environmentally friendly but the manufacturing process off the physical wind turbine components itself is just as polluting as any other means of chemical manufacturing. Wind turbines are composed of steel (66-79% of total turbine mass); fiberglass, resin or plastic (11-16%); iron or cast iron (5-17%); copper (1%); and aluminum (0-2%). Just for the plastic alone there are many chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics such as: Bisphenol A (BPA), Propoxy, Dibenzoylmethane and Diiodomethane. This is just a tiny glimpse at the forever chemicals used to manufacture the giant turbines that are paraded to be “eco friendly”. I won’t go further into it but the heavy metal wastage for the production of steel for the structures of the wind turbines is astronomically destructive in itself. We don’t want any of this disgusting forced environmental destruction on our beautiful corner of rural NSW. There’s plenty of uninhabited areas in the vast outback where there is very minimal impact on the wild life and local townsmen. Renewable energy is an absolute sham and is panders to peoples brainwashed guilt inflicted by media and large corporations to make more money. It would be more of a sustainable option to maintain and upkeep the existing infrastructure that already produces our energy instead of manufacturing more chemicals that cause far more pollutants than any maintenance and upkeep ever would. Keep your grubby money hungry fingers off our towns and take your greed elsewhere |
Name Redacted
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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I moved to Nundle NSW in 2008. My children and grandchildren enjoyed visiting us at this beautiful property. I often visit the creek running through the property with my kids and grandkids and we love the wildlife. I am concerned about the water flow being affected by construction of wind turbines changing land formation in the catchment above this flow down to the Peel river into Chaffey Dam - Tamworth’s main water supply. I heard about the proposed Hills of Gold Windfarm during a public meeting held in March 2018. Since then, the community has been divided. The stress of the high visual impact turbines to my home and the unpleasantness of some local members of the community wanting the turbine to be built in Nundle area has caused me anxiety and concerns leaving me to deal with severe depression. I have been brought up and have lived on a rural farming property all my life. I chose to live in Nundle for the peace and tranquility of surrounding environment and also for the unique quaintness of the Historic village. The Nundle community which was once strong and cohesive is now divided and is upsetting not only for me but many of my friends in Nundle. The proposed transport routes for the project have been a major topic of discussion in the community. As an elderly citizen with health concerns, I was extremely anxious and unhappy with the large increase in traffic volume proposed. The significant impact of traffic delays and congestion travelling to Tamworth and Quirindi would be horrific. I was concerned for times of emergency needs to and from the hospitals, professional medical care, the delays that impact on Ambulance services and evacuation during bushfire prone seasons to the local community. I would like to please ask for the IPC to reject Hills of Gold Windfarm. |
M Newmann (legal representative) Newmann
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission I wish to reiterate my strong opposition to the proposed wind farm. It is disheartening that the residents of our area must continually defend their objections to this project, especially considering the majority of residents are against it. In my submission, I have only touched upon some of the concerns, as it appears that our voices are not being fully heard. I sincerely hope that this round of submissions receives the thorough consideration it deserves. We request complete Removal of turbines 64-70, at the minimum the removal of turbines 53-63 The report indicates that our property includes one turbine situated within the black line and the remainder within the blue line. We consider the suggested alternatives outlined below to mitigate the visual and scenic impact on the property to be unacceptable. The majority of residents in this area chose to live here for its scenic beauty and breath-taking views. Therefore, suggesting that these view be obstructed with vegetation is nonsensical. The removal of these turbines would provide significant relief to the affected visual impact of the turbines at Hanging Rock and Nundle. This would also extend to the night sky landscape, as it will be disrupted by the necessary aviation hazard lighting. Visual Magnitude and Landscape Scenic Integrity: for property at NAD 20 – VIZ1 within the blue line: avoid turbines or provide detailed justification for turbines; – VIZ2 between the blue and black line: consider screening; – VIZ2 within the black line: manage impacts as far as practicable and justify residual impacts, describing mitigation measures for turbines; and – VIZ3 within the black line: consider screening. If refer to section 6.4 Traffic and transport 169. Access and egress from the site for light and heavy vehicles would be split approximately 65%/35% between Option 4a via Barry Road and Morrisons Gap Road to the north, and Option 4b Crawney Road to the south. Initially, it was suggested that all OSMO vehicles would travel via Crawney Road rather than Barry and Morrisons Gap Road. However, without any explanation, it is now indicated that all vehicles except the Blade transport will once again use Barry and Morrisons Gap Road. This change is unacceptable. It is concerning that our local roads, as confirmed by the TRC are labelled as arterial roads in the report and that at no time has the gradient of the road been mentioned The existing roads struggle to support the weight of log trucks and are consistently in poor condition, riddled with large potholes and other issues. Traveling on these roads, particularly at Devils Elbow, can be extremely precarious when encountering fully loaded log trucks, as they often need to manoeuvre widely to negotiate the elbow. There are limited opportunities for safe overtaking or for vehicles to pull off the road to allow traffic to pass. The road shoulders frequently pose hazards, especially during wet conditions, and would certainly not withstand the weight of the proposed OSMO vehicles. Additionally, it's crucial to consider the significant drop-off along the route from Nundle to Hanging Rock. The large number of proposed vehicles using the road will greatly increase the risk to local residents and the school bus travelling the road, especially in winter, as there are often dangerous weather conditions such as fog and ice. The proponent has frequently mentioned the presence of log trucks on the road, which is accurate. However, it's essential to consider that these vehicles typically travel downhill loaded, moving at around 15-20 km per hour, and then return uphill empty. This presents a notable contrast to fully loaded OSMO vehicles ascending the mountain, which would pose a significant difference in As someone who commutes on this road daily to and from work, I've experienced numerous instances where I've been stuck behind heavy vehicles or cars towing caravans ascending the range at speeds of only 10-20 km per hour. This can significantly extend travel times by up to 20 minutes. Furthermore, this situation poses a safety risk, as there are few opportunities along the route where one can safely overtake these slow-moving vehicles. Another area of concern along Morrisons Gap Road is the presence of springs that run underneath the road. The continuous heavy traffic could potentially disrupt these springs, leading to a cessation of flow. Such an outcome would have a significant impact on local flora and fauna, as well as affecting the inflow to the head of the Barnard River. It is highly concerning that the proponent's map depicts the boundary location of our property incorrectly. According to their map, the boundary is approximately one meter behind the fence line. However, our boundary is actually one meter in front of the fence line, as confirmed by a surveyor conducting a survey on our neighbour’s property. We have already informed the proponent that they will not be granted access to our land, and any attempt to do so would be considered trespassing. If the proponent believes they are correct about the boundary location, I request that they conduct an official survey at their expense to establish the correct boundary. |
Peter Roberts
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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I have lived most of my life in and around the northern NSW/Southeast Queensland areas. Several years ago, I was introduced to the beautiful village of Nundle and surrounding areas by my partner who has close family ties here. I was immediately struck by its character, charm, history, beauty and peaceful surroundings and thought this is the perfect place for me to live one day to escape all the hustle and bustle of an ever-increasing overpopulated area. Well, my thoughts came to fruition as we did purchase a property in Nundle and have a development application (DA2024-0156) in council now and are expected to be living here by the end of 2024. My partner has recently completed a doctorate of visual art and is a proud Kamilaroi woman and is excited to be able to work on country which has been a lifelong dream for her as well as being able to share her knowledge of indigenous art with the community. I am very excited to be coming to Nundle but I am also extremely disappointed at the possibility of this project going ahead and the devastation and disruption it will cause to this beautiful landscape. I am all for clean green energy but in the right place. This is NOT the right place. It’s the Great Dividing Range for crying out loud when are we going to stop the destruction of these pristine ancient landscapes. What’s the point of having a Renewable Energy Zone when you don’t even put your renewable energy in them? Please find another location like most other wind farms in NSW on clear rolling hills with a lot less impact to the natural environment. The thought of having 230m high wind turbines skirting this incredible natural amphitheatre is just ludicrous what a way to spoil one of the most picturesque backdrops in our country. My background is Land Surveying I understand topography and these areas are extremely steep, so it is a logistical nightmare to even get these turbines to site. The amount of flora and fauna that will be damaged and lost in clearing of the ridgeline to accommodate these turbines will be devastating along with the inevitable cause of soil erosion and landslips, thus the silting up of creeks, rivers and dams. Even though I am not a local yet please give some consideration to the local farmers who have worked tirelessly and looked after these lands for decades providing for our nation. To see this happening in front of their eyes would be a cruel blow. The transport route will be right outside our property within 20m of our front door and we have had no correspondence from the developer Engie at all. We will still be moving to Nundle no matter what but if this development goes ahead our vision of peace, tranquillity and the beautiful night skies may be lost to capitalist greed. I feel strongly about the future of Nundle and surrounding areas along with our plans on moving here. So I am vehemently in opposition to the “Hills of Gold Wind Farm” Please listen to the majority of people and put a stop to this project. |
Nikki Taylor-Worley
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Objection Hills of Gold Windfarm (HOGWF) SSD-9679 I have been visiting Nundle since I was an infant. My Grandfather, a Gomeroi man, has lived in the town for decades. I support the development of “green“ energy. I want to see an end of fossil fuel-based energy sources. But green energy cannot come at the cost of the environment. We do not cool the planet by removing more trees. That is UNgreen energy. The proposed Nundle site is totally unsuitable. Yes, it may get good wind flow, but the destruction of the environment and loss of biodiversity will be insurmountable and unrepairable and those of us who care deeply on a holistic level for the environment are concerned and awaiting the IPC’s decision with a sense of impending dread. As a Gamilaroi woman myself, I claim my cultural responsibility to protect our traditional water sources. This project threatens to destroy vital underground and overground water sources. The site of the proposal is a catchment area that feeds three major river systems. Can Engie assure that underground water sources will remain pristine, and that water they need for their construction will not be harvested from the site? They haven’t as yet. My mother, a Gomeroi artist and educator is excited to be soon moving to Nundle permanently. She and her partner plan to replant the 2.5 ha block with natives. Her intention is to create a small farm that produces bush food for consumption and encourage wildlife. She is determined to be self-sufficient in their energy needs. I have been travelling in South America, visiting and volunteering on permaculture farms. I am now eager to get back to Australia and come to Nundle to help my mum fulfil her dream of sustainability. Mum’s property is on Old Hanging Rock Road, and the increase of heavy and overmass vehicular traffic on the road will be highly impactful. They already are impacted by logging trucks, travelling both ways to Hanging Rock State Forest. Added now will be windfarm construction traffic, heavy turbine vehicles and earthmoving equipment and materials. Old Hanging Rock Road is now a recommended route for (b) for vehicles with loads exceeding 5.2 m in height and (c) for vehicles with loads up to 5.2 m in height, according to B30 Heavy Vehicles Requiring Escort and Heavy Vehicles Routes. DPE Recommended Conditions. Can an organic farm co-exist with diesel trucks passing by dozens of times a day? Access to her property’s entrance may well be impacted as well. Nundle is a lovely little town with a creative community and beautiful surroundings. It really is a gem in the New England region. It is not in a Renewable Energy Zone, so should never have been suggested as a possible site. Unfortunately, the greed of a few, who care little for the environment or the local community, demonstrated by their persistence in pushing the proposal despite the majority of the population being opposed to the project, may well destroy a much-loved village. Please determine to reject the Hills of Gold Windfarm proposal. |
Brenda Schmitt
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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NSW IPC Commission I, Brenda Schmitt am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Hills of Gold wind farm development at Nundle NSW. While I understand the increasing importance of renewable energy sources, I believe that the potential negative impacts associated with this particular project outweigh the perceived benefits. We operate a beef cattle farming business at “Wombramurra” located 2km south of Nundle which traverses the Crawney Road. Wombramurra is the earliest settled property in the area. We would be impacted by 14 turbines in direct view. Firstly, the aesthetic impact on the natural landscape cannot be overlooked. The pristine beauty of “Wombramurra” is a valuable asset for our family and the history of Nundle, which is a farming and tourist town. The construction of an industrial wind farm would undoubtedly alter the visual appeal of the area, potentially leading to a decline in property values and negatively impacting the local tourism industry. Having been involved with wind farm developments on other properties we have owned we can say first hand the massive impact to our property and the area from lighting the turbines at night which are a major visual impact on our home which faces the range. The tourist industry would also suffer with the lighting of turbines changing the appeal of the town with major economic impacts. We also have major concerns with the impact on aerial fire fighting capabilities in an area which is very difficult to protect from bushfire and posing huge risks to the local community. In conclusion, I firmly believe that the proposed Hills of Gold wind farm is not in the right location and should not have progressed to this stage due to the lack of proper planning for this location. We strongly object to this project being approved and highlight all the local opposition which has been put forward. Thank you for considering our concerns. I trust that you will take into account the perspectives of the local community and carefully evaluate the potential consequences of this project. Sincerely, Brenda Schmitt |
John McBratney
Location |
Victoria |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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I object strongly to this project on the hard technically sound grounds that solar and wind systems cannot under any conceived circumstances provide reliable electric power. This is a clear engineering based assessment, it is not consensus or general uneducated belief, it is hard engineering FACT. These systems will fail at huge cost |
Natasha Soonchild
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Dear IPC, Please find attached my objecting submission to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I request that the IPC unequivocally rejects the Hills of Gold Wind Farm SSD-9679. Kind regards Natasha Soonchild |
Attachments |
natasha-soonchildobjecting-submission-to-ipcpdf.pdf (PDF, 364.64 KB) |
Ella Worley
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Please refer to the attached document. I DO NOT support this proposal. |
Attachments |
ella-ipcpdf.pdf (PDF, 449.65 KB) |
Amanda Marston
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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I’d like to raise objections to the proposed windfarm development in Nundle. My concerns are: TRAFFIC – We live on Barry Road below Morrison’s Gap Rd which is a proposed route for all vehicles including Oversized Heavy Machinery. We are concerned that 1: Our access to work will be compromised. As a shift worker as a school bus driver, I do the Hanging Ruck to Nundle Village Run AND the Nundle to Garoo Run I am highly concerned about the traffic disruption on Barry Rd, Oakenville St, Nundle Rd, and Lindsay’s Gap Rd will compromise our travel times. These roads are already very dangerous due to the quality of the road surface and the competition with log trucks and cattle trucks. The added traffic and oversized trucks and machinery will not only compromise travel times but make the roads more dangerous for the school children (and mine). Kids can’t be waiting on the side of the road when heavy machinery is travelling past, We ask that the developer NOT use any of the local roads between 6.00am and 9.00am OR 3.00pm and 5.30pm or there is the risk that lives will be put at risk. WATER – there is no clear indication how the development will affect groundwater in our area. We rely on bore water for our residence which is part of Spring Gully and Happy Valley Creek catchments. The deep concrete footings for the turbines will surely affect the underground aquifers which will subsequently affect our water supply. We are also concerned about runoff and water erosion at the Barry Rd end of the project where there will be cuttings for all sized vehicles across the gullies which are the top of the Peel River catchment. There are major concerns about water flows and soil disturbance which will wreck the quality of water in the Peel, Chaffey Dam and Tamworth water supply. Fishing is a major tourist attraction for the area in all of our creeks and rivers and there is a risk of aquatic biodiversity being compromised. There has been no accurate disclosures of where water will be sourced to build the concrete foundations of the towers. We ask that the project not be approved based on the lack of information and research on how the project will affect the water supply. VISUAL We were attracted to Nundle for its majestic scenery and environment. We won’t see the turbines from our home, BUT we regularly go sightseeing in the area and the turbines will be a blight on the visual amenity of our tranquil environment. Thousands of tourists come to Nundle for the natural beauty of the direct area. We request that the project not be approved as it will destroy the beauty of the environment that brought us and all tourists here. BIODIVERSITY. – as well as the aquatic biodiversity mentioned above, we are concerned that the clearing of hundreds of hectares along the ridge for the ‘farm’ and access to it, will heavily compromise the flora and fauna biodiversity of the area – we have lived experience in sighting koalas, quolls, eagles, bats and other species whose habitat could be destroyed by the project. We request that the project not be approved as it will compromise the biodiversity of our sensitive environment. BUSHFIRE – As we live in a heavily timbered area there is added risk of bushfire due to lightning strike of turbines, and a concern that our aerial firefighting capability will be adversely affected by the turbines. The consequence of this this could be tragic for the community and the biodiversity of the area, especially in Ben Hall area. As a member of the Nundle RFS I request that the project not be approved as it will compromise our ability to fight fire, during construction and when complete. COMMUNITY – the community is very divided in their attitude to the project even though it seems that the majority of residents are against the project – the social license for this project does not exist and the communications that Engie claim to have made with the community haven’t – they have never discussed the project with us even though they will be transporting right past our door. The community will be heavily affected by the construction of the project, especially in terms of travel around the villages, I don’t think people are really aware of the disruption that the project will create for them. More importantly, there have been no guarantees that anyone in our community will be employed in the project. Nundle and Hanging Rock rely heavily on the tourist industry, it is our primary source of employment and economy, apart from farming. We fear that the major disruptions caused by this project, and the reduction of visual amenity for tourists, will heavily impact our town economically – many of our businesses will be at risk of closure – this would be a complete disaster. We request that the project not be approved as it will compromise the community and economic future of the wonderful piece of paradise that we live in. |
Carol Hasleham
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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I am objecting to this planned development This is prime agricultural land and should not used to desecrate the soil with toxic chemicals. Where is the environment impact report on the clear felling of hilltops, mountains ? Wind turbines cost over $2.2 million each and do not last, having constant expensive maintenance. We have seen many turbines and there are always many not turning !!! Many leaking oil !! They are not reliable energy and are an environmental nightmare. For all these reasons and many more this Hills of Gold industrial wind turbines must not go ahead |
Dallas Ninness
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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I wish to object to the Hills of Gold windfarm project. I have lived in Nundle and Hanging Rock my whole life and am very passionate about keeping this area in its natural state. I have worked in Nundle State Forest for over 40 years and am very familiar with the country and terrain and I believe the area is unsuitable for an industrial project of this size. During the 2019/2020 bushfires I spent nearly 3 months working around the clock with colleagues, local Rural Fire Service brigades, National Parks and Wildlife Service, local machinery operators and volunteers to extinguish the fires that not only threatened the pine plantation but endangered many threatened species of plants and animals. To hear that aerial firefighting would not be possible due to the size of the turbines and the lighting that must be placed on top of the towers is absurd. We heavily relied on aircraft to bring these fires under control, any future fires would be catastrophic. Fires in this area cannot be controlled on the ground. I own a property in the village and am concerned about the proposed transport route. There seems to be confusion about which route will be used. Information from the proponent is not clear but should be. Our roads are not well maintained and are subject to damage from everyday use by logging vehicles, cattle trucks moving stock and feed supplies from farm to farm and to local saleyards. My daily commute to work will be affected by vehicles using the road and the risks to all users has not been carefully considered. The outlook of the town and surrounding area will be altered forever and not in a positive way. For a possible 35 years these turbines may operate, no-one knows if that will happen though? It is too much of risk to the natural environment of the area for the project to go ahead. The research proving no harm will come to the area by earthworks, blasting, and construction has not been done. I had jump through more hoops to build my house! The project has been objected to by the majority of people living in the area on more than one occasion. Hanging Rock and Nundle are not the right places for a project of this size. Please reject this proposal. |
Name Redacted
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11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I have been in cattle and cropping farming for nearly 60 years. I lived in Nundle because it is a magnificent place with rolling hills and good soil for cattle grazing. The landscape is unspoilt with an abundance of wildlife. The Nundle community was active and friendly. This was a good choice for retirement for me and my wife. One of the objections is soil movement and degrading of the hillsides which is already heavily cleared. I have seen from our cottage the extensive clearing that has been done in recent years. Further clearing to this area is excessive and risk danger of landslips. The risk in destroying the existing ecosystem on that range is also my objection. Ben Halls Gap is up there where the turbines are to be built. That is a nature conservation area and should be protected. Noise travels easily through this valley. I could most times hear the trucks and bulldozers going when there is clearing activity on the ridge. I could hear cars going down Crawney Road. I have read that the turbine noise are very bad for your health. I played regularly on the Nundle Golf Course. People enjoy playing on Nundle golf course because it is set in an unusual natural paddock style environment. Everyone admires the scenic views while having a hit. The golf course shares the view of the range where the turbines will be built. These 230m tall turbines will be highly visible because they will sit on top of the mountain range. Hardly a scenic golf course that it currently is now. The increase traffic from trucks and vehicles would be of safety concern also restricting players and members to enter or exit the golf course from Nundle Road. This proposal has divided the small town community. I am a committee member of the Lions Club and past president of the local Nundle Golf Club. Both clubs are very divided which is very sad and hard to cope with. The Nundle Go for Gold Festival and the Great Nundle Dog Race are the two main tourist weekends that will not go ahead if the wind farm development goes ahead as the whole village is needed to run them. What good will a community enhancement fund do for a town like Nundle if there are no volunteers willing to run these events. The feeling of working together in a community and volunteering to run events is the basis of social community engagement in small rural communities. I have been part of this all my life. We all may as well live in the big cities where no one runs volunteer based community events. I am making this objection to ask if IPC could please stop the Hills of Gold Wind farm to be built. |
Name Redacted
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Wind turbine submission I am a part landowner of Lot 22 Morrisons Gap Road, Hanging Rock NSW. I OBJECT to the Hills Of Gold Wind Farm project. I am deeply concerned regarding the biodiversity impact the Wind Farm will have on such a unique and fragile environment that is Hanging Rock. While wind turbines are considered a cleaner and more sustainable source of energy compared to traditional fossil fuels, they can have some negative impacts on native animals. Some of the concerns include: 1. Collision Risks: Birds and bats can collide with the rotating blades of wind turbines. This can lead to injuries or fatalities, especially in areas where there are large populations of migratory birds or bats. The risk of collisions is higher during certain weather conditions or times of the day. 2. Habitat Disruption: The construction and operation of wind farms may disrupt local ecosystems and habitats. Clearing land for wind turbine installations can result in habitat loss and fragmentation, affecting the species that rely on these areas for feeding, breeding, or shelter. 3. Noise Disturbance: The noise generated by wind turbines, including both audible and inaudible (infrasound) frequencies, can potentially disturb wildlife. Some studies suggest that noise from wind turbines may affect the behavior and stress levels of certain animals, impacting their ability to communicate, hunt, or navigate. 4. Electromagnetic Fields: The electrical components in wind turbines can produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While research on the effects of EMFs on wildlife is ongoing, some studies suggest potential impacts on certain species, particularly those that use magnetic fields for navigation. 5. Visual Disturbance: The visual presence of wind turbines may disturb or displace some wildlife species. Certain animals may avoid areas with a high density of turbines, which could influence their distribution patterns. 6. Increased Predation: The infrastructure associated with wind farms, such as access roads and transmission lines, can provide perches and hunting opportunities for predators. This may lead to an increase in predation on local wildlife. The proximity of the turbines, especially 70, 69, 68, 67, 66 and 65 to our property is not accepted by our family. It will impact the biodiversity of the whole locality, not just us. At the very least, these 6 turbines should be removed, but ultimately this project should be rejected to protect the unique environment of Hanging Rock. |
Attachments |
turbine-submission-3pdf.pdf (PDF, 70.63 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I am attaching a file |
Attachments |
dms-submission-to-ipcpdf.pdf (PDF, 36.52 KB) |
Name Redacted
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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- This development has never had social licence. For 6 long years the local communities most affected by this project have had clear and undeniable majority opposition. - The impact of forcing this development into a fragile ecological landscape on the Great Dividing Range at natural elevations of 1400m; the geotechnical, near impossible, constraints associated with such; and the extensive destruction of the natural environment on which it sits will result in significant and irreversible environmental, visual, heritage, economic and social cohesion impacts. |
Fiona Hubbard
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
The Hills of Gold windfarm proposed site will require the clearing and disturbance of significant and fragile temperate woodlands. The soils are fragile and the terrain is steep. Landslips are problematic in the area and the significant roadworks and clearing will exacerbate this exponentially. The wildlife in the area is important and will be impacted to a large extent from both the clearing and habitat loss, the movement and noise of the wind turbines and the traffic and activity at the sites. How can the destruction of this landscape be justified and labelled environmentally responsible? Green energy from this site will be green washing. This is environmental vandalism. Build wind turbines where land is already cleared and the terrain is suitable. The Crawney Road is also a significant concern of mine. The road is a narrow single lane and a very windy road where there are many blind corners. This contributes to many accidents reported on the road. The extra traffic involved in building these turbines will increase the risk on this road. |
Megan Trousdale
Organisation |
Nundle Business Tourism and Marketing Group Inc |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Submission attached |
Attachments |
nbtmg-inc-ipc-submissionpdf.pdf (PDF, 84.68 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I wish to object to the Hills of Gold windfarm. I love living in this area and do not want to see the mountain range destroyed by a project that should have been rejected from the beginning. The majority of the community do not want to see it go ahead and have already sent two lots of objections to the DPHI. We have spent so much of our own time researching and gathering information which should have been provided by the proponent and with so many unresolved issues this far into the project many residents are worried that if it is given the green light that damage done will be significantly worse. It will change the way the whole area looks; from the moment you drive in until you leave. An adverse effect to our visual amenity that will change the way we all live. The negative impacts this project will have will far outweigh any benefit to one major landowner. There seems to be no legal access and no clear plan as to which roads will be used by what type of vehicles, surely this should have been organised at the very beginning. We cannot damage more of the environment and justify it by saying we are saving the planet with renewables. The loss of critical habitat for many species cannot be rectified with offsets. Given that the impacts to biodiversity, our visual amenity, roads, and traffic have not been addressed satisfactorily I urge you to reject this project. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Thank you for the opportunity to strongly object to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. A brief introduction, I have been visiting family and friends who have lived in Nundle for over 40 years and I have been visiting for 34 years plus. Having been a part of the community for 34 years I cannot believe this development has been allowed to progress this far. Emotions aside: - A significant amount of pristine, untouched bushland will be destroyed. No matter how many turbines are built, a significant amount of land will be destroyed. Permanently. - Rare, protected Wedge Tail Eagle (amongst other fauna and flora) habitat will be destroyed and as you would be aware, The Wedge-tailed Eagle is listed as Endangered by the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (Tas). There is no way of replacing this species. - The wind turbines will effect the ability for land holders to have aerial spraying and invasive pest poison drops, significantly effecting the ability to protect their land and livestock from these invasive species. - Flashing safety lights at night time will be an eyesore - Tourists visit Nundle for its unique history of being "the Hills of Gold" and is natural beauty. This will be destroyed by industrialisation and greed. - Nundle has a unique rural village ambience, this will be taken away - The proposal has been incredibly divisive to the community, fracturing relationships between friends and neighbours, whereas the proponents will collect their money and walk away with no accountability. Nundle is seen as a picturesque town known for its long history of gold mining and its natural beauty, unfortunately as a result of greedy businesses, Nundle will become an industrialised small country town which will then be neglected by the wind farm owners once they have received their money. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
please see attached file |
Attachments |
olivia-skye-sylvestar-ipc-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 196.48 KB) |
Robert Dempsey
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
see files attached |
Attachments |
robert-dempsey-ipc-redacted.pdf (PDF, 47.04 KB) |
Meg Worley
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Website |
Submission |
I object to the project, please see my attached PDF file for more information. |
Attachments |
meg-worley-windfarm-submissiondocx_redacted.pdf (PDF, 1.58 MB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
The DPHI continues the Applicant's history of underestimating impacts of Hills of Gold Wind Farm to soil, water, biodiversity, transport, and visual. AERIAL FIREFIGHTING - Experienced Rural Fire Service volunteers are concerned that aerial firefighting, essential during the 2019-2020 bushfires, will be seriously compromised by the presence of wind turbines on the range. Aerial firefighting near wind farms is at the pilot’s discretion. The most reliable and highest water source for helicopter refilling will not be available for aerial firefighting due to the siting of infrastructure and turbines requiring water for helicopter refilling from a much lower altitude requiring a considerable climb and longer turnaround time. BIODIVERSITY - Some 447 hectares of vegetation would be disturbed, including 190 ha of native vegetation and 46 ha of koala habitat that is critical to the endangered species survival. Meanwhile local ecologist Phil Spark is studying the significance of the high elevation range, including Crawney and Hanging Rock, for remnant breeding populations following the serious decline of koalas at Gunnedah on the Liverpool Plains. INFRASTRUCTURE - Residents are concerned about the clearing and soil disturbance on steep country required for proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm Western Connector Road and infrastructure including substation, concrete batching plant, battery, operations and maintenance building and transmission lines/towers/easement. - There are up to eight potential waterways between the New England Highway and the project area on the Great Dividing Range that would need a substantial new bridges to carry oversize overmass vehicles with the capacity to withstand flash flooding. Four bridges have not been assessed for carrying capacity, Pearly Gates, Nundle Creek and two Oakenville Creek bridges. TRANSPORT - Our jointly owned heritage property is located in close proximity to the proposed Oversize Overmass transport route through Nundle village. We ask that it be a Condition that the applicant complete a vibration assessment and vibration risk mitigation for properties near the transport route. We ask that our heritage listed property is added to Table 6-3: Historic Heritage items - avoid. |
Paul Robertson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
The proposed HOG development will destroy 190.54 hectares of natural, native plant life. This environment is home to 14 threatened fauna species including the Koala. The destruction of habitat will be catastrophic for the local Koala population at a time when the science is telling us that we need to care for koalas and protect their habitat. This, I believe, is sufficient reason to object to this proposal. The natural native vegetation affected by this proposed development is vital to the biodiversity in the area. The impacted area represents a natural corridor between Crawney Pass National Park and Ben Halls Gap. The ability for species to move between these areas is incredibly important for the survival of threatened populations. Once the corridor is fragmented theses populations will diminish. Cavers in the area tell me they are also worried about microbats and the impact of blade strikes on their populations, since many of the bats feed around the escarpment. The proposed development is on some very steep land and erosion is a real danger. The sediment from erosion will end up in the Isis river leading to increased phosphorous and resultant algal blooms in the river. For years my wife and I and many friends have visited friends along the Timor Crawney Road and camped by the Isis River. This area is beautiful and its beauty is enjoyed recreationally by many people. Not only will the turbines be an eyesore, but their construction and operation will catastrophically damage a wonderful gem of an environment. I ask that you reject the proposed HOG development. |
Mikhaela Oldham
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to the hills of gold wind farm because it will be a destructive sight on the surrounding area and all those associated activities such as bush walking and photography of the native flora and fauna. |
Jackson Worley
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I object. I have attached my submission. |
Attachments |
jackson-worley-submission-_redacted.pdf (PDF, 63.56 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Our family will be impacted in many ways by the wind farm, which is visible from our house and garden, and light, heavy and escorted vehicles will pass our property daily for 6-14 months, maybe longer. The road modifications, transport, and ongoing operation of the wind farm will reduce our enjoyment of living at Nundle. It is all a reminder of the land clearing and removal of habitat that is required to make this project possible, and the impacts to biodiversity in Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve and Crawney Pass National Park. This is particularly distressing. We see first hand the force of nature of high rainfall and snow melt on the range, and disturbing and clearing vegetation on the mountain has far reaching ramifications downstream. I will be proud to tell my grandchildren that I fought to stop this inappropriate development in this sensitive ecosystem. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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As a citizen of the beautiful town of Nundle NSW, I believe whole-heartedly that it is abhorrent and ridiculous that this proposal for a Wind Farm in the area is even still being spoken about, let alone considered. The myriad of issues I have with Wind Farms in general would take me far too long to list and would fill up too much space in this submission, so I will just share with you my main concerns. Firstly, As a previous member of the local RFS, I am extremely concerned about the fire hazard this project could create due to the fact that the terrain up in the areas near the proposed Wind Farm site are already prone to fires and it is already extremely difficult to get to these areas to put out the fires or contain them. You're dealing with very rough and potentially dangerous roads in order to get up there and then it can be quite difficult to access properties. I mention this point because I know that Wind Turbines do have a history of catching fire in lightning storms and Hanging Rock is notorious for having large storms of this nature. Plus, while these are still being built, which will take a couple years I am told, I also wonder what would happen if we had a bush fire ignite up there at a time when our roads are being blocked by vehicles moving Turbine blades up to the construction area. How would our RFS vehicles get through in time? the answer is: They would not. Aerial Firefighting will also be an issue once the Turbines are up. My second issue is environmental...Not only is there a huge stripping of trees and disruptions to the eco-system required and already being carried out to make way for the project but the wildlife that we have in the area will be greatly affected and many killed, notably the very impressive population of Wedge-tailed Eagles we have up there, which I believe are a protected species. Protection will not be possible for these magnificent Eagles once the Turbines are up, and this has been made very obvious by the countless articles from around the world I have been seeing lately detailing the deaths and injuries being inflicted on large birds from accidentally flying into the blades of these Turbines which have been placed directly in their flight paths. I feel that this problem is inevitable and I can't imagine why anyone would be ok with that. Next there's the issue I have with these Turbines in general and their lack of sustainability, whilst falsely claiming to be Sustainable. To elaborate, my research into this subject has been quite alarming, discovering that these Wind Turbines give out very little energy and actually require the use of Coal Power to keep them running, making them essentially redundant. Then there's the extremely unethical way in which they are built and how they are disposed of when their very short lifespan of roughly 20 years is complete...dumped in land fills or left to rot where they stand since these materials are not biodegradable in any way, shape or form. It amazes me that anyone would still believe that these monstrosities are some how 'Green' or 'a better alternative for the planet'. Researching this topic is becoming much easier now due to all the stories coming out of late detailing the failures of Wind Farms in other areas and Countries...we should learn from the mistakes of others and stop the cycle. However, before we even address the issues that I just mentioned or the many other issues I could mention if I had more time we have the very large Elephant in the room to discuss...and that is the very real problem of getting the Turbines up to the proposed site in the first place. We have Country Roads around here that weren't built with anything of this magnitude in mind, they are rough and potentially dangerous roads. These roads haven't even been able to withstand the abuse they have endured from logging trucks driving up and down the hill on a daily basis and have required constant repairs as a result. The attempt to drag giant turbine blades up these roads will not only destroy the roads but will disrupt this beautiful and quiet Country Town and destroy our tourism industry (as the main reason why people come up here is to get away from the noise and disruptions of the City). I believe that the small group of very misguided people in this area who feel that the Wind farm will help our Tourism or bring money into the Town are fooling themselves and I can think of countless better ways to improve on those things. This proposal has already divided the town, I don't want to see it take what's left of Nundle and Hanging Rock. Getting back to the roads I should also mention that some of our roads are flood zones. You may have noticed that I have not mentioned anything in regards to the physical appearance of the Turbines and how they will impact the stunning views we have in this region...I haven't forgotten about this very obvious issue that I'm sure most of the objection submissions would have listed as a main concern, however I honestly believe that this is the least of our problems when it comes to this project proposal. Quite frankly, even if they looked amazing and added to the beauty of the scenery I would still be vehemently against this project because I am more concerned about the practicality and payoff of any project of this size and difficulty, of which there is zero. On another note, if the goal here is to reduce Carbon by switching to 'Green' alternatives, I would suggest you do some research on how plants actually do that for us through photosynthesis. If we want to improve the planet and lower Carbon emissions all we really need to do is plant more trees, not cut them down to make way for projects like this one. Nature had it all sorted before we came along with our ridiculous inventions. I moved to Nundle back in 2018 to get away from City areas and live a more quiet and simple life with my husband and so far we have gotten exactly what we wanted and needed from this humble little town. Serenity and peace is what the vast majority of the people currently living here want. They are simple people who give back just as much as they take from the environment, who take pride in their environment and who respect nature and don't pollute it...they do not need to pander to the Green agenda in order to prove how little a negative impact they have on the Planet. We do NOT need a Wind Farm. Thank you, and I hope that you consider the points I have just made. |
John Mackay
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
My name is John Mackay and I live at ⬛⬛⬛ Morrisons Gap road, Hanging Rock in the dwelling the developer calls NAD 18. First off, I wanted so say a bit about the misleading tactics the developer and the main project host have employed. The main host of the wind farm came to see me early in the process to let me know that he was considering putting in a few wind turbines on his property. He said it was not going to worry me, as he has bought some land over at Crawney area and that’s where the turbines are going and nobody is going to see them from here. He said he was just letting the neighbours know as a courtesy. This all turned out totally wrong. From my lounge room through the large glass door I am looking straight at his paddock where this wind farm is proposed to be. Soon after that I was contacted by a representative of Wind Energy Partners, they wanted to arrange a meeting. Back then I was working in Dungog, and I made a 700 km round trip to attend the scheduled meeting, but they failed to show up for the appointment. Later on the Developer has documented in their community engagement log that I have attended this meeting and was totally agreeable to the project. I most certainly do not agree to this proposal near my property and have made a complaint to Jamie Chives about the incorrect information. I was told they will ament their report. Subsequently, I was presented with a neighbour agreement which I refused to sign. After that, I was asked to give them permission to attend my property to take pictures for photomontage, which I agreed to. I have specifically asked for the pictures to be taken from the back of the house in front of the glass doors. I have also asked for the visual material to be forwarded to me, once available. I never received anything. I am not very good with computers and eventually a friend helped me to find some information about my property but there are no photomontages. Then the department of planning visited my property, four people, with the Visual assessment specialist among them. One of the department representatives said:’ “you wouldn’t want to loose this view, would you?” And the Independent Visual assessor asked : how important is this view to you?” I replied “well, it makes the block”. My reply was completely disregarded and they now suggest that I could grow some trees around the house to screen turbines. Not only will I loose the only view available from my property, but I don’t think they have given ANY consideration to the increased risk of the bush fire risk to my house. This house was built with a specific size of cleared area being approved by the council. I had to clear a lot of black wattle to create the clearing of the required size. The cleared area was in two parts, the inner circle and the outer circle. Council came and inspected it to make sure it complies before I was given the go ahead to start building the house. How can the Wind Farm developer override the Council rules and say that they will plant trees inside this cleared zone? This is some of the information about my property in their assessment: “An opening in the vegetation to the south west of the property with framed views of vegetated ridgeline associated with the Project Site. Approximately 30 turbines (most of which are in excess of 8 kilometres from the dwelling) will be visible in this view. Screen planting close to the south eastern side of the dwelling would be an acceptable form of mitigation to reduce the visibility of turbines in this direction, however it would also screen views. Consultation with the landowner would be required to discuss appropriate mitigation methods.” I don’t agree to the screening of my views and I did not have any consultation from the Proponent. One turbine (69) is inside the black line at 2.6 kms and other two (68 and 70) are right on the line. From my lounge room I can see the exact spots where they will be in the paddock of the host, so I will see these whole turbines from top to bottom. Also all the construction around them and all the vehicles of maintenance personnel for the next 30 or so years. And the red lights too. And then there are four turbines (67, 66, 65 and 64) between the black and the blue line. So they are also very visible. Can the Commissioners please recommend that all of the turbines between my house and the blue line are deleted. My understanding is that the others further south are already removed, so this is good, if will help a lot of people here who are affected. They should have never proposed the wind farm here, it should have gone at the Crawney end, like the main host first said. I don’t want any changes to Morrisons Gap road, it’s idylic rural road, they are trying to wreck the place. All these properties along this road are lifestyle properties. I do not agree with the use of this road for large components and trucks, please prohibit the use of this road. It will save a lot of tree clearing along the road too and will take away the disruption to traffic, getting in and out of Hanging Rock. |
vicki Dempsey
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
see attached file |
Attachments |
vicki-dempsey-ipc-redacted.pdf (PDF, 50.17 KB) |
Mark Eather
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Website |
Submission |
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PDF FOR SUBMISSION |
Attachments |
mark-eather--ipc-nundle-wind-farm-24pdf-redacted.pdf (PDF, 3.24 MB) |
Linda-Jean Lowe
Location |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I moved up to Hanging Rock in 2018, after a bad 2017 which found me homeless. My sister kindly offered me their holiday cabin to live in until I found my feet again and insurance claims were processed. When i moved up there, the silence was deafening, but after a month of living there, going on many walks through the beautiful bush, my little dog and mine soul began to heal, the silence and the beautiful night skies became our comfort. I only had internet when turning on the generator at night, no television or radio, which was a blessing at the time. After a year living up in Hanging Rock, I bought my home in Nundle which overlooks the Hill behind my home. The quiet of Nundle and again the dark night skies again helped with settling into our new life. I had always lived near a beach, but the mountains now became my happy place. I love the peace and quiet of Nundle, the ease of getting around and close enough to Tamworth for my fortnightly shop .Every morning I'm up before the sun, so I can watch the sunrise and watch how the Hills change colour. In the evening, as the sun sets in the west, the hills become a magical display of light, changing colours very quickly. And at night the stars are so bight you can almost touch them, They light up the ridge line. Nundle is so unique, beautiful shade trees line the streets, other than the logging trucks its so quiet and peaceful/ There is so much more at stake here than my backyard. We will all be left with the mess left by the construction, they will just pack up and move to the next little rural town to create havoc there and ruin more lives. My heart breaks for the farmers and business that are going to suffer because a few people want a windfarm, and some think it will help the village, but the opposite will happen Please don't let them the beautiful area and peoples lives |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I am a joint owner in a heritage listed property on Jenkins St, close to the Oversize Overmass transport route through Nundle. The Transport impacts of the project will have a damaging impact on the character of Nundle and its ability to continue to attract visitors. The appeal of the place is its old world charm and we hope we have contributed to that by participating in Tamworth Regional Heritage Week events. The vibration of oversize overmass vehicles and any potential damage is a concern for the continuing custodianship of our building. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Website |
Submission |
Hills of Gold Wind Farm Again, I wish to submit my objection to the above Development Proposal. In my previous submission, (No. SUB-13723993 dated 29/1/2021) I outlined my objection on many grounds. • Environmental • Visual Impact • Destruction of Community Spirit • Financial • Employment • Carbon Footprint • Traffic disturbances • Fire risk • Loss of Income • Rehabilitation I wholeheartedly stand by all of those objections. Two grounds that I objected on were; “Traffic disturbances. Much has been written in the submitted reports regarding the routes the turbines will take from the Port Of Newcastle to the wind farms proposed location, but nothing of any relevance has been made readily available to give a realistic estimation of the quantity and frequency of vehicular movements through the village of Nundle. In addition to the many thousands of truck movements required to deliver to site the materials to prepare for the installation of the turbines – there is the turbine towers and blades themselves. Movement of this type of equipment is well documented. The vehicles are long, wide and slow and like a lot of oversize loads are moved at night. Mishaps are not uncommon – resulting in long disruptions to traffic flow. Due the quietness of the surrounds of Nundle, large and/or loud vehicles are audible from long distances – particularly at night.” Just over a year ago I suffered a medical incident in the early morning. An ambulance was called for assistance. Within fifteen minutes, Nundle’s SES First Responders were at out premises. As our premises are on the western side of the Peel River, if one of these traffic movements was occurring, our First Responders would not have been able to reach me in such a timely manner. Their presence was a reassurance in what was a very distressing time. The ambulance was able to reach us approximately fifteen minutes later, from the opposite direction. Again, if one of these vehicle movements was in progress, they would not have been able to reach me in such a timely manner. Whilst my personal medical episode was not immediately life threatening, I still required hospitalisation. What will happen to the person who isn’t able to receive assistance as fast as I did? How will our SES guys feel if one of their own community is taken seriously ill, or worse, and they can’t reach them to render assistance because of one of the several thousand transport movements that will take place? We don’t need to hinder any of our emergency services. Will it take the loss of a life for the proposers of this development to realise this is not the place for a Wind Farm Development? “Visual Impact. Some years ago, my husband and I purchased a small parcel of land on the edge of Nundle village. It’s location with unobstructed views to the south were its main attraction. We have worked very hard to repair a neglected piece of land with the intention of some day retiring to Nundle to become a part of its community. We will be subjected to an unobstructed view of most - if not all - of the turbines.” The publication of the “Independent Expert Review – Hills Of Gold Wind Farm – (SSD-9679)” dated 29/11/2023 has done nothing to allay our concerns. The proponents proposal that planting trees, that take many decades to mature, will not result in any screening of the wind turbines OR their associated equipment in the proposed twenty five (25) year lifespan of the project. Not in our lifetime, nor the next generation. In addition to the expected light array during the construction phase, we will also be subjected flashing red lights atop of each turbine, indefinitely. This will bring to an end the ability for residents and visitors alike to appreciate the dark sky experience. I used to say that I could feel my heartbeat slow when approaching Nundle, such was the feeling of peace and serenity that I could expect from being there. I am sure I’m not the only one. That peace and serenity is now being taken from us all by people and organisations that have little or nothing to do with this community. |
Ian William Worley
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object. Please see the attachment. |
Attachments |
ian-worly-redacted.pdf (PDF, 194.97 KB) |
Megan Trousdale
Organisation |
Odgers and McClelland Exchange Stores |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Submission attached. |
Attachments |
megan-trousdale-odgers-and-mcclelland-exchange-stores-omc-ipc-submissionpdf.pdf (PDF, 58.7 KB) |
Kelly Jaffer
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am writing this submission to express my objection to the proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I have been a resident of Hanging Rock since 2009, when I moved my growing family from the urban sprawl of inner west Sydney to the natural bushland setting of Hanging Rock. My greatest objection to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm is the negative impact of change on the pre-existing natural environment that will occur should this project proceed. The significant clearing of native vegetation required, threatens flora and fauna species, and disrupts the equilibrium of ecosystems that have existed here for time in memorial. We need to protect and preserve the biodiversity of Hanging Rock and maintain the unique amenity of this place which is its peaceful, pristine and untouched nature. As significantly concerning as the environmental impact of this project, is the required access to the Local Road of Hanging Rock which this project depends. I live in the village of Hanging Rock, on the Local Road and I strongly oppose heavy vehicle access through Hanging Rock. It is inappropriate and unviable to allow the proposed 78 light vehicles, 63 heavy vehicles daily access to Barry Road, a Local Road, for the 24-month construction period, further, up to 6 heavy vehicles require escort daily to deliver turbine components for over nine months. This proposed level of Local Road access would be potentially detrimental to the local Hanging Rock community due to its extreme load bearing impact on fragile geology, increased dangerous traffic with oversized and over massed heavy vehicles on the Local Road, and the personal impact on residents that use the Local Road daily to commute to Tamworth for employment. Additionally, our local school bus service which collects students from Hanging Rock twice daily and provides connecting transportation to Quirindi and Tamworth, will be significantly impacted by heavy vehicle access. The flow on effects of increased commute time for residents and school bus services, increased dangerous traffic conditions, and the increased impact on Hanging Rocks’ fragile geology that oversized vehicles pose, makes our Local Road unfeasible for this project. There should be no heavy vehicle access through Hanging Rock. Unique to Hanging Rock is Sheba Dam Reserve and Campground, located in the heart of our mountain community, on the Local Road. Sheba Dam has outstanding natural beauty that attracts frequent campers to the area. Heavy vehicle access for the HOGWF will have a significant negative impact on local users and visitors who come to Sheba Dam for day trips and extended camping experiences, seeking peace and tranquillity in nature. Sheba Dam must be conserved and protected. No heavy vehicle access should be allowed through Hanging Rock. In a world that demands development, fuelled by finite resources, where we have the complex challenge of finding climate change resolve, whilst crucially, not losing touch with our waning connection to the wilderness, it is imperative that we are selective with what we give up and what we save. Hanging Rock is not the place to give up in the name of renewable energy. Hanging Rock is a wild place that touches the hearts and souls of those that come here. It is a place to preserve and to save, to keep untouched and to keep wild. It is this connection to place, my connection to this place, my home, and the fear of losing or having that essence of this place changed or compromised, that brings rise to my objection to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm Proposal. |
Bob Worley
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to this proposal. Please see the attached information. |
Attachments |
bob-ipcpdf.pdf (PDF, 79.51 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I wish to object to the Hills of Gold windfarm project. My family and I moved to Nundle two years ago and have been warmly welcomed by the community. We chose to move to due to the natural beauty of Nundle and want to remain here for the rest of our lives. We made the move to get away from a busy city life, to slow down but be active in a smaller community. My family has not been approached by the proponent despite our home being directly affected by large amounts of extra traffic, both light and heavy vehicles on one of the proposed routes. We have found it difficult to access information regarding the project due to the local hub hours of operation, it is never open! We rely on tourism for employment here and there seems to be no research conducted on the possible affects on visitor numbers to the area. Windfarms are not known to increase visitors to an area especially during construction when the town will be turned into a busy highway with all the extra traffic. Employment of local residents by the project is another subject that is being discussed. Nundle and Hanging Rock have a population of around three hundred people, most of whom are either retired or otherwise employed. Who is the project going to employ locally? We have no rentals available and very few houses for sale so again where are all the promised workers the project will bring in live? We enjoy the odd beer at our local pub, The Peel Inn, and are concerned about the negative effects of one possible transport route around behind the pub. The pub is a fantastic old place where we have made many new friends and reconnect with old ones too. The pub is heritage listed and should be protected. Community benefits fund has also been mentioned but is to be overseen by Tamworth Regional Council, this should not happen. Any benefits to be shared should be organised by the communities involved. Please do not allow the project to go ahead. I ask the commissioners to reject the project. |
Attachments |
view-from-lindsays-gap-roadjpg.jpg (JPG, 44.66 KB) |
Teresa Eather
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
A large scale wind farm development in Nundle and Hanging Rock would have negative impact to the local businesses and to the community. Places such as Nundle and its surrounding “Hills of Gold” are fast becoming a rarity in our world moving forward towards the next century. The preservation of heritage and cultural landscapes is of paramount importance to the reflection, education and understanding of Australian history for our future generation. Hills of Gold Windfarm is located outside of the Renewable Energy Zone. I have been involved with the Nundle community since 2010 in various capacity: Treasurer for Hills of Gold Preservation Group Inc. Alternate member Hills of Gold Windfarm CCC Treasurer for Nundle Business Tourism and Marketing Group Inc. Secretary for annual Nundle CWA Art Exhibition Committee member for the annual Nundle Country Picnic Treasurer for annual Nundle Go for Gold Festival Secretary and Treasurer for Nundle Public School P&C Association Committee member annual Great Nundle Dog Race Voluntary Debating Coach at Nundle Public School Nundle and surrounding “Hills of Gold” is a place of aesthetic natural beauty with historical and social values embedded from past to present. To date, the community highly values and have retained to a high standard of its existing assets. From the numerous heritage listed historic buildings scattered around the town, to old mining sites and the high scenic quality of its surrounding landscapes. I moved to Nundle from Sydney after acquiring a historic homestead in 2008. I chose Nundle for its unique scenic beauty, the landscape and the rich historic culture. I established a retail business in town and opened the property’s in-house museum to host open garden events. Both tourists and locals highly value this event and have an interest in revisiting a place that has significant meaning to their ancestral ties. Feedback from tourists with regard to travelling to Nundle and Hanging Rock are for the following reasons: Unique location A step back in time Scenic Drive Nature and Wildlife History and Heritage Friendly community Whilst Nundle is a small community, it has successfully maintained its identity as leader in historic and heritage tourism within the North West Region of NSW. This small and once close knit community in conjunction with the Nundle Business Tourism and Marketing Group Inc., has worked hard to build various events in driving tourism to the area through marketing the surrounding the historic, pristine and natural landscape. Thousands of tourists travel to Nundle for this reason. The DPE recommendation for 47 x 230m gigantic steel structure will wrap around Nundle village with maximum visual impact hindering the natural and historic ambience to the area while visually vandalising the Hanging Rock lookout and noise disturbance to the quiet and serene Sheba Dam camping grounds. Post-construction, it is projected that the highest turbine blade tip will reach 1,646m. I have concerns with the transport recommendations for Hills of Gold Windfarm. It appears the transport assessment is still lacking important information on numerous levels. There are numerous heritage items in the Nundle/Hanging Rock Area. Whilst not all heritage items have been assessed individually, it is important to consider and respect the community’s social heritage value of Nundle and Hanging Rock. Furthermore, there appears to be no surveys done to assess the Aboriginal heritage on Crawney Road. Aboriginal rock carvings are located within close proximity to the project site and not been assessed. Another example would be the transport route to the turbine location through Devil’s Elbow. It raises concerns that alterations have been deemed necessary but the proponent have not provided detail plans or engineering reports for the intended alterations supplied. I quote from the "Commissioner’s Observations and Recommendations report (updated) > 8.1 Site Selection report " on Site Suitability for wind farms: “Based on our complaint handling experiences, we have found that locating wind turbines on the top of hills or ridges, while optimum for capturing the wind resource, can have greater impacts on visual amenity, and may lead to specific noise and shadow flicker scenarios for residents in the valley beneath and may have other associated impacts on the community. Access roads for hill and ridge wind farms can also be obtrusive and significantly damage and constrain the remaining available farming land in the area.” Engie’s community consultation level narrowed down to a Community Hub which was rarely open and when open; manned by an inexperienced staff member, a few newsletters and throwing a few thousand dollars for community grants. However, despite what Engie has reported, the major failure is evident being that there are still major stakeholders and affected landholders not properly consulted to date. I believe that the IPC has heard many of them speak at the recent public meeting held in February 2024. Furthermore, Hills of Gold Windfarm does not have community consent. This is evident through the majority of local community signing a petition against the Hills of Gold Windfarm which I personally lodged with State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson MP in November 2020. The opposition to this project is still growing to date. The atmosphere of a community that happily worked together to make Nundle thrive while providing a strong social basis for community interaction is also why I moved to the area in 2008. I have made many valuable friendships through the fabric of social cohesion. Since the project announcement in March 2018, the local community have been sadly divided. In an attempt to gain social acceptance for the project, the major land host published several newsletters making ridiculous promises to the community for impossible projects. Engie has failed to accept and acknowledge the majority opposition to the project and for bringing division into the community. I sincerely hope that the IPC can clearly see the reasons to object to Hills of Gold Windfarm. The proponent has begun this project since 2018 and today we are still witnessing obstacles that the proponent cannot overcome to get Hills of Gold Windfarm off the ground. It has been 6 years of grief, anxiety and community discord in Nundle and Hanging Rock community. For the sake of the majority of the Nundle and Hanging Rock community, please recommend rejection to Hills of Gold Windfarm. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am a part owner of Lot 22 on Morrisons Gap Road. Our property is right next door to the main landowner hosting the most Wind Turbines. Our property is the location of NAD 8 and another approved DA which they did not recognise. Our family had purchased this property a long time ago, as they fell in love with the ferns and the long white low-lying cloud across the Great Dividing Range resembling New Zealand, where they previously lived. There are not many places in Australia like this. My family is lucky to have the Barnard river located entirely on our property under private ownership. The water is crystal clear and the river itself is very healthy. Our Grandparents had taught our parents how to maintain the river and to respect the land, this has been passed unto ourselves and to our children explaining how vital the river is, the giver of life. During the 2018 - 2019 drought the adjacent landowner, the major host of the turbines, had brazenly trespassed onto our property by cutting the fence, creating a 80 meters long road into our property, bulldozing our trees and installing a concrete slab and commercial water pump with generator on OUR land. He then proceeded to pump from our river onto his property filling up his dams. We were alerted to this by our neighbours further downstream who noticed a sudden and dramatic reduction in the flow. EPA and NRAR had launched an investigation (Case 522-2019) into the illegal pumping of water and the neighbour was sanctioned accordingly. With this lived experience under our belt, and other similar historical occurrences, we have little faith in our neighbour’s integrity when it comes to water, land or vegetation management. Much of the responsibility associated with the wind farm development falls on the shoulders of the main project Contractor. We fear that the main host of the Project will be the main earth moving Contractor given that he owns a large earth moving company with up to 80 people employed. There is a lack of detail of where Engie are planning on obtaining the water required for their project. There is no definitive source, only options. They are saying “maybe from the bores on site”. There are only three registered bores on site, all licensed for “domestic and stock use” only. We are aware there are some additional unregistered bores, one of them is on 388 Morrisons Gap road which is immediately next door to us. We saw it being drilled. We are worried that if they attempt to use this bore it will interfere with the water in Barnard River. The proximity of the turbines, especially 70, 69, 68, 67, 66 and 65 to our property is not accepted by our family. It will impose visual and noise impacts, including night lighting, and will restrict further development on our land. These turbines are impacting the whole locality, not just us. At the very least, these 6 turbines should be removed, but ultimately this project should be rejected to protect the unique environment of Hanging Rock and our water catchment. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I live on the southern transport of the project. I am concerned about the disruption to the native vegetation associated with Hills of Gold Wind Farm. The clearing will impact the increased runoff and the ability of the range to hold water to release during drought. We currently enjoy a quiet life and ease of moving around. Elderly people will be inconvenienced by the roadworks and transport accessing Nundle roads, and travelling to Tamworth for medical appointments. We will have difficulty even getting onto Jenkins Street. In 35 years time, who is going to clean up the mess. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Objection to proposed Hills of Gold Windfarm As I do not have a personal email I have requested my neighbour to submit this application for me using her email address. I want to express once again my firm objection to the proposed wind farm. It is troubling that residents in our area must repeatedly defend their opposition to this project, especially when the majority of us are against it. Bio diversity I am deeply troubled by the fact that, even in the revised proposal, the potential impact of this project on biodiversity, which includes the loss of critically endangered species, both flora and fauna, is considered acceptable. A recent article in the Guardian Newspaper highlighted the State Environment Report, revealing that Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent and boasts one of the highest rates of species decline in the developed world. The article also emphasized that major causes of extinction include habitat destruction and clearing. While I acknowledge the importance of green energy in reducing our impact on the planet, it should not be acceptable that this must come at the expense of our locally endangered or critically endangered flora and fauna. It is neither acceptable nor necessary to jeopardize the existence of these species solely to construct a wind farm, especially considering that, according to your report, it would only serve around 150,000 properties. Once habitats and species are destroyed, there is no reversing the damage. As a Native American, our belief is rooted in the understanding that while humans may perish, animals will persist as they do not rely on humans for survival. However, if the animals perish, it directly impacts the well-being and survival of humans. Traffic and Transport In a revised proposal by the proponents, it was suggested that all OSMO vehicles would use Crawney Road instead of Barry and Morrisons Gap Road. However, without offering any justification, the latest indication is that all vehicles except the Blade transport will return to using Barry and Morrisons Gap Road. This change is considered unacceptable. The effect of the excessive number of heavy vehicles on my property would be significant. The continuous noise from vehicles traveling along Morrisons Gap Road would disrupt the peace and tranquillity of my daily life, a key reason for choosing to reside in such a remote area. Additionally, given the proximity of my property to the road, the constant vibrations from OSMO vehicles would negatively impact the structural integrity of the property. Furthermore, the proponents' map of property boundaries appears to be inaccurate as it depicts my boundary as situated behind the current fence line. This is incorrect; my boundary is approximately one meter in front of the current fence line. I have also explicitly informed the proponent that I will not grant them access to my property under any circumstances, and I consider any attempt to do so as a serious trespass. If the proponent believes that I am mistaken, I would request them to conduct a boundary survey at their expense, carried out by an independent company. I earnestly hope that the department will give serious consideration to this round of objections, and that local residents will no longer feel compelled to defend their decision to object to the proposed windfarm. |
Sarah Willis
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to the wind farm development for the following reasons: TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS The access in and out of Nundle is limited to two sealed roads. There will be disruptions along Jenkins St up to Crawney Rd and Old Nundle Rd up to Lindsay’s Gap Road This creates disrupted access to Tamworth for me who has two young children. My mother lives in Tamworth and she supports me in raising my children. I also have to access Tamworth to take my children to medical appointments. Disruptions along Lindsays Gap Rd Disrupted access to New England Hwy which I regularly use to visit my Grandmother who needs our constant support. Old Wallabadah Road is not sufficient for safe travel. I have great concerns about the safety of travel along these roads as they are already dangerous, especially when dealing with log trauckstrucks that use Lindsay’s Gap Rd regularly. The Heavy machinery and Oversized trucks used for the turbines will make this even more dangerous. I request that the developers publish detailed roadwork and transport scheduling to minimise transport disruption across the entire project. These details need to be published in advance, with ongoing adjustments (live time) and easily accessible on the internet to affected townships residents like myself. VISUAL IMPACT Our house and verandah faces East directly to the ridge - Approximately 8km to WT 64 to 69 I strongly request that turbines 64 to 69 be removed from the project to minimise the dominant visual position that the turbines impose on the view from my property. I also support the deletion of turbines 9, 10 and 11 to minimise the visual impact to residents on the southern side of the range, which additionally benefits the residents on the northern side of the range and the residents of Nundle facing them. We will also see and have visual impact from WT 2 to 52. There is no opportunity to screen my property from the visual impact of the turbines as my space is limited. I strongly request that the project is not approved – I bought the property in December 2022 and have made a substantial investment in my home, the town, and I am a ratepayer. ENVIRONMENTAL I am concerned for the health of the remaining forest and biodiversity of the immediate area, as from my knowledge these have not been properly addressed in the submission and recommendations – especially in the Ben Hall area and road reserve areas along the proposed transport roads. I strongly request that more thorough environmental and biodiversity studies are completed before this project is approved. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to the proposal |
Attachments |
name-redacted-ipc-objection-redacted.pdf (PDF, 95.57 KB) |
Susi Bell
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I live with my family on Back Creek Road, Crawney, indicated by NAD_55 in Appendix 1. Our house is situated right next to the nominated route for transporting transmission lines and infrastructure up to Back Creek. I have a fulltime job off-farm which requires me to travel to Tamworth or Nundle every day. My concerns lie with the construction of the Hills of Gold Windfarm, which will cause an increased number of oversize and overweight transport on the fragile roads around Nundle, increase dust and noise in close proximity to our home, and the irreversible and regrettable change of character of the historic village of Nundle. Transport – B34 Operating Conditions I am concerned that the suggested number of road dilapidation surveys is not enough to identify road safety issues that will arise during the construction phase. One survey prior and one survey post construction as suggested does not indicate any length of time between surveys. The wording purposely leaves the timeframe open creating a loophole for the developer to avoid ongoing road maintenance during the construction phase. I am also concerned that the increased amount of traffic between Nundle and Tamworth and Nundle and Wallabadah due to travel by employees of the windfarm will degrade the surface of the road. Nundle residents depend on the road for access to services in Tamworth and Quirindi, food supply and social interaction. The road must be kept in good working order to minimise damage to residents’ vehicles and to allow a smooth transition from Nundle. Road Upgrades – Back Creek Road is the proposed transport route for the development of the transmission lines to the west of the project area. If the project goes ahead, we would request an upgrade of the gravel road past our home to an all-weather surface asphalt road to reduce dust. Traffic Management – B35 Also, vehicles passing through our property must travel at a maximum of 50km/hour to reduce the risk of collision with cattle, dogs, motorbikes, side by side vehicles or other users of the road. The proposal should include mitigation strategies to control spread of weeds, such as St John’s Wort, that may be picked up on vehicles onsite. There is a high risk of spread of weeds if employees are not aware of which plants are weeds and how they spread. Waste - B47 I am concerned there will be an increase of littering along roadsides or construction areas. If there is increased litter along transport routes the proponent must be responsible for its immediate removal. Community enhancement fund – A24 The project caused direct community division from the beginning, as evidenced by the different signs erected outside people’s houses in Nundle either for or against the windfarm. The community enhancement agreement should allow for funding to pay for activities or amenities to help bring the community back together once a decision has been made, either in support of or in rejection of the proposal. Nundle is a unique, historical village whose residents know themselves lucky to enjoy its tranquil character and stunning natural beauty. The construction of a windfarm along the main view of the hills of Nundle will change the nature of the area and, sadly, the conversation of the people who visit and live there. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
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Submission |
(A more detailed 4 page report is attached) The loss of 190.54 hectares of native vegetation comprising approximately 45% native vegetation is unacceptable. Vegetation clearing and construction of any wind turbines in the project area is unacceptable due to the high risk of bird and bat strike by the turbine blades while foraging and migrating between roosts and breeding sites. The Report (page 119) assumes low levels of microbat activity within the range of rotor blades for all species due to flawed evidence that does not take in account the limitations of the equipment. The AnaBat bat detector, the most trusted tool for recording bat movements for environmental assessments has limitations at distance. The rotor sweep area for the turbines is 58m to 232m above ground level, whereas the AnaBat detectors can typically record bat sweeps at a 30m distance and sometimes up to 100m depending on model, species of bat and placement of the unit. The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat and Eastern False Pipistrelle relies on mature hollow-bearing trees offered by the native forest woodlands along those ridges. Likewise, the Eastern Coastal Free-tailed Bat relies on mature trees with hollows or loose bark to roost under. I am concerned that the Applicant has no detailed plans to mitigate erosion, and soil displacement into waterways and downstream karst environments. Creeks and drainage lines actively flow into the Isis River and into the 2 adjacent Karst systems. I particularly object to the newly constructed Teamsters Rest access road across crown land from the Crawney-Nundle Road along the northern edge of the Crawney Karst. There are caves located in the perennial creek north of Limestone Oaky Creek and have two gullies feeding into this creek-line. I am concerned that clearing and road construction will cause erosion leading to the transfer of silt downstream into the caves. Two karst areas are present downstream of the proposed development. The Crawney Pass Caves immediately adjacent to the development. Seven caves are currently known to exist here in this drainage gully. The caves contain many features of significant geoheritage value, such as speleothems (flowstones, stalactites and stalagmites), vast tree roots have grown into the caves providing habitat for cave-adapted faunas, roosting avens for bats, and fossil bone material which is yet to be studied scientifically. Further to the south are the Timor Caves in the Isis River catchment downstream of the proposed development. Over 80 caves are known, many have high biodiversity values such as having a rich invertebrate habitat, bat populations, significant geoheritage values with over a hundred-year history of visitation and a substantial source of precious groundwater. All of these values are under threat from this proposed development. |
Attachments |
ipc-submission-hog-wf-2024rutledgepdf.pdf (PDF, 625.81 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
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Object |
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Submission |
The visual impact of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm has been underestimated. The project will be visible from Lindsays Gap and Nundle Rd intersection and all the way to the approach to my property. I have lived at Nundle for 34 years (the last 24 on stand alone solar power) and my interest is riding horses all through the bush at Hanging Rock. I have a particular interest in the gold mining heritage of the area. I do not support the clearing of native vegetation associated with transport and infrastructure for the project. The natural and gold mining heritage needs to be preserved. I support the protection of Black Snake Gold Mine. I do not support Biodiversity Offsets for the habitat loss. Preserve the habitat in the first place. You cannot replace ecosystems created over hundreds of years. I am particularly concerned about any reduction in the aerial firefighting capacity for protection of Hanging Rock properties and the Nature Reserve. Aerial support for firefighting is essential. The RFS has informed that aerial firefighting near wind turbines would be at the pilots’ discretion. Having more people and infrastructure on the range creates increased fire risk. I am not confident that the biodiversity of Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve is protected by a 130m boundary buffer. Even turbines that are not on the boundary have the potential to impact the biodiversity of the Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve. What is the point of the proposed turbine curtailment strategy. I have no confidence that there will be an accurate record of bird and bat deaths from monthly carcass searches. And there is no replacing the birds and bats that have been killed. There are alternatives for locating renewables in locations that have fewer environmental impacts in more accessible locations. |
George Kightly
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I OBJECT to the Hills of Gold Wind farm for reasons outlined in the attached document |
Attachments |
wind-farm-ipc--letter-2024pdf.pdf (PDF, 62.83 KB) |
Name Redacted
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I'm completely against the idea of building a wind farm near our town. It feels like nobody's listening to us younger members of the public and they're just steamrolling ahead with this project without considering how it's going to affect our lives. First off, I'm worried about the noise. They say those turbines can be loud and I don't want to deal with that. I need my peace and quiet, especially when I'm trying to study or just chill out in the hills. I would see these things from my families property it would be constantly in my face. It's bad enough dealing with traffic noise and stuff. And what about the wildlife? I love spending time outdoors, and I don't want to see animals losing their homes because of some stupid energy project. Plus, I've heard that the turbines can be dangerous for birds and bats. It's not worth sacrificing our environment just to generate a little bit of electricity. And don't even get me started on how ugly those things are. I mean, come on! Our town is beautiful, and I don't want it ruined by a bunch of giant metal eyesores. It's bad enough having to deal with pollution and stuff; we don't need to ruin our views too. Honestly, I don't see what's so great about this wind farm anyway. There are plenty of other ways to generate clean energy without trashing our countryside and disrupting our lives. They need to listen to us teenagers and think about the long-term consequences before they go ahead with this wind farm. |
Keith Hutcheson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
I moved to Nundle three years ago after falling in love with the area for its beautiful and peaceful environment having visited for 8 years. The property I invested in has a fantastic view of Hanging Rock and the ridge line north and south of it. My wife and I sit every morning with our coffee and breakfast enjoying the mountain landscape. We bought our property specifically to enjoy this environment. I strongly request that turbines 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68 be removed from the project to minimise the dominant visual position that these turbines impose on the view from my property and my immediate neighbourhood. I am not anti-renewable energy at all, but as this area is not even in a REZ I do not understand how this project has gained any traction. Apart from the visual abomination of the proposed massive structures there are many other concerns that I have. TRAFFIC on roads through the village, Barry Road, Crawney Road and Morrisons Gap Rd not capable of handling the weight, volume and associated noise. The great inconvenience for myself and the local residents in negotiating the massive increase in traffic due to the project and the roadworks. I request that the IPC recommend, if this project goes ahead, that all traffic movement should be published online so that we can plan for this so that we can travel for work, shopping, recreation and emergencies. ENVIRONMENTAL impact due to further deforestation for access, installation etc. BIODIVERSITY impact including bird strike, bat disorientation from air disturbances, small vertibrates, koalas, gliders, kwolls etc EMPLOYMENT – there have been no guarantees that local labour will be hired. In general I believe the footprint of this project is too grand and inexcusable, which defeats the purpose of a windfarm for environmental purposes. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I live on the southern transport route and I am concerned about the Oversize Overmass vehicles travelling on Nundle roads. Even travelling in the vicinity of Nundle, Crawney and Hanging Rock I will see the turbines day and night (red steady lights at least every 900m). The cumulative impact of wind farm transport and logging trucks on surrounding roads is a concern regarding dilapidation, safety and delays. It is worrying that less optimal sites like Hanging Rock are being pursued for wind energy, no matter the environmental cost or economic viability. The project will change the area from a rural environment to an industrial site from the New England Highway to the top of the range. It will result in a loss of amenity for me personally. There must be cheaper and more convenient places for wind energy than this ridgeline. |
Neryl Purcell
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to the Hills of Gold Windfarm SSD-9679. I was co-owner of property NAD 73., until 16/12/2023 ⬛⬛⬛⬛ Timor 2338. The misinformation provided to me by representatives of the applicant caused me personal stress and anxiety to the extent that this property was sold. My advice was that the property sold below the fair market value that which would have been achieved if the Windfarm was not going through an approval stage of being developed. The emotional turmoil caused to me was too much and I have absolutely no respect for those who are incapable of recognising wind turbines should not be placed in this area. Please leave some of Australia as Australia! We aim to protect endangered species and rural Australia’s natural landscape should be included as such. |
Attachments |
neryl-purcell-objectionpdf-redacted.pdf (PDF, 33.8 KB) |
Natasha Soonchild
Organisation |
Stormcrow Studio |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to this proposal. Please find attached my submission on behalf of my business Stormcrow Studio, outlining the impacts on tourism, biodiversity, heritage, visual and noise (impacts) that this project will have on my amenity and that of my business. I ask the IPC to REJECT the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. |
Attachments |
stormcrow-studioobjectionpdf.pdf (PDF, 462.99 KB) |
ROBYN KIGHTLY
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I OBJECT to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm for reasons outlined in the attached document. |
Attachments |
ipc-submission-ssd9679pdf.pdf (PDF, 70.1 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
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Website |
Submission |
I object to this project, with all the evidence that has been provided by the knowledageble people from the community and experts regarding the basalt soil, the hydrology in the area and the transport issues, there are too many questions that have been left unanswered has provided no confidence in this project being beneficial for this area. |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
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Submission |
While renewable energy sources like wind power are touted as essential components of the transition to a more sustainable future, the implementation of wind farms comes with a host of drawbacks that cannot be ignored. Firstly, the environmental impact of wind farms cannot be understated. Despite being heralded as eco-friendly alternatives, the construction and operation of wind turbines disrupt fragile ecosystems, pose threats to local wildlife, and cause visual pollution in once-pristine landscapes. Beyond the environmental ramifications, wind farms can have adverse effects on local communities. The noise generated by the rotating blades can be disruptive and harmful to human health, leading to sleep disturbances and decreased quality of life for nearby residents. Moreover, the presence of wind turbines can detract from the scenic beauty of rural areas, negatively impacting tourism and property values. Economically, the purported benefits of wind farms often fail to materialize for local communities. While developers promise job creation and economic growth, these benefits are typically short-term and overshadowed by the long-term costs associated with maintaining and decommissioning wind turbines. Furthermore, the subsidies and incentives provided to wind energy companies come at the expense of taxpayers, raising questions about the fairness and sustainability of such projects. In conclusion, while the need to transition to renewable energy sources is undeniable, the negative impacts of wind farms on the environment, communities, and economy cannot be ignored. Alternative energy solutions that prioritize sustainability, minimize environmental harm, and respect the rights of local communities must be explored to ensure a truly green future for all. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
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Submission |
I visit my family who live in Nundle frequently. It is a beautiful area and a pristine environment. The peace and beauty of this little town would be destroyed by the wind farm. Renewables should be put where they will not destroy beautiful places like Nundle and I beg the IPC to reject this out-of-place development. |
Carol Fiddes
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I would like to express my objection to the Hills of Gold wind farm project. I came to Nundle as a backpacker to The Dag Sheep Station. I loved the place and its people so much I decided to stay, that was 24 years ago. I live and work in Bowling Alley Point and am in very close proximity to the Peel River, my work is solely reliant on visitors to the area. Wind turbines do not bring in the tourists. Our beautiful, unspoiled Hills of Gold do! Neither Nundle, Hanging Rock, Crawney or Timor are a part of the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). I am opposed to the project because of the catastrophic impact it will have upon the catchment areas for the Peel, Isis and Barnard Rivers. These river systems provide water for many communities who rely on the river for stock and domestic water also irrigation for farming. Drought and flooding are major issues in this area and caring for our water systems is extremely important. The project will detrimentally affect water quality and our ability to use it. There has been no mention by the proponent of where the water will come from for construction. Visual impact – how can a project this size not have a negative visual impact? It doesn’t matter where you look it will completely change the outlook of a mountain range. Landholders whose properties will be affected visually still have had no contact from the proponent. The turbines will be seen whilst driving into Nundle and will detract from its beauty. There has been only one visit by a visual expert in 2021, and most sites were overlooked and many of the photo montages were misleading to say the least! Access for construction is via roads that are totally unsuitable for the size and volume of traffic. Six proposed OSOM vehicle movements per day, how will they be scheduled to avoid peak hours? The local school bus service travels along Lindsays Gap Rd, through Nundle out towards Crawney also to Hanging Rock twice a day during school terms, how will the roads be safe for children travelling to school? Any of the road users will have to reschedule travel plans, and travel at a greater risk every day. The roads are barely maintained and have been subject to damage from recent rainfall and extra use by logging trucks, who will maintain the roads during and after construction? The inconsistencies in the transport route and lack of detail are unacceptable. Recent bushfires highlighted the need for aerial firefighting, VLAT aircraft and helicopters were used to bring the fire under control. The height of the turbines means aircraft will be unable to fly and the area will be very much at risk for future bushfires. There is a huge risk to native flora and fauna, both thriving and endangered species. No amount of offsets can compensate for the loss of habitat to be removed for construction. We need to preserve such areas. The proponent has not accurately assessed any part of this project to a level that should be expected for a proposal of this scale. The divide in the community has saddened me, I have been a part of many committees over my years here and have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with friends young and old. Engie has an unethical sponsorship program which many groups have rejected, despite funds being very much needed. We won’t have to volunteer and organize events; all the groups will be able to get a handout from the benefit funds. Community benefits fund – there won’t be a community left if this project goes ahead so no-one benefits! The community has not been consulted the whole way through the project, without the hard work of several volunteers most of us would be very uninformed. The community hub is rarely open, and information given very inaccurate. Nobody in the area is against renewable energy but Nundle, Hanging Rock, Crawney and Timor are not the right location for an industrial scale windfarm. Rural communities are bearing the brunt of having renewable projects threaten farmland and homes and receive the least amount of benefits, all power goes to the cities. Projects of this scale should be subject to more rules and regulations to obtain approval and should not be approved when the majority of the local community objects to them. I therefore urge you to reject this proposal. |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am staunchly opposed to the construction of a wind farm near our community, and my objections stem from scientific principles and empirical evidence. Firstly, while wind energy is often touted as a green alternative to fossil fuels, the reality is that wind farms can have significant environmental impacts. Studies have shown that the construction and operation of wind turbines can disrupt local ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, displacement of wildlife, and disruption of migratory patterns. Additionally, the noise generated by wind turbines can disturb wildlife and negatively impact their behavior and reproductive success. Furthermore, from a technical standpoint, wind energy is inherently intermittent and unreliable. Wind speeds fluctuate unpredictably, resulting in variability in energy output. This variability poses challenges for grid stability and reliability, necessitating backup power sources or energy storage systems, which can be costly and inefficient. In terms of economic viability, wind energy subsidies often mask the true costs of wind power generation. The intermittent nature of wind energy requires significant investments in grid infrastructure and backup power capacity to ensure reliable electricity supply, adding to the overall cost burden on consumers and taxpayers. In conclusion, while the goal of transitioning to renewable energy is commendable, wind energy is not without its drawbacks. The environmental, technical, economic, and social challenges associated with wind farms underscore the need for a more balanced and nuanced approach to energy policy that takes into account the full spectrum of scientific evidence and stakeholder concerns. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I can't see that it is viable. How is the Applicant going to transport the components to the site? The cost of the project is not transparent. I do not like the whole process that has taken place. There has been lack of detail for six years. The ground structure on the range is not as good as it could be and will blow out costs of the project. The source of the quarry material is not identified. There are less expensive sites to build 47 wind turbines. Access has been problematic from the very beginning. I do not want to see the character of Nundle and Hanging Rock changed by the Transport Route and wind turbines on the range. Call it a day. It's a corporate snow job. |
Larry Walker
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
This development is not in the best interests of the local community |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I would like to express my objection to the Hills of Gold windfarm • The huge scale of road works needed to carry the projected daily truck movements that will change the outlook of the village completely. • Traffic delays due to the construction. This will affect the local primary and high school bus journeys putting many children at risk with over 100 daily truck movements planned for the duration of construction. Commuters and visitors to the area will also be affected by large volumes of truck movements per day. • The roads are already in an appalling state and are not fit to carry extra heavy traffic. • Proposed new roads that will negatively affect neighbouring houses and businesses. • No efforts have been made to reduce the visual impact of the whole project, not just the turbines but all the planned outbuildings, substations, transmission lines and new roads. • Aerial firefighting will be seriously compromised in the event of bushfires, the last bushfires in 2019/2020 required the use of helicopters and VLAT aircraft. • Aerial spraying and baiting will be unable to take place thus hampering more local businesses. • Tamworth Regional Council objects to the proposal, and so do most of the residents. • The red lights atop the turbines will ruin our night sky. • The area is completely unsuited to large scale development due to the steep and very vulnerable topography. • The amount of clearing of native animal habitats will cause even more damage to the environment. • The majority of people living in the area do not support the project and would like to see an end to it all. There has been so much community division, nasty and bitter behaviour by certain supporters of the project, we would like our village back please. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please find the reasons below as to why I object to this proposal: The proposed wind farm development on the Great Dividing Range, with its planned construction at elevations of 1400m, raises significant environmental, visual, heritage, economic, and social concerns due to the extensive destruction it would cause to a delicate ecological landscape. This project threatens to fragment vital environmental corridors between Crawney Pass National Park and Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve, disrupting a network of conservation reserves essential for habitat connectivity along the Liverpool Range. This area, integral to the Great Eastern Initiative conservation corridor, faces the removal of 190.54 ha of native vegetation, endangering 14 listed threatened species, including koalas, by destroying 46.2 ha of their habitat. The development jeopardizes koala populations, with the NSW Koala Strategy aiming to double their numbers by 2050 to prevent extinction, highlighting the severe impact of habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation presented by this proposal. The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has been presented with concerns regarding the development's impact on microbats' species diversity and density, with evidence suggesting that the Department of Planning and Environment's (DPE) assessment relied on outdated and inaccurate information. This flawed data, sourced from a 1985 reference book, fails to accurately represent the current state of caves and their inhabitants within the development area, significantly undermining the project's Environmental Impact Statement and the proposed Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Plan's effectiveness. The reliance on such data questions the DPE's commitment to making decisions based on current, accurate scientific data and highlights the inadequacy of proposed mitigation measures to address the complex ecology and behavior of bats and the interconnectedness of their habitats. In summary, the wind farm development at the Great Dividing Range poses a serious threat to local biodiversity, with inadequate consideration given to the most current scientific data and environmental impact assessments. This oversight endangers numerous species, undermines the integrity of conservation efforts, and fails to recognize the ecological and social costs of such a development. PLEASE reconsider the approval of this project, taking into account the irreversible damage it would cause to the environment and the local community. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I strongly object to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm (SSD-9679) on the basis of a flawed assessment by the Department of Planning and Environment (the Department). I have resided on a property on Timor Road, Timor for over 15 years. I am greatly concerned that the decisions of the Department in regards to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm Project were made on the basis of the independent soils study that they sought from PSM. I find it difficult to understand how the PSM report (Appendix L/M to Assessment Report on Constructability, Soil and Water Assumptions) can determine issues or non-issues regarding soil and slope on the proposed site that then influenced the Department’s deliberations or determinations on aspects of the proposed plan. The PSM report is totally at odds with at least two other independent soil/slope reports – ie Banks and Chapman – who’ve indicated very serious concerns with the project in regards to the landscape, slope and soil issues. I should also like to add that I found it difficult to understand that the PSM report appeared not to utilise or reference the well-established soil reference from the NSW Soil Conservation Service (eSPADE) in its determinations. On the basis of my concerns, I am of the view that the Department’s view or determinations have been influenced by the PSM report. A report, which I find to be flawed. It puts into question the validity of the Department’s determinations across a number of issues pertaining to soils and slopes. I strongly request that the IPC rejects the application for the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. If the IPC approved the project, conditions of consent should be applied. Condition of Consent B21 (b) (iv) needs to be amended and strengthened to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into the Chaffey and Glenbawn Catchments and the Isis River” Condition of Consent added to B21 (b) in include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into Perrys Creek, Pages Creek, Dead Eye Creek and Whites Creek” to protect the interests of the Isis River communities. That there be no use of Upper Hunter Shire Council (UHSC) local roads. Condition of Consent should state that a suitable and meaningful decommissioning bond must be instituted which starts at the commencement of construction and continues throughout the operation of the project; the “within 18 month timeframe” must stand firm as the beginning of decommissioning with a finished rehabilitation timeframe of no more than 3 years from the rehabilitation commencement date; all rehabilitation objectives should remain firm and not be able to be waived by the Planning Secretary; additionally all the underground concreting and other underground infrastructure must be removed to enable the restoration of the development site to its natural vegetation and landscape value. |
hamish adams
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am objected to the hills of gold wind farm due to the destruction of local bushlands and the environmental effects that will happen such as loss of native habitats for animals and the increased Co2 emissions polluting the air and skies. I am also angry as Engie, the company producing the mills, as they continue to lie to the community and use money to local residents support by ways of buying property and promising to donate money to local organisations. |
Paul Thompson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to the wind farm development for the following reasons: TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS The access in and out of Nundle is limited to two sealed roads. There will be disruptions along Jenkins St up to Crawney Rd This creates disrupted access to Tamworth for my young family who travel in to Tamworth for work every day. Also creates disrupted access to my father’s property on Cemetery Rd. I support my father to look after his property, on which I run cattle and work the land for him. Disruptions along Lindsays Gap Rd Disrupted access to New England Hwy which I regularly use to visit my wife’s family who need our constant support. Old Wallabadah Road is not sufficient for safe travel. I request that the developers publish detailed roadwork and transport scheduling to minimise transport disruption across the entire project. These details need to be published in advance, with ongoing adjustments (live time) and easily accessible on the internet to affected townships residents like myself. VISUAL IMPACT Our house and verandah faces East directly to the ridge - Approximately 8km to WT 64 to 69 I strongly request that turbines 64 to 69 be removed from the project to minimise the dominant visual position that the turbines impose on the view from my property. I also support the deletion of turbines 9, 10 and 11 to minimise the visual impact to residents on the southern side of the range, which additionally benefits the residents on the northern side of the range and the residents of Nundle facing them. We will also see and have visual impact from WT 2 to 52. There is no opportunity to screen my property from the visual impact of the turbines as my space is limited. I strongly request that the project is not approved – I bought the property in December 2022 and have made a substantial investment in my home, the town, and I am a ratepayer. ENVIRONMENTAL I am concerned for the health of the remaining forest and biodiversity of the immediate area, as from my knowledge these have not been properly addressed in the submission and recommendations – especially in the Ben Hall area and road reserve areas along the proposed transport roads. I strongly request that more thorough environmental and biodiversity studies are completed before this project is approved. |
Sally Edwards
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please find attached my submission that OBJECTS to this proposed development, Hills of Gold SSD-9679 going ahead. |
Attachments |
hog-presentation-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 2.04 MB) sally-edwardshog-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 90.9 KB) |
Geoff Purcell
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to the Hills of Gold Windfarm. 1. This proposed development forced us to sell our property because the personal stress and anxiety became intolerable. 2. I have 50 years experience in the property industry holding various roles and having acted for and against all level of government, local, national and international companies as well as a number of major and minor financial institutions. 3. Whilst I was a reluctant vendor, I was also an anxious vendor as our property was sold at a price below that which it would have fetched if the Wind Farm was not a consideration. 4. Upper Hunter Shire Council were invited to an onsite meeting at NAD73 (1843 Crawney Road Timor), only one councillor attended! The inspection referred to by the mayor in the UHSC meeting and IPC was not in the Timor/Crawney area, but in the Nundle area, which is a TRC responsibility. I have read the minutes between USSC and the IPC and it is my belief that the major consideration by UHSC was focused purely on money. Every other issue was secondary. Bushfires? Not an issue? I have read the minutes between TRC and the IPC. TRC are to be commended on the thorough investigation of details relating to the application and its impact on the area. The engineering analysis shows that it is not realistic to safely pursue such application. The TRC advises that numerous concessions were given to the applicant, they have apparently failed to respond with additional information that satisfies council. Council claims that out of 20 applications before them, this is the only one that they do not support. Reading the transcript should satisfy most that this project is totally unrealistic. Unlike UHSC, there was minor commentary regarding money. IPC-Public Meeting 1st and 2nd February in Nundle. This meeting produced some excellent speakers presenting with supporting evidence of their claims. The speakers supporting the project were largely supportive because of proposed future monetary benefits. I respect the right of those with Commercial enterprise to seek additional benefits but not to the overall detriment of a community. Nundle has survived droughts, fires and floods and economic downturn which is beyond Community control. The development of a proposed Windfarm is a hazard that should not be considered as it within our powers of control. The speakers against were not seeking anything above what they already have. They just wish to protect what they now have. ICAC- CORRUPT BEHAVIOUR Briefly described. 1 A member of the public influences or tries to influence probity of the public officials exercise of power. 2 A member of the public engages in conduct where such conduct impairs or could impair public confidence. Has such occurred during this process? |
Attachments |
geoff-copy3-copypdf-redacted.pdf (PDF, 28.35 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
• There is insufficient road infrastructure entering Nundle and the surrounds to accommodate construction of an industrial power station (wind farm). • The impact of construction will have a major negative impact on the local environment. • This is politically motivated initiative versus genuinely addressing alleged climate change. • The proposed technology will be obsolete before the installation is complete • There is no guarantee sites will be rehabilitated at the end of project lifespan • There is no means by which generated power can be connected to the national grid without further construction on farmland. • The material used in turbine blades cannot be recycled. • The turbine will impact aerial firefighting. • Windframs (industrial power stations) kill birds, Nundle and the surround support Wedge Tailed Eagles. • No consideration has been given to construction noise, dust or the negative impact on local residants. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I live on Crawney Road, 10km south of Nundle near Option A and B access. The road is currently dirt and the Departments recommendation to seal the road is helpful for what will become a dangerous road during construction. I am the mother of 2 children and carer for 1 child who still use the Lindsay Gap Road, Nundle Road and Crawney Road to travel to High School, work and sport during the mornings and afternoon peak construction hours. The road is already dangerous with log trucks, I believe extra light vehicles and heavy vehicles with construction workers and materials and loads will add to the danger, with speed, fatigue, overtaking and tail gaiting adding to the mix. I have lived here for 17 years and always enjoyed the generation our kids were apart of, the division now within the village is disappointing and won't stop if this project is approved, it will get worst. I don't agree that Nundle ridgeline is the best place for a Wind Farm and just because it's windy doesn't make it right. You choose to live an hour away from shopping centres, fast food, cinemas, medical GP's and services because there is beauty here in the isolation and natural surrounds, if this is changed or industrialised, the beauty and reason for living here is gone. If we can't live and enjoy our surrounds, and our kids have no home to come back to, Nundle cannot simply grow, you cannot achieve growth in a village like Nundle over 2 years of construction, it happens organically by people choosing to live here, raising their children, educating them here and one day they may choose to return to raise their kids or take over the family business or farm. I hope the IPC makes the right decision and rejects this Wind Farm, there are many other projects in the pipeline that can deliver the same outcomes with less risks to the environment or community. |
Peter Hooper
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Whether or not the HoGWF gets approved by the IPC, it is important to note that irreparable damage has already been done. The local community is fractured and mental anguish is rampant. Proponents of wind farms vigorously reject any adverse impacts on health such as heart palpitations, tinnitus, loss of sleep, depression, anxiety and decline in general well-being. Unfortunately Proponents show no understanding of solastalgia, a form of emotional or existential distress caused by environmental change. Solastalgia is the distress that is produced by environmental change impacting on people while they are directly connected to their home environment. It’s like feeling homesick without leaving home. Just a last minute thought - something from left field - has anyone given any thought into what kind of light show - and fires - might result if the HoGWF turbines become a magnet for lightning? Hopefully the turbine tips will be equipped with advanced technology to conduct lightning strikes ! Please read the Objections and Concerns related to HoGWF in the attached PDF. |
Attachments |
submission-to-ipc-re-hogwfpdf.pdf (PDF, 459 KB) |
Caroline Larnach
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
10/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
My name is Caroline Larnach, I am objecting to the Hills of gold wind farm. We have been deceived by the developer of this project, we have been told that we will see only 3 turbines from our property, AD_30, but in the actual fact we will see 17 turbines and a few more a hiding behind one tree on the neighbour’s paddock. My biggest objection is the red lights, this will change our night sky. If people like night lights they live in the city, not in the middle of nowhere. I have communicated my objection to red lights to Engie representatives before and I was told they will not be required. So this is what I believed up until now. We did not understand that by signing the agreement we are agreeing to the impacts, we had a consultation with the solicitor and this was not communicated to us. We have since requested to exit the agreement. I ask that turbines from 64 to 70 are removed, and I support the removal of turbines 53 to 63. My other concern is the road. Our understanding was that all large construction traffic was redirected away from Hanging rock and down Crawney road. This is what the Developer told the community. Apparently this is not the case any more. There is no information of what is proposed to be done at Devils Elbow, no diagrams. Why can’t the developer avoid Nundle altogether and bring components via Old Wallabadah road for example? The Commission must prohibit the use of Barry Road and Morrisons Gap Road for construction trucks. These are very quiet local roads where we don't get any trucks. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I disagree with the Department of Planning and Environments recommendation conditions of consent to approval of the wind farm. I have most of my 17 years living in Nundle, most of my family have grown up here for a long time. It makes me sad to think how people don't get along anymore, how all the good festivals are now finished or struggling to get helpers. I love the rivers, creeks and mountains, I love the way they are and think they bring a peaceful life to all that visit or live here. I don't understand how the NSW Government can think that by destroying this place it is good for NSW, I don't think it is. When the rivers stop flowing the way they do, or the birds have gone, the animals moved away or even the people from this place, what will be left will remind us of how wrong this choice was. Please IPC make the best decision for our place, our country and protect this special place from Development and put Renewables in less destructive places. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
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Submission attached. |
Attachments |
240209-objection-to-hills-of-gold-wind-project--ssd9679-redacted.pdf (PDF, 292.79 KB) 36--green-killing-machines.pdf (PDF, 6.59 MB) the-dark-side-of-renewable-energypdf-redacted.pdf (PDF, 503.15 KB) |
Alison Reid
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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I am a regular visitor to Nundle to see my grandfather. I have been visiting for almost 40 years, now with a husband and kids of my own we visit Nundle as a family to see the kids great grandfather regularly. The wind farm will not only be ugly but is environmentally irresponsible. The wind farm will scar the beautiful land that it is build on. With not only the natural landscape being destroyed but the beautiful natural water ways will suffer. The giant wind turbine blades will kill numerous birds, including the beautiful wedgetail eagle that I have grown up watching fly over the skies of Nundle, the turbines will also disrupt the homes of our native echidna at a ground level. I have fond memories of seeing them waddle across the land in the search of food, it would be devastating to see their homes destroyed. The noise of the giant turbines will ruin the wonderful quietness Nundle has to offer. Nundle's appeal of being a beautiful quiet town will be no more, with the noise from the turbines scaring off the native birds in the area so you would no longer hear the sounds of nature. The noise and the unsightly view of the turbines on the mountains would heavily impact the local tourism which local businesses and residents rely on. Nundle would no longer be the wonderful town it currently is. If this project goes ahead it will not only be a very sad day for the local community but for people like my family who consider Nundle as a second home with having special connections with extended family members. |
Ian Vaughan
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New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Ref: Hills of Gold Wind Farm Amended Application (SSD – 9679) ⬛⬛⬛⬛ TIMOR NSW 2338 I object to the Engie Hills of Gold Wind Farm application. I wish to note that all of my previous objections to the original EIS remain current and applicable. My Objections are as follows . . . 1. Location 2. Size of project and changes 3. Proposed relocation of turbines 4. Transport routes 5. Koala habitat 6. Environmental Impact 7. Threats to Bats and Birds 8. Wind turbine foundations 9. Transmission lines and towers 10. Stewardship sites 11. Soils 12. Water 13. Bushfire 14. Decommissioning and rehabilitation 1. LOCATION OF THE SITE • The site for Engie’s Hills of Gold (HOG) Wind Farm remains a major objection to this development. This is not about the value of wind farms as a natural resource and alternative energy source, but about the considered choice of an appropriate location to build a large industrial complex, such as this wind farm. This site is completely unacceptable on many levels. • The site Engie have proposed: - Sits on top of the ridgeline of the Liverpool Ranges – part of the Great Dividing Range, with elevations of 1100m - 1400m, and with a 230 wind tower installed, the overall height atop the Range will be over 1600+ m. - Has a Development footprint sitting on the boundaries of the Crawney Pass National Park, the Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve (BHGNR) as well as the Ben Halls Gap State Forest. - Threatens the connectivity corridor for threatened species. - Consists of steep slopes on the southern side (the Crawney and Timor Communities side) of the Development that reach over 50% gradient in sections and have a high risk of erosion and dispersion (land slides) which have recently occurred on the Crawney Pass Road, as testament. - Will involve clearing 447ha of vegetation with profound ecological consequences. - The required clearing that will severely impact 17 Plant communities; 2 State –Listed Threatened Ecological Communities; 2 Nationally-listed Critically Endangered Ecological Communities; 10 State –listed BAM (Biodiversity Assessment Method 2020) species credit species; 5 Nationally –listed threatened fauna; collision risk to Protected avifauna. - Is the source of 14 primary water courses, which are the life blood of the communities, who live in the area. - is comprised of soils that are of a Class 8 which are categorised as “extremely low capability land; limitations are so severe that the land is incapable of sustaining any land use apart from nature conservation. There should be no disturbance of native vegetation. Class 8 land includes precipitous slopes (greater than 50%) and cliffs, areas with a large proportion of rock outcrop or areas subject to regular inundation and waterlogging”. • Engie, in their original EIS, continually promoted this development as in line with the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) – even though the site is not part of that region. In this Report, Engie have shifted to acknowledge that whilst this project is outside of the REZ, so are 70% of all other such developments, approved by the Government. I think this is called “having it both ways”! • It is also noted that Engie promotes this project as being supportive of the sentiments of the NSW Government Treasurer and Minister for Energy, who says in a media release dated 4/10/2022 that there is a need “to fast track plans to replace ageing power stations …”. • It is hoped that fast tracking does not amount to wholesale destruction of the environment due to panic and poor decisions made in haste, when choosing locations for major industrial developments. It is worth keeping at front and centre that the reasons for seeking alternative renewable energies sources is to save the environment and to appreciate its importance in saving us from effects of climate change. You cannot claim to be environmentally conscious by approving renewable energy projects and, in the process, actively destroy the very environment we are trying to save. Required action: • This proposal should be rejected as it is the wrong place and will severely effect the environment in this area. 2. SIZE OF PROJECT AND CHANGES The size and scope of this HOG Wind Farm changes with each Report iteration. • 64 wind turbines with 56 red illuminating lights on top of the Great Dividing Range • Increase in the project area impact from 8315 ha in the EIS to 8732 ha. • Increase in Development Footprint from 300ha to 447 ha. • Additional alternate transport route of 5.8 kms along Crawney Road as potential access route to the Development Footprint + an additional 6.1km of farm tracks to be upgraded. • Widening of the Transmission Line route easement to from 60 m to 90m between the current and new substation locations, and subsequent clearing impacts. • Increase in size of the BESS and substation to 11.09 ha. • Increasing size of Switching station footprint from 2 ha to 4 ha. • Option to use quarry inside the Hanging Rock State Forest and increase its site by 13.2 ha and increase extraction mining from its current less than 30,000 tonnes per annum to 500,000 tonnes per annum. • Increase in new monitoring masts from 5 up to 10 and their associated hardstand areas. • 40 kms of internal road network – all 5.5 m wide + 1.5 m shoulders on each side, making this 40km x 8.5 kms wide of clearing and bulldozing. • 13 August 2021 Report on vegetation under transmission lines (E.6 P 390) states an estimate of approximately 193,000 square metres of vegetation clearance, based on a 20 km length Transmission line with 4 m of vegetation clearance – Report states that TransGrid previously use a clearance of 7.5 m for 330kV lines. Required action: • This project should be rejected because Engie should not be able to receive a licence to extract 500,000 tonnes of forest materials due to the impact of this activity on the general publics ability to use the Hanging Rock State Forest. 3. PROPOSED RELOCATION OF TURBINES • A most critical part of all of Engie’s applications – in the EIS, the January 2022 Amendment Report and in this November Amendment Report 2022 – is the overarching approval they seek to be able to relocate any and all turbines up to a 100 metre radius. If the HOG Wind Farm application is approved the turbines can be moved closer together, closer to boundaries of National Parks, closer to threatened ecosystems – they will be moved to the betterment of Engie’s interest NOT that of the environment - and no one will be able to do anything about it or monitor this activity happening. • In February 2022 NPWS asked for the removal of all turbines bordering BHGNP to protect the bird and bat strike and to ensure its use of fixed wing aircraft to fight bushfire and avoid burning the Threatened Ecological Community BHGNR Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest, which has now been upgraded under the EPBC Act as Critically endangered. • Similarly, the Upper Hunter Shire Council (UHSC) requested in March 2021 the removal of WTG 31, 32 and 33 as they were in breach of their DCP, which requires a development to be 460 m from a boundary. • Engie have removed 2 WTGs – 31 and 41 (#41 – please read point below) and have relocated 10 WTGs (32,38,39,40,42,43,44,45,46,47) and retained the position of 1 WTG 33 – this means 11 turbines still are adjacent to BHGNP and this collective clutter of 11 turbines remains a barrier to avifauna and will dominate and despoil the Peel and Isis valleys. • In response to the UHSC, WTG 32 has moved closer to the BHGNP (205m from boundary) and 33 remains (217 m from boundary). • Depending on the width of the turbine hubs, WTGs 42 (87 m from boundary) and 43 (88m from boundary) could be touching the BHGNP boundary with their blade tips and certainly could be effectively spinning over the tree canopy on the boundary. • Furthermore, WTG 50 was previously relocated and it appears from Engie’s mapping to have been relocated onto Crown Land. • Add to this Engie’s consistent request that they be granted approval to move any and all turbines by 100m radius and it is clear that the BHGNP and all its flora and fauna communities remain under severe threat! Tweaking the location of infrastructure and road systems will have little or no effect on species hot spots when turbines are collectively cluttered together. Requested action: 1. The IPC reject this proposal and at very least ensure removal of these 11 WTGs, adjacent to BHGNR. 2. In the disastrous circumstance that this Project is approved, that the request by Engie to have carte blanch to move turbines up to 100m radius is strongly and comprehensively denied. 3. Engie is made to submit the exact location of each final WTG before approval of development is determined and that these cannot be subsequently altered. Reassessment of the environmental impacts would then also need to be undertaken. 4. Engie needs to clarify the position of WTG 50 and its appeared location on Crown Land. 4. TRANSPORT ROUTE FOR OVER SIZE/OVER MASS (OSOM)VEHICLES • There were three proposed options to access the Project area, all of which have been rejected by various land-owners and authorities. So there is no detail on how Engie propose to access the Project area. • It goes to the credibility of Engie that we have had to endure years of their inability to provide any definitive information to be assessed upon – the previous options were objected to as unviable and then dumped. But yet again Engie were given further opportunities when indeed, the whole project should have should have been rejected on the basis of the site’s unsuitability. • If Local Land Services (LLS) has already said one option was not recommended because this would be a second road through the reserve, which contravenes the Section 75 of the LLS Act - not to mention the environmental impact of closing Option A and building a greenfield access road - why is application even being conside |
Attachments |
ian-vaughan--objection-redacted.pdf (PDF, 261.35 KB) |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Our house is NAD-78, which is 6.3km from Turbine 6, and 5.9km from the Governor’s Shelf where the Battery, Operation & Maintenance building, concrete batching plant, substation, and parking (and lighting) are proposed. The DPHI Assessment does not take into account the importance of the range to the overall character of Nundle. Coming in on Lindsay’s Gap Rd you see the entire range, and the full spectrum of the wind farm will be visible from a great distance and approaching Nundle. I hope the IPC isn’t a matter of rubber stamping. I am concerned that a private company proposes to use a council road and fence it off as part of its transport route. Herring Street North is a well-used road. Logging trucks are already damaging the roads and the OSOM vehicles will be much heavier. We already feel that our life is in our hands when we share the road with logging trucks. I use Old Wallabadah Rd and Crawney Timor Rd as a resident. There should be a condition that construction workers and contractors do not use Old Wallabadah Rd or Crawney Timor Rd for commuting. If the road upgrades between Newcastle and Muswellbrook won’t be completed before the late 2020s how will this project connect to the grid quickly? The cost of this project is underestimated. The 2020 Capital Investment Cost had 33 exclusions, including the Battery Energy Storage System. I ask the IPC to request an updated Capital Investment Value (domestic and offshore) estimate to understand the transparent cost of this project and its impact on electricity prices and value for the NSW tax payer. There has been no improvement to this project in six years in terms of impact to the community and understanding the environmental impact of roads and other infrastructure. |
Name Redacted
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Dear Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to you as a concerned resident and business owner in Nundle, a town with a population of less than 500. Our community is known nationwide for its tranquil beauty, rich history, and unique attractions that draw visitors from far and wide. As a community member and investor in the region, I am deeply concerned about the proposed wind farm project on the ridgeline overlooking our town. If approved, this project will have a significant and irreversible impact on our tourism industry, which is our exclusive source of income and livelihood. We, as a community, have invested heavily in our town and its natural beauty, and we cannot stand idly by while a private company seeks to profit at the expense of our heritage and future. The wind farm proposal threatens to destroy the very essence of what makes Nundle a popular tourist destination and a respite from urban life. Our town's appeal is often described as a pristine, untouched haven, providing a unique glimpse into the past. The construction of a wind farm would not only mar this landscape but also introduce noise pollution and visual disturbances that would fundamentally destroy the experience our visitors have come to cherish. Furthermore, the wind farm proposal has already divided our community, pitting neighbor against neighbor and creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. The construction of the wind farm would not only disrupt the lives of residents but also potentially drive a wedge between those who support the project and those who oppose it. This would be a tragedy for our tight-knit community, which has always prided itself on its unity and resilience. In conclusion, the Nundle Wind Farm proposal represents a significant and dire threat to our community, the livelihood of my family, and the natural beauty that makes our town unique. We urge the Independent Planning Commission to consider the long-term consequences of this project and to reject it in favor of more sustainable and community-minded alternatives. We hope that the Commission will recognize the value of our town and its people and choose to protect our future, rather than sacrifice it for the short-term profits of a private company. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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I am 16 years old, I have lived in Nundle and grown up here my whole life. I went to preschool here and primary school where I met lot's of friends. I have volunteered on Dog Race days, had a Sweet stall at Go For Gold Festival, Nundle Country Picnic and Twilight Festival. I disagree with the recommendation for approval by the NSW Government, I believe the planet cannot be saved by destroying special places like Nundle. It doesn't make sense that money to Nundle or developers or even the countries who will supply the turbines should be at the expense of our magical mountain range. I honestly believe there are less sensitive places to put renewables and I hope the IPC agree and chose to allow renewables in places that do not destroy communities or beautiful mountain ranges. Our rivers are our life and our mountains are our soul, the IPC should reverse the Planning decision and reject this development. |
June Hooper
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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Back to first principles. Did the Proponent realise how arrogant and insensitive it was to hijack the words Hills of Gold to name this wind farm - a gross insult to many in the local community. If this project is ever built the beauty of this section of the Great Dividing Range will be destroyed forever. Rather than Hills of Gold it will become Turbine Ridge. Refer to Objections to HoGWF in the attached PDF. |
Attachments |
ipc-submission-re-hogwfpdf.pdf (PDF, 206.08 KB) |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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I am objecting to this proposal as I believe it is in the wrong place, it will be an unsightly feature on the horizon from my property and the roads in our town are not built to withstand increased traffic or the size of these structures which need to be transported to the site. |
Pamela Eagles
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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I object to the Department of Planning and Environment’s (DPE) consent for approval of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm (HOG WF), proposed by Engie, and disagree with many of the assessments within its Report. I am a former owner of Alston, a property adjoining the proposed Hills of Gold WindFarm host properties. Alston has been in my extended Family since European settlement. The original homestead has been relocated and preserved and is now a museum in the main street of Murrururundi. The Great Dividing Range at the head of the source of the Isis River, is a pristine magnificent environment, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna, and has largely avoided the impacts of European settlement and the modifications to the environment that have occurred throughout the Upper Hunter, over the past 150 years. The Hills of Gold WindFarm proposal will undo all of this. What legacy are we leaving for our descendants, if we are prepared to sacrifice the natural environment for our unquenchable need for Energy. There are far better options to generate Energy that don’t have to trade off the last remaining remnants of the Natural Environment. I believe that the DPE Assessment Report ( “The Report”) has misjudged the balance of costs versus benefits and that this project is not in the public interest. In addition to my general concerns about the impacts of this proposal to the COmmunities and Environment of the Upper Isis River I have specific concerns about the impacts to the Koala populations as follows: Koalas The DPE assessment states the Koala habitat impact is to 42.45 ha and the threatened vulnerable species remains on the BC Act and the EPBC Act. The assessment is that DPE don’t think the existing populations will diminish, even though Engie’s revised BDAR concluded there was potential for significant impacts to both the Koala and Spotted- tail quoll. Advice to the DPE from BCS was that yes, the project will reduce the availability of resources within the locality for these species and that the removal of resources will be in already fragmented areas of the project footprint. This last statement about fragmentation was made as though this made things ok. I refer you to the list of most threats to koalas below to see that this is an erroneous assessment. Fragmentation itself is a threat. Of the range of threats the NSW government notes all of them apply to the koalas in the HOGWF area : - habitat loss - Fragmentation and degradation - Climate change - Disease - Declining genetic diversity - Vehicle strike - Bushfire - Dog attack The NSW Koala strategy Pillar 1 is, most relevantly, Koala Habitat Conservation. The NSW Government set the ambitious goal of doubling koala numbers in NSW by 2050, which is the year, if actions are not undertaken it is feared koalas could be extinct in NSW. It is unfathomable that DPE is approving Engie’s development, knowing 42.45 ha will be destroyed. It should be noted that Tamworth Regional Land is creating 45 ha of new koala habitat in Gunnedah - erstwhile almost the same amount is being bulldozed for this project. The DPE has accepted Engie’s assessment of seven Commonwealth threatened fauna species ( and 1 threatened ecological community), including the koala. The assessment advice is that although “ there is potential for impacts to occur to seven EPBC listed threatened fauna species, these are not considered significant”. The DPE's assessment is unacceptable, especially when considering Engie’s record of assessing bat and bird threats! I ask that the IPC reject this totally unacceptable development in the valley of my Family. Thank you |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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Our family has owned a property on Crawney Rd for 22 years. We will be heavily impacted by the southern transport route. We are NAD-78, 6.3km from Turbine 6 and 5.9km from the Governor’s Shelf where ancillary infrastructure is proposed. I object to the visual impact of the turbines and red steady aviation hazard lights of a night. It is not just the impact from our house that should be considered. We move around our 150 acre property and surrounding Nundle and Hanging Rock. The turbines will be visible as we go about our everyday life. I do not believe the community fully understands the disruption to daily life as a result of construction transport, or loss of the rural character of the landscape. We are concerned that Back Creek Bridge will be replaced and cause us great inconvenience. We have lived experience of using causeways and can be inconvenienced or unable to exit or enter our property. The Applicant hasn’t confirmed whether Pearly Gates, Nundle Creek or Peel River Bridge at Nundle will be replaced. All this disruption, in addition to Lindsay’s Gap Rd bridges would cause difficulty in the case of an emergency or meeting appointments. We have Wombramurra Creek running through our property. There is no doubt that we will get silt in the creek as a result of construction and removal of vegetation. The Applicant has not done a flood study of Wombramurra Creek, Back Creek, Nundle Creek, or the Peel River. I ask that there is a condition that the Applicant does a flood study to understand the impacts of this high rainfall area. I ask that the IPC reject Hills of Gold Wind Farm. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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I object to the to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm (SSD - 9679) as it will fundamentally detrimentally impact the biodiversity and natural landscapes of the proposed area. I am a local resident of the area and am categorically against it. This project has little support and majority opposition to it continuing. I request that the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) refuses/ rejects the Application for the Hills of Gold wind farm. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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I am very concerned the effect the structures will have on the natural fauna & flora. This is a wonderful area for walking & the area will be diminished by these structures being put in place. |
Name Redacted
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Save Our Surroundings (SOS) |
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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Please refer to our submission contained in the attachment. |
Attachments |
sos-submission-to-ipcn-on-the-hills-of-gold-wind-works-v3pdf.pdf (PDF, 1.35 MB) |
Joyce Holbourn
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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The Hills of Gold wind farm will cause environmental damage. It is not in a Renewable Energy Zone nor is it in proximity to existing transmission networks or regional road and rail corridors. The impact of the wind farm project from my dwelling will be obvious and detrimental. From my house, where now I see the undulating ridge of the Great Dividing Range, should this project go ahead I will see turbines standing stark all along the ridge – they will be located approximately 4kms from my dwelling. I did not realize this until recently. I have never been approached by Engie about this. I have been living here in the same house for 40 years and to have this destruction of a view I had hoped to enjoy till the day I die is immensely distressing. In winter, when there has been snow, I am able to look up at the outline of the range defined by the cape of snow. Should the wind project go ahead I will look up and see metres high man-made structures standing stark along the ridge. The impact on the night sky of the aviation lights that will be necessary on the turbines certainly will destroy my pleasure of surveying the sky when taking my dog for her evening stroll. No longer will I have the dark sky that enables the stars to stand out so spectacularly. I request removal of turbines Nos. 42 through to70. TRANSPORTATION No clear transportation plan has been put forward. The turbine blades are over twice the length of the Nundle Hall. With other OSOM components and vehicles accessing Nundle from the New England Highway via Lindsays Gap Road the use of this road by tourists, including cars towing caravans, would necessarily be severely curtailed. There will be hold-up after hold-up along Lindsays Gap Road to allow these heavy vehicles and wide structures to use the whole width of the road. Add to this the roadworks that will be required due to the surface being continually impacted by these heavy vehicles, particularly after rain. Already the surface suffers from timber jinkers coming from the forested area above Hanging Rock with consequent necessary road repair. Three of them have overturned on Lindsays Gap Road negotiating the curves and camber of the road. How are caravanners to leave or access Nundle at times of their choosing? How are commuters, such as my son who works in Quirindi, to come and go at times convenient to them? The school bus picks up in the mornings and puts down in the afternoons every school day on Lindsays Gap Road. This timetable certainly should not be disrupted nor should commuters and pastoral workers along the road be required to alter their day-to-day routines. Extra traffic will mean more potential for accidents. ASSESSMENT REPORT Pages 13 and 14 Table 4 Summary of submissions. This shows very clearly that the majority of the community does not want this wind farm. It will destroy the character of Nundle and what it offers, the reasons so many live here – peace, tranquility, natural environment. To destroy this for the sake of allegedly “saving the planet” would be sheer vandalism. The idea would be laughable if it weren’t so tragic. Page 22 Point 82 The area of the wind farm sits squarely between two Renewable Energy Zone. Surely this is a strong reason for no infrastructure erection. The untouched area should be seen as an offset for both these zones. Nundle is not in a Renewable Energy Zone. Page 24/25 Point 91 The DPE itself has concerns regarding the visual impact of this proposal and has articulated these concerns. No visual impact assessment has been done of cutaways and hard stands for roads AND there is no mention of this in the report. People living in rural areas appreciate the beauty of the natural scenery. They do not live there to screen out their views, just as coastal dwellers don’t choose to screen out views of the ocean. It is naïve to suggest that “screening” is the answer to objections that rural views will be adversely impacted by this development. It is an insult to anyone’s intelligence for Engie to suggest that vegetation can be utilized to block the mess that will be made to large swathes of the natural environment that has been undisturbed since time immemorial, let alone the suggestion that planting vegetation would screen the sight of 230 metres high turbines on ridges and ranges. Page 37 – Point 122 This property belongs to one of my sons. There is an approved Development Application in place for the property. The location for the house was fixed long before any mention was made of the erection of a wind farm. It is within 500M of NAD05. It requires removal of some turbines and that a noise assessment be completed. This assessment has not been done and Engie continues to ignore the fact of the approved Development Application that is in place. Page 55 Point 178 The school bus routes along Lindsays Gap Road and Crawney Road should not be allowed to be manipulated by the wind farm applicants. There should be a definitive “NO MOVEMENT OF OS-OM” in relation to these school routes during times the school bus is operating. The extra passenger traffic alone, operated by the wind farm applicant, will increase the possibility of accidents without the addition of OS-OM vehicles/components. Traffic along Oakenville Road will increase by 65%. This is the road on which the Nundle Post Office is situated. The Post Office is a busy one. The carrier comes in there to drop off mail bags and at 1.30pm comes back to pick up outgoing mail, including large parcels from the Woollen Mill that they deposit from their vehicle. There is no residential mail delivery in the Nundle area, Residents are required to go to the Post Office to check if there is mail and pick up same. As well as people bringing mail and parcels for the 1.30 pm pick up there are vehicles constantly arriving during the day to access the mailboxes and to pick up parcels. Traffic along Crawney Road, which is an extension of Jenkins Street, will increase by 35%. This too is a road used by the school bus am and pm, by the residents along the road to access facilities in Nundle and to leave Nundle for Tamworth or the Highway. It is used by travellers accessing Nundle via the Crawney Gap. The social and psychological impact of this proposal has been and will be immense. Despite any contrary suggestion, the majority of residents do not want this development. The Commission has only to look at the number of speakers at its public meeting. Of the 70 or so who spoke only a very small number delivered submissions in favour of the project – one of those being the proponents. THIS PROJECT HAS NO SOCIAL LICENCE. Our local member of parliament has rightly described Nundle as the Jewel in the Crown of the New England. Please do not destroy it by approving this wind farm. |
Attachments |
joyce-holbourn-final-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 238.77 KB) |
Anthony Gardner
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Please see attached submission |
Attachments |
thoughts-on-the-ipc-challengepdf.pdf (PDF, 285.74 KB) |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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I am 17 years old and grew up in Nundle, and went to preschool and primary school in Nundle. My home is the ⬛⬛⬛ on Crawney Road, it's always been a special place to grow up and a special village to live in. We do live a long way from Tamworth and I still drive along this road a lot. I left this year to start work in Weddings and Event planning and management at Dubbo Zoo. I still call ⬛⬛⬛ my home and have a lot of my stuff there including my memories of growing up. My parents have now spoken about The DAG may need to close through construction for weddings and functions, which is sad becuase I know how much works they have put into building the place and working to make a better Nundle. I too once though one day I would like to run the DAG but may not be able to if they ever left Nundle. I don't believe the ridgeline should be cut up and turned into an industrial landscape of roads and turbines. Renewables should be placed in places that do not destroy communities or special landscapes like Nundle range. I hope the IPC rejects this application and all of Nundle can get back to they way it once was. I hope this for our future. |
Kerry Nixon
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New South Wales |
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09/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I wish to contribute to the discussion relating to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I moved to Nundle, from the Macedon Ranges in Victoria, at the end of April 2023. Prior to moving, I had no idea there was a wind farm proposed close to the village, or that the small community was significantly ruptured as a result of the division on the contentious issue. Whilst my primary motivation for moving to Nundle was personal, the beauty of the region, its seclusion, and its tranquillity were all factors in my decision. Within a few months I secured weekend work at the Nundle Woollen Mill, the prime tourist attraction in the village. Being the only person on hand on the weekends provides me with the opportunity to talk to visitors about their reasons for visiting, and I invariably assist them by pointing out the other attractions to which they might visit. I am constantly amazed at how many Tamworth locals come to Nundle. They see it as a picturesque, quaint village not too far from home. Some come on a semi regular basis, bringing their friends to enjoy what Nundle has to offer. I also hear from visitors who have travelled much further to visit – the so-called grey nomads who travel away from the colder parts of the East Coast during the winter months. Some come here specifically, having heard of the town’s natural beauty from internet advertising, NSW tourism activities, magazine articles or fellow travellers; others trip over Nundle by accident, and cannot believe their luck when they get here. The businesses in Nundle are, with the exception of the post office, almost entirely dependent on tourism. If we upset the tourists by making our village hard to access due to roadworks and slow-moving traffic, or we destroy the natural amenity through heavy vehicle traffic on our narrow streets and destruction of the picturesque outlook, some of the existing businesses will fail. Two years of reduced income will make some of the existing businesses unviable, and unable to be revived. Should that happen, and jobs leave the town, I fear they will not return once the construction phase is complete. With access to social media, the reach of bad news is fast and wide. Eradicating bad news is difficult, so even after the construction phase is over, many potential tourists will still be viewing chaos on the roads stories, unless significant sums of money are spent to counteract the narrative. But businesses doing poorly will have little to spend. I have a significant amount of money to invest in a tourism-oriented business, but I am not prepared to move ahead unless there is no threat to the flow of tourists. Being uncommitted, I can, and will, leave if the wind farm goes ahead, and go back to Victoria. I will not be alone, (although most will not go as far away). Beyond the threat to tourism, there are a number of other aspects about this proposal which cause concern. Having been evacuated as a child in the Ash Wednesday Bushfires, I am acutely apprehensive about the reduction in fire-fighting capacity which will result from the imposition on the ridgeline of wind turbines that will curtail the use of air support should a bushfire break out, due to the difficulty of navigating around the transmission lines that will have to be erected to deliver the power back into the grid. If the only means of fighting a bushfire is the use of vehicles, then all human livelihoods and life will be at risk, should the range go up in flames. According to the Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019 document, to which the Recommended Conditions of Consent (RCoC)make reference on numerous occasions, ‘The aim of PBP is to provide for the protection of human life and minimise impacts on property from the threat of bush fire, while having due regard to development potential, site characteristics and protection of the environment.’ p. 10 Furthermore, the protection principles note that a combination of strategies is required to ensure the aim is achieved, including ‘enable[ing] appropriate access and egress for the public and firefighters; and provid[ing] adequate water supplies for bush fire suppression operations.’ I am not satisfied that the applicant has adequately addressed this increased risk of bush fire to our community and others. The Independent Planning Commission has insisted on the development of a Fire Safety Study (RCoC p 18) but only prior to the construction of the battery storage facility. This ignores the severity of the problems associated with the erection of the turbines, which will have occurred beforehand. In addition, a water storage facility of 20,000 litres is required ‘adjacent to an internal access road’ and fitted with the requisite connections for RFA access. The Nundle Woollen Mill had the same sized water catchment requirement, and it is certainly not in as high a bush fire risk zone as the proposed HOGWF! This does not fill me with confidence that the increased risks will be mitigated. The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) prepared a booklet addressing the issues surrounding wind farms and bushfire hazards in 2018. The authors stated that, ‘Wind farms are an infrastructure development that should be considered by fire and land management agencies through the preparation of incident action plans for the suppression of bushfires in their vicinity’. p.7 Wind Farms and Bushfire Operations, 2018, Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) The community of Nundle has seen no such preparation. Nor should it have to wait until the wind farm is under construction before this issue is addressed. The case study cited by AFAC operated in a very different topographical and ecological environment to that which is proposed for the HOGWF, and therefore some of the conclusions will not pertain to this project. In that instance, the wind farm, whilst located on a ridge, was primarily surrounded by grasslands. HOGWF will be surrounded by bush, making it infinitely more difficult to extinguish any fires that might intrude into the surrounding region. If the IPC allows the project to proceed, at the very least it should insist on better bush fire mitigation plans. The HOGWF site has already suffered from significant land clearing, not all of it authorised and legal, in order to make the site appear viable. This has reduced the biodiversity and habitat for a number of iconic flora and fauna, already, including the koala, endangered in NSW. Much more land clearing is required if the project goes ahead. Each mature tree cut down will require 40 to 50 years to be replaced, and the biodiversity will never be replicated. No amount of rehabilitation will ever restore the bush to what it was. Given the importance of bush land to the mitigation of climate change, it is farcical that we are even discussing the removal of native forest in order to impose another, less permanent form of climate change mitigation in its place. Surely there are better sites for a wind farm than here! At the end of the project’s life, however long that may be, the current RCoC demand only partial rehabilitation of the site. The concrete will stay forever, because the applicant does not wish to pay the significant costs of removal. This is not good enough. We should not insist that native flora and fauna fit around the debris of human habitation. If the project does go ahead, the IPC should insist on full site rehabilitation, and demand the payment of a substantial bond to ensure future compliance. It is my sincere belief that the HOGWF is poorly positioned, and ought not go ahead. I thank you for your consideration of my concerns. |
Attachments |
hills-of-gold-wind-farm.pdf (PDF, 112 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I strongly object to this proposal as it will ruin my view from my family farm of the beautiful range with these unsightly huge structures. The roads will not withstand the increased traffic let alone cater for the huge structures that will be transported through our beautiful town. Road safety will be reduced for our young children who walk and ride bikes around our quiet streets. This proposal has divided our small town which has affected volunteer numbers on local committees and support of local events. If this proposal is approved it will continue to cause friction in the community. |
Professor Neil Curtis
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Statement of objection: Proposed Hanging Rock, Wind Farm As a citizen intimately familiar with the peaceful and calm environment of Hanging Rock in New South Wales, I strongly object to the plan to construct a wind farm in this region. This objection is based on the recognition of the significant adverse effects that such a development would have on the physical and mental health, overall welfare, and cultural legacy of both the local population and individuals who come to find comfort in this protected area. 1. Environmental degradation at the local level: Placing wind turbines on the scenic terrain of Hanging Rock would permanently transform the inherent splendour of this region. The tranquilly and unspoilt beauty, which are essential to the functioning of the health and well-being activities carried out in this place, would be disturbed. In addition, the construction process would result in environmental deterioration, such as the destruction of habitats and the disturbance of wildlife patterns. 2. Adverse Effects on Health and Well-being: Hanging Rock is a crucial sanctuary that provides comfort and restoration to persons seeking relief from the pressures of contemporary existence. The implementation of a wind farm will result in the emission of noise pollution and the presence of visual disturbances, so directly compromising the therapeutic advantages of this setting. Studies have demonstrated that being in close proximity to wind turbines can result in negative health consequences, such as disruptions in sleep patterns, heightened stress levels, and a decline in overall well-being. These repercussions would not only harm residents but also endanger the efficacy of health and wellness programs designed for military veterans and individuals in distress. 3. Conservation of Rural Character and Heritage: The preservation of Nundle and Hanging Rock's rural character and tradition is crucial to maintaining the area's function as a therapeutic retreat. The introduction of wind turbines will drastically transform the environment, diminishing its historical relevance and cultural worth. To safeguard the distinctiveness of this identity, it is crucial to resist any further construction, deforestation, or infrastructural expansion that could undermine the authenticity of the area. 4. Prospects for Sustainable Expansion in the Tourism Industry: Instead of introducing wind turbines and altering the scenery, there is a substantial opportunity for sustainable expansion within the current tourism sector. By harnessing the inherent qualities of Hanging Rock, such as its tranquil surroundings and therapeutic attributes, we may foster a prosperous sector of wellness tourism. Organising workshops and retreats centred around bushwalking, yoga, meditation, and other holistic disciplines can effectively draw in tourists without compromising the area's serenity and allure. 5. Collaborative Prospects for Therapeutic Retreats: Moreover, collaborations with charitable institutions offer prospects for creating customised therapeutic getaways designed for particular demographics, such as military veterans. Through the utilisation of nature's healing properties and the provision of customised support services, we can improve the mental and emotional well-being and ability to recover from adversity of individuals in need, while maintaining the natural environment's original condition. 6. Individual Account: The atmosphere of Hanging Rock exemplifies the profound impact it had on my personal development. It afforded me the serenity and calmness essential for managing the demands of military duty and high-pressure policing positions. Hanging Rock is not just a location, but rather a sacred refuge that has profoundly influenced my sense of self and offered me comfort in the midst of chaos. Ensuring the preservation of its unspoilt magnificence is not alone a matter of environmental conservation, but also a tribute to the powerful influence it exerts on the lives of humans, including myself. To conclude, I strongly advise decision-makers to give top priority to conserving the ecological and cultural history of Hanging Rock and to dismiss any suggestions for wind farm expansion in this revered terrain. By preserving this sanctuary, we can ensure the ongoing promotion of health, well-being, and healing for future generations. Statement of Qualifications: Furthermore, apart from my personal affiliation with Hanging Rock and my significant background in cybersecurity and law enforcement, my role as a senior operations officer for a worldwide renewable power enterprise provides me with a distinctive viewpoint on this matter. Having jurisdiction over 203 power plants spanning five nations, I possess a comprehensive comprehension of the renewable energy industry, encompassing the intricacies and difficulties related with the establishment of wind farms. Through my position, I gain direct knowledge of the misconceptions frequently propagated by energy developers who prioritise the progress of their projects over social and environmental considerations. I am keenly cognisant of the disparities between the assertions put forth by developers regarding the advantages of wind farms and the factual consequences on nearby residents, landscapes, and ecosystems. In addition, I possess a profound comprehension of the actual expenses, job prospects, and advantages linked to renewable energy initiatives, enabling me to analytically evaluate the assertions made by advocates of the suggested wind farm at Hanging Rock. Given my diverse range of knowledge and skills, I am in a distinctive position to champion the conservation of Hanging Rock's pristine aesthetics, cultural legacy, and the welfare of its inhabitants and tourists. My qualifications emphasise the significance of taking into account the wider social, environmental, and economic consequences of energy development. It is crucial for decision-makers to prioritise sustainable solutions that truly benefit all stakeholders. ⬛⬛⬛ Hanging Rock |
Attachments |
professor-neil-curtis--statement-of-objection-redacted.pdf (PDF, 31.11 KB) |
Mark Fogarty
Organisation |
ReD4NE |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
09/02/2024 |
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Website |
Submission |
See PPT submission as attached |
Attachments |
final-ipc-submission-red4ne--9-feb-2024pdf.pdf (PDF, 256.13 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I object to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm (SSD – 9679). I live approximately 30 km south of the proposed wind farm on the Isis River on which I rely for my stock and domestic water. Data provided in the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report shows that the reduced conversion of natural ecosystems, increase carbon sequestration in agricultural landscapes and ecosystem restoration together are 3x more powerful at fighting climate change that wind power. Yet this proposed project, set on an agricultural landscape with immense natural capital value, flies in face of the facts provided by the IPCC. This project is designed purely to generate financial profits for a limited number of institutional investors who will never visit the Timor area and more importantly, the project will be an environmental disaster for the local area. I am concerned by the amount of soil disturbance on the top of the range that will be required to build each turbine and the associated infrastructure. The soils on the ridgeline and surrounding areas have been classified by soil scientists as highly erodible and dispersive. They are classified as Class 7/8 which is defined as extremely low capability land incapable of sustaining any land use apart from nature conservation. There should be no disturbance of native vegetation. Class 8 includes slopes greater than 50% gradient which is typical of the top of the Range. These soil types will readily erode where they are disturbed or exposed. Land slips on the steeper slopes of the ridgeline are common. Each turbine sits on a 25m diameter concrete pad. Due to the steepness and gradients along the ridgeline that they will have to effectively cut off the top of the ridge to provide the flat areas and depth needed for the foundations and other infrastructure. All these unstable soils will be disturbed and exposed to rain, which is heavy along the top of the Range. At least 13 turbines are sited in the catchment of the Isis and Barnard Rivers. The Pages and Perry's Creeks are tributaries feeding the Isis River. There will be a huge impact on the Isis River of soil run off and sedimentation caused by the massive soil disturbance required to build the wind farm. Even now, when it rains, you can see the very brown water of Perry's Creek where it joins the clear water of the Isis River, turning the Isis into a very muddy stream. This is a result of the clearing done up at the wind farm site to date, but it will be much worse following the massive soil disturbance required to build the wind farm. This project is akin to building about 50 structures the size of the tallest buildings in Sydney next to the Three Sisters at Katoomba. You are destroying a pristine site on the Great Dividing Range overlooking the Timor Valley. This stunning landscape should be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. This wind farm will destroy the environment we are trying to save. Most of the 50 odd wind farms, each 230 m high, will have red lights on top of the Great Dividing Range which will operate 24/7, creating a city nightscape in the middle of two national parks, Crawney Pass and the Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve. The roads approaching the proposed site, especially from the south, are mostly unsealed roads in poor condition with many one lane only bridges and narrow winding sections which are not suitable for oversized/over mass vehicles. There will be a sizable impact on all communities along the Timor/Crawney/Gundy roads as it is a quicker route to the construction sites for vehicles and trucks. No residents along these roads have been consulted. The project consists of 23km of 230 m high wind turbines. How will birds and bats know where to pick the gaps? Eagles will be decimated by the wind turbines. The proposed site is in a bushfire prone area. The bushfires are hard to fight because of the steep terrain. The wind turbines can start fires and seriously compromise aerial firefighting. Fuels and oils kept on site at the wind farm are another risk. Transmission lines also cause bushfires. The asset owner of the transmission lines is responsible for reducing the fuel load beneath the transmission lines to a width of 90m but can they afford to carry out this responsibility? Wind farms only last 10 to 15 years. There is no detail about who will be responsible for decommissioning this one, how much will it cost and where the money will come from. Engie says it will only remove 50cm of the concrete foundations. No rehabilitation to its former tall-forested environment could ever occur with a tree root depth of less than 50cm. Erosion will remain a huge issue for the steep sloping land into the Timor/Isis River Valley. If the IPC approves this Application I ask for the following Conditions of Consent. 1) Condition of Consent B21 (b) (iv) needs to be amended and strengthened to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into the Chaffey and Glenbawn Catchments AND the Isis River.” 2) Condition of Consent added to B21 (b) to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into Perry’s Creek, Pages Creek, Dead Eye Creek and Whites Creek” to protect the interests of the Isis river communities. 3) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 turbines, as indicated by DPE report, due to noncompliance with visual, noise and biodiversity guidelines be upheld. Remove WTGs 9, 10, 11, 24, 28, 42, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 4) Condition of Consent that there be no use of Upper Hunter Shire Council (UHSC) local roads. 5) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 additional turbines due to serious concern about proximity of turbines to important habitat features ( tree canopies, hollow bearing trees, and the BHGNR) and the resultant threats to bat and birds. Removal of WTGs 6, 9, 16, 18, 21, 22, 32, 33, 40, 42, 43, 49, 50, 51, 58, 59, 61. - as posed by BCS and NPWS in the DPE report point 206, page 63. 6) Condition of Consent should state that a suitable and meaningful decommissioning bond must be instituted which starts at the commencement of construction and continues throughout the operation of the project ; the “within 18 month timeframe” must stand firm as the beginning of decommissioning with a finished rehabilitation timeframe of no more than 3 years from the rehabilitation commencement date; all rehabilitation objectives should remain firm and not be able to be waived by the Planning Secretary; additionally all the underground concreting and other underground infrastructure must be removed to enable the restoration of the development site to its natural vegetation and landscape value. |
DAG Sheep Station
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
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Submission |
I want to raise my CONCERN to the IPC that the Developer ENGIE and this development has not thoroughly or thoughtfully addressed the IMPORTANCE of the current use of the development corridor in the best interest of NSW. The DAG Sheep Station (The DAG) is located 10km south of the village of Nundle on the Crawney Road, runs alongside the Wombramurra Creek, and is represented in the EIS as a Non-Associated Dwelling (NAD) 34. The DAG Sheep Station OBJECTS to this proposal and asks the IPC to REJECT this proposal through a greater understanding of the risks vs value for the people of NSW. *Submission is attached. |
Attachments |
dag-ipc-070224-2pdf.pdf (PDF, 3.23 MB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I am opposed to the HOG WF development on the grounds that it may adversely impact the local native flora through the introduction and spread of weeds which will surely affect the natural environment. |
Marguerite Gardner
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
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Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please see attached |
Attachments |
hogwf-is-not-in-the-public-interestpdf.pdf (PDF, 203.37 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please see the attached PDF document |
Attachments |
adelyn-circuitt-redacted.pdf (PDF, 2.69 MB) |
Annette Thompson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Well, I think it is disgusting how they're not even considering the koalas and other wild life, and the original primeval forest; I thought they weren't allowed to touch it! I will be able to see a heap of turbines from my house, and the idea that there will be flashing lights at night makes me really cross. The noise of the trucks will be awful, and I have children who are new drivers that will be at risk on the roads with these huge monster trucks. I worry about how the council is going to maintain the roads, having seen what the logging trucks have done, and they aren't as heavy as the trucks that will be bringing the turbines, poles and blades. Then there is the bridge upgrades, and how long will those works take to be done. The whole thing will be a serious inconvenience to everyone in this little town. My family and I only moved here 14 months ago, and it was because of the beauty and the peaceful nature of the place that we moved from Duncans Creek to here. This project will ruin all of that. Please do not approve this project! |
Matthew Austin
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I object to the wind farm development in Nundle for the following reasons: As an electrical and air-conditioning tradesman who services the local community I am highly concerned about my access to the Nundle, Hanging Rock, Crawney and Tamworth communities for my profession and income. Many of my clients require my services at short notice, and I need to be able to get there quickly; with large vehicles travelling through town, my ability to get around will be compromised. There is significant potential for supplies to be interrupted as a result of the traffic. What contingencies are in place for a major road disruption, like a truck rollover? Where are all these workers going to live? There is very little information about where the construction workers are going to live, because it is very clear they will not all be local employees. The whole fact that jobs were promised to the locals is a bit of a fallacy, as not very many have got the skill set to do this sort of work. Currently the accommodation available is used by all the tourists. I guess if they stop coming to town, there might be some short term accommodation available. If there are people housed in Nundle, what will happen to the sewerage system. It will definitely need to be upgraded. If there is more traffic on the roads, and I don’t believe that there will only be 141 additional trips per day (how does this work – is someone not coming down the hill after work finishes?) – how will council collect the rubbish? And how will the new traffic affect the timber trucks? There is already difficulty getting out of a parked car when those trucks are coming through. Obviously many roads will have to be upgraded. Bridges also will need to be reinforced. The last time a bridge needed to be mended, because of a serious land slip, (on Barry Road) it took at least twelve months before it was passable. There are two bridges on Lindsay Gap Road, and the Barry Rd bridge will also need more work, so the people of Nundle will be seriously inconvenienced for a very long period of time. This project will result in many trees being cut down. The forest will be thinned out, and will affect the quality of the hunting. I love hunting, and see it as a community service, getting rid of vermin like deer and feral pigs. But less forest will mean the ferals will move further into denser forest further away. Finally, assuming that these extra workers will come into Nundle and go to the pub for recreation, there will need to be a better police presence to deal with the inevitable strife caused by strangers with no community ties. As it is, we have one policeman, who works on his own. Has this additional cost been factored into the equation? All in all, this project seems to have more costs than benefits. I respectfully ask you to refuse consent for this project. |
Pat Thompson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I object to Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I have 13 family members potentially impacted by the transport route and ongoing operation of the wind farm. I am concerned about the Visual Impact changing the permanent character of the surrounding landscape. The project would reduce our amenity of enjoying a rural landscape. I object to the clearing of 190ha of native vegetation, and the displacement of native animals. I ask that there is no clearing of koala habitat. I do not have confidence in plans for monthly carcass searches to trigger wind turbine curtailment. Scavenging animals will remove any dead birds or bats. I am concerned about the constructibility of the turbine foundations and the high rainfall and snow melt at the site. This sensitive ecological area should not be concreted, and the concrete left in the ground on decommissioning. I have lost sleep over worrying about the potential impacts. Our family members have ongoing health issues and we do not want to experience any traffic delays when we need medical attention by road or air. We ask that there is no Oversize Overmass access to Barry Rd and Morrison’s Gap Rd. Aerial bushfire control is essential for our area. There cannot be any obstacle to aerial firefighting. |
Joel Stanmore
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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It is awful that huge big wind turbines will be on most of the hills I can see from our house. This is a beautiful place, and it wont be if this project goes ahead. And I just heard that they will have a flashing red light on them at night. I love looking at the stars, and don't want the night sky to be ruined. I have to go to Tamworth every day, and I don't like the idea that I will have to leave even earlier in the morning to avoid the traffic. And how come we have to cut the forest down to put this wind farm up? Where will the animals go? |
Chris Eagles
Organisation |
TImor and Isis Valley Community |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The Timor and Isis Valley Communities object to the Hills of Gold WindFarm Development and the Assessment by the DPE This representation is on behalf of the following Community members (reconfirmed in that past two weeks): (Names have been provided separately) We are yet to hear from (but they have been supportive previously) (Names have been provided separately) This constitutes approximately 80% of the residents and landholders of the Timor and Crawney Communities (the communities). We include attached copies of the presentation made to the IPC by the community on the 2nd of February. We will be happy to provide copies of the videos shown if requested (these can't be attached due to IPC system limitations) Building WindFarm infrastructure in non-REZ (Renewable Energy Zones) areas, with none of the associated supporting infrastructure, just magnifies the impacts on local communities and individuals. In addition to the WindFarm development itself, communities are also impacted by bespoke, and often inadequate supporting infrastructure developments such as roads, power lines etc; Non-REZ areas should be excluded from this type of development. We object to the Department of Planning and Environment’s (DPE) consent for approval of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm (HOG WF), proposed by Engie, and disagree with many of the assessments within its Report. We believe that the DPE Assessment Report ( “The Report”) has misjudged the balance of costs versus benefits and that this project is not in the public interest. The Isis River is the Lifeblood of these communities. Yet the Isis River and the impacts to the source of this system, has largely been unassessed. The Isis River is one of three major rivers sourced from the Proposed Project Area for the Hills of Gold WindFarm development. Yet it is not referenced (Other than in maps and a unrelated water sharing agreement) in the Environmental Impact Statement, The Soil and Water Assessment, the Amended Environmental Impact Assessment ,the Amended Soil and Water Assessment, the DPE Assessment and Recommendation to the IPC , the PSM independent consultants report on Constructibility, Water and Soils and the conditions of Consent - How is this possible????? That a Recommendation has been made by DPE, with this assessment incomplete, poses an unacceptable risk to the communities. We have presented to and provided evidence of this to the IPC, that the Assessment has been based on incomplete information, and therefore the assessment is flawed. Our summary of concerns include (but not all): * Failure of Engie to engage with the community prior to the release of the EIS. The first public meeting with the community was not held until April 2021. That was Six months after the release of the EIS and three months after submissions closed to the public exhibition. The community was locked out of the process and not included in the development of the EIS. Breaching the NSW WindFarm Guidelines 2016 * After Six years there is still no legal access to the site. How can a recommendation be made for approval, without access. & The Biodiversity Assessment (BAM) has not been completed on the “as recommended” project. * No "on the ground" Noise or Vibration Testing undertaken South of the Range. No baseline established. * No "ground truthing" of the Bushfire risks to the Upper Hunter from the proposal * Inadequate Water or Soil impact assessments for the Isis and Hunter River systems * Destruction of a Wildlife corridor linking the Wingen Maid to the Barrington’s (identified in the establishment of the Crawney Nation Park in 2019). Replacing a wildlife corridor with biodiversity offset islands, will hasten the decline of threatened and endangered species in the area. * No analysis of the Traffic impacts to the Upper Hunter Roads South of the Range * No analysis of the Traffic impacts to the Villages, such as Murrurundi, without bypasses, along the New England Highways. * Precedence set by DPE allows the proponent to include biodiversity offsets for project area land cleared, during the planning process, by the major landholder, both unapproved clearing, and clearing approved for completely unrelated purposes (Agriculture). This land should only have been used for the purposes for which the clearing was permitted - not a WindFarm. How were the biodiversity offsets calculated for this land already cleared? Where is the integrity in this process? Commendation should go to the Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) for their unanimous and consistent rejection of this proposal as the predominantly affected Council, in which the HOG WF is situated. The IPC should give heavy consideration to the strong concerns raised by the TRC given they currently have 20 renewable projects in their region and this is the only one they are opposing, and for good reasons. This development has never had social licence. For 6 long years the local communities most affected by this project have had clear and undeniable majority opposition. The ecological costs of the HOG WF far outweigh any benefits. How can it be a benefit to earth’s sustainability to sacrifice multi-century old trees for a 35 year industrial wind development. The impact of forcing this development into a fragile ecological landscape on the Great Dividing Range at elevations of 1400m; the geotechnical, near impossible, constraints associated with such; and the extensive destruction of the natural environment, on which it sits, will result in significant and irreversible environmental, visual, heritage, economic and social cohesion impacts. The DPE assessment states that the visual integrity will remain and the wind farm will not dominate the visual landscape. The community disagrees as no amount of vegetative screening can hide structures that will sit on the natural elevation at 1600 m high. It is easy to rate a visual blight as not impactful when you do not live it day in and day out for the next 35 years. The Hills of Gold Preservation Inc (HOGPI) commissioned an Independent Visual Expert Review which states “ the resultant change of character to a combination of Natural Appearing and Wind Energy Character is significant. The proposed change will be critical to the ongoing community perception of the value of the surrounding landscape.” This project site is deemed suitable by DPE and Engie because it has wind BUT does that make up for the multiple unsuitable factors of this location - a resounding NO! Good wind does not mean a good site. Conclusion This proposal reveals all of the down sides to trying to build wind farms in non-REZ areas. None of the supporting infrastructure is in place, and building the infrastructure bespoke in non-REZ areas. magnifies the impacts to the areas surrounding the proposal. Engie’s planning and assessments are inadequate, flawed, unscientific, poorly referenced or simply not even done. Engie are Masters of words and paper theory - the magical “design phase” as the catchphrase to when Engie will actually produce factual information, after 6 long years, for so many vital aspects of this project, is not a leap of faith that any responsible entity should take. The consequences and impacts of this development to the native flora and fauna, the human inhabitants, its waterways and aquatic life and its heritage are too great, too serious and irreversible. The Biodiversity Assessment (BAM) has not been updated for the “as recommended” project The proponents do not have Legal Access to the Site (and may never have!!) What is the basis for approval? The DPE assessment based on incomplete site information, in approving this HOG WF project, is deeply Flawed. This is an Unsuitable Location posing Unacceptable Risks The community ask that IPC reject the Hills of Gold Wind Farm application to prevent irrevocable damage to the Isis Valley communities and the local Environment. Thank you. |
Attachments |
timor-community-presentation---ipc-feb-2024-part-1pdf.pdf (PDF, 11.45 MB) timor-community-presentation---ipc-feb-2024-part-2pdf.pdf (PDF, 18.63 MB) timor-community-submission--ipc-feb-2024.pdf (PDF, 228.37 KB) |
Danny Sherman
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission |
My name is ⬛⬛⬛ and I live in the village of Hanging Rock In the Amended report “noise and vibration assessment” November 2022 my house is identified as TR_2 on the transport route via Barry Road through Hanging Rock. The Applicant said that my house is located 11 meters from the road and is compliant for noise because of the road being classified as sub-arterial with 60 dB noise limit. This is an utter lie, my house is only 5.3 meters from the edge of the road and it is 11 meters to the other side of the road. The road is not sub-arterial either, it is a local road. I have complained about this misinformation before in my submission and the Department of Planning ignored it altogether. They are predicting 58 dB of noise outside my house, so they are not compliant. I think the Commission really needs to address this because the Department hasn’t done a proper and thorough assessment. This road is not being used by trucks and is a very quiet road. My kids walk along the road to Sheba Dams almost every day and other locals walk their dogs. Sometimes we, or other neighbours walk our cattle along the road from one place to another. We also can’t have any more congestion on Barry road, the only way in and out of the village. It takes long enough to get to town and we rely on this road for emergency services. Nobody knows where the trucks will come with water or gravel. Nobody knows when the existing collapse on Barry road will be fixed. The commission needs to prohibit the use of Barry road for any wind farm related truck transport. If there is an access to the ridge from the Western end, why don’t they use this access and take away all the impact on the village of Hanging Rock, Sheba Dams and Morrisons Gap road. |
Attachments |
img4788jpg.jpg (JPG, 4.37 MB) img4790jpg.jpg (JPG, 4.42 MB) |
Daniel Sassi
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please refer to attached document |
Attachments |
daniel-sassi-hills-of-gold-windfarm-nundle-areapdf-redacted.pdf (PDF, 962.24 KB) |
John Natoli
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I wish to record an Objection to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm (SSD - 9679) I am a regular visitor to the region and always enjoy what the area has to offer in scenery, tranquility, wildlife and also the opportunity it provides the local working farms in providing produce, as well as an income to themselves. From my understanding, the wind farm, if allowed to go ahead, would dramatically impact the development of the wildlife in the area. There are a number of listed threatened fauna species within this development site that will be impacted and put at further risk. Koalas are one of these and almost 50 ha of koala habitat will be cleared. NSW Koala Strategy targets to double koala numbers by 2050 or it is feared they will be extinct in NSW by that time. The NSW Government lists some the greatest threats to koalas as habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat, bushfire, vehicle strike - all of these are present as impacts of this HOG WF proposal. Also I wish to raise my concerns on the environmental impacts to the farming community in the area caused by the construction and placement of the windfarms. The proposed windfarm is on a unique part of the Great Dividing Range as the origin of 3 river systems -the Peel, Isis and Barnard rivers. - With the inability to contain erosion, potential mass movement and run-off, sedimentation of the river would occur. These soils contain phosphorous, which is released when it reaches the water systems and causes Blue Green Algae blooms, smothering aquatic habitats here and downstream. - The Timor, Crawney and Isis valley communities will be severely impacted if these above mentioned environmental impacts occur to the Isis River and the springs and streams, which feed it, that are all lying within the wind farm development. The river is used for stock use, domestic use and irrigation. How can this not impact the farming community that relies on the river. I ask that the IPC reject the application for the Hills of Gold Wind Farm . If the IPC approves this Application I ask for the following Conditions of Consent. 1) Condition of Consent B21 (b) (iv) needs to be amended and strengthened to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into the Chaffey and Glenbawn Catchments AND the Isis River.” 2) Condition of Consent added to B21 (b) to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into Perry’s Creek, Pages Creek, Dead Eye Creek and Whites Creek” to protect the interests of the Isis river communities. 3) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 turbines, as indicated by DPE report, due to non-compliance with visual, noise and biodiversity guidelines be upheld. Remove WTGs 9, 10, 11, 24, 28, 42, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 4) Condition of Consent that there be no use of Upper Hunter Shire Council (UHSC) local roads. 5) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 additional turbines due to serious concern about proximity of turbines to important habitat features ( tree canopies, hollow bearing trees, and the BHGNR) and the resultant threats to bat and birds. Removal of WTGs 6, 9, 16, 18, 21, 22, 32, 33, 40, 42, 43, 49, 50, 51, 58, 59, 61. - as posed by BCS and NPWS in the DPE report point 206, page 63. 6) Condition of Consent should state that a suitable and meaningful decommissioning bond must be instituted which starts at the commencement of construction and continues throughout the operation of the project ; the “within 18 month timeframe” must stand firm as the beginning of decommissioning with a finished rehabilitation timeframe of no more than 3 years from the rehabilitation commencement date; all rehabilitation objectives should remain firm and not be able to be waived by the Planning Secretary; additionally all the underground concreting and other underground infrastructure must be removed to enable the restoration of the development site to its natural vegetation and landscape value. Regards ⬛⬛⬛⬛ ⬛⬛⬛⬛ |
Lennon Windle
Location |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I moved here with my family 14 months ago and I like this town just the way it is. It is perfect for gold fossicking and hunting. Both of those recreations will be affected by the traffic and the visual eyesore that s proposed. I have a part-time job at the Goldmines Cafe and this business will be directly impacted by the noise of the traffic going past the cafe all day. If the tourists stop coming to Nundle, I won't have a job. I am very concerned about the loss of wildlife habitats, and deforestation. What's the point of cutting down trees to save the environment from climate change?! Based on the experience of Germany, where they are taking down their windmills because they aren't producing enough power, I can't see that what is proposed is a good solution for Australia's power and climate change problems. And if they cut down the trees, climate change will speed up, not slow down. I an very worried about the noise of the construction transport, and the danger that extra traffic on our narrow roads will make. I am about to get my Learners Permit, and am already worried about the impact of the traffic on my amenity. Another issue I worry about is how the land will ever be rehabilitated at the end of the project's life, given the oil that is known to spill from the turbines when they heat up and it gets too windy. Also, the fire risk will be increased, as a result of these turbines in a bush environment. Just yesterday (7 Feb 2024) a turbine in South Australia caught fire and caused a grass fire. The bush makes putting a fire out so much more difficult. Finally, it makes no sense that corporate greed is shaping the environment in such permanent ways, to the detriment of those who live in it. Please do not approve this development. |
Frank Caruso
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission |
lobjected the proposal due to the fact we are destroying our premium land In the areas where our farmers continue to support Australian families been meat products or vegetation Where our animals have called Home much before uS If we continue to go down this path, there will be nothing left for our children, and history |
Paul Thompson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I live off-grid with battery backup on the land at Nundle. I do not support Hills of Gold Wind Farm. People should take responsibility for their own power supply and there are plenty of houses and businesses without solar panels on their roofs that could be generating electricity. I ask that Oversize Overmass vehicles do not use Barry Rd or Morrison’s Gap Rd. The road is congested enough now with the logging trucks going down the mountain loaded. How congested will it be with the wind farm trucks going up loaded? The condition of Barry Rd is constantly deteriorating from the high rainfall and logging trucks. The cumulative impact has not been taken into account for road dilapidation or safety of residents. The long term profits of the project would go offshore. I do not support Australian taxes, via subsidies supporting an offshore company. I have construction industry experience and I am concerned about the constructibility of the wind farm infrastructure and internal roads. The heavy rainfall that we receive on the range leads to landslips and this has not been factored into the project. I am a bird lover and I am skeptical about the plans for curtailment of turbines if bird and bat carcasses trigger restrictions. I ask that turbines are removed from Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve boundary. I ask that there is no clearing of koala habitat. |
Emma Thompson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
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Submission |
I moved here with my family fourteen months ago, because it is a beautiful place to live. Now we find out that the hills are going to have these awful big turbines on them. How is that allowed to happen? I go to Tamworth every day for work, and I am not a confident driver. It is bad enough on the Lindsays Gap Road when the timber trucks are on there. It will be even worse with more traffic, and bigger trucks going even slower. I will have to maybe get up earlier to get to work on time. I really like going for walks in the bush, and going up to Sheba Dam. If there's heaps of road works and extra travel, this will make it even harder to enjoy my time off. And I really hate the idea that koalas will lose their homes because of the trees being cut down. |
Theresa Folpp
Organisation |
Muswellbrook Shire Council |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
08/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
See attached. |
Attachments |
theresa-folpp--hills-of-gold-wind-farm-submission-to-the-independent-planning-commission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 515.87 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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This wind farm should not be allowed to proceed in such a beautiful location like Hanging Rock. There are no places in NSW like this one apart from Barrington Tops. People buy properties in these places for the peace and quiet and to get away from the cities. I personally don’t want the construction period and all the activity it will bring. I don’t want construction jobs or people who will follow them here. I would prefer if this area reminded as it is. The developer argues that the visual impact of the wind farm on our locality can be dismissed because of the existing forestry operations. The pine forest was there for over 40 years before the harvesting began, which you can see from Nundle anyway. It will be harvested and replanted quickly and it will look good again for the next 40 years. But the wind farm and all the roads and power lines will be a scar on the landscape for the next 35 years, especially with the red lights on turbines. It is a long term impact. The pine forest already has a large footprint and displaced a lot of native animals. The wind farm proposal has resulted in clearing activity by the main host and more will be cleared if project is approved. We need to save what we have left. Trees are important not just for the visual aspect and animals, but they help clouds form and increase rainfall on the mountain. Another big issue I have is the road. We all believed that Barry road was not being considered anymore for over dimensional vehicles because of the issues around Devils Elbow. Apparently this option was taken away and the new access to the wind farm was from another side. I have been told recently that Barry road is back on the cards, being inserted in the Development Approval document that the commissioners are considering. This is very dishonest, but what can we expect from the government, it's like asking a fox to mind chickens. This is a very dangerous road, with many accidents or mishaps. Every local person has had a misadventure on the steep section of Barry road at one time or another, especially in winter with black ice on the road. I know locals who have flipped their cars. The last thing we need is any more traffic on this road and especially the large wide vehicles. I commute to Tamworth 5 days per week for work and it takes over an hour. I am concerned about the slow moving wide trucks and the congestion it will cause, and increasing commuting time. In some industries if you live further than 45 minutes away you can’t apply for the job because of the fatigue risk. Most people at Hanging Rock who still work have jobs in Tamworth. It will also take longer for emergency services, such as ambulance or police to get here. The State forest is busy with dirt bike riders and many accidents have happened in the forest before. Please, don’t allow the Developer to use this road. Barry road is just not suitable, peoples lives will be at risk. |
Nicola Worley
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to this development. Please see the attached document for all information. |
Attachments |
nw-submissionpdf.pdf (PDF, 78.23 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I object to the Hills of Gold wind farm and I believe the Hanging Rock community has been lied to. We have been told that large Oversize and heavy vehicles will not be coming through the village and past Sheba Dams. Most members still believe this is the case. Last we have heard during the previous project exhibition, and according to the newsletter distributed by Engie, the route was amended and all large vehicles were going down Crawney Road. I don't understand why the Hanging Rock option is being considered again and why the developer is proposing to deliver just one or two components via a different route to the rest of the components. Why can’t they deliver everything via one road. Its just duplicating the impacts, creating necessity of additional tree clearing along the second route and impacting the tourism facility - the camping grounds at Sheba Dams, I would like to address the importance of Sheba Dams camping ground. I have known Hanging Rock for 48 years now. There was a time when I lived near Sheba Dam and did my washing in the dam, which was at the time completely empty and not used by tourists. There was no tourism industry here then. Then Council started promoting the tourism in the area and they have tidied up the campground. Over the years, it got busier and busier. Some days it is completely packed with caravans and tents. I know that Crown Lands did not allow the use of Access Option C from Crawney Road to protect Teamsters Rest campground, why is the Sheba Dan not being protected? My understanding is that there will be a traffic of nearly 100 trucks a day through the village and past this campground. This poses a danger to children. The fire risk really worries me. There was A LOT of arial support here during the last bush fire in 2019-2020. There were helicopters and large planes flying everywhere. The village and all roads in and out are all located on the crest of the ridge. Any fire that starts below the ridge, on the Western or Eastern side needs to be put out quickly. The developer of the wind farm is saying that they can create another exit, to the south, but how usable this exit will be if the fire is rising from below? I am asking the Commission to remove the option of the Oversize and heavy vehicles coming through Hanging Rock. Council has confirmed that Barry road through Hanging Rock and Morrisons Gap road are LOCAL roads and can’t be used by heavy vehicles. I also think that if the additional 7 turbines at the Hanging Rock end are removed on top of the others already recommended for the removal, it makes the project recede from Hanging Rock and greatly minimises the footprint of the project and the biodiversity impacts and the amount of clearing required. It also gives the fire fighting aircraft more room to defend the village. |
Brittany Thompson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
As I use the roads early in the morning, and get home late at night, to go to work, I am concerned it will add too much time onto my daily time travel. I am also concerned about animals living where the turbines are supposed to be put, as I like to take my dog for a walk in places that will be affected. |
Geoff Travers
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I object to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm (SSD – 9679). I live approximately 30 km south of the proposed wind farm on the Isis River on which I rely for my stock and domestic water. I am concerned by the amount of soil disturbance on the top of the range that will be required to build each turbine and the associated infrastructure. The soils on the ridgeline and surrounding areas have been classified by soil scientists as highly erodible and dispersive. They are classified as Class 7/8 which is defined as extremely low capability land incapable of sustaining any land use apart from nature conservation. There should be no disturbance of native vegetation. Class 8 includes slopes greater than 50% gradient which is typical of the top of the Range. These soil types will readily erode where they are disturbed or exposed. Land slips on the steeper slopes of the ridgeline are common. Each turbine sits on a 25m diameter concrete pad. Due to the steepness and gradients along the ridgeline that they will have to effectively cut off the top of the ridge to provide the flat areas and depth needed for the foundations and other infrastructure. All these unstable soils will be disturbed and exposed to rain, which is heavy along the top of the Range. At least 13 turbines are sited in the catchment of the Isis and Barnard Rivers. The Pages and Perry's Creeks are tributaries feeding the Isis River. There will be a huge impact on the Isis River of soil run off and sedimentation caused by the massive soil disturbance required to build the wind farm. Even now, when it rains, you can see the very brown water of Perry's Creek where it joins the clear water of the Isis River, turning the Isis into a very muddy stream. This is a result of the clearing done up at the wind farm site to date, but it will be much worse following the massive soil disturbance required to build the wind farm. This project is akin to building about 50 structures the size of the tallest buildings in Sydney next to the Three Sisters at Katoomba. You are destroying a pristine site on the Great Dividing Range overlooking the Timor Valley. This stunning landscape should be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. This wind farm will destroy the environment we are trying to save. Most of the 50 odd wind farms, each 230 m high, will have red lights on top of the Great Dividing Range which will operate 24/7, creating a city nightscape in the middle of two national parks, Crawney Pass and the Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve. The roads approaching the proposed site, especially from the south, are mostly unsealed roads in poor condition with many one lane only bridges and narrow winding sections which are not suitable for oversized/over mass vehicles. There will be a sizable impact on all communities along the Timor/Crawney/Gundy roads as it is a quicker route to the construction sites for vehicles and trucks. No residents along these roads have been consulted. The project consists of 23km of 230 m high wind turbines. How will birds and bats know where to pick the gaps? Eagles will be decimated by the wind turbines. The proposed site is in a bushfire prone area. The bushfires are hard to fight because of the steep terrain. The wind turbines can start fires and seriously compromise aerial firefighting. Fuels and oils kept on site at the wind farm are another risk. Transmission lines also cause bushfires. The asset owner of the transmission lines is responsible for reducing the fuel load beneath the transmission lines to a width of 90m but can they afford to carry out this responsibility? Wind farms only last 10 to 15 years. There is no detail about who will be responsible for decommissioning this one, how much will it cost and where the money will come from. Engie says it will only remove 50cm of the concrete foundations. No rehabilitation to its former tall-forested environment could ever occur with a tree root depth of less than 50cm. Erosion will remain a huge issue for the steep sloping land into the Timor/Isis River Valley. If the IPC approves this Application I ask for the following Conditions of Consent. 1) Condition of Consent B21 (b) (iv) needs to be amended and strengthened to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into the Chaffey and Glenbawn Catchments AND the Isis River.” 2) Condition of Consent added to B21 (b) to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into Perry’s Creek, Pages Creek, Dead Eye Creek and Whites Creek” to protect the interests of the Isis river communities. 3) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 turbines, as indicated by DPE report, due to noncompliance with visual, noise and biodiversity guidelines be upheld. Remove WTGs 9, 10, 11, 24, 28, 42, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 4) Condition of Consent that there be no use of Upper Hunter Shire Council (UHSC) local roads. 5) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 additional turbines due to serious concern about proximity of turbines to important habitat features ( tree canopies, hollow bearing trees, and the BHGNR) and the resultant threats to bat and birds. Removal of WTGs 6, 9, 16, 18, 21, 22, 32, 33, 40, 42, 43, 49, 50, 51, 58, 59, 61. - as posed by BCS and NPWS in the DPE report point 206, page 63. 6) Condition of Consent should state that a suitable and meaningful decommissioning bond must be instituted which starts at the commencement of construction and continues throughout the operation of the project ; the “within 18 month timeframe” must stand firm as the beginning of decommissioning with a finished rehabilitation timeframe of no more than 3 years from the rehabilitation commencement date; all rehabilitation objectives should remain firm and not be able to be waived by the Planning Secretary; additionally all the underground concreting and other underground infrastructure must be removed to enable the restoration of the development site to its natural vegetation and landscape value. |
Rachel Greig
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Website |
Submission |
Thank you for the opportunity to voice my objection to the Hills of Gold Project. The reason for my objection is simple – The proposed project is in the wrong spot. It has been highlighted in the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioners recent review that early consultation with communities and the correct site location of proposed projects is paramount. The Hills of Gold Project scoping report is dated October 2018. This project has been dividing the community of Nundle for over 5½ years. The reason for this delay is ultimately poor site selection resulting in no social license. As the Commissioner has highlighted, these delays would not occur if communities were involved during preliminary site selection and scoping of a project. Well located projects do not destroy threatened endangered ecological communities, including critically endangered ecosystems. They do not threaten the habitat of endangered species – koalas, barking owl and large-eared pied- bat. They are not located adjacent to National Parks and Nature Reserves. Good projects are not located in steep land subject to land slides with inaccessible roads. They should not require extensive cut and fill that is so damaging to the environment. Appropriately located projects receive community and Council support so are not held up in planning for over 5 years. The misguided belief that an area is good for a wind farm because it has a good wind resource is nonsense. Has the department seen the wind study data? Is the wind that much better than areas that are not as environmentally sensitive that it is worth destroying this biodiversity? As regional communities, we are told that a project will not go ahead without social license. Given local residents are closest to these developments and understand the implications better than anyone, this is a reasonable expectation. The lack of social license of this project is reflected in the submissions to the Hills of Gold proposal. 382 objections out of the 592 submissions to the original proposal and 280 objections out of 425 submissions to the amended proposal. The departments comment that the split was more even within 10km of the project site is misguided. To understand the significance of this number, we would need to see how many of these submissions in support of the project were from people with a financial interest in the project. A radius of 10km will encompass all the host landholders and associated neighbours - all of whom have a financial interest in the project going ahead. 66% of people making submissions objected – these are people who are not directly financially motivated, unlike the people making supporting submissions. It is a pity information on financial involvement is not collected and published when submissions are made. If this project does receive approval, will it be financially viable? Given the complexities of the site, the lack of known source of resources, the reduction in turbines, etc, will the project ever get off the ground. How long will the community have the threat of this approved DA with no actual project development? Has the commission looked at the financial viability of this project before considering approval? What about host landholders – do they have a caveat over their property with a 30–60-year potential lease with no guaranteed project because the department has approved a financially questionable project? There are plenty of sites that are appropriate for renewable projects. Regional communities are relying on the Planning Department to make responsible decisions on their behalf. There is an overwhelming sense of hopelessness in our communities as a result of the pressures on all government levels and departments to promote and facilitate the development of renewable energy generating projects and transmission infrastructure. State departments appear to have the role of judge, jury, and executioner, all with the intent of progressing renewable projects. While the planning commission may be independent, there is obviously enormous political pressure to progress these projects. Regional communities need to know that poorly located and designed projects that cause such irreparable damage to the community and the environment will not be approved. If not, what hope do we have? |
Ian Worley
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to this proposal. Please see the attached submission for all details. |
Attachments |
ian-worley-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 1.38 MB) |
Chris Eagles
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I object to the Hills of Gold WindFarm Development Assessment by the DPE I have evidence of and have provided this to the IPC, that the Assessment has been based on incomplete information, and therefore the assessment is flawed. I would accept the determination if this was not the case, but it’s not. As evidence I point to: Inaccurate Assessment of the Soil Types on the Great Dividing range. Failure to account for these fragile soils, as mapped by the NSW Government, mean that any development in the area poses a significant unmitigated risk (Silt and Algae blooms) to the Isis River and Hunter Rivers and its sources. Inaccurate assessment of the Biodiversity impacts with incomplete information gathering during the assessment period. As evidence, I refer to the NHVSS submission and presentation to the IPC, which raises concerns that the information on the Cave and Bat population in the Isis Valley and Surrounds is based on infraction from 1986. As a result the number of caves in the area is in the order of 170, whereas the assessment is based on information, that only identified a fraction of this number . The use of a 4.5km Assessment boundary for visuals, of 230M towers (twice the size of Sydney Harbour Bridge) on a 1200M Mountain Range, is simply ludicrous. The Upper Hunter Development Control Plan applies a 10Km assessment area, and the draft NSW Wind Energy guidelines apply a 7.5km boundary. Our homestead will look at ~30 Turbines and we are a stones throw from the 4.5km assessment boundary. But Farmers don’t live in their Kitchens. These Turbines will be visible across our Farming properties, in areas inside and outside, the 4.5km boundary, all day, every day. Additional concerns include: Failure of Engie to engage with the community prior to the release of the EIS. Breaching the NSW WindFarm Guidelines 2016 No on the ground Noise or Vibration Testing undertaken South of the Range. No baseline. Inadequate Water or Soil impact assessments for the Isis and Hunter River systems Destruction of a Wildlife corridor linking the Wingen Maid to the Barrington’s (identified in the establishment of the Crawney Nation Park in 2019). Replacing a wildlife corridor with biodiversity offset islands, will hasten the decline of threatened and endangered spices in the area. No analysis of the Traffic impacts to the Upper Hunter Roads South of the Range No analysis of the Traffic impacts to the Villages, without bypasses, along the New England Highways. Additionally, the NSW Planning department has released Draft Guidelines for WindFarm Developments. The HOG Farm proposal breaches many of these draft guidelines. Prioritising Renewable Energy Developments over the retention of the Natural Environment is illogical and approval of this project will be a permanent scar on Australia’s already wobbly Environmental Record. Building WindFarm infrastructure in non-REZi areas, with none of the associated supporting infrastructure, just magnifies the impacts on local communities and individuals. In addition to the WindFarm development itself, communities are also impacted by bespoke, and often inadequate supporting infrastructure developments such as roads, powerlines etc; Non-REZI areas should be excluded from this type of development. The DPE Assessment of his project is deeply flawed. I ask that the IPC reject the application for the Hills of Gold Wind farm . in the unacceptable case that the IPC approves this Application I ask for the following Conditions of Consent. 1) Condition of Consent B21 (b) (iv) needs to be amended and strengthened to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into the Chaffey and Glenbawn Catchments AND the Isis River.” 2) Condition of Consent added to B21 (b) to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into Perry’s Creek, Pages Creek, Dead Eye Creek and Whites Creek” to protect the interests of the Isis river communities. 3) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 turbines, as indicated by DPE report, due to non- compliance with visual, noise and biodiversity guidelines be upheld. Remove WTGs 9, 10, 11, 24, 28, 42, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 4) Condition of Consent that there be no use of Upper Hunter Shire Council (UHSC) local roads. 5) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 additional turbines due to serious concern about proximity of turbines to important habitat features ( tree canopies, hollow bearing trees, and the BHGNR) and the resultant threats to bat and birds. Removal of WTGs 6, 9, 16, 18, 21, 22, 32, 33, 40, 42, 43, 49, 50, 51, 58, 59, 61. - as posed by BCS and NPWS in the DPE report point 206, page 63. 6) Condition of Consent should state that a suitable and meaningful decommissioning bond must be instituted which starts at the commencement of construction and continues throughout the operation of the project ; the “within 18 month timeframe” must stand firm as the beginning of decommissioning with a finished rehabilitation timeframe of no more than 3 years from the rehabilitation commencement date; all rehabilitation objectives should remain firm and not be able to be waived by the Planning Secretary; additionally all the underground concreting and other underground infrastructure must be removed to enable the restoration of the development site to its natural vegetation and landscape value. |
Jane Skey
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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This development will destroy the natural beauty and character of one of the few remaining historic communities, beinghanging rock, nsw. This development will negate any future tourism prospects which would allow a perpetual profitable industry grow. |
Kelly Bridge
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I have been a resident of Nundle for the past 26 years. I strongly oppose the proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I have great concerns about the sensitive environment, particularly the potential disruption of waterways from earthmoving, concreting, and compacting. Nundle is reliant on the community bore. I have not seen evidence that the Applicant or DPHI understand the importance of slowing runoff to benefit infiltration of rainwater to recharge groundwater storage. The potential impact of blasting is not fully understood by the community. I live on the southern end of Nundle. From the photomontages provided for the cemetery and Point St I believe I will be visually impacted by seeing turbines during the day and red lights at night. I regularly walk on Nundle Creek Road and the change in character of this area will reduce my amenity. I am employed by a tourism business. Any reduction in tourism and business turnover could impact my future employment. I have lived through several serious bushfires threatening Nundle and Hanging Rock. The Applicant and DPHI do not acknowledge that aerial bushfire control will be up to the pilot’s individual discretion. This puts our community at risk. It is aerial firefighting, not ground firefighting that is so important to life, property and biodiversity. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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We purchased a beautiful property in Nundle in 2017 6 months later we became aware of the proposed Wind Farm, over 6 years later after studying the land, visual impacts , water supply, biodiversity etc, etc. This project is in the wrong area, it is totally unsuitable for such a giant monstrosity to be built in our beautiful & peaceful Hills of Gold. Please I urge you to reject this project . |
JOYCE HOLBOURN
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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Submission ref: “Hills of Gold Wind Farm” by ⬛⬛⬛⬛ ⬛⬛⬛⬛, Nundle, 2340 5 February 2024 The Hills of Gold wind farm will cause environmental damage. It is not in a Renewable Energy Zone nor is it in proximity to existing transmission networks or regional road and rail corridors. The impact of the wind farm project from my dwelling will be obvious and detrimental. From my house, where now I see the undulating ridge of the Great Dividing Range, should this project go ahead I will see turbines standing stark all along the ridge – they will be located approximately 4kms from my dwelling. I did not realize this until recently. I have never been approached by Engie about this. I have been living here in the same house for 40 years and to have this destruction of a view I had hoped to enjoy till the day I die is immensely distressing. In winter, when there has been snow, I am able to look up at the outline of the range defined by the cape of snow. Should the wind project go ahead I will look up and see metres high man-made structures standing stark along the ridge. The impact on the night sky of the aviation lights that will be necessary on the turbines certainly will destroy my pleasure of surveying the sky when taking my dog for her evening stroll. No longer will I have the dark sky that enables the stars to stand out so spectacularly. Page 2 of 5 I request removal of turbines Nos. 42 through to70. TRANSPORTATION No clear transportation plan has been put forward. The turbine blades are over twice the length of the Nundle Hall. With other OSOM components and vehicles accessing Nundle from the New England Highway via Lindsays Gap Road the use of this road by tourists, including cars towing caravans, would necessarily be severely curtailed. There will be hold-up after hold-up along Lindsays Gap Road to allow these heavy vehicles and wide structures to use the whole width of the road. Add to this the roadworks that will be required due to the surface being continually impacted by these heavy vehicles, particularly after rain. Already the surface suffers from timber jinkers coming from the forested area above Hanging Rock with consequent necessary road repair. Three of them have overturned on Lindsays Gap Road negotiating the curves and camber of the road. How are caravanners to leave or access Nundle at times of their choosing? How are commuters, such as my son who works in Quirindi, to come and go at times convenient to them? The school bus picks up in the mornings and puts down in the afternoons every school day on Lindsays Gap Road. Page 3 of 5 This timetable certainly should not be disrupted nor should commuters and pastoral workers along the road be required to alter their day-to-day routines. Extra traffic will mean more potential for accidents. ASSESSMENT REPORT Pages 13 and 14 Table 4 Summary of submissions. This shows very clearly that the majority of the community does not want this wind farm. It will destroy the character of Nundle and what it offers, the reasons so many live here – peace, tranquility, natural environment. To destroy this for the sake of allegedly “saving the planet” would be sheer vandalism. The idea would be laughable if it weren’t so tragic. Page 22 Point 82 The area of the wind farm sits squarely between two Renewable Energy Zone. Surely this is a strong reason for no infrastructure erection. The untouched area should be seen as an offset for both these zones. Nundle is not in a Renewable Energy Zone. Page 24/25 Point 91 The DPE itself has concerns regarding the visual impact of this proposal and has articulated these concerns. No visual impact assessment has been done of cutaways and hard stands for roads AND there is no mention of this in the report. People living in rural areas appreciate the beauty of the natural scenery. They do not live there to screen out their views, just as coastal dwellers don’t choose to screen out views of the ocean. Page 4 of 5 It is naïve to suggest that “screening” is the answer to objections that rural views will be adversely impacted by this development. It is an insult to anyone’s intelligence for Engie to suggest that vegetation can be utilized to block the mess that will be made to large swathes of the natural environment that has been undisturbed since time immemorial, let alone the suggestion that planting vegetation would screen the sight of 230 metres high turbines on ridges and ranges. Page 37 – Point 122 This property belongs to one of my sons. There is an approved Development Application in place for the property. The location for the house was fixed long before any mention was made of the erection of a wind farm. It is within 500M of NAD05. It requires removal of some turbines and that a noise assessment be completed. This assessment has not been done and Engie continues to ignore the fact of the approved Development Application that is in place. Page 55 Point 178 The school bus routes along Lindsays Gap Road and Crawney Road should not be allowed to be manipulated by the wind farm applicants. There should be a definitive “NO MOVEMENT OF OS-OM” in relation to these school routes during times the school bus is operating. The extra passenger traffic alone, operated by the wind farm applicant, will increase the possibility of accidents without the addition of OS-OM vehicles/components. Traffic along Oakenville Road will increase by 65%. This is the road on which the Nundle Post Office is situated. The Post Office is a busy one. The carrier comes in there to drop off mail bags and at 1.30pm comes back to pick up outgoing mail, including large parcels from the Woollen Mill that they deposit from their vehicle. Page 5 of 5 There is no residential mail delivery in the Nundle area, Residents are required to go to the Post Office to check if there is mail and pick up same. As well as people bringing mail and parcels for the 1.30 pm pick up there are vehicles constantly arriving during the day to access the mailboxes and to pick up parcels. Traffic along Crawney Road, which is an extension of Jenkins Street, will increase by 35%. This too is a road used by the school bus am and pm, by the residents along the road to access facilities in Nundle and to leave Nundle for Tamworth or the Highway. It is used by travellers accessing Nundle via the Crawney Gap. The social and psychological impact of this proposal has been and will be immense. Despite any contrary suggestion, the majority of residents do not want this development. The Commission has only to look at the number of speakers at its public meeting. Of the 70 or so who spoke only a very small number delivered submissions in favour of the project – one of those being the proponents. THIS PROJECT HAS NO SOCIAL LICENCE. Our local member of parliament has rightly described Nundle as the Jewel in the Crown of the New England. Please do not destroy it by approving this wind farm. Please reject this project. |
Attachments |
montage-of-view-from-196-nundle-creek-road-nundle-of-mooted-turbinesjpg.jpg (JPG, 488.07 KB) |
Barbara Webster
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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To whom it may concern I am a resident of Nundle residing in Gill street. My family has a long history with the area starting from the Gold rush days. It is very disappointing to see this picturesque area being selected by the large international corporation as a proposed site for commercial development, which is totally out of character of this heritage village and landscape. I am totally opposed to this development and hope that this beautiful area and amazing scenery remains unspoiled. This is one of the reasons people come to Nundle and Hanging Rock as residents and tourists. The site chosen for the wind farm is also in the catchment area of the Peel River. Nundle’s township water comes from a community bore and we rely on the ground water recharge. The interference with the steep topography and the construction of the huge concrete slabs, wide roads and removal of trees would have an effect on runoff and normal flow of water. Instead of seeping into the ground the water would run off quickly. If the wind farm proposal were to succeed we could say good bye to Nundle’s dark nights and beautiful starry skies as red lights will be scattered along the ridge, visible from as far as Tamworth. The easterly mist cloud which often hands over the ridge will be illuminated at night. Nundle and Hanging Rock are unique within the Tamworth region. Having come from Sydney, I can draw the parallel between Sydney and Blue Mountains and Tamworth and Hanging Rock. The prospect of construction of such a project in the vicinity of the beautiful Hanging Rock area and Sheba Dams in particular, where when our children were young, we had many happy camping holidays, fills me with utter sorrow. Sheba Dams remains a popular destination for families with children. It is unspoiled, un-commercialised, serene, tranquil and beautifully cool in Summer. The proposed number of light, heavy and oversized vehicles past this camping location will spoil many holidays for the duration of the construction. Logging trucks don’t come through the Hanging Rock village and residents are not accustomed to this type of traffic past their houses. Children walk and ride pushbikes on the road and especially at the entrance to Sheba Dams. The supporters of the project put forward the argument of jobs this project might bring, but I did not move here in search of a job, but to retire and get away from the chaos of the city and industrial areas. Hanging Rock gets light snow a few times a year and many families from Tamworth drive up to spend some time playing in the snow. We need to preserve little pockets of relaxed, laid back, semi rural lifestyle, like we have here. At the minimum, strict conditions must be imposed not to allow heavy vehicles through the Hanging Rock village at all. Additionally no construction activities on the weekends, public holidays, School holidays and during snow events to be allowed. Ultimately, I think this project is unsuitable for the locality and I am asking the Commission to reject it. ⬛⬛⬛⬛ ⬛⬛⬛⬛ |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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The site for this development is outside the Renewable Energy Zones and should not proceed on that basis alone as it sets a precedent for other such developments. Additionally, the impacts to biodiversity and visual amenity will destroy the character of the ‘hills of gold’. These provide the township of Nundle with a thriving tourism economy which will be impacted as a result. |
Maureen Eagles
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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I strongly object to the HOG Wind Farm. I am an owner and resident of property in Timor that will directly look at 30-36 turbines as result this project. For too many years I have poured over and scrutinised over 1000’s of pages of Reports on this flawed development and submitted multiple objections. The ecological costs of the HOG WF far outweigh any benefits and it has no social licence from the community. The consequences of forcing this development into a fragile ecological landscape on the ridge line of the Great Dividing Range, at elevations of 1400m; the risk-laden geotechnical constraints; the extensive destruction of the natural environment, and existing threatened flora and fauna, will result in significant and irreversible environmental, visual, heritage, economic and social congestion impacts. This site supposedly has good wind - but good wind does not make a good site! After 6 years this project still has no access - No access should mean No wind farm. The Reports exposed too many gaps in soil, water, hydrology and constructibility. E.g. 40% of the 6.5km Transverse Track is situated on steep existing terrain slopes of between 30-50 degrees. There is no confidence in the Reports to manage the Class 8 soils (defined as “extremely low capability land: limitations are so severe that the land is incapable of sustaining any land use apart from nature conservation”), with high erodibility and land slips, and the resultant sedimentation into waterways. The HOG WF will span 30 kms along the ridge line, impacting habitat connectivity in both east-west and north-south directions. The development shows no understanding of the regional corridors providing habitat connectivity along this section of the Liverpool Ranges, as part of the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative. It is impossible to use the system of Biodiversity Offsets to compensate the destruction of this landscape, of sub-alpine flora communities- as “island communities they cannot be replicated in an offset place. Biodiversity offsets cannot mitigate real losses - they make appeasement through legislation at best. Of the multiple endangered and threatened flora and fauna species are the koala and microbats. The assessment on the impacts to the high species diversity and density of microbats should have given cause for grave concerns. The reports provided by Engie were inaccurate, used woefully outdated and incomplete reference materials from 1979 and 1985. Reliance on these Reports, not based on scientific current available data, puts all assessment and mitigation measures into jeopardy. I have attached a full submission covering the above summary points and more detailed issues ( including Conditions of Consent) including; access; bushfire; constructibility, soil and water; environment and biodiversity offsets; bats and caves; koalas; connectivity issues; noise; transport issues; decommissioning; other issues. |
Attachments |
final-ipc-submission-6-feb-2024pdf.pdf (PDF, 159.6 KB) |
Chris Eagles
Organisation |
CJ and MC Eagles Partnership |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
07/02/2024 |
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Submission |
CJ and MC Eagles business partnership object to the Hills of Gold WindFarm Development Assessment by the DPE We have evidence of and have provided this to the IPC, that the Assessment has been based on incomplete information, and therefore the assessment is flawed. We would accept the determination if this had not been the case. My wife and I operate a Farming operation across three properties in the area adjoining and close by the proposed development. We run a beef cattle enterprise and practice regenerative farming for the good of public health and the environment. The development, if it proceeds, will have serious impacts on our business and as a consequence our livelihoods. We rely on the Isis River and its tributaries waters for our Farms. Both above ground and subterranean. This development poses significant risk to those supplies. We have demonstrated, as have HOGPI independent consultants, that the Soil and Water assessments are based on incomplete information. In addition, no information of any substance, has been provided as to how the erosion in to the Isis River and its sources, from disturbance of Fragile Type 8 Soils, will practically be managed. The area adjoins the development are cliffs running down into the Isis River. The risk of algal blooms is unassessed with the fragile soils carrying Phosphorus which will be released into the Waterways. Kicking the erosion control can down the road to the detailed design stage is unacceptable. In Five years this should have been sorted out!!! We also host visits from tourists in our heritage Woolshed and shearers quarters. The impacts to the Visual Landscape in the Isis River Valley have been underestimated and under assessed. A 4.5km Assessment boundary used to assess the visual impact, of 230M towers (twice the size of Sydney Harbour Bridge) on a 1200M Mountain Range, is simply ludicrous. The Upper Hunter Development Control Plan applies a 10Km assessment area, and the draft NSW Wind Energy guidelines apply a 7.5km boundary. Our homestead, Woolshed and Shearers Quarters, will look at ~30 Turbines and a portion of our properties are within the 4.5km assessment boundary. These Turbines will be visible across our Farming properties, in areas inside and outside the 4.5km boundary, all day, every day. Additional concerns include: Failure of Engie to engage with the community prior to the release of the original EIS. Breaching the NSW WindFarm Guidelines 2016 No on the ground Noise or Vibration Testing undertaken South of the Range. No baseline. Destruction of a Wildlife corridor linking the Wingen Maid to the Barrington’s (identified in the establishment of the Crawney Nation Park in 2019). Replacing a wildlife corridor with biodiversity offset islands, will hasten the decline of threatened and endangered spices in the area. The retention of the existing biodiversity, provides diversity and life to our Farming ecosystems. No analysis of the Traffic impacts to the Upper Hunter Roads South of the Range posing significant risk to our Farming operations. We operate Large slow moving Farming equipment on those roads. The Bushfire Assessment is flawed and was undertaken in Coffs Harbour. There was no consultation with the Timor Fire Brigade, who are responsible for fire management in this area. Fighting fires without aerial support is unacceptable in steep dangerous country beneath, and up to and including, the WindFarm Project area. This risk has been underassessed. The HOG Farm proposal breaches many of the draft NSW Planning department Guidelines for WindFarm Developments Prioritising Renewable Energy Developments over the retention of the Natural Environment is illogical and approval of this project will be a permanent scar on Australia’s already wobbly Environmental Record. The DPE Assessment of his project is deeply flawed and should not be relied upon. I ask that the IPC reject the application for the Hills of Gold Wind farm . in the unacceptable case that the IPC approves this Application I ask for the following Conditions of Consent. 1) Condition of Consent B21 (b) (iv) needs to be amended and strengthened to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into the Chaffey and Glenbawn Catchments AND the Isis River.” 2) Condition of Consent added to B21 (b) to include “avoidance of impacts on the quality of water flowing into Perry’s Creek, Pages Creek, Dead Eye Creek and Whites Creek” to protect the interests of the Isis river communities. 3) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 turbines, as indicated by DPE report, due to non- compliance with visual, noise and biodiversity guidelines be upheld. Remove WTGs 9, 10, 11, 24, 28, 42, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 4) Condition of Consent that there be no use of Upper Hunter Shire Council (UHSC) local roads. 5) Condition of Consent for removal of 17 additional turbines due to serious concern about proximity of turbines to important habitat features ( tree canopies, hollow bearing trees, and the BHGNR) and the resultant threats to bat and birds. Removal of WTGs 6, 9, 16, 18, 21, 22, 32, 33, 40, 42, 43, 49, 50, 51, 58, 59, 61. - as posed by BCS and NPWS in the DPE report point 206, page 63. 6) Condition of Consent should state that a suitable and meaningful decommissioning bond must be instituted which starts at the commencement of construction and continues throughout the operation of the project ; the “within 18 month timeframe” must stand firm as the beginning of decommissioning with a finished rehabilitation timeframe of no more than 3 years from the rehabilitation commencement date; all rehabilitation objectives should remain firm and not be able to be waived by the Planning Secretary; additionally all the underground concreting and other underground infrastructure must be removed to enable the restoration of the development site to its natural vegetation and landscape value. |
Name Redacted
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I am opposed to the wind farm development for visual, environmental impacts, engineering impacts and the unvialability of this project from a tax payers position |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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I am the owner of: Lot 12, Section 2/DP758798 Lot 13, Section 2/DP758798 Lot 2, DP591822 I do not give permission for my property to be included in the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure Draft Conditions of Consent Appendix 2 Schedule of Lands, pg 27. I do not give permission for my land to be impacted by Hills of Gold Wind Farm in any way. Part of the appeal of my land is the rural outlook across The Peel Inn paddock and towards the river. If there is to be a private road for Oversize Overmass vehicles access neighbouring the southern and western boundary of my land, and consent for rehabilitation and reinstatement of this road for the 35-year life of the project, it would reduce the appeal and potential value of my land for residential or commercial sale. The potential impact on tourism is a concern because it reduces the appeal of my land for future commercial tourism use. It will also reduce my amenity. I am a gardener and spend a lot of time in my yard, and on my back deck. It is approximately 100 m from my verandah to the proposed construction activity. I do not want to be impacted by up to six OSOM vehicle movements per day for nine months, and when needed for 35 years. I am concerned about the disturbance from noise and lights of construction and transport of large components during the night and early hours of the morning. I do not give consent to this activity taking place in close proximity to my residence and backyard. My property was not included in the Noise or Transport Assessment. The Applicant has relied on roads being classified as Sub-arterial roads for Noise Assessment. The private road in my backyard is not a Sub-arterial road. How can the Commissioners ensure compliance with the Transport and Construction Noise when the proposed private road is so close to my house. I ask the Commissioners to make it a condition of consent to survey my boundary and prohibit trespass. I ask the Commissioners to prohibit construction and transport on Saturdays and outside nominated construction hours. The Applicant did not do a flood study of the private road impacts and I am concerned that any change to flood water flow could result in impounding of flood water and increase flooding of my property. I ask the Commissioners to request the applicant to do a flood study of the private road so that the potential flood impacts are understood by the Tamworth Regional Council and the community. I include an image, with my property outlined in red and Lot 12 shaded in yellow, where trespass is more likely to occur. |
Attachments |
79-jenkins-stjpg.jpg (JPG, 1.71 MB) |
Cameron Greig
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
I object to the Hills of Hold Wind Farm development, and have outlined my reasons in the attached document. |
Attachments |
cameron-greig--submission-to-the-ipc-for-the-hills-of-gold-wind-farm-redacted.pdf (PDF, 100.83 KB) |
Brian Tomalin
Location |
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Date |
07/02/2024 |
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Submission |
See attached PDF file |
Attachments |
brian-tomalin--ipc-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 2.98 MB) |
Name Redacted
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06/02/2024 |
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So much land/habitat where many species live will be cleared for this project along with the noise from the turbines that will affect the quiet town. There will also be an increase in traffic on roads that are already in a terrible unsafe state, increased emissions of traffic through the town for instillation and ongoing maintenance. |
Kristie Witten
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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Submission |
We operate Wittens Bus Service, that is responsible for two bus routes serving high school and primary children from 6.20am-9.00am and 2.50-5.30pm Monday to Friday during NSW school terms. The Applicant has never contacted us. Hills of Gold Wind Farm would impact our business significantly. Any disruption to our bus route from roadworks, bridge replacements, and OSOM transport impacts not only us, but has ramifications for bus companies’ connecting runs from Tamworth and Quirindi. It is an extremely tight schedule. If we are delayed children could be stranded on rural roads with no supervision and no transport to school or home. Some children are already traveling three buses and up to four hours a day. We cannot start the bus run any earlier to allow for interruptions. The applicant has committed to avoiding school bus hours where practicable. In the EIS and Amendment the Applicant published incorrect bus hours. We ask for a condition that the Applicant be prohibited from operating road construction, and OSOM transport on Hills of Gold Wind Farm transport route from 6.20am-9.00am and and 2.50-5.30pm Monday to Friday during NSW school term. Lindsays Gap Rd and Barry Rd are notoriously dangerous roads, with many notified accidents in the past year alone (photo attached of truck overturned on Lindsay's Gap Rd, March 2023). There are also many mishaps that are not notified. One layby is not enough on Lindsay’s Gap Rd to enable buses and cars to pass construction vehicles safely. While Middlebrook and Goonoo Goonoo Bridges need to be replaced, what will be the alternative for vehicles. A culvert? They would not be passable for non construction traffic in heavy rain. We do not need these roads to be made any more dangerous. |
Attachments |
img2668jpeg.jpeg (JPEG, 5.02 MB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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Submission |
My Husband and I do not oppose renewable energy. But we oppose this industrial wind farm - the right idea in the wrong place. In fact, we lived off the grid for 9 years before we moved to Nundle 10 years ago. Our home in Nundle has 12 solar panels, our caravan roof has solar panels and our car has one for the car fridge. We chose to live here due to the serenity, beauty of the range behind us and the lifestyle. We travelled all over Australia to find a place we could relax and live in in our retirement. Nundle was perfect. The scenery, the people, the quaint village, how people worked to better the community. I joined the local craft shop and my husband joined Lions and the Go for Gold Festival. The community had great community sprit and pride and worked hard to accomplish our community goals. The achievement of our lofty goals was a boost to our enjoyment, community pride and camaraderie. Engie’s offer to pay all these community funds so that we don’t have to work for it turns most of us off. Giving handouts will never achieve community spirit and the joy of achievement. This proposed windfarm has already killed off the community spirit to a large degree, and it will take years to reestablish. If this is approved, the community spirit will never return. It will destroy this town and why most of us live here. We don’t want Engie’s money. We just want our way of life, our lifestyle and community to thrive, achieving our desires through effort, hard work and community pride. There is no pride and community enjoyment through handouts. The Go For Gold Festival has now died due to Engie’s influence. My Husband has resigned his membership of Lions and that organisation will certainly fold. I worked at the Nundle Tourist Information Centre and all visitors come here to enjoy what we do – the beauty, serenity and connection to nature. The beauty of the mountain range as a backdrop to Nundle is a major factor in their visit. The interruption from Nundle has now caused volunteers to stop manning the Nundle Information Bureau and it has now closed. More destruction from this project and what we had. This proposed wind farm has been devastating for us in how much it will destroy all of our reasons for living here. Liverpool Range Wind Farm. Originally approved by DPE 2018 – changed size and type of turbine for re-approval. https://www.tiltrenewables.com/assets-and-projects/liverpool-range-wind-farm/ The Liverpool Range Wind Farm – this is considered by locals to be ‘just down the road’ from Nundle. It was first approved by state and federal governments in 2018. “Tilt Renewables” acquired the Project in 2019 and while working closely with host landowners, neighbours and the community, has continued to refine and optimise the layout to take advantage of improvements in wind turbine technology. The latest turbines, while larger, are more efficient, meaning the Project could be built with fewer turbines. In September 2022 a Modification Application was submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for the Liverpool Range Wind Farm (Mod-1 Project). In response to submissions received during the public exhibition period we have made a number of changes to the Project. These changes are reflected in the Response to Submissions (RTS) Report, the Amendment Report and updated environmental impact assessments, all of which are available to view on the NSW Major Projects portal. The reports will be assessed by DPE who will then make a determination on the Modification Application. A further reduction in the number of proposed wind turbines from 220 to 185. A reduction in the maximum blade tip height from 250 m to 215 m above ground level (AGL). We have now selected the Vestas V172 7.2 MW turbine, which has a blade length of 85 m. This equates to a rotor diameter of 172 m. We had previously assumed a rotor diameter of approximately 210 m. Project component Approved Project (2018) Mod-1 Project (2022) RTS Project (2023) Change: Approved Project vs RTS Project Generation capacity 1,320 MW Approx. 1,332 MW 38% increase Households powered per year: 570,000. HILLS OF GOLD WIND FARM, Independent Planning Commission, Presentation January 2024. Engie claim that this approval is urgent and that the commission urgently need to approve an extra 15 turbines, in their own words, to make this proposal viable. Engie claim this is urgent to start supplying this energy asap and to make power generation and energy costs cheaper. This is far from factual. Please look at the data above for the Liverpool Range windfarm which they expect to be approved and construction commenced this year, 2024. Lets compare the figures supplied by each wind farm proposal: Liverppol Range: 185 Turbines Cost: $1.5 billion. Gen: 1,329 MW. Homes: 570,000 Cost per home $2,632 Engie Hangin R: 47 Turbines Cost: $800 million Gen: 282 MW Homes: 115,000 Cost per home $6957 Engie upgraded 62 Turbines Cost: $833 million. Gen 372 MW Homes: 163,000 Cost per home: $5110 The approved 47 turbines will be 264% more expensive than the Liverpool Range Windfarm The so called urgent 62 turbine request to make cheaper power is still 194% more expensive then Liverpool Range. There is no way Engie can supply cheaper power based on their own figures, compared to the Liverpool range WF. The Engie proposal will never be able to compete on the wholesale market when they have to recoup such huge amounts of money with so few turbines. To make the Engie proposal even less viable, The Liverpool Range Windfarm proponents envisage they will start building his year and should be up and running even before Engie start to build, putting their higher recoupment costs behind the eight ball. It will be a white elephant on the energy market. This does not even account for the huge upkeep costs for the hanging rock WF due to it’s location and obstacles re access. It will be a white elephant on the energy market, destroying the lifestyles of those who live in Nundle and Hanging Rock – all for nothing. It would be such a shame for this project to be approved, destroying so many lives where I live, and destroying so much of the beauty of the range, to end up being an unviable white elephant. ⬛⬛⬛⬛ |
Barry Lang
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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Submission |
To whom it may concern My name is Barry Lang and I am strongly objecting to the Hills of Gold wind farm. I live at ⬛⬛⬛⬛, Hanging Rock and my property is identified as AD 30 (Associated Dwelling 30) We will be overlooking numerous turbines with number 69, 68, 67, 70 and 66 being the closest and some of them will have the red lights too. All up we can see 23 turbines in the photomontage. They can not be screened by trees because the trees would have to be planted on our neighbours paddock. We have been conned into signing the neighbour agreement by being told that these payments they are offering as just a good will gesture that all neighbours will receive. We did not know that we will be accepting impact of the wind farm on our property. We have since asked the Applicant to terminate the agreement we have signed and Aref has indicated to us that this will be done. However, we are still identified as associated property. This is INCORRECT, we are objecting to the wind farm! There doesn’t seem to be a clear passage to get the components up there. There will be a lot of distraction and damage to the area and local roads in the attempt to construct this project, who is going to be left picking up the pieces for the life of this industrial wind farm, and long after. My other concern is Emergency services getting in and out and general disruption to the daily life of the community, with congested roads, especially Linsday Gap road and Barry road, and the limited parking in the township of Nundle. My wife and I are asking that our neighbour agreement is terminated and the closest turbines impacting our property (70, 69, 68, 67 and 66) are removed. Additionally, it should be stipulated ion the Consent document that any over-dimensional vehicles and many truck associated with the wind farm can not proceed down main street of Nundle, being Oakenville street, and up through Hanging Rock. |
Kristie Witten
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I am a resident of Nundle. I am concerned about the impact of Hills of Gold Wind Farm on existing Hanging Rock and Nundle weather patterns. The Applicant has not demonstrated any understanding of the local micro climate and the interaction between turbine turbulence and the cloud that we witness sitting on the range, bringing moisture with easterly wind. There is no proof that operation of the wind turbines will not change the local weather patterns. Our rainfall is valuable for agriculture, and not only does it supply drinking water for Nundle and surrounding residents, but Tamworth as well. The mist is vital for the Ben Halls Gap Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest and the many ferns in the Hanging Rock landscape. The reduced aerial firefighting capacity is a major concern because it potentially impacts biodiversity, people’s homes, and lives. The Applicant claims that the wind farm will improve ground access to the range, and assist in evacuation for residents in the event of uncontrollable fire. It is essential that we continue to have the comfort of existing aerial firefighting capabilities, thus minimising the risk of uncontrollable fire and village evacuation. One of the reasons our family moved to Nundle was for the beauty of the landscape. The first time we saw the range at Nundle it was breathtaking and we established an immediate connection. The beauty of the landscape contributes to our wellbeing and our enjoyment of life at Nundle. It is distressing to think about the disturbance to wildlife and the forest for clearing. I object to Hills of Gold Wind Farm and ask the IPC to reject it. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I feel that this project is not environmentally friendly. I feel this is an absolute waste of money, time and resources and will destroy the environment which we can never change once the project goes ahead. I do not support this project in any way, shape or form. |
Kristie Witten
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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Submission |
This is an objection to Hills of Gold Wind Farm on behalf of tourist accommodation Riverglen Cottage, 61 River Rd, Nundle. Tourism We are concerned about a reduction in occupancy as a result of the two-year construction period, and some businesses not surviving. If shops shut down because of the lack of tourists, there will be less for visitors to do when they visit Nundle and its tourism appeal would be reduced. There are guests who visit specifically for Odgers and McClelland Exchange Stores, DAG Sheep Station, and Nundle Woollen Mill. If they fold, visitors lose their reason to return. How are accommodation outlets supposed to rebuild, even if they survive the construction period? Visual Hills of Gold Wind Farm will permanently change the character of Nundle and Hanging Rock. Our guests return for the sheer beauty of the landscape and nature, the experience of the heritage and old country charm, and how relaxed they feel when they are here. This is due to the peace, quiet and unrushed atmosphere. The Hills of Gold Wind Farm will change that. Transport While we are not located on the transport route, we will be indirectly impacted by the Transport Route. We request that the Barry Rd is removed from the OSOM route because the congestion of Oakenville Creek Street, Old Hanging Rock Road, and Barry Road will result in an increased use of Happy Valley Rd and River Road as locals attempt to avoid trucks and OSOM vehicles. Flood I am concerned about the private road behind The Peel Inn and any changes to the flood water flow. Our property is on the Peel River (flood photo attached from Riverglen Cottage garden). During the last flood in November 2022 Riverglen Cottage was very close to being inundated. The Applicant has not assessed the flood impacts of its Peel Inn private road, or potential impacts to properties down stream. Aerial Firefighting We are concerned about the uncertainty regarding ongoing aerial firefighting support, which was vital to controlling bushfire surrounding Nundle in 2019. From an accommodation perspective this could mean campaign fires burn for a longer period and we experience an increased period when visitors stay away from our town due to smoke and danger. |
Attachments |
img0533jpeg.jpeg (JPEG, 3.17 MB) |
Peter Crowe
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I totally object to this wind farm for the following readons 1 wind farms are unreliable as a source of energy Why destroy natural habitat in the process of pushing a so called renewable - hypocritical to say the least If the government was serious about renewables they would for start put solar panels on every house in every town Wind farms have a limited life span and are not recyclable- who is going to pull it all down Build the wind farm next to where the electricity is required- towns or cities |
Kerry and Joy Fitts
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
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Kerry & Joy Fitts ⬛⬛⬛⬛ ⬛⬛⬛⬛ 5th February 2024 We are writing to object strongly to the construction of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm in the mountain range at Nundle and Hanging Rock. The positioning of this industrial complex is unsuitable for this location for many reasons. We were long-term residents of Nundle and operated a school bus run and printing/publishing business for over 20 years. Our school bus run competed with both logging and Forestry vehicles daily on narrow, sealed and unsealed roads. We had many near misses competing with these large vehicles and on one occasion a Forestry Truck clipped the bus’ driver side mirror. The driver of the truck reported the incident and we were contacted by Forestry officials who were concerned about the incident. I suggested that the Forestry kept their vehicles off the route during school bus run times and was informed that they would go one better and not travel that route at all due to road conditions and would travel via Port Stephen’s Cutting as of now. This worked perfectly as we only had to compete with loggers who dominated the road due to size. This is a real concern with this proposed project! The way that Engie has managed to divide a town is so unAustralian and undemocratic that we fear may never be fixed. Events that have drawn tourists in huge numbers are struggling to survive as Tom won’t work with Harry attitude is rife. These events brought the whole town together working as one for a joint beneficial reward to the area. Engie’s Community Enhancement Fund is only compensation to residents for destruction of the area and the lifestyles people have enjoyed and the reason they live there. There is already conflict about how and who will administer it. Further division. Nundle has survived on tourism for decades because of what it has to offer naturally. Wind Farms do not attract tourists - they are common sights and all look the same. My first experience with wind farms was when we came across them in SA while walking near Salmon Rocks. There was a line of turbines joined by wooden walkways stretching into the distance. The wind was very strong and no turbines were turning, probably due to wind strength. One was badly leaking oil. Joy and I climbed the stairs on one, sat down and had a piece of fruit for smoko. I immediately felt uneasy as the structure was vibrating and emitting a humming noise which was irritating my ears and becoming unbearable. Do wind turbines cause vibration? However, modern wind turbines are larger and hence, may produce stronger vibration which might propagate up to several kilometres from a wind farm. Another possible way that vibration can transmit to residences is through air-borne noise propagation. I had had tinnitus on occasion over the years and this ringing in my ears was familiar and accompanied by dizziness and being unstable on my feet. We left the area and within a few days I was back to normal. That is, until we came across another wind farm at the Petrified Forest. These blades were turning and emitting a droning swishing noise that immediately sent me off the rails again. The noise didn’t affect Joy at all. After a few more days I returned to normal although I did notice other sounds that had a similar effect on my head and ears … noise as simple as a car door closing would alert me immediately with it’s vibration and feeling of fullness in the ears. Last year, on the way back from Darwin, we noticed a wind farm covering a Ridgeline that appeared to have damaged blades. We stopped to count how many were operating and although they were miles away, the sound switched my brain into gear again and the sound to me was instantly unpleasant. The tinnitus remained and I booked into have my ears checked and assessed for hearing aids. The result of this was vertigo and tinnitus and hearing aids didn’t benefit me at all. The possibility that infrasound had triggered the above was possible but the specialist wasn’t aware of enough research to say definitely. Next thing I ended up in Emergency being so unstable on my feet that Joy suspected a stroke and I underwent scans and further testing that showed negative to that but vertigo and tinnitus was the probable cause. New neighbours moved in and introduced themselves by playing the same repetitious, head-banging music over and over again for hours on end. This became unbearable but I tried to ignore it as vacancies were frequent at that property. There was no way to stop the sound from coming through walls of our home and causing grief. Playing white music, earplugs, headphones over earplugs; nothing blocked it. On the Friday and Saturday before Christmas the same, repetitive rubbish was played for 31 hours straight. Enough was enough and I approached them about it. They knew how irritating it was and volunteered that it was the infrasound contained in the music that made it pass through walls and fill their house with sound. I pointed out that it did the same to my house, neighbours and up the street also. To date they have stopped playing it but my ears still ring and balance is not good. A trip to my doctor resulted in being prescribed Betahistine in the hope that it will ease the symptoms. We had a long discussion about probable causes and solutions with the causes winning by heaps. Ultrasound is a definite cause and for that reason alone, the doctor stated that he has never visited a wind farm nor has intentions to do so. I went to an audiologist enquiring into headphones that would cancel out the noise and was interested to find out that infrasound was almost impossible to block. The type of music being played next door was considered sociopathic. It is considered to be an assault on other people’s enjoyment of life. If this is so, then wind farm noise would be the same and anyone approving wind turbines on their land would also be liable for assault. Engie and others, claim that the infrasound emitted by turbines is at a frequency that causes no harm to humans and animals. Yet it brought instant discomfort to myself. How convenient for developers to claim frequencies emitted by turbines hundreds of kilometres away on different soil types, terrain, positioning, foundations and size, can be the same. And used as examples. I have found that be not asking ‘are wind farms harmful to people’, but asking ‘do wind farms and infrasound cause tinnitus/vertigo or other health problems’ will give far more honest answers. Battery storage … recent fire near Rockhampton couldn’t be extinguished so ‘let it burn’ into the atmosphere. Nundle/Hanging Rock are high fire danger areas fought more successfully from the air. How will this work amongst wind turbines … do we ‘let it burn’. EV fires require 40,000 litres of water to manage and flush toxins from the batteries into the environment … do we ‘let it burn’ instead? EV bikes and scooters … battery fires burn almost one house down a week. Technology isn’t good enough before rushing into saving the world by destroying it along the way. These are only a few of our concerns for opposing the Hill’s of Gold Wind Farm being approved. We watched the recent meeting in Nundle, via web and the speakers against building a wind farm were articulate and accurate in their presentations. ⬛⬛⬛⬛ |
Paul Tyson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission |
I continue to object to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm project. I believe that the project should not be allowed in any form. The reduction of the number of wind towers to 47 does not eliminate the impact on flora and fauna. No amount of offsets can account for the impact in this area. Even 47 towers will eliminate the iconic mountain vistas of the unique Blue Mountains. The disruption to roads in the area is significant and would be the same for 1 tower as for 47 towers. Please refer to the attached letter outlining details of my concerns. |
Attachments |
ipc-submission-hog-wind-farm-2024-redacted.pdf (PDF, 9.89 MB) |
Graham Ware
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Reference NAD-1 - I strongly object to the Wind Farm and it's location - I live 1.4kms from one of the proposed turbines - The head of the mountain is where rainwater is held, then fed to rivers and creeks - I don't believe in Independent as someone is paying your pay - I worked in Civil Construction as a Project Manager - The geological report refers to Grade 8 soils which is not good - Where ⬛⬛⬛ is the Civil Engineer's design? - We were told by the Departments that certain windmills were removed. At the Nundle meeting this appears to be not the case - I find it disgusting that Engie is allowed to bribe people with certain payments - The Building Industry was taken to a Royal Commission because of this behaviour - It appears to me that the Department has taken no notice of anyone apart from Engie and the sitting Government which pays their wages |
Name Redacted
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I strongly object to this submission due to the negative impacts to the environment and biodiversity that will result from the land clearing that is needed as part of this development. You cannot put a price on biodiversity loss, and we should not support any project that can impact this or increase urban expansion into natural landscapes. This proposed project will forever change the landscape of this beautiful region in negative ways and so should not be supported. |
Jenny Vaughan
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I am objecting to the application to the proposal to build a windfarm SSD (9679) on the Great Dividing Range between Crawney/Timor and Nundle, for the following reasons. I don’t believe that the proponent has addressed the legal requirements required to gain approval. There is a total lack of detail on many issues and too many issues that cannot be mitigated. 1 Lack of community consultation As part of the process to approval, consultation must be undertaken with residents who will be affected by noise, visual amenity, quality of life, physical inconvenience or impact on livelihood. There has been no consultation with the community of Crawney/ Timor, in the first and the second application. In fact, some residents have been left off the maps and those on the proposed route through Crawney/Timor to the New England Highway are unaware of the proposal. Engie claims to have undertaken several one-to-one consultations with residents, but no resident in Crawney and Timor has been approached 2 Visual Impacts underestimated In the SEARS, 6.1 – Visual Amenity, Crawney/Timor residents outside the 4.5 buffer zone surrounding the project have been considered as ‘only moderately impacted’ and those residents at 8km away from the towers, 6.2 – ‘Beyond 8kms turbines become less visible and recede into the background. I have estimated the height of the turbines and they will be seen at 10kms and further I have attached photos of the true height of the towers, based on a comparison with the 80 metre wind monitoring tower that is currently on the ridgeline. The proponent has created photomontages that are not showing the true height of the turbines, show turbines over the ridgeline, rather than on the ridgeline and have taken the photos from the road and some distance from the project. The Crawney/ Timor residents don’t live on the road. I have taken these photos from the actual residents home to show that Visual impacts are far greater than the proponents claim and will impact on many of the residents in the valley Photos -My property, ‘Caves Ridge’ is outside of the 4.5 km buffer zone and Weavers is 5.5kms from the project site. The photo of the view from the property ‘Montana’ will see 30 turbines and because the residence has a 360 degree view -there is no mitigation of the eyesore, possible 3 No access to the project site secured There is no finalized access access route to the project site. The transmission line route has not been finalized, nor access to the project site. How can the project be recommended, if these details are not provided to the DPE? 4 Lack of soil and water assessments No impacts on soil and water assessment has been carried out on the southern side of the range, yet these steep slopes have a history of land slumps, and huge water deluge events. There has been no Geo-technical surveys. Because the Crawney/Timor communities were ignored in the first application, there were no soil erosion assessment and thus no mitigation. In this application, the rivers were mentioned but very little on mitigation of impacts during the construction phase. We have seen, first hand, the logs and mud coming down the river after the clearing for the battery bank and turbines 21 and 22 5 Lack of detail on water sourcing for the construction phase In the first application, Amended Report, the proponent’s response to queries from the DPE regarding water sourcing were unacceptable. March 2023 SEARS -2 Groundwater “While deeper drilling is yet to be undertaken, (which may or may not confirm the existence of groundwater) we are unable to confirm how and where we will extract water, at this stage’ ( We will just work this out as we go, mentality) The new application is equally as vague. Water extraction options are listed. The proponent is not sure how or where the water will be sourced. Water extraction methods and locations ‘will be determined, following a detailed assessment’ – this is not good enough, certainly not acceptable for approval of such an industrial development. In fact, the proponent mentions in the EIS -table 16.5, Potential Impacts to Soils and Water ‘One of the impacts could be over-extraction of surface water’. How will this be monitored? 6 Lack of information on sourcing, quantities and environmental management of construction materials. There is no information on where the proponent will be sourcing gravel for the making of cement. There is no information on waste management of building materials, management of soil removal or containment 7 Lack of information on turbine, road construction and road up-grades Some of the gradients along Crawney Road are at 40 % gradient, especially at Teamsters Rest entry to the ridgeline. The ridgelines are narrow with drop offs on either side. Some of the turbines will be 30 metres from the escarpment. There is no detail on how the road will be constructed, nor detail on how the soil will be removed, how the concrete pads will be created and installed or what road reconstruction will be necessary. One of the DPE’s Conditions of Approval stated the upgrades to roads to be ‘as required’ – This is not acceptable 8 Underestimation of the value of local tourism The proponent has not considered the importance of tourism in the area. Nundle is a popular tourist destination with award winning accommodation and businesses in and around Nundle. They come for the pristine environment, the history and the old-world charm. The large scale industrial development will mean this attraction will be compromised. There are two farm-stay accommodation businesses in Timor, 30 minutes from Nundle Village. This shows that the Nundle experience goes beyond the village itself. It is the scenic drive to Nundle that tourists come to see 9 Biodiversity and environmental damage The ridgeline where the turbines are planned is a corridor between Crawney Pass National Park and Ben Hall Nature Reserve Crawney Pass. It is a National Park Community Conservation Area, Zone 1 Plan of Management (found at environment.nsw.gov.au). This Plan was adopted by the Minister for Environment on 8/08/2019. Its adoption by the Minister should make it untenable for any Government to support the proposal for 70 wind turbines that would be located on the Park’s boundary. The Crawney Pass NP is well within the 1500m buffer zone around all parts of the Development Footprint under the Biodiversity Study Area (see section 9.2.1 page 143). There did not appear to be any mention or reference to the Crawney Pass National Park Conservation Area Zone 1 Plan of Management within the EIS. The required clearing for the turbines, battery units and transmission lines will severely impact 17 Plant communities; 2 State–Listed Threatened Ecological Communities; 2 Nationally-listed Critically, Endangered Ecological Communities; 10 State –listed BAM (Biodiversity Assessment Method 2020) species and 5 Nationally –listed threatened fauna. It is totally unacceptable that the sensitive environment be destroyed to ‘save the planet’, to fulfill government policy to ‘green’ up energy. In a few years, the windfarm trend will fade, as it has in other countries, but the damage to the Great Dividing Range will remain. Most industries must present detailed applications in development applications. I can only come to the conclusion that little detail is required when applications are submitted under the Energy Zone banner. It is a push to move forward, quickly, regardless of the long term consequences. This project is in the wrong location for many reasons. There are too many issues that are unable to be mitigated They have had years of opportunity to create a valid application and yet so many important issues are not addressed properly or not mentioned at all. The project needs to be rejected Jenny Vaughan ‘Caves Ridge’ 1066 Crawney Rd, Timor |
Attachments |
caves-ridge-vaughanlijpg.jpg (JPG, 1.57 MB) mt-view-weaverslijpg.jpg (JPG, 1.09 MB) watts-montanajpg.jpg (JPG, 1.19 MB) |
Julie Tyson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
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Website |
Submission |
Please refer to the attached letter for details of my ongoing objection to this project. |
Attachments |
ipc-hog-wind-farm-submission-redacted.pdf (PDF, 3.42 MB) |
Sharlie Ware
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Reference NAD-1 After attending the Independent Planning Commission meeting held at Nundle recently, I once again strongly object to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm Project. - The said relocation of some of the turbines is very questionable - There has been no design from a Construction Engineer - I do not agree re the creation of jobs for the local community - these will be specialised "out of area" workers - I do not agree with the payment of money by Engie to the Nundle Sport and Rec Club etc - this amounts to bribery - The amount of power said to be generated by the Wind Farm is minimal, compared to the loss of animal habitat, flora and fauna and the disturbance of springs and waterways on the range - The loss of paramount tourist dollars for Nundle and it's environs will be devastating - I also find the so called injection of $826 million in capital investment etc extremely questionable at best |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I live on Oakenville Street, one of the recommended transport routes for Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I am not in favour of the wind farm and I prefer to call it a wind factory. The wind Hills of Gold Wind Factory is in the wrong place. It will permanently change the character of Nundle and Hanging Rock. It will never be able to be rehabilitated. It will always be an industrial site, slightly rehabilitated. The logistics of the transport route are dangerous. There will be 65% of 141 (one direction/bi-directional?) light and heavy vehicles passing in front of my house. I had no idea until now because it has been so confusing with many changes over six years. This is in competition with existing logging trucks. I walk on this road five days a week, and I am concerned that increased light and heavy traffic is a risk to my amenity. I walk over the Oakenville Creek Bridge on Old Hanging Rock Road, and I don’t think this bridge has been assessed, or the steep, narrow, cutting north of it. Like nearly everyone in Nundle I collect my mail from Nundle Post Office on Oakenville Street five days a week and I am concerned about the safety and convenience of doing that. I ask that there is no construction or blasting on weekends. I ask that heavy traffic not be allowed to use Oakenville Rd, Oakenville Creek Street, Oakenville Creek Bridge, or Old Hanging Rock Road. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
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Submission |
I object to the Hills of Gold windfarm due to the impact of native vegetation which will be removed which will cause serious direct and indirect impacts to listed threatened flora and fauna species and communities and also impacts to birds and bats through blade strike, habitat loss and barotrauma. |
Name Redacted
Organisation |
Save Our Woodlands |
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Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
04/02/2024 |
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Submission |
Wind industrial estates produce electricity intermittently, about 30% of the time and we will still need other forms of power as a back-up. Germany imports electricity from France when their renewable energy is deficient. Germany also exports energy when they have excess which is the fluctuation nature of renewable supply. Renewable energy supplies do not provide us with base power, Wind industrial estates need large areas of cleared ground just to manipulate the blades into position, they also need extensive road works, a concrete manufacturing plant and huge towers to transport power back to the grid. We appear to be destroying the environment for projects that will not solve our electricity problems. In addition, the noise from wind turbines can be heard, inside a house 3.5 km away from the wind tower according to research by Nicole Hashman 2019. Animals and birds use sound just as much as we do to communicate with each other. They also need to sleep and how can anything sleep while being bombarded by noise? The noise effect of the wind turbines increases the area of environmental impact affected by the wind industrial estate. The turbines are 600 metres apart (minimum) and have an effective radius of noise of 3.5 km each side, totalling 7 km x 600 metres=420 ha for every turbine. How can we even consider that this is an acceptable loss of habitat in an already critically damaged environment? Wind turbines kill both birds and bats, are we going to continue to decimate our already declining numbers of birds? Wind industrial estates only last 25 years and then we need get rid of the blades which are not recyclable. Do we have any plans for the decommissioning the existing wind farms? If we set up a mine we need to pay for the remediation why don't we have some protection for the environment for wind and solar farms? |
David Beirman
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
02/02/2024 |
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Submission |
My submission is a slightly extended version of the speech I gave to IPC Commission hearing on Thursday 01 February , 2024 which is uploaded below. In summary, as a tourism professional and university researcher in tourism I firmly believe that naturals asset of the region between Nundle are an infinitely better tourism attraction and generator of visitor dollars than a "wind farm" which I regards as a tourism deterrent. I have been actively working with other members of the Nundle and Tamworth community, including the Tamworth Regional Astronomy Club and Tamworth Regional Council towards applying for international dark sky status for the region between Nundle and Timor. This has enormous potential for stimulating tourism and the boosting visitor economy to a far greater extent than an environmentally destructive and visually abhorrent array of turbines situated on the top of a mountain ridge which compromise the dark skies the are currently enjoys. |
Attachments |
david-beirman-speaker-notes.pdf (PDF, 48.87 KB) |
john kite
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
01/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Wind turbines have become unsustainable. Please note my submission is based on information that was available at the time of Authorship. It is acknowledged that the submission may be subject to change based on additional information becoming known. |
Attachments |
solar-hydrogen--electricity-generation--dec-23.pdf (PDF, 1.71 MB) |
Richard Brand
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
27/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
As a resident of Hanging Rock all my life, and an Aboriginal man, I value the natural beauty that my ancestors shared across this land, before big industry came to the area. The scar trees have already been pushed out to make way for more pasture for cattle by the same property owner that will benefit from this venture. Scar trees were important to Aboriginal society, past and present, Now Engie propose to tear up the pass way my ancestors used to travel back and forth to the Hunter, to make way for their trucks to get to deliver their turbines. We have a unique spotted quoll and beautiful lyre birds living in the Hanging Rock, both under threat from extinction. The impact of yhe wind farm will further push these animals further afield, out of their natural habitat. My ancestors would fight for the right to keep their land as nature intended. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
My main concern is that the proposed route for construction of the HR wind farm is not suitable for the construction traffic. It was never designed or built to carry the loads and frequency. We have suffered much damage to our local roads from the much smaller logging truck traffic, at our costs in our council rates. The main route from the New England Highway, 34.6 kilometres along Lindsay Gap Road to Nundle is not suitable and is very dangerous for such large heavy vehicles. We have already had several bad accidents concerning the much smaller and lighter logging trucks. We are very lucky so far nobody has been killed. See Photo #1 This is also the main route for ambulance service to the nearest hospital in Quirindi. My wife and I are over 75 and we both have needed urgent midnight ambulance services to Quirindi. These proposed heavy loads will block urgent medical services for local residents along this route. The other major concern is the instability of the terrain and that effect on the main road to Hanging Rock. This road has continually collapsed with only light traffic use. The road was repaired several years ago, only to collapse again in 2021 and still has not been repaired. There is a temporary bypass. See Photo #2 to show the massive collapse. This section, in Engie’s traffic report, they envisage over 310 EXTRA heavy traffic vehicles using this section. |
Attachments |
acciddnt-8-september-2023photo-2jpg.jpg (JPG, 1023.02 KB) hr-road-subsidence-26-nov-2021jpg.jpg (JPG, 2.8 MB) |
Beau Blenman
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
22/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Why destroy any more land the impacts of this green movement wil far outweigh the mining and what’s happening now why destroy More pristine bush when there’s thousands of acres in the hunter that have already been raped and destroyed by mining activities haven’t humans wrecked enough fragile ecosystems the range cannot be another to fall victim to corporate greed money cannot replace this earth and the greed Of these big companies doesn’t consider the Long term stain on our beautiful country stop selling Australia out |
Clare Buswell
Organisation |
Australian Speleological Federation. Conservation Commission |
---|---|
Location |
|
Date |
20/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please see attached submission, |
Attachments |
aust-speleological-federation-submission-hog-wind-farmpdf-redacted.pdf (PDF, 252.84 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
16/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
This project is totally unacceptable . For six years this foreign company has been trying to gain permission to ruin the village of Nundle . Massive trucks running through the small country roads. Destruction of the old growth forest. Disruption to peoples lives and visual destruction to the existing kaanes and roads.Why on earth would any one want to destroy such a beautiful area... And are there any plans to decommission these mons? I say no ...do not proceed with this industrial wind farmin this iconic area. |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
15/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The amount of destruction of old growth and habitat already done to prepare for this is totally unacceptable. To continue with more of this carnage cannot possibly be merited.The Village of Nundle a quaint tourist destination will be totally destroyed by these impossibly large transportations trundling down the kilometers of rural roads .The beauty and serenity of the village disrupted for many years.The inconvenience on the road for local schools and businesses ambulances fire trucks and members of the community is not acceptable. I hope that the IPC members will visit the area and take into consideration the proximity to Ben Hall National Park. Please consider all the animals, bats, old growth trees and the local inhabitants there are many many negatives to this project. Please do not approve this. |
Garry Smith
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
09/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
See attached file for submission |
Attachments |
windfarm-submission-2024-redacted.pdf (PDF, 469.32 KB) |
Ian Eddison
Organisation |
Australasian Cave and Karst Management Association |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
23/12/2023 |
Submitter position |
Object |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The Australasian Cave and Karst Management Association objects to the Hills of Gold project due to its proximity to rocky crags, sinkholes and caves and the intention in this project to clear landscape. This will be detrimental to the geology, hydrology and habitat, particularly insects which are prime food for microbats. Our letter is attached. |
Attachments |
ackma-ipcn-hills-of-gold-wind-farm-20231222-redacted.pdf (PDF, 92.53 KB) |
ID | Name | Date | Submission |
---|---|---|---|
Cheryl-Anne Hill | 12/02/2024 | ||
Roger Sydenham | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Fred Nicholson | 12/02/2024 | ||
Cheryl-Anne Hill | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Kerrie Jenkins | 12/02/2024 | ||
Russell Sydenham | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Rory O'Callaghan | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Warren Tremain | 12/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 12/02/2024 | ||
Rory O'Callaghan | 11/02/2024 | ||
Myrtle (Meg) Sydenham | 11/02/2024 | ||
Keith Greenham | 11/02/2024 | ||
Fiona Little | 11/02/2024 | ||
Megan Robinson | 11/02/2024 | ||
Kayla Jones | 11/02/2024 | ||
Rory O'Callaghan | 11/02/2024 | ||
Marty Meinsma | 11/02/2024 | ||
Kristine Little | 11/02/2024 | ||
Judith Robinson | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 11/02/2024 | ||
Anthony Moore | 11/02/2024 | ||
Gary Bagster | 11/02/2024 | ||
Craig O'Brien | 11/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 09/02/2024 | ||
James Hall | 09/02/2024 | ||
Melanie Ferris | 08/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 08/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 06/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 06/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 06/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 06/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 05/02/2024 | ||
Robert Schofield | 05/02/2024 | ||
Susan Robinson | 05/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 02/02/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 02/02/2024 | ||
Scott Robinson | 31/01/2024 | ||
Fabian Norrie | 31/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 31/01/2024 | ||
Vicki & John McClelland | 31/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 31/01/2024 | ||
Emma Washbrook | 31/01/2024 | ||
Peter Maurer | 31/01/2024 | ||
Kevin James Ninness | 31/01/2024 | ||
Neil Gorrell | 31/01/2024 | ||
Christine & Gary Heggs | 31/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 31/01/2024 | ||
Annette Sharp | 30/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 29/01/2024 | ||
Keith Le Cornu | 29/01/2024 | ||
Max Inman | 29/01/2024 | ||
Leonie Wilkes | 29/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 29/01/2024 | ||
James and Margaret Dillon | 29/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 27/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 27/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 25/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 23/01/2024 | ||
Amber Hall | 23/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 23/01/2024 | ||
Marion Deaves | 23/01/2024 | ||
Christopher Hill | 23/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 23/01/2024 | ||
Maureen Hulm | 23/01/2024 | ||
Violet Wilkinson | 23/01/2024 | ||
Una Turner | 23/01/2024 | ||
Tim Taylor | 23/01/2024 | ||
David Deaves | 23/01/2024 | ||
Sandra and Merv Scanlon | 23/01/2024 | ||
Karinda Taylor | 22/01/2024 | ||
Graeme & Maria Everingham | 22/01/2024 | ||
Tony Taylor | 22/01/2024 | ||
Brian Wilkes | 22/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 22/01/2024 | ||
Maria and John Veltkamp | 22/01/2024 | ||
Susan Rieger | 21/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 21/01/2024 | ||
Glenda Gorrell | 14/01/2024 | ||
Andrew Holm | 14/01/2024 | ||
Shane O'Brien | 10/01/2024 | ||
Sandra Byrne | 10/01/2024 | ||
Cheryl Sipple | 10/01/2024 | ||
Gildina Vitiello | 10/01/2024 | ||
Allan Sipple | 10/01/2024 | ||
Raegan Schofield | 10/01/2024 | ||
Jack Barry | 09/01/2024 | ||
Name Redacted | 06/01/2024 | ||
Kattie Sheridan | 04/01/2024 | ||
Joy Carr | 23/12/2023 |
Cheryl-Anne Hill
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the Hills of Gold Wind Farm proposal as I feel it will be good for our region. Apart from the jobs which will be created for locals and others, and increased spending in the town of Nundle for businesses, the company are supporting businesses and areas that need an injection of funds. Those residents that will be impacted by the increased traffic, dust and noise have also been afforded a small contribution which goes to help pay rates etc. Often there is a blanket of cloud over the top of the mountain and given that it's about 1500m above sea level, the visual impact will not be as great as some wind farms that are more on ground level. Like the one at Goulburn on the highway. From our property we may see one of the turbines in our view but quite often that is obscured with mist or cloud. I do feel, since the NSW government has committed to this type of energy production, in order to meet the target, that they set, and for us to still have availability to electricity in the near future, we have little choice but to go along with this proposal. If not here, where the impact will be fairly minimal, it may be in an area that is more visual and disturbing for some people. |
Roger Sydenham
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please find my submission of support attached |
Attachments |
hogwf-ipc-submissionpdf.pdf (PDF, 57.26 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am in full support of the Nundle Hills of Gold Wind Farm proposal. This project has a number of benefits should it go ahead. The community of Nundle will be a major beneficiary of the project should it be approved. The construction phase alone will bring a much need economic injection to the community, create jobs for locals in particular (where local jobs are very limited), increase tourism to the area after construction phase (wind farms across the world are a major tourist must do/see), provide financial benefits to many local farmers in the area (particularly those whose properties will house the turbines), etc. As seen right across the world, wind turbines have very little impact on the environment, are quiet to surrounding neighbours, provide a visual point of interest without being intrusive or disturbing the overall landscape view, are effective power generators, require infrequent & minimal maintenance after construction phase is complete (i.e. properties will not be overrun with maintainers after the turbines have been built & are operational). Wind farms are known to be one of the most environmentally & community friendly energy source options. Solar farms are extremely intrusive & take up enormous amounts of free land, coal mines completely change the scape of our land & have a number of community disadvantages if not managed correctly, power stations have extremely large foot prints & bi products which need disposing of, etc. Hills of Gold Wind Farm is a great forward thinking energy project that should absolutely go ahead for the benefit of those near & far. |
Fred Nicholson
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The start of major changes in the world. |
Cheryl-Anne Hill
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the Hills of Gold Wind Farm proposal as I feel it will be good for our region. Apart from the jobs which will be created for locals and others, and increased spending in the town of Nundle for businesses, the company are supporting businesses and areas that need an injection of funds. Those residents that will be impacted by the increased traffic, dust and noise have also been afforded a small contribution which goes to help pay rates etc. Often there is a blanket of cloud over the top of the mountain and given that it’s about 1500m above sea level, the visual impact will not be as great as some wind farms that are more on ground level. Like the one at Goulburn on the highway. From our property we may see one of the turbines in our view but quite often that is obscured with mist or cloud. I do feel, since the NSW government has committed to this type of energy production, in order to meet the target, that they set, and for us to still have availability to electricity in the near future, we have little choice but to go along with this proposal. If not here, where the impact will be fairly minimal, it may be in an area that is more visual and disturbing for some people. Cheryl-Anne Hill ⬛⬛⬛ Hanging Rock NSW 2340 |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Submission in Support of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm I support the HoGWF for the reasons that follow: 1.Community This development would likely bring people and opportunity to Nundle and the surrounding villages helping to maintain these towns as viable growing profitable communities Opportunity for jobs in local businesses, opportunities for local businesses to grow in size and income and therefore employ new workers and thus grow the community and provide jobs to our local young people rather than having them leave the district for work leaving their families and their community Potential for school growth with more families and more students -this in turn as the school grows provides for more opportunity for the students and greater opportunity for the school to have a larger teaching staff and a more diversified curriculum for a broader subject offering 2.A Community Enhancement Fund Such a Fund would provide opportunity for Nundle and surrounds that these communities would have little or no way of having any other way. Possibilities to support and grow local community groups and provide infrastructure for groups- such as: Family, Youth, Kids, the more Matute and Aged -Youth and kids clubs, aged care facilities, mature age classes, community BBQs Interest groups -cooking, gardening, Men’s shed, Ladies groups, Music presentations and opportunities, Drama, Choirs ,Fishing Sports groups- swimming club and enhancement of the Local swimming pool -heating for classes, lessons, competitions and carnivals ;cricket club and grounds, support to Gold and Bowls ,New possibilities - touch football ,netball 2.Location:This particular wind farm is well located as it is NOT on prime farming or prime agricultural land but hill country -the land while not prime can still be utilized for grazing beneath the turbines and under any transmission lines 3. Infrastructure: It is proposed to use some EXISTING infrastructure utilizing power transmission lines previously associated with the now decommissioned Liddell Power Station I support this use of existing infrastructure – it should have less environmental and structural impact with less unnecessary duplication of infrastructure It seems a sound, sensible environmentally beneficial and sustainable proposal and adds support for this location for the proposed windfarm 4.Toursim The tourism potential with visitors to view the Wind Turbines and with further potential for bush walking, mountain bike tours, educational tours. The tourism potential largely limited only by the imagination. Many people do like to see and watch the wind turbines. 5 Education With “alternative energy” sources and “sustainability” being key terms in the current education curricula the wind farm has potential for teaching excursions and workshops, for close up/on location and interactive teaching and educational programs Opportunity for jobs on and related to the project -bringing new skills to this community and with the opportunity for others to learn ( or teach) new skills And more people in town brings more money which brings growth to a town which hopefully brings strength and longevity to the town Yes I support the Hills of Gold Wind Fam |
Attachments |
submission-of-support-for-hills-of-gold-wind-farmpdf.pdf (PDF, 414.07 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am in full support of the Nundle Hills of Gold Wind Farm proposal. This project has a number of benefits should it go ahead. The community of Nundle will be a major beneficiary of the project should it be approved. The construction phase alone will bring a much need economic injection to the community, create jobs for locals in particular (where local jobs are very limited), increase tourism to the area after construction phase (wind farms across the world are a major tourist must do/see), provide financial benefits to many local farmers in the area (particularly those whose properties will house the turbines), etc. As seen right across the world, wind turbines have very little impact on the environment, are quiet to surrounding neighbours, provide a visual point of interest without being intrusive or disturbing the overall landscape view, are effective power generators, require infrequent & minimal maintenance after construction phase is complete (i.e. properties will not be overrun with maintainers after the turbines have been built & are operational). Wind farms are known to be one of the most environmentally & community friendly energy source options. Solar farms are extremely intrusive & take up enormous amounts of free land, coal mines completely change the scape of our land & have a number of community disadvantages if not managed correctly, power stations have extremely large foot prints & bi products which need disposing of, etc. Hills of Gold Wind Farm is a great forward thinking energy project that should absolutely go ahead for the benefit of those near & far. |
Kerrie Jenkins
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am all for the wind farm. I think all businesses (the whole town) will benefit from it. |
Russell Sydenham
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please find my submission attached in pdf format |
Attachments |
submission-to-ipc-hog-windfarm-2024pdf.pdf (PDF, 533.71 KB) |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I think the wind farm will be good for the community because it will bring jobs and people to the town. The wildlife will be fine, the bushland in the area it is to be built, goes on for hundreds of thousands of acres. It's the perfect spot for a wind farm because it is so isolated and nowhere near anyones house. |
Rory O'Callaghan
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I Think the windfarm will help the community with Tourism and the potential flow of income into our town to go towards more activities/buisnesses to build up for the locals and visitors. I also support the windfarm for the future of my children and their children to come. |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am in full support of the Nundle Hills of Gold Wind Farm proposal. This project has a number of benefits should it go ahead. The community of Nundle will be a major beneficiary of the project should it be approved. The construction phase alone will bring a much need economic injection to the community, create jobs for locals in particular (where local jobs are very limited), increase tourism to the area after construction phase (wind farms across the world are a major tourist must do/see), provide financial benefits to many local farmers in the area (particularly those whose properties will house the turbines), etc. As seen right across the world, wind turbines have very little impact on the environment, are quiet to surrounding neighbours, provide a visual point of interest without being intrusive or disturbing the overall landscape view, are effective power generators, require infrequent & minimal maintenance after construction phase is complete (i.e. properties will not be overrun with maintainers after the turbines have been built & are operational). Wind farms are known to be one of the most environmentally & community friendly energy source options. Solar farms are extremely intrusive & take up enormous amounts of free land, coal mines completely change the scape of our land & have a number of community disadvantages if not managed correctly, power stations have extremely large foot prints & bi products which need disposing of, etc. Hills of Gold Wind Farm is a great forward thinking energy project that should absolutely go ahead for the benefit of those near & far. |
Warren Tremain
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Wind farm is great for town and environment. It will bring employment to town, good for businesses. No effect visually, not offensive. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
12/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Having worked in the energy industry my whole career I am very aware of the impending adverse economic outcomes of the loss of reliable, appropriately priced energy. We must find alternative energy supply points or face a degradation of the standard of living withing our society. Something which has already started occurring in recent years as a stable sound economy is underpinned by reliable low-cost energy. The biggest sector impacted is manufacturing, its decline is rapidly gaining pace and as such well-paid reliable jobs are also in decline. Having spent time in the project area I see that is one of the most prospective sites in the country for wind generation due to the topography and prevailing weather conditions providing a high hours of operational potential. I have read the formal submissions and on balance agree with the finding of DPE that the project should be granted approval without appropriate conditions of consent to limit the impacts. I see the need for large scale wind generation to be deployed without delay. |
Rory O'Callaghan
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I think the windfarm will help the community with tourism and the potential flow of income into our town will go towards more activities and businesses to build up for the locals and visitors. I also support the windfarm for the future of my children and their children to come. |
Myrtle (Meg) Sydenham
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Please see my attached submission. |
Attachments |
support-submission-110224pdf.pdf (PDF, 55.75 KB) |
Keith Greenham
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I dont rely on electrcity because I use a generator for my power and I am happy to see the Hills of Gold Wind Farm renewable energy project going in my backyard. The turbines will be going on the property where I live and even I can understand that you town people won't have power if this government doesn't start getting these projects started. Nobody wants to look at them, but they want power for their homes and businesses. |
Fiona Little
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the wind farm and green energy. I have been in Nundle all my life and I think it is a great idea. I think it will bring more job opportunities and hopefully more families to the town. |
Megan Robinson
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I give my support to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. The local community will certainly benefit in a lot of ways with the wind farm going ahead as well as the environment. The amount of turbines should not be reduced. I believe that this project will benefit everyone, my family, the community and the environment. |
Kayla Jones
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the Hills Of Gold Wind Farm for these reasons. 1- Tourism- it will attract tourists to the town. 2- Financial- The local stores and businesses will benefit. 3- Beneficial for energy and helps future generations. |
Rory O'Callaghan
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I Think the windfarm will help the community with tourism and the potential flow of income into our town will go towards more activities/ businesses to build up for the locals and visitors. I also support the wind farm for the future of my children and their children. |
Marty Meinsma
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Basically I feel it is time to chase down projects for the renewable energy transition. Peolpe are looking for an alterative to tearing up the liverpool plains for coal. As far as I am concerned, it is time we pursue clean energy with wind farms and solar that will lead us into the future. I have seen many people at the viewing platform at the wind farm at Atherton in Queensland and believe it will be an opportunity for tourism in our community as well. I will feel proud as a community member supporting a wind farm in the neighbourhood and I feel the money flowing into the local area, will be a benefit to us all. |
Kristine Little
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The windfarm will be a great opportunity for Nundle to have more job opportunities and will bring more families to the village. The windfarm will be good for the environment. |
Judith Robinson
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I believe it is a worthwhile project both beneficial to the community and the environmental surrounds. I don't believe that any turbines should be taken out. The visual aspect is not a problem as i don't believe that it detracts from the scenery or the area. The community has so much to gain from all of the turbines being built with the funds being promised a much needed boost to the community and surrounds. Being a landowner for 35 years in the area i know how much these funds will help everyone in the surrounding community. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
Fully support this project as we cannot continue with coal mining for our electricity needs. The shear carnage of the landscape around the Upper Hunter is for every sickening. The people in close proximity to this project need to be looked after with respect, I believe all the others is typical scare tactics from distant neighbours that still want to come home and turn the lights on. I’m sure the engineers will address the issue with the road infrastructure and correct turbine installation. The economic benefits to Nundle and Tamworth area will be significant and perhaps bring tourism to the area. Look forward to the commencement asap. Kind Regards |
Anthony Moore
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I think the Wind Farm will be a great opportunity for Nundle and the surrounding areas with the opportunity to expand our little town. |
Gary Bagster
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
11/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The Hills Of Gold Wind Farm project needs to be approved at the original size of 65 turbines. For a DA to stop 11 turbines on an isolated property at Hanging Rock where no one lives and was lodged after the project went public should not be considered. The community fund will be reduced if these turbines get taken out. A community fund that is desperately needed in our community especially at Hanging Rock. The upgrades promised after construction to Morrisons Gap Road, is the only opportunity we will see in our lifetime of having a safe and sealed road. I urge the panel to approve The Hills of Gold Wind Farm as it will be a huge benefit for the whole community. |
Craig O'Brien
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
11/02/2024 |
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I think that the hamlet of Nundle will greatly benefit from the wind farm and for future energy and power for the Tamworth area. THIS IS A MUST DO SITUATION. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
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I have lived in Nundle since 2015 as a homeowner. I think the proposed wind farm in Nundle is a great thing and these are my reasons why. I have 3 children and I fear the lack of job prospects, for them when older, will see the need for us to move. I am hoping with the wind farm being part of the community, it will bring job opportunities not only from Engie but also from local businesses that will be booming with the influx of tourists I believe the wind farm will attract to our area. |
James Hall
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
09/02/2024 |
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Support |
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Submission |
I am for the wind farm. It will benefit everybody. |
Melanie Ferris
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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I think we need to keep moving forward in ways to support growing population. We need to have power, and windfarms are a way forward. Locally it would provide some employment but also it would boost tourism. There isn't alot of room for growth in any town without employment and tourism. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
08/02/2024 |
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Support |
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Submission |
As a long term community member and proponent of the transition to renewable energy sources, I feel it is important, if even briefly, to express positive support for this project (along with other renewable energy developments). Despite loudly spoken and published opinions in local media, there remains very little (or no) evidence that the concerns including tourism, visual, farming or environmental are negatively affected by wind or solar installations. In fact, recent widely published surveys and data tend to show the opposite, with positive effects on tourism, benefits on soil and grass quality enhancing grazing, benefits on land value and overall progress in the transition to renewable energy with positive impact on climate change. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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Support |
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VISUAL The Recommended Conditions of Consent address the developers’ responsibilities to minimise and work with any landholder residence that is impacted visually within 5kms of the Final Layout Plan within 5 years. Where a suitable agreement cannot be reached there is provision for the Planning Secretary to assist. For the town of Nundle the visual impact will depend on how the individual perceives renewable energy and their willingness to play a role in greening our world. For me the turbines will be an attraction, mesmerising for some. A positive tourist attraction, hence economic benefit to the local business community. At this very point in time the Nundle State Forest is being harvested, the landscape is looking somewhat bare. You see some of the harvest site as you drive into town. Remember the forest was established for a reason – a sustainable future supply of pine logs. Native bushland was replaced with pine – on the same range as the proposed windfarm. It has created many jobs for our local community members over the years. It took years for the pine timber to grow. Now we are harvesting and replanting, there are jobs, a couple of workers have moved into the town, spending local. The forest is a tourist attraction regardless of what growth state it is in. There is a large communications tower in the centre of the town, perched up on top of the hill. Housing has developed around it. You see it when you drive into town. No objections from the community about this, it is a necessity for the town - improved services. During construction the windfarm will draw many visitors to the community to see what is happening on site. Post construction the farm will be a tourist attraction. It will be a complimenting attraction to the existing natural beauty of the range. Just like the pine forest it is a positive sustainable project. There are visual positives for the project. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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Support |
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As a community willing to support the movement to green energy we should also take on the responsibility to ensure the Biodiversity of the project site is met and maintained as required under the Recommended Conditions of Consent. Improved access to the site will assist with monitoring biodiversity, the wildlife corridors can be assessed regularly helping to preserve habitats and ecosystems. During the construction the developers can monitor the site for the presence of sensitive species, impacts to area wildlife and adjust their activities to minimise impacts. Ongoing monitoring enables the developers to determine needs for additional conservation measures. Once the construction site is completed it would be expected to be little disturbance to the site for many years. B49 addresses the requirements for decommissioning. The community could be positively involved in a variety of projects by working with the developers to ensure the native flora and fauna and protected. There would be positive social cohesion for the community, pride of achievements in the role they play in conserving our flora and fauna. This could be an opportunity to be leaders in project research and future green energy project standards. There could be opportunity to attract educational study groups to work on the projects with the community, this would bring economic benefit to the community and skill sharing. Thank you for the opportunity to lodge a submission without having to publish your name. Normally, I would not hesitate to putting my name to a submission but the negative bullying of some anti-group members and no respect of an individuals’ opinion is unpleasant and certainly not a true reflection of the Nundle communities good people. There are good people who are anti wind farm and they are respected for their opinion, but they are over shadowed by dominate persons with negative aggressive behaviour. The project has not divided the town, some individuals unpleasant personalities are the problem. Mature adults can agree to disagree. Please should you note a social media post from a ⬛⬛⬛ please do not see this as any kind of representation of how Nundle people conduct themselves. I know everyone is entitled to an opinion but ⬛⬛⬛ is an embarrassing blow in to the town with disgusting language, let’s hope he blows out of town as quick as he blew in. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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Support |
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Submission |
Community Enhancement There is opportunity for Nundle to benefit from the windfarm project. A bit disappointing to see a reduction in the number of turbines. However, as stated in Appendix 3 “ …. With a focus on community projects in the area surrounding the project site” there will be benefit for the broader Nundle Community. It will be important that all parties involved in the funding program respect the local community entitlement. In 2014 Nundle won the NSW Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Award, it was a huge community effort and involved an array of community volunteer groups. At the time there was around 30 odd community groups, many of the volunteers overlapped into other groups but something Nundle was good at was just getting in and getting the job done. In recent years, our school numbers have declined and volunteer numbers are at a low. Sadly we have all aged a little, ran out of puff and slowed down, some people have moved on for employment opportunity. There are still community groups and organisations who all strive to achieve the best they can for our community. Fundraising and sponsorship in a small community can be restricted as a number of the business houses are family owned and operated, whilst they do a great job they cannot be expected to financially support every group activity in the community. In the lead up to this project there has already been financial support provided to the local community which has had major positive impact on the volunteer organisation and in turn the broader community. An ongoing Community Enhancement Fund would make a huge difference to the local community. Existing community infrastructure could be improved, new infrastructure to meet the current needs of the community could be built, contributions to ensuring sustainable community assets. Whilst volunteer numbers are low at the present the fund could make volunteering a simpler role for our community members and make volunteering attractive again. Recommended Conditions of Consent - A24 makes reference to: If the Applicant and Tamworth Regional Council do not enter into a VPA or other agreement within the timeframe specified under condition A23, then within a further 3 months, the Applicant must make a Section 7.12 of the EP&A Act contribution to Tamworth Regional Council of $ 6,376,562 (for 64 turbines) recalculated pro-rata for the number of approved turbines located within the Tamworth Regional Council local government area. The amount is to be adjusted at the time of actual payment in accordance with the provisions of the Tamworth Regional Council Section 94 (Indirect) Development Contributions Plan 2013 and directed to infrastructure, services and community projects in towns, villages and rural areas within the Tamworth LGA including Nundle and Hanging Rock. Noting the number of approved turbines is the key to the community’s funding it would be good to see an increase in the number of permissible turbines. A little concerning to see the wording “within the Tamworth LGA including Nundle and Hanging Rock”. Can we please have some reassurance that Nundle and Hanging Rock will be major beneficiaries? A VPA or other agreement with more clearly defined local community benefit would be appropriate. It is interesting to note in 2012 the Nundle Community Economic Transition Plan was developed through community partnerships, Trade & Investment NSW and the Namoi Catchment Authority. A great document. A few notes from the plan: • The Nundle Business Tourism & Marketing Group cited one of their aims as being to reduce negative impacts on Nundle of climate change and peak oil through increasing our capacity to adapt to a changing world. • Nundle has been a town to adapt to external challenges and respond to opportunities brought by global economic shocks, peak oil, climate change, energy availability, business closures and new technologies. • Global issues have local implications and the Nundle Community Transition Plan takes action now to manage those risks and take advantage of the economic and social opportunities. • It is about communities, such as Nundle, taking into their own hand and acting locally, about reducing their dependence on oil and reducing their carbon dioxide emissions, and about reducing their food miles. • Nundle to communicate and market its commitment to being a sustainable low carbon, low oil, clean energy community as part of its energy reduction program. • Interesting to note that one of the actions on the actions list was to “investigate the opportunity of a Wind Farm”. Not sure what happened to the Groups train of thoughts in the present moment – why did they change their mind? It was good idea when it was their idea. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
06/02/2024 |
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TRANSPORT Road maintenance is addressed in Recommended Conditions of Consent B33 and involves the relevant local government authorities in maintaining an acceptable standard. Consideration from the local government authorities should be given to lobby for additional government funding to maintain linking roads throughout the region. Local suppliers from within the broader Tamworth area may be travelling to the site reflecting an increase on other road networks - an opportunity to improve a broader community spread of road network. B35 details the Traffic Management Plan, through good communication community members should be able to identify times of interrupted traffic flow. There will be pull over sites at various points to enable traffic flow. We will just have to be a little more organised with our day to day planning when planning to travel through to the NE Hwy. Keeping in mind that there is an alternate route through to Tamworth via Nundle Road. Car-pooling and a shuttle bus sounds like the right idea and makes sense. The high volume of traffic will decrease as the construction period comes to an end. A temporary inconvenience for the benefits of improved energy production. We all like to come inside at night and turn on our lights. In this hot summer day whilst writing this submission the air cooler is running. We cannot keep digging up the coal seams we need to get smarter and move into green energy. Obviously the site is suitable for wind energy production, we should contribute a little to reducing our carbon footprint. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
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Submission |
I am in full support of the Hills of Gold wind farm going ahead. As a long time community member, resident, land owner & business owner, the benefits of going ahead with the wind farm are undeniable for the community as a whole, land owners in the surrounding properties, those receiving the renewable energy in their homes & businesses and also for the environment. The stimulation in local wealth due to the construction phase of the towers alone will be of huge benefit. Particularly when tourism is not at its highest , the influx of workers etc will provide a huge economic boost for local businesses. Having travelled extensively world wide, the community impact of wind farms is extremely low. They are not noisy and they have minimal visual impact, particularly in comparison to other energy sources such as coal mines & solar farms. |
Robert Schofield
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
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Support |
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Submission |
I am writing to you as a previous Councillor of Nundle and Tamworth, a fourth generation owner of the historic Peel Inn Hotel and long-term local resident, to seek your help in saving our town. When the Chaffey Dam was being built the place was humming. We, the local community, believe it can be like that again. The money from the Community Enhancement Fund as part of the Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) should stay local and support local people. It should NOT be given to Tamworth Regional Council for administering the funds on projects and infrastructure that Nundle and Hanging Rock people won’t even benefit from. As the community closest to the project site, our infrastructure, facilities and services need maintaining and upgrading, not only for our local residents now and into the future, but as more and more people visit and stay in the region. Allocating funds directly to our town will not only help mitigate some of the impacts of the project, but it will also contribute towards the future success and sustainability of our region. It’s only fair that the funding is spent locally to ensure our town can benefit from the hosting of this project. While I understand the importance of effective management of funding from the wind farm, we are apprehensive about entrusting these funds to Tamworth Council for a number of reasons. Given that council has expressed their objection to the wind farm, I am concerned about their willingness to support local initiatives. There is also a wide distrust in council by the Nundle community, as promises made by the council have not been fulfilled in the past. These broken promises have caused a lack of confidence in the council’s commitment to the Nundle region. I would like to suggest that a local, impartial group including local community representatives be considered for administering the funding, to ensure the money is handled by those who are genuinely invested in the future growth and prosperity of this region. It is important to our local community that the allocation process is conducted in a transparent, responsible and trustworthy manner for the betterment of the community. The people living closest to the wind farm should be empowered to have their say on where the money goes. Let our residents decide what’s most important and what will benefit them the most. This approach will ensure the funding goes where it is needed and will also help give our community a sense of ownership over the project and its benefits. As the owner of the local hotel in Nundle, I spend a lot of time talking to locals. I know that the vast majority of people can see this will be a good thing for our town and genuinely want this project to go ahead. You only have to take a drive around town to see that there is a lot of support for this project with more and more people worried about what happens if it does not go ahead. With the right support, our community can move forward, adapt to the changes and thrive again. With a boost in our local economy and an injection of funding, I think this community can come together and turn this town back into a buzzing hub of activity. They say windmills don’t look nice. Well, neither do powerlines, but we needed them and so we got used to them. It’s just not a good enough excuse to deny this town of a much-needed lifeblood. I want to see the Hills of Gold wind farm go ahead and we are keen to make the most of the opportunities, positive changes and benefits that this project will bring. By including local residents in the decision-making, we intend to maximise these benefits and ensure the allocated funding addresses the needs of our wonderful local community. |
Susan Robinson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
05/02/2024 |
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Support |
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My name is Sue Robinson and my husband and I are the main host land holders. We are just beef cattle farmers with a very windy ridge and are willing to share our land for a renewable energy project for the energy future of our State. I want to say thank you to every land owner in this country willing to share their land as hosts or neighbours, willing to be part of this transition to renewable energy. These are not easy shoes to walk in. Whether it is our land or someone else’s, our country needs farmers to share their land. As you can see, we all love Nundle and care about the future of the village. We just have different opinions and views of what that looks like. Is it minority or majority now, who knows now? So many people have moved out of the village in the past 5 years and new people have moved in. When we first moved here almost 38 years ago, both Nundle and Hanging Rock were full of young working families. There was plenty of employment for local people – Nundle Shire Council was based locally, and the Forestry and local farms were booming and employed many workers. Farming families that have been in the area for generations support the wind farm because they have witnessed the changes in the village over the years. My history and why I support the project. I moved to Nundle when I was 18, and have lived her for over 37 years. I have been a member of the P&C committee and held the treasures position. I am a volunteer and committee member at the Nundle Sport & Recreation Club and we have been involved and sponsor many community events. I also taught community group fitness classes for children and adults in Nundle for 6 years before building a community gym at the bowling club by enclosing a verandah at my expense. I have 3 grown daughters that have all moved to Tamworth because of the lack of work In Nundle and a 13 year old son attending High school. When he was little, I had to drive to Tamworth to just attend a playgroup. That very basic service wasn’t here. No one has spoken about the lack of services for our children at this IPC meeting. We do have a swimming pool open in the summer from 12pm to 6pm, 6 days a week. We have a playground but it is only suitable for primary school children. That’s all the services for the children. The few teenagers that live in the village, walk the streets hoping to find someone to talk too. We are now down to a 2 classroom primary school with less than 30 children enrolled. The generational farmers tell you of 150 children going to school in the village when they attended Nundle Primary school. The teenage children in this village need a Rec Centre, somewhere they can hang out with other children. They need a skate park, so they can hang out with the other children. The pool needs to be enclosed so the children will have use of it all year round. It is the lack of services, and the lack of full time work that the wind farm will change. It is hard to even imagine what that community fund will do at a community level here for next 30 years or more. That is why it is so important that if the wind farm goes ahead, the majority of the fund must stay in our community with a local group in charge of it. I do not believe that TRC should have the power to determine where community funds are spent, given they have not supported the project in any way. I do not agree that TRC should be able to determine where two-thirds of the community investment is spent. Those decisions should be made by a group who genuinely represents the people of this community. Why are the community events struggling? We as volunteers are tired, it is the same group of people doing the work load. I have watched in this community for so many years and long before the wind farm proposal was announced. Someone says something that upsets another person and we lose that volunteer and usually their friends go with them. The annual Chinese festival has folded. It has done so because of the lack of volunteers being available to run it. It required so many, and the while community volunteers enjoyed hosting the festival, no money came back into the community to build anything or support any community programmes. The money was needed to run the festival for the following year. I think for future community events to succeed, they need to show that they create and build something each year that the volunteers get enjoyment from and not just a big workload. The more people we have in our community, the more the workload of the community events will be shared. While some may say we are a divided community, we know many local people that support the wind farm. For many of us, we are a united community- united by a vision of a booming village and eager to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity that will benefit all of us. The ridge where the turbines are to be built is beautiful and the view is breathtaking. The ridge holds an opportunity to bring many people here for tourism, with mountain biking, daily wind farm and cattle farm tours. We also have an idea for hosting an annual community fun run that would take advantage of the scenic beauty and accessibility of the 35km ridgeline. The speaker that spoke yesterday about neighbours needing to sit down and have a cup of tea and talk about neighbour issues, maybe could understand how we felt when one of neighbours who worked for us for 16 years doing contract mustering, who knew the farm was being monitored for wind farm, put a DA for a small cabin over our fence and in our paddock after the project went public. She never said a word to us. The facts are, we had never had a boundary issue with this neighbour prior to the wind farm going public back in March 2018. This neighbour has a house with power, yards, water and sheds more than 2kms from the ridge. None of these are on top of the ridge. We need to talk about this DA, as it is important for every project being submitted for approval in the future. Now this DA was rejected by Council back in September 2019 and one of those reasons for rejection was the potential Social and economic impacts this development may have on the local community and the economy as raised in the submissions and the site was not considered suitable given the matters of the public interest raised in the submissions. There were 50 local public submissions against this DA. Then in November 2020 the DA got approval by a private certifier back over her fence about 300 meters in from the ridge. We the community should have been notified because if it takes out the income from those 11 turbines that lowers the community fund and it does impact the community. This DA has always been a deliberate attempt to cut the wind farm in half. This neighbour has since passed away and the new owner of this DA lives in Canberra. So please tell us, how can a plan for a small cabin in an area that has no power to connect to and still has still not been built, be more important than powering 165,000 homes, More important than delivering cheaper electricity to the locals, more important than a large community enhancement fund for the life of the wind farm. More important than repairing and maintaining our community buildings. More important than creating a better life here for the generations of children to come. I have listened for the past 2 days from these 5 Tamworth councillors say this is not a good site for a wind farm, but you have never been to the site, only Steve. The Council have been invited many times to the proposed site, by both ENGIE as well as personally by myself and my husband. They have continued to refuse to visit the site, and so how can they say this is the wrong location for a wind farm when they haven’t even seen it. In the last five years, TRC have only given the supporters of the wind farm one 10-minute meeting, whereas they have had countless meetings and presentations with the objector group. How can they hold a representative view if they are so obviously only listening to one part of the community? I want to say thank you to the speaker yesterday for being the local fire captain. But when you talk about the difficulty of fighting fires on the ridge you need to talk to us, because none of them were there in 2019, they were all fighting fires elsewhere. The fire that was in Ben Halls National Park stopped at our fence line and we monitored it. Where it did jump over into our farm from a neighbouring property, we put it out ourselves without any help from RFS or anyone else. So if we can put fires that come from the National Park or State Forest out ourselves, which we have proven with the 2019 fires and with the wind farm employees being trained in firefighting, for us as landholders we are very satisfied. We have our own bulldozers, watercarts other machinery on the farm. The National Parks and Wildlife and RFS all have good access to the ridge because we maintain all the roads and the fences. I Love Nundle and I love living at Hanging Rock. And with the long-term community investment ENGIE has committed. Money which would help our town to build new community facilities, support local events and help reinvigorate community cultural and sporting clubs. We’ve already seen what a huge difference ENGIE’s investment into the Bowling Club has had, as well as other things like helping establish the Food Bank and supporting the swimming club. We would be naïve to think we can keep these types of initiatives going without outside investment. With the commitment of a cheaper electricity offer, more opportunities for full time work and tourism, and a community enhancement fund for local projects and initiatives, I believe it is so important for our community for this project to go ahead. I urge the Panel to consider that not only would this wind farm generate enough energy to power 180,000 homes, but it would provide long term prosperity for our local community. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
02/02/2024 |
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I am supportive of the wind farm going ahead for a number of positive reasons. The first being the community enhancement fund for Nundle, it will be a great benefit. Any jobs that become available during the building phase and thereafter will be an asset to the local community. Not to mention all the added business for Nundle's local shops, cafes, and other business'. Overall I believe it will create positive growth in many ways for the local communities. If renewable energy is the future, this wind farm is definately needed to go ahead. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
02/02/2024 |
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I am in support as we need green power. I think it will benefit the community and Nundle residents will get cheaper energy. Everyone will benefit. |
Scott Robinson
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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With fossil fuels getting less we need alternative power, preferably green power. I think wind energy is a good alternative. I will see the turbines from my home but I think that they are far away enough to not cause any problems and I don't mind the look of them. I think it will benefit Nundle because it will bring workers and visitors. |
Fabian Norrie
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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I think the wind farm will be good for the Nundle community. It will bring Jobs and new residents which will breathe new life to the town. I take a lot of photographs and videos of wind farms because I think they look great. I think the wind farm will be a tourist attraction and further support tourism and local businesses. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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Nundle to Hanging Rock road is poor at best. It needs fixing before a major traffic increase. |
Vicki & John McClelland
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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We thouroughly support the project bacause of the following reasons: 1. benefits to the community with cheaper electricity & the community fund being spent in the village. 2. the project will bring tourists and young families to the village. 3. Visually it doesn't effect us. I believe you will hardly notice it. I don't understand why some people in the community object to the project when it is going to benefit the town. |
Name Redacted
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New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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I've been part of the Nundle community for 10 years and I'm very much for the wind farm. Having been to multiple wind farms such as those near Orange and Inverell, I think they look fantastic. I think the wind farm will bring people to the town which will boost the economy here which is particularly needed in the wake of COVID. We also need the electricity that the wind farm will provide, we need the energy to replace fossil fuels and prevent blackouts. |
Emma Washbrook
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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I think the wind farm will be bring something different for the community. Something everyone can benefit in a way better environment for our children to grow up in. |
Peter Maurer
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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In the 70s and 80s I worked in coal mines and didn't realise the damage being done then. I now know why renewable energy is important. We need to replace the coal and we need change for future generations. Visually, I don't mind the look of them. I came here in 1971 or 1972 and now live in Hanging Rock. Back then, Nundle was a great town. Now, Nundle is dead. There's nothing here anymore. We need more people to come here and more clubs and sports and things to do. Where there is work, there is people. This project will help bring Nundle back to what it was. |
Kevin James Ninness
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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I support the Hills of Gold wind farm because I was born in Nundle and have lived here all my life. There is nothing for the kids to do in the village and the community fund could create and give the children more things to do. The wind farm will bring more people to the village which will make the town better. The turbines on the ridge visually will not bother me at all. I won't hear them and I won't see them. I hope the project goes ahead. |
Neil Gorrell
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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I live on the Old Wallabadah Road which comes off Crawney Road and I strongly support the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I have no objections to any part of the project. I live closer to the project than the people of Nundle and as far as I am concerned, the visual will be hardly noticed. I feel we have been mislead on the radio media where the actual wind farm starts from Nundle. We have been told it is 5kms but feel it is closer to 9kms. Having many times driven past the Crookwell wind farm and Cullen Rangers Wind farm, we have observed many cars pulled up taking photos and feel there is a tourist opportunity. I am very concerned about Nundle being a small town village and feel we need business and job opportunities for residents for this town to survive. The opportunities that will stem from the wind farm approval will be enormous. The two year construction phase will create alot of work for the locals and permanent jobs thereafter. Already the local community have benefited from the Community Grants from Engie which include the local fire brigade, The Bowling Club, The Church group and the Food Bank. Also living so close to the wind farm project, the traffic on the roads doesn't worry me at all. There are plenty of loads on the road because of the Industry happening around here. |
Christine & Gary Heggs
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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We can use a power supply source in Australia raising its head and we must take actions to alleviate these problems. I can't say personally that wind farms and solar are going to be the end solution but at this point of time they will probably fill the gap for the next 100-150 years when the next generations will have to face the fact that some other power source will have to be considered. Fortunately I will not be around to see this fulfilled. Yes, this is going to change the nature of Nundle but as a resident of Nundle for the past 32 years and a visitor for the last 50 years, Nundle has changed considerable. Nundle back in this time was very different town to what it is today and this unfortunately is part of growth, e.g. everything must change as time goes on. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
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Date |
31/01/2024 |
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Website |
Submission |
Road condition not suitable to excess traffic, from Nundle up to Hanging Rock, would suggest nnew road surface and armguard railing on the steep sides of the road. Otherwise excess traffic on a bad road to start with, will cause excess accidents, and possible death off the steep embankments. |
Annette Sharp
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
30/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
All I can say is that I was told wrong information and very mislead by people who don't want the wind farm to go ahead. But I have done further research and the project is moving ahead. It's called progress! I am sick of people talking nonsense. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
29/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The windfarm should go ahead because we need to keep power to the people. Population increases so we need to keep up with infrastructure. It will bring some employment to Nundle which is needed. |
Keith Le Cornu
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
29/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the Wind Farm |
Max Inman
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
29/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
This is my personal opinion. The wind farm will be a great thing for the Nundle community. The community enhancement fund will be a terrific thing for the township and we need as much of the community funds to be spent in the Nundle area rather than the broader Tamworth LGA. This money is much needed for Nundle groups such as the bowling club which I've been a member of for 61 years, and the golf, swimming and car clubs to name a few. The community needs something to brighten it up, we need families to move to and stay in Nundle to support these community groups and increase their patronage. The jobs the wind farm offers will help this. It will be great to have wind farm increase the numbers of workers in the town considering the drop in the number employed in forestry and council work based in Nundle. I also think that the wind farm will be a drawcard for local tourism. From what I've seen in the town, there are much more supporters of the wind farm than those against it, this can be seen in the number of signs on peoples fences. I've also spent a lot of time in the areas where the wind farm is proposed and I don't think the wind farm will significantly impact Koala bears or bats. |
Leonie Wilkes
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
29/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
As a long term local community member, I think this town needs a boost and some forward-thinking. This was once a great, vibrant town and ENGIE's project is just what we need to bring it back to life. Yes, the town needs more funding, but we also need more energy resources. My son has worked at Liddell Power Station on the shutdown - I understand that we need to replace this with new sources of energy. There are some people against the project, but most of the town, that I know of, are NOT against this and many want it to go ahead. I volunteer at the local Foodbank and I know there are families around town who are struggling, which further supports the need for this development to proceed and help improve the lives of the local residents in Nundle and Hanging Rock. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
29/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the Wind Farm |
James and Margaret Dillon
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
29/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the Hills of Gold Windfarm because of the benefit to the community within the community enhancement fund. I believe the Nundle and Hanging Rock community should recieve all the monetary benefits. The Hanging Rock community & tourists will all benefit with the road upgrades on the roads and at the front of our property. Visual doesn't bother us at all. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
27/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
We have to move away from fossil fuels to renewables to avoid future climate change. If the wind farm does not adversely affect the community in general, creates local jobs and provides funding for the local community, this should be seen as a positive.| |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
27/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
We have to move away from fossil fuels to renewables to avoid future climate change. If the wind farm does not adversely affect the community in general, creates local jobs and provides funding for the local community, this should be seen as a positive. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
25/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I think the Windfarm would be good for local economy and jobs for locals and some money for the community 👍 |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am a local business owner who will be affected by the windfarm. If it goes ahead, we will be expecting a significant increase in business. Nundle has been slowly dying for years. There are no prospects for the kids as far as employment is concerned and the local council has no money or interest in our community. Even the local signage for the town is old and tired. The benefit to the community will be more jobs, more business etc. etc. etc. On a larger scale, we are slowly killing our planet. We need to do something - we need to put wind farms where the wind blows and be part of the solution not part of the problem. |
Amber Hall
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I think the windfarm will benefit the town |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I'm neutral towards the project but leaning towards thinking it should go ahead. I live in Hanging Rock along Barry Road. I think the turbines should not be removed for visual reasons. 100 years ago, people said that the Sydney Harbour bridge would look ugly and now it is renowned internationally. I'd rather have a wind farm than an open cut mine. I understand removing turbines for biodiversity and or ecological reasons if there are no effective mitigation measures in place. I think oversize vehicles traveling on Barry Road should have extra escorts, particularly at devil's elbow because the corners are so tight, and it is dangerous. |
Marion Deaves
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I live in Nundle for 23 years. See the turbines on the bridge and road but won't affect me at all. The community fund will be a big help to Nundle as the Council doesn't do much for us out here. I also have 3 grandsons and a son that has done the work in Glen Innes so it would be work for them and also others in the town. |
Christopher Hill
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the proposal of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm as it will help bring much needed infrastructure to our area. The upgrade of Morrisons Gap Road is just one benefit that is badly needed. Council has been ignoring requests to install safety reflectors along the highest edges of the road. During times of thick mist and cloud, which is often, one cannot maneuver the road without going at a snail's pace as both sides have very few reflectors and there is no white line to keep one in the centre, being a dirt road. There are plans to widen the road in dangerous and tight sectors and certainly reflectors will be installed under OH&S regulations for the workers. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am a local business owner who will be affected by the windfarm. If it goes ahead, we will be expecting a significant increase in business. Nundle has been slowly dying for years. There are no prospects for the kids as far as employment is concerned and the local council has no money or interest in our community. Even the local signage for the town is old and tired. The benefit to the local community will be welcomed; more jobs, more business etc etc etc. On a larger scale, we are slowly killing our planet. We need to do something - we need to put wind farms where the wind blows and be part of the solution, not part of the problem. |
Maureen Hulm
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
We need the wind turbines. Already a lot of groups have benefited out of the windfarm and once built the windfarm would provide ongoing benefits. |
Violet Wilkinson
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I love Nundle and I think the windfarm will be good for the township. It will provide much needed employment which will bring families to the area and provide funds to the community to improve our facilities and clubs. Children in the new families moving to town can go to the school and increase the numbers there. I think the windfarm has to happen, power stations are shutting down and replacements are needed, progress has to happen. I have no issue with the turbines, I think they look majestic. |
Una Turner
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I feel the Hills of Gold Wind Farm will have a low impact on the environment but will be an asset for the community. Biodiversity studies have been completed and areas of the worst impact have been avoided and offset. The jobs based locally bringing employment and new people to the area and the community enhancement funds far outweigh any downside. |
Tim Taylor
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I have no objections to the proposed Wind Farm. Particularly as it will result in a road upgrade making for better maintenance and drastically increased safety for the entire neighbourhood and passing traffic. I certainly have no objections for any visual impact. I actually believe it will improve my view from Morrisons Gap Road. |
David Deaves
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The town needs Hills of Gold wind farm to go ahead not just for the financial benefits but for the children to have work for years to come. The wind mills won't be seen from a distance but what I have seen elsewhere they look majestic. No issue to me and can't see any harm that they will do. |
Sandra and Merv Scanlon
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
We moved to Nundle in 1969 and we worked in Forestry. We then needed to move to Tamworth for work because there wasn't much around in Nundle. We visit Nundle almost every week to play music at the Nundle Sport & Recreation Club as volunteers and we think the windfarm will be great for the Nundle community. Visually the wind farm doesn't bother us at all. |
Karinda Taylor
Organisation |
Hills of gold wind farm |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
22/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am in agreement with the go ahead of the wind farm I do believe it will be a great benefit to Nundle |
Graeme & Maria Everingham
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
22/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
We are in support of the windfarm as it will bring benefits to Nundle. I disagree with council wanting to look after the community enhancement fund, it should be done by local community. |
Tony Taylor
Organisation |
Hills of gold wind farm |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
22/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I believe the wind farm will be a great benefit to the Nundle community |
Brian Wilkes
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
22/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The windfarm can only have a possitive effect on Nundle. Providing jobs and funding for community projects. The turbines won't be an issue with me. I think it will bring more tourists to the area and that can also benefit Nundle and surrounds and businesses. |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
22/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the Hills of Gold Windfarm, it would be great for the community. |
Maria and John Veltkamp
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
22/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
We don't see any reasons why the windfarm shouldn't go ahead. The wind farm will create jobs during construction and operation, and this will be good for Nundle because the opportunities for work will bring families and increase the number of people that want to live in the town. The wind farm will also increase tourism to the area. We don't see any issue with the traffic caused by the wind farm given the existing cattle and forestry trucks that already are on the roads. The wind farm will provide opportunities for investment in things for the kids such as playgrounds and the public pool. |
Susan Rieger
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
21/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am in support off the windfarm because I think it will bring business to our community, it helps to reach the target of green energy and I think the community enhancement fund will benefit so many community groups. I am a member of several community groups and know how hard it is to raise funds. The community enhancement fund would make it so much easier to focus on the important things for each group. Furthermore with the funds the Nundle community could improve facilities in Nundle i.e. fenced in playground. |
Name Redacted
Location |
|
---|---|
Date |
21/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the Hills of Gold wind farm. |
Glenda Gorrell
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
14/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I totally support the Hills Of Gold Wind Farm and I have no objections at all. I am one property away from this wind farm project and from my property I will have a visual of most of the turbines. I have no issue with the visual impact. The village of Nundle will prosper and progress with the establishment of the wind farm. Without the establishment of the wind farm, it will be Nundle's demise. If Tamworth Regional Council are legitimately rejecting the project, then why are they willing to benefit financially by taking community funds from the Nundle District area. I feel all the biodiversity issues have been dealt with. |
Andrew Holm
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
14/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I am in support of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. I am located where the wind turbines will be visable and will see the majority of the turbines. I am a regular traveller on the roads between our property and Nundle and will not be bothered by the additional traffic. I feel all the issues on the boundary have been handled accordingly and from discussing with Engie representatives, I feel they have engaged appropriate professional advice on all issues, and have provided information to answer any questions I had. I feel the Hills of Gold Wind Farm will be a huge benefit to the Nundle township. |
Shane O'Brien
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
10/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I think that wind farms and other renewable energy projects are the only viable sources of power for the future. Other industries such as coal, will diminish and we will be left with no energy. As a community member of more than 30 years, I think the wind farm development will benefit our local community immensely, including job opportunities, housing, infrastructure and the future outlook for the Nundle region. Tourism will also benefit. The wind farm setup really intrigues me. I've seen them in the middle of the streets in overseas countries and when they take them away, communities are upset. These communities rally to get them back. I will see the turbines every day and I think it's just a part of a renewable energy future. I am fine with it. It would be a loss to the community if this didn't go ahead. If it doesn't happen now, it may never happen. Without it, the future would look bleak for Nundle, and energy prices will sky rocket. We don't have any solar farms in Nundle to rely on either. So for these reasons, this project has to go ahead. This is not just for my generation, but for the younger generations to come. |
Sandra Byrne
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
10/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I think the wind farm will create growth in the town. During construction, it will bring new professional people to the town, and they will bring their families and some of their families might stay once the wind farm is built. It will keep the school, preschool and medical centre going, and create jobs in those areas. For the people who bring their families, their families might have their own businesses they bring. Every new family that moves to the town creates a chain reaction of activity. Renewable energy is the future, it will be good for the kids to grow up in their town with a wind farm which they can be proud of. It provides inspiration for kids for jobs of the future that they might go on and be involved similar types of industries. Nundle can be known as a town that has the technology of future and be active in electricity generation and be the inspiration for the future in the region. |
Cheryl Sipple
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
10/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
My name is Cheryl Sipple, I am 57 years old and I was born and raised in Nundle and still live 20 minutes from the town and spend a majority of my time helping out at the local sports club. I believe the Hills of Gold Windfarm is a fantastic idea for our future energy needs and the Nundle/Hanging Rock area. Nundle and the area is a beautiful community, with country hospitality with so many volunteers. Everyone works together for the good of our town and the majority of our 300 residents SUPPORTS THE WIND FARM. A windfarm will help with our renewable energy needs into the future and its our responsibility to make sure we provide a better future for the generations that will follow us and move away from coal, it will also provide much needed jobs for the town for years to come, as well as increase tourist numbers to the area. Nundle can become a thriving town again but it needs an industry that is going to provide long term employment. This is our chance to do something great. My daughter lived in Nundle 16 years ago but had to leave the area to find permanent work, as it was expensive to rent and travel to Tamworth. Let's embrace this wonderful opportunity, bring back employment, bring back families to our town and lets share the benefits with the entire community. I SUPPORT the windfarm and hope you vote in favour of this wonderful project. |
Gildina Vitiello
Organisation |
Friends of the Windfarm |
---|---|
Location |
New South Wales |
Date |
10/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I believe that it will be an asset to the village |
Allan Sipple
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
10/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
My Name is Allan Sipple, I am 74 years old and I was born in Nundle and raised in the area. I was lucky enough to spend my working life as a lot of us did in the Nundle area, when there were many jobs available, shire 20, forestry 20, nearly every farm employed a farmhand, plenty of shearers, we also had when Nundle was at its best; a butcher, baker, 2 fuel/takeaway shops, unfortunately employment is one of Nundle's biggest problems, there aren't many permanent jobs. We need to do our bit in looking after our energy needs and the environment, a wind farm is just the thing we need to provide CLEAN ENERGY for the generations that will follow us, it will provide much needed jobs for the town for years to come. We all know that fossil fuels are poison to our environment, so lets get on with the wind farm, Nundle is ready to embrace this new venture. I am a proud Kamilaroi man, member of the Nungaroo Land Council in Quirindi and I SUPPORT THE WINDFARM!!! |
Raegan Schofield
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
10/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the project for a number of reasons including boosting the local economy, provide more opportunities for young families to relocate to Nundle, increased communities facilities, eg indoor swimming pool and children’s activities such as sporting teams. Overall the project would provide a much needed boost to the township. Currently the employment opportunities in the local town are very limited. The project may create new employment opportunities that attract and retain new families. The project also could become a prominent tourism attraction for our region. |
Jack Barry
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
09/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I believe the project is going to help the town and community, bring people in to the town. Doesn’t seem to affect the farmers at Crookwell. I don’t mind the look of them. Our house is located on the proposed transport route and it does not worry me. I like that the project will bring more money into the town for development. |
Name Redacted
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
06/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
The proposed wind farm is vital for our future electricity needs. I urge this proposal to go ahead. |
Kattie Sheridan
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
04/01/2024 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the project I use to own a home in Hanging Rock and had to leave to gain employment and access more facilities in Tamworth especially for my children |
Joy Carr
Location |
New South Wales |
---|---|
Date |
23/12/2023 |
Submitter position |
Support |
Submission method |
Website |
Submission |
I support the development of the Hills of Gold Wind Farm near Nundle because it will add a significant amount of renewable energy to the electricity grid which will allow less fossil fuel to be used to produce electricity. Climate change is having an impact on everyday people more and more lately, with storms, floods, fires and drought increasing. The only way to combat this in the long term is by moving from fossil fuel as a source of electricity to renewable energy, such as wind farms. Climate change will have a much greater impact on biodiversity, and at a global scale, than the local impacts from the wind farm development. I hope that the developers will do everything they can to reduce these local impacts on our unique biodiversity. I also support the opportunities for local jobs and the money that will be spent in the Tamworth region during the construction and operation of this project. I hope the developers will employ local people to work on the project and use local contractors and suppliers where possible. |