MOD 1 - Tip Height Increase

see attached

Clearly the revised application goes a long way to satisfying the needs of all parties in that it provides a greater capacity to generate electricity, while at the same time not demonstrably increasing any negative environmental impacts.
It is apparent that the proponent has produced a modification to the previously approved wind farm, on the same or lesser footprint, which will produce cheaper power – a benefit to the wider community as well.
I look forward to this project commencing, which will provide a huge financial injection to the local economy, particularly while we try to recover from the economic doldrums imposed by the pandemic. The activity generated by such infrastructure spending is a psychological boon to the district as well – we need to see we are moving forward.

Attention: Anthony Ko
Thank you for the clarification on the modified Rye Park Wind Farm proposal.

The following comments are made on the revised proposal:

• The number of turbines in Yass Valley remains unchanged from the current approved layout.
• The increased size of the turbines does not significantly increase the visual impacts according to the expert consultants. While Council does not have access to such expertise any comments from neighbours needs to be carefully assessed to ensure these, and any other impacts, are appropriately mitigated.
• All heavy vehicles access (i.e. OD size vehicles and gravel, sand, cement and water deliveries) to the site should be restricted to the preferred route off Lachlan Valley Way via Boorowa and Rye Park. I note that local roads in Yass Valley (i.e. Bushes Lane and Coolalie Road) are not being used for heavy vehicle access. However if they remain as an access route to the site and used by light vehicles the road upgrade works nominated in the current approval should remain in any modified consent.
• The megawatt capacity of the turbines increase up to 6MW per turbine. Under Council Community Enhancement Fund Policy where there is an increase in turbine capacity the contributions rates need to be adjusted also. The contribution of $2,500 was set in 2009 based on the average megawatt capacity of 2.5MW per turbine. The approval issued in 2017 unfortunately did not adjust the rate in accordance with CPI as requested. With the turbine capacity increasing to 6MW the contribution rate should be revised upwards and adjusted in line with CPI and Council policy. The draft VPA to establish the Community Enhancement Scheme will need to be adjusted. Please note that the Community Enhancement Fund contributions are separate from any payments made to host landowners for they use and disturbance to their land and any payments the proponent make to neighbouring property owners for whatever reason.

Please accept the above comments as an interim submission. Council will be considering the modified proposal at its June 2020 Council meeting and I will advise of any additional comments following this meeting.

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission concerning the Rye Park Wind Farm SSD-6693-Mod-1
I support the development and modification of the proposed Rye Park wind farm. I live within 3km of proposed turbines on the north side of Rye Park.
It seems to make sense that if this wind farm is to proceed, the most efficient and up to date turbines should be allowed to be used, even if they will be larger in size.
I am pleased that Tilt Renewables is willingly to fund the Community Enhancement Fund as if 92 turbines were built even if the modification is approved to only build 80 turbines. Tilt has also been in talks with the Rye Park Progress Association and members of the community about the Benefit Sharing program, so that projects that will benefit the community can be pursued.
The community will also benefit from road and bridge upgrades. The selection of a preferred heavy vehicle transport route helps ease some uncertainty. Although I think many in the community were hoping the unsealed sections of the Rye Park-Dalton Rd. to the Cooks Hill Rd. intersection and the unsealed section of Cooks Hill Rd. would be upgraded as part of this project. This may be a project that Tilt could help move forward as part of their benefit sharing scheme, as it would benefit most people in the Rye Park area.

I am totally opposed to this application and lay out my reasons as attached

I am opposed to this application as the visual and audible impact will be increased with the added height 43m, and size of the turbines
From my dining room I will see 50 plus turbines. I am totally against this latest proposal as I was against the original proposal. My lifestyle, mental health and quality of life will seriously be impacted to the worse.

Firstly I wish to make it quite clear I support green renewable energy but in other forms such as solar and hydro, but not wind as I consider it so costly not only in terms of money but it’s affect on the environment and that it is also inconsistent and unreliable and has a relatively short life span
Therefore I object to this modification for the following reasons:
1. The lack of communication by the proponent company, Tilt, to several residents in the area who have recently moved here and those who have not been involved in protesting against the project before. I personally canvassed residents in Rye Park over the past two weeks and all were absolutely dismayed especially when they learned that Tilt would be using the Main Street of Rye Park and Grassy Creek Road. to transport all their heavy equipment , wind towers and 82m. length blades as an access route to the two separated sites; an estimated 64,000 movements over a two year period. They were equally shocked to learn that to make room for required access, the Tilt representative had approached a husband and wife, both well in their 80’s, several times to sell their house on the corner of the Boorowa -Rye Park Road and Yass Street to the company so it could be demolished to make way for this access. The wife was against selling and moving and both have been very distressed by it. Apart from all this, Yass Street (the Main Street) and Dalton Road is used by school buses: mail contractors, stock and fodder carriers as well as local residents who commute to Yass and and Canberra each day for work.
2. The added visual impact with the increased height. It is disgraceful that the beautiful grass and tree clad hills to east of Rye Park be turned into an industrial site especially when Tilt propose to remove the top of the hills to use as fill for the gullies. Apart from destroying the habitat of wildlife, such as echidnas, possums, lizards and frogs, hollow trees used by birds for nesting which includes the Superb Parrot, a threatened species. Tilt in their newsletter admitted that because of the longer blades and lower sweep there would be an increase of bird kill, particularly the Superb Parrot. This is an absolute travesty when one considers the huge loss of birds and wildlife with the bushfires and drought. Add to this the real problem of erosion particularly as the proposed site comprises of shale type soil
3. The fact that in the letter sent out to residents from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, re this modification, it named the location of the proposed Rye Park Wind Farm was “ 4km. WEST of Rye Park and 15km. WEST of Yass instead of EAST, is quite incredible that the Department couldn’t get the location correct. To me it confirms my belief that, as before with other modifications to this proposed wind farm, the whole process of allowing affected residents a chance to make submissions is purely”going through the motions” when in all probability the decision to approve the modification, indeed the whole project has already been approved. Why do I think that? It’s because we objectors have written several submissions before and spoken at IPC meetings all resulting in an 80% vote against the project to absolutely no avail. Our submissions are not even acknowledged . We are never granted to have another hearing or discussion, in fact there is absolutely no support for us. Yet, believe it or not, we are intelligent and educated people who have or should have human rights like anyone else.
Rosemary Miller
Rye Parkway

I am opposed to this proposal and have put my objections in the attached file

My name is Paul Cavanagh and together with my wife Linda we will be hosting 4 turbines (reduced from 5) in the Rye Park Wind Farm on our property Woodlands. When we receive income from the Wind Farm we intend to build our home on the property in full view of the proposed turbines and within 2 kilometres of the closest turbine. We are currently renting a house 37 kilometres from our farm. When we receive income from the Wind Farm we will improve our acidic soil with local lime and improve our water security for livestock by using local contractors to de-silt and build dams. We are currently destocked due to the drought with our remaining core stock on agistment. The Rye Park Wind Farm proposed by Tilt Renewables is a good project. It is good because the Rye Park Region is windy and this project can harness that wind and turn it into electricity. Once built it needs very little pollution causing inputs as with coal fired power stations. It is good because it provides 200 jobs in construction, employing a lot of local contractors for several years and ongoing employment for the long life of the project. The income from the project is large when compared to its small footprint. It inject millions into the Australian economy, approximately $2.5 million annually into the local economy as rent, and approximately $250 thousand annually into local Shires through donations. It is now more important than ever for projects like this to start, where the local rural communities of Rye Park and Boorowa have been suffering from an extended period of dry weather where business is slow and morale is low. Covid -19 has added extra stress to the local people but construction businesses have been largely unaffected. The recent activity of the Bango Wind Farm construction has seen white utes , yellow machinery and high vis uniforms everywhere reminding us and reassuring us that better than normal is possible. The reduction of turbines and road works should surely appease the opposition to the project. The bad part of the The Rye Park Wind Farm has been the lack of support from the NSW and Australian Governments to create a good secure economic environment for environmentally freindly developments. I am really happy this is changing. This project is ready to go. Rural Communities are having a go, so give us a go and approve this project, yours sincerely Paul Cavanagh

I object to all the heavy equipment and turbines being transported along the main street or any street of Rye park.
1. The vibration from these oversized heavy vehicles through the ground has a high potential of disturbing the foundations of the older, historical buildings eg The Uniting Church, The Catholic Church and the Bush Nursing Home. Does Tilt intend to maintain/repair any damage caused to existing structures.
2. The Damage to existing bores. Does Tilt intend to replace bores that are damaged.
3. The Rye Park Burial ground is located at the Uniting Church. Theses gravesites are the final resting place of the first white settlers and Indigenous people including their Queen. I fear that this is disrespectful and damage will be caused to the gravesites and headstones.

I object that Tilt intends to backfill the gullies and natural water courses to build their roads and sites for the turbines thus, blocking the natural water flow into our creeks and water ways.
1. Has Tilt guaranteed to place large Box Culverts in the gullies and natural water courses to help mitigate the blockage of the water flow ?
2. The reduction of the water supply into the waterways will effect the native fish, turtles and other wildlife that depend on these water courses.
3. Farmers and residents rely on the water supply for agricultural and domestic use.
4. Any man made blockage or disruption to the natural water flow will have far reaching effects. This water flows into the Lachlan River.
5. Where does Tilt intend to get their water supply for this development from ? Our region is still in drought.

I object to the larger Blade Tip size.
1. Tilt has said that the increase in size will have an effect on the Superb Parrot population on page 7.
2. There are pairs of Wedge Tail Eagles in the area. These and other birds of prey are put at greater risk.
3. Rye Park already has the Bango Wind Farm being developed to the South West. Tilt using these lager blades just to the East increases the likelihood of land prices being devalued again due to the extra damage to the land and visual pollution.
4. The increase in Concrete Batch Plants to accommodate the extra production for the larger Turbines and roads indicates that they will be leaving a larger footprint on the environment.
5. The larger roads and wider bases will increase the impact of erosion. The runoff of mud and debris into the depleted environment will cause further damage.
Thank you

There is strong community support of the Rye Park Wind Farm project, and I appeal to the NSW Dept Planning to approve the modification to Tilt Renewable's approved proposal, which will improve the local economy AND help Australia meet its renewable energy targets.
What the wind farm project means for farmers :
- Having a regular stream of income, not related to rainfall or livestock markets would drought proof farmers’ properties and would allow us to continue to operate as primary producers in the current unpredictable climatic environment.
- The construction of the wind farm will allow graziers to continue to use their land alongside the new enterprise of harnessing the renewable resource of 'wind'.
- A source of income independent of rainfall will make our farms more resilient in extended periods of dry weather, by investing in fencing and water systems to better manage ground cover and better manage their grazing.
- Indirectly money will flow from landholder hosts back to community for eg. Farmers can pay a mechanic to service their car, pay trades people to build their house.
- This development will bring jobs and families to the region and keep money in the community, as demonstrated by the current influx of trades people involved in the construction of Bango Wind Farm supporting the local community in Boorowa.
- Direct payments into a community enhancement fund from the developer in the order of $200,000 per year will help the community build infrastructure in its towns & support local projects limited only by the inhabitant’s imagination.
What development will mean for State & National Community :
- Federal government have set renewable energy targets, and NSW has stated renewable energy objectives.
- This Rye Park Wind Farm project can help NSW capture a lot of the money invested to meet the National Renewable energy targets. If these projects are not approved quickly, NSW stands to lose these projects to Victoria and other states.
Environmental Impact:
- Surveys show that public consumers want more renewable energy, wind & solar in their electricity mix. There is great pressure from the people for our government to hear this- we do not want more coal mines.
- This development is in a very windy area- a constant renewable source of energy.
- The Rye Park Wind farm project complies with all Noise, Biodiversity, Traffic and socio-economic guidelines.
- Visual appeal is subjective, and I like the look of turbines, find them much more visually appealing than coal mines, and I will ask for my opinion to count.
Please support this project, in its entirety, without additional conditions to allow this investment in our community to proceed.

To whom it may,,
After 10 years of anxiety and stress wether or not our home would become unlivable thanks to massive industrial turbines that would never be built near sydney l might add, we are now informed via a small leaflet droped in the mailbox ( consultation apparently ) that the turbine height would increase almost 25% ! Which l find hard to believe as for the last 10 years ,first epuron now tilt said repeatedly that the height would never be increased, , you can trust us l was once informed.., but being lied to by these companies ( bango windfarm the other) is no surprise. ,
This can only leave us with one option and that will be to sue for damages as 160m was bad but 200+ will leave the property unsaleable ,,
Can only hope your department can see how unfair this wind farm is to the property owners within vacinity and at least see that the size increase is completely a breach of trust..
Shane oneil..

My objection to this project is the visual damage, the increase in unnatural ambient noise level and potential harm to wild life, particularly eagles.

Please see attached submission

Patricia Pearsall
160 Grassy Creek Road
Rye Park NSW 2586




Rye Park Wind Farm – Modification 1
SSD-6693-Mod 1


I support Tilt’s proposal to increase the tip height to 200m and reduction of turbines from
92 down to 80.

The changes proposed as part of the project will not have any significant increase in environmental impact.

The Project will provide full time employment for locals in our community during construction and ongoing regional jobs during its operational life.

The Project will also result in a direct injection of revenue to the local community and payments to landholders and permanent staff. It will also help drought proof farms.

The Project can play an important part in the post-COVID economic recovery by injecting economic benefits and local employment.

I throughly object to the construction of wind turbines within 5 kilometres of our property! The extension from 157 to 200 metres of the turbine will greatly impact the residents within 5 kilometres, by increased turbulence, noise and infrasound. Flora and fauna including endangered species will greatly affected by the construction and operation of these turbines. The economics of wind turbines are completely fraudulent!

This modification not only doubles the areas to be disrupted and cleared but almost triples the width of roads to allow the increased sizes of the turbines. It is already obvious that the areas around the Bango windfarm are being heavily disrupted and destroyed. Do not let that also happen to Rye Park with even taller wind turbines. Upon reading the claims in the modification, I do not feel that the environmental reports are even close to adequate. The visual and audible disruption will cause a significant impact to what is ow a very beautiful part of our great country.

I have a number of concerns and issues in relation to the wind farm developments that will enclose the Rye Park community:

1. Sections 19 – 26, Duty of Care, Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act)

I am extremely concerned about the health and safety of my family, friends and the Rye Park community, especially in relation to hearing and sleeping problems. Our property is within 2 – 10 kilometres of the two currently approved wind farms in this area including Rye Park and Bango. Should any of these wind farm developments cause any impacts on the health of the community, we will take a class action against the following under Sections 19 – 26 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for breach of duty of care for each and every turbine installed.

Minimum penalties based on Category 3 offences are:

The Federal Government - $500,000 per turbine
The NSW State Government - $500,000 per turbine
The Wind Farm Hosts - $50,000 per turbine
The Developers - $500,000 per turbine
The Manufacturers - - $500,000 per turbine

See Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act)

All of which will have failed in their duty of care to protect the community

2. Comments on Environmental Impacts (Rye Park Wind Farm – proponent TILT Renewables)
• Whilst it appears on paper that the number of towers has reduced, the footprint on the environment has significantly increased! 256.8ha, to 542.1ha Internal tracks from 124.08 ha, now 267.2ha!
• The aggregated height of the towers has increased by 10.7%.
• Larger and more frequent diesel vehicles on the already narrow main street of Rye Park, causing pollution to the village.
• Lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment in the modification application. 80 towers that are taller than Telstra Tower in Canberra!
• Based on the level of outrage in the community, the proposed development has significant lack of community support.
• Lack of consultation, yet again!

3. Impact on the Environment and Protection of the community
I have a major concern about the impacts that these turbines will place on the community especially during bush fire season. There have been a number of fires around and in the community over the past few years which have occurred in areas where turbines are proposed, where aircraft have provided essential support to ground crews. This is clearly an issue as we will not get aerial support for the ground crews if and when these towers get built.

Also, I am concerned about the safety and welfare of local fauna and flora. There have been a number of sightings of Wedge Tailed Eagles, the Golden Sun Moth and of course our very much loved Superb Parrots.

There are already reports from the Bango Wind Farm about impacts to the environment including land washing away and even a concrete slab moving!

4. Native Title approval
Still no approval!

5. Proponents offering “incentives”
We have heard reports that at least one of the three proponents of the wind farms is offering “incentives” for non-host properties where their primary home is within 2 kilometres of a turbine to sign consent for the turbine to be constructed. The amount is very similar to what is being offered to the host.

WE DON’T CALL THAT AN “INCENTIVE” – WE CALL THAT BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION AND SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE ICAC!

I have a number of concerns and issues in relation to the wind farm developments that will enclose the Rye Park community:

1. Sections 19 – 26, Duty of Care, Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act)

I am extremely concerned about the health and safety of my family, friends and the Rye Park community, especially in relation to hearing and sleeping problems. Our property is within 2 – 10 kilometres of the two currently approved wind farms in this area including Rye Park and Bango. Should any of these wind farm developments cause any impacts on the health of the community, we will take a class action against the following under Sections 19 – 26 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for breach of duty of care for each and every turbine installed.

Minimum penalties based on Category 3 offences are:

The Federal Government - $500,000 per turbine
The NSW State Government - $500,000 per turbine
The Wind Farm Hosts - $50,000 per turbine
The Developers - $500,000 per turbine
The Manufacturers - - $500,000 per turbine

See Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act)

All of which will have failed in their duty of care to protect the community

2. Comments on Environmental Impacts (Rye Park Wind Farm – proponent TILT Renewables)
• Whilst it appears on paper that the number of towers has reduced, the footprint on the environment has significantly increased! 256.8ha, to 542.1ha Internal tracks from 124.08 ha, now 267.2ha!
• The aggregated height of the towers has increased by 10.7%.
• Larger and more frequent diesel vehicles on the already narrow main street of Rye Park, causing pollution to the village.
• Lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment in the modification application. 80 towers that are taller than Telstra Tower in Canberra!
• Based on the level of outrage in the community, the proposed development has significant lack of community support.
• Lack of consultation, yet again!

3. Impact on the Environment and Protection of the community
I have a major concern about the impacts that these turbines will place on the community especially during bush fire season. There have been a number of fires around and in the community over the past few years which have occurred in areas where turbines are proposed, where aircraft have provided essential support to ground crews. This is clearly an issue as we will not get aerial support for the ground crews if and when these towers get built.

Also, I am concerned about the safety and welfare of local fauna and flora. There have been a number of sightings of Wedge Tailed Eagles, the Golden Sun Moth and of course our very much loved Superb Parrots.

There are already reports from the Bango Wind Farm about impacts to the environment including land washing away and even a concrete slab moving!

4. Native Title approval
Still no approval!

5. Proponents offering “incentives”
I have heard reports that at least one of the three proponents of the wind farms is offering “incentives” for non-host properties where their primary home is within 2 kilometres of a turbine to sign consent for the turbine to be constructed. The amount is very similar to what is being offered to the host.

WE DON’T CALL THAT AN “INCENTIVE” – WE CALL THAT BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION AND SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE ICAC!

Janelle Moulds 3 Mawarra Ave DaptoNSW
Iam writting this submission because of the Rye Park renewable energy wind farm , this is going to be such devastation to the environment, the landscape of such a peaceful community , the wild life, the farmers land that you will destroy by making roads through to build these ugly wind farms , to the beautiful gum trees that you will be destroying . We are on the the property R29 have been here for 3 generations & now ,we will be between two lots of wind farms, the one on Bango & Rye Park , & going by your map , WE will be very close to these ugly turbines at Rye Park , we will hear the noise of them day & night , what I have been told also , if there is a bush fire you cant fly near the turbines to put the fires out ,so what happens then? we loose our farms & income ? do you have to ring someone to turn them off ?!! Building wider roads & bridgers like freeways , what a waste of money , this Land is on Ngunnawal land which we acknowledge , has that been consided at all?, the culture impact of it on the Aboriginal values? NO bet you didnt even think about that TILT, also health issues of the community , mental health as well , which I know has affected people who have lived near these turbines , even the animals can get cancer etc , DONT you care at all about this TILT !!!!. So WOW you have reduced the turbines from 92 down to 80 , but youve made them higher from 157 mt to 200!!! & wider , do you think this will make a difference ? NO it wont , you are just destroying the landscape & the peacefulness of the community . SHAME ON YOU TILT you have NO heart , & where & who is going to benefit by all this so called renewable energy, most likely just you TILT!!! money in your pocket is all you re wanting .. this should be brought up at a meeting before you do so much more damage to this lovely landscape & footprint of serenity. I DO NOT approve off these wind farms at all ........
I HOPE you consider this submission, to stop these wind farms & be sensitive enough to all our residents of RYE PARK . Janelle Moulds