Glanmire Solar Farm

Whilst not against solar and renewable energy, I believe the location of the proposed development is in the wrong location. Putting a 250,000 panel solar farm in the current proposed location conflicts with the site being used for agricultural production and provides a negative visual impact to international and domestic tourists visiting the Central West. The most concerning part of this proposal is the impact it has on neighbouring and surrounding properties, not only because of the visual impact, but the impact it will have on land value and insurance premiums.If this project goes ahead, farmers and contractors working on these surrounding properties will be forced to cease operations due to issues obtaining insurance for their general farming practices.
As a local resident living near this proposal, I urge you to consider the negative impact this will have on the Glanmire and surrounding communities. There are locations that would be more suitable to a project of this nature, Glanmire is not one of them.

I hereby wish to object to the Glanmire Solar Farm for the reasons outlined in my submission attached.

I object to this project on the grounds that it will negatively effect the land value of neighbouring and nearby land, with the visual impact of the proposed project significant - the land in its current state without solar panels can be seen from the highway. Even the developer of the proposed project has indicated they will plant trees to block the infrastructure from view, this is will be, in my view, impossible within the 40 year lifespan of the project. Trees do not grow that tall in that time frame. I object to the likely glare from the glass topped solar panels. I object on the basis that these glass panels will increase heat around themselves, creating an added problem at a time of high fire danger when air turbulence is something to be avoided.
I am a farmer and I object to this project being considered for development on prime cultivation land that has demonstrated productive capacity over decades. In addition, given the Planning Authority has itself noted that projects such as this should not be considered within 5km of a residential area, I object to this project being considered for approval due to its placement 4.5km from Raglan residential area.
I request that the project developer show evidence of a similar project that has lasted 40years, to demonstrate that it does not negatively effect the land and soil quality over the entirety of that time.

Director – Energy Assessments,
Development Assessment
Department of Planning and Environment
Locked Bag 5022
Parramatta NSW 2124

Project Name: Notice of Exhibition - Glanmire Solar Farm
Application No: SSD-21208499
Date: 08/12/2022
We wish to strongly object to the above application.
Thank you for allowing us once more to express our objection regarding the Glanmire Solar Farm.
We have had absolutely no communication from Elgin Energy Pty Ltd regarding this proposal.
The location of the Solar Farm is the Great Western Highway but is also bounded by Brewongle Lane bringing it into close proximity to Tarana Road.
The southern end of this project would be approximately 2 KM’s from farms reaching up to Tarana Rd and adversely affecting homes and prime agricultural land on both sides of the road. Our home would be less than 3 KM’s from the site with part of our farm significantly closer.
Over a period of more than 40 years, we have been rotationally farming oats, wheat, barley and grazing Merino sheep with excellent results. We have sold grain from our considerable on-farm storage to the Australian Wheat Board, and later to Grainforce Pty Ltd. Almost all farmers in this area have been engaged in similar practices also grazing cattle and prime lambs.
Since 23 November 2017 to the present date, we, with many other farmers in this area, have been in a constant state of anxiety and stress over proposed foreign owned solar farms in our area. This is taking a significant toll on our mental and physical wellbeing. There has also been a significant financial impact and the prospect of lowered valuation of our farm which we consider to be our Superannuation.
We implore you to please legislate Solar Farms to operate on less productive land so as not to negatively impact on the regional economy. A solar farm in this location will reduce farm output and reduce employment opportunities in businesses such as rural stores, farm machinery, vehicle sales, carriers, agents, vets, shearing teams, mechanics, and seasonal workers with a flow on effect for the local city.
Surely all governments, local, state and federal, could better facilitate these companies or maybe even an Australian company by designating suitable areas thus bringing certainty to all.
We have not made any reportable political donations in the last 2 years.
We acknowledge the Department’s disclaimer and declaration.

Viv and Maureen Press
390 Tarana Road
Bathurst NSW 2795

[email protected]

This project has been nominated for the wrong site. NSW government has set aside lands for the type of project which be utilised.
This is productive rural land which should not be made sterile by a project of this nature.
The ascetics of the area will be greatly affected by the solar farm being built right on the gateway to Bathurst and flys in the face of the efforts currently being made by the RMS to improve the views leading into this major Central West gateway.
I have concerns that a solar farm of this size will produce EMF radiation which may affect near residents.
The proposal is in direct contradiction of the local council planning and strategy documents for the area.

RE: Glanmire Solar Farm Application# SSD-21208499
My name is Clayton Hawkey and I am the sole owner of CRH
Auto Electrical. My business is a mobile, auto electrical service,
servicing farmers and businesses from Lithgow, Oberon to
Orange and Blayney.
I have been advised of the solar farm project being considered on
the Great Western Hwy, Kelso - Glanmire region.
I have several concerns regarding this development that I feel will
affect my business, even though I am not living in the immediate
area proposed.
I currently have an insurance policy for my business liability of
$20,000,000 and to date this has been adequate. If I was to be
required to do repairs on harvesting or farm machinery adjacent
or bordering on this project, I am concerned that, if a fire broke
out damaging the solar project due to repairs I was undertaking,
this amount would not be adequate and I would be liable.
After consideration I have decided that if this project was to
proceed, I will not be able to provide service for my current
customers in this location to protect my business.
I do travel this highway regularly for business purposes and also
have concerns not only of the visual vulgarity of the project to
visitors alike coming to the Central West but of the glare reflecting
from the panels to passing motorists, causing extreme danger. In
regards to reflection, the airport is also close to this location and
surely would be a concern to incoming aircraft. I would have
thought that a farm of this size would have to be a certain
distance from highways and airports for this reason??
I realise that solar projects are the way of the future but a location
off the highway would be more suitable for safety and visual relief.

Regards
Clayton Hawkey

- The visual impacts of having a large industrial looking solar plant at the entrance of the central west would be an extremely negative
impact and the proposed tree budder will take decades to reach a height necessary to block the panels from all views.
- Does the money even stay in Australia?
- Putting solar farms on prime agricultural land is threatening our food security

- This proposed development is going in the wrong location, especially when the site is proven prime cultivation land and should not be used for a large solar plant development.
- Also, this proposed site is within 5km of a residential area of Raglan and within the greenbelt area.
- Are neighboring properties and landholders affected by the visual impact of this large solar plant compensated in relation to the significant de-valuation of the properties?

- Firstly, this proposed development is going in the wrong location, especially when the planned site is proven prime cultivation land and classified by NSW Planning in the category 2-3 by agronomists. This specific site has over 100 years of history being used in a productive capacity for its well-known prime cultivation land and SHOULD NOT be used for a large solar plant development.

- The visual impacts of having a 250,000 panels solar plant at the gateway to the central west would have a highly negative impact the tourism experience to our local region. The proposed tree buffer suggested to block the proposed solar plant from visual sights will however take decades for the trees to grow to a necessary height to block this horrendous view from the site of the neighbors, tourists and the local Bathurst community.

- Also, the insurance issue forcing farmers and contractors to cease their operations is a STRONG issue that my family will have to face! Being farmers ourselves, owning land adjacent to this proposed solar plant development site, it will force us to cease many operations due to the inability to secure insurance coverage for general farming and day to day activities, especially jobs like slashing and harvesting in the summer months. This is not only an issue for my family however all farmers and contractors who are wanting to work within the area.

- This proposed development is a threat to food security for Bathurst, NSW and Aus. The misuse of this land for a solar plant development threatens food security due to removing valuable prime cultivation land from food production and after years of drought, fires and currently floods, Australia needs to protect all food producing land to support and provide food for our growing population within Australia.

- Finally, the proposed development is within the 5km of a residential area of Raglan and greenbelt land. In 2021, NSW Planning made an amendment that noted consideration should be given to avoiding large renewable energy developments within five kilometers of residential areas and greenbelts.

My husband and I object to the proposed solar farm at Glanmire.
There is no need to use prime cultivation land for a solar farm when 80% of Australia’s land is non productive. Prime land in good rainfall areas is rapidly reducing and the need to provide food for our population is increasing.
The village of Raglan is 4.1 kilometres from the proposed site this goes against NSW Government Renewable Energy and Regional Cities policy. Solar farms should not be built within 5km of a residential area. Surely this policy was legislated to protect residential areas.
Bathurst is a strong-growing city that attracts a huge number of visitors all year round, this solar farm will have a negative impact on tourism.
We have purchased investment properties in Bathurst because of its history and rural outlook. The country side that surrounds the city is productive and stunning and should not be ruined with ugly solar panels.
I believe this solar farm to be a threat to my investments and should be relocated so as it won’t visually impact visitors to Bathurst.

Dear Karl Okorn,

Please find my submission for the objection of the proposed solar plant at 4823 Great Western Highway, Glanmire.

I have grown up in the Central West and still enjoy bringing my children to the Glanmire area. We all appreciate the natural beauty of the area and the escape from large infrastructure.

I am well aware of negative impact this proposed solar plant is having on the Glanmire community. The stress and anguish that it has caused hard working farmers in this area is disgraceful. This is not an industrial site, it is farmland – and that is how it should remain. The mental health aspects of this proposed development have not been considered. My own parents who directly neighbour the proposed site, have suffered immensely.

My mums mental health has continued to decline rapidly, including the exacerbation of her once well managed depression and anxiety. My mum is normally a strong and resilient woman, it is sad to see the lack of consideration of the major negative impacts this proposal would have on her wellbeing.

My dad ordinarily has a positive outlook on life, but during the past two years with this unrelenting state of stress from Elgin Energy, he has very often struggled to maintain his positive outlook. He has experienced ongoing insomnia and it is clear to the people who surround him that he is experiencing continued anxiety and exhaustion.

Despite the uncertainty and negative impacts that the proposed solar farm could bring, my parents have continued to dedicate their time, money and energy to enhancing the environment. This includes, weed management, pasture upgrades, water and erosion management. These are people who believe in land and they and have worked hard and dedicated their life to the improvement and protection of the land.

There are at least five Renewable Energy Zones throughout NSW, the Glanmire site is not one of them. The lack of planning and understanding from Local and State Government for considering this proposal which outside of the REZ is senseless.

Thank you.

Dear Mr Okorn,

I am writing to you to share details of the impact this proposed development has had on my family. My parents, Sam and Polly Bonanno, are direct neighbours of the proposed site and would be majorly impacted if it were to go ahead.

My mother Polly’s mental health has been of our highest concern during this time, as the toll it has taken on her is impossible to miss. My mum was diagnosed with depression and anxiety more than 20 years ago, always taking the necessary steps to “get on with it” and not make a fuss, including seeking support from her GP, taking medication, and talking to a psychologist. Her illness was well controlled and as such it was barely noticeable in our family life. In her recent years, she has suffered great tragedy and loss in her life including the loss of loved ones and her battle with breast cancer. Although you may think these life events would have a greater impact on her, I can assure you that the uncertainty surrounding this proposed solar development and the prolonged process has had more of a detrimental effect on her mental health than anything else.

She has disclosed to me that she now finds it difficult enjoying her once greatest pleasure – her grandchildren. Previously, spending time with them filled her with energy and joy but these feelings have diminished as the depression and anxiety have taken over. After a recent stay over at my parent’s property, my own children came home and asked, “why does Nunna (Polly) cry all the time?”. She is unable to hide it from them anymore and this is a direct result from the ongoing battle with Elgin.

She has required increased GP care and medication to suppress the panic attacks and all-consuming depression.

She has required alternative therapies including acupuncture to ease aches and pains, no doubt caused by the constant state of stress she is under.

She has had to learn skills she never wanted to, including writing letters, speaking in documentaries and on live radio, and organising and hosting countless meetings. She has been door to door in the local area speaking to affected people on so many occasions that I have lost count.

This has taken her away from us. Her children and grandchildren.

My parents should be in their “easy” years. They have worked hard their entire lives and poured everything into their beautiful home and property. This is where they should be most at peace, but instead of a kitchen bench filled with grandchildren eating biscuits, their kitchen bench is filled with emails, petitions, minutes, and flyers. This is not fair. Please help to end the uncertainty that has already gone on for far too long and support the Glanmire community’s cries for help.

If you wish to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely, Kristy Warren.

We live in a rural community surrounded by prime farming land. I believe it is very inappropriate to allow this land to be used for a solar farm as it conflicts with existing land use. Food security is more important than a solar farm which should be located on land that is not as suited to farming.

I strongly object to this proposed development going ahead.The effect on the local community will be very detrimental,on their mental and physical health,with the effects already evident on local Glanmire residents we have spoken to.
Glanmire is just at the entrance to beautiful Bathurst,is this solar farm really the first impression people visiting this lovely historic town should see?
I truly hope this development will not go ahead for the sake of Glanmire and Bathurst,with the loss of precious ,productive land wasted on a solar farm.

I strongly object to the glanmire solar farm, and my reason is, the destruction of prime farming land, within two hr drive from Sydney. We need to save these parcels of land to feed our ever growing population, I’m not against solar, but I am against, using prime land, knowing there are large parcels of land that are willing to take on a project like this. I’ve visited Bathurst on many occasion, and see how productive this area is. Thank you for letting me have my say!

I have lived in the Central West for 27 years and have long valued its scenic landscape, contribution to Australia’s food industry and the lifestyle that it offers. I strongly object to the proposed Glanmire Solar plant as it poses an enormous threat to each of these aspects.
A 140ha solar plant at the gateway to the Central West, in clear sight of visitors to our region travelling on the Great Western Highway, would be a huge eyesore and does not paint the picture for what our region truly offers. Residents in these areas cherish the scenery and set up their homes to make the most of it, specifically those who are now fighting for it not to be ruined by a dreadful solar plant.
The proposed site is on productive agricultural land which has been cultivated for over a hundred years. Not only would this development remove the opportunity for future food production on this site, farmers and contractors working on properties adjacent to the proposed development site will be forced to cease operations due to the inability to secure insurance coverage for their general farming activities, in particular harvesting.
The Central West region is growing as a tourist destination and is highly sought after for people wanting to move from larger cities to make a lifestyle change. People are moving here to get away from large infrastructure and to be part of a close community and yet, this development is threatening to bring that large infrastructure to our doorstep, putting immense stress on our communities and trashing the lifestyle so many are seeking.

This is a very sensible, non polluting electricity generation project. It fits with and contributes to the net zero energy targets of both the NSW Government and the Federal Government. All available research shows that well designed solar farms enhance the productivity of grazing land by overnight condensation running off the panels, which fosters pasture growth, while shading grass from middle of the day sunlight.

Without renewable energy, this farming area could become unsustainable for productive farming activities as the climate warms. The land is not, as some opponents of the project claim, prime agricultural land. Prime agricultural land is found in NSW on the coast, not inland regions without irrigation. We only have to think back to the recent droughts to see the low productivity outside high rainfall years.

Strongly support project. Essential that this and similar projects proceed to address transition to carbon free economy.

I object to this solar farm being built at this location there.
It’s taking away prime agricultural farming land and the effects it’s going to have on the community are huge

I have attached my objections on seperate letter