Yanco Solar Farm

I support this project 100%

I may have sent this in by a different method, if I have, I apologise for the double up

Submission by Roy Currie - April 25 2019

As we live immediately next door to the proposed solar farm we will be negatively impacted in the following ways
- Property value- feedback from local real estate agents has indicated that the property would be worth significantly less. This unfair loss of equity restricts the value of future borrowing capacities against our property.
Saleability - the outlook of our property is greatly altered from an idyllic lifestyle outlook to one of metal and infrastructure. As well as a visual eyesore the metal will cause glare and reflection. This will greatly decrease the number of potential buyers if we ever wanted to sell our property. We purchased the property for its scenic setting as it is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and hobby farms. We feel the proposed vegetative screening will take many years to have any effect on the visual impact as the plants will be seedlings.
Noise levels during building- being in such close proximity the impact on our lives during the construction phase will be at times extreme, with noise and vibration caused by heavy machinery, drilling and ramming of poles, construction of roads and erection of fencing. Dust will also be a factor.
Health concerns - we are worried about any potential negative health impacts similar to cases reported near high voltage power supplies. No information seems to confirm that our long term personal safety will not be impacted.
- Heat impact - it is commonly reported that temperatures can be raised by up to 6 degrees around a solar farm. As we live in hot environment where temperatures can reach 45 degrees we feel another 6 degrees make living next to the solar farm unbearable as well as increasing our electricity costs to cool our property. The extra heat would also take a toll on our trees, gardens and lawns.
- When we purchased the property we understood that the zoning was for primary production and now this will potentially be overruled to become a commercial zone where the financial beneficiary will be an international company.
- To allow A grade irrigated horticultural farming land that has had many thousands of dollars invested in its development to be wasted on a venture that could be built on lower value land seems like a terrible injustice.

Please see attached submission

I am writing to strongly support the Yanco Solar Farm proposal. I believe these types of projects are vital in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels for electricity production. Projects such as the Yanco Solar Farm are to be encouraged and given priority by the government as a means of assisting both NSW and the Australian governments reach, and preferably exceed, the targets set in the Paris agreement to reduce global warming to 1.5⁰C

This project has many positive outcomes including the creation of local jobs and the opportunity for economic stimulus to the regional community’s businesses. It has excellent solar exposure which means it will be effective in capturing the maximum amount of sunlight for electricity production and has a minimal visual impact to neighbouring properties. I note there is a low environmental impact in its construction.

Projects like this are important in cutting the amount of carbon dioxide produced and that renewable energy projects are a significant player in reaching zero emissions.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) is only concerned about potential impacts on infrastructure and potential to impact water quality in the drainage system with contaminated run-off.

As long as the project adheres to the MI Development Rules and MI Drainage Rules (attached) there is no issue from our company.