Burrendong Wind Farm

My objections to this project are as follows.
It costs more than coal or gas, & not a reliable form of energy.
There needs to be a electrical motor to start every turbine, so that in itself is contradictory to the govts literature & promise.
Rely on wind which doesn't
blow all the time, so not 24/7.
It kills thousands of birds, including bald Eagles.
Energy cannot be stored so very expensive.
Takes up.land where farmers are grazing their stock on their land, or growing crops on their land.
Where are consumers, landowner rights here
The impact of obtaining. Minerals to support wind farms, who mines these minerals, aren't they using children as almost slave labour ?
Do we have to destroy the earth to " so called save it". This attack on fossil fuels is an attack on humanity. Very foolish.
Infrasound, which is sound lower in sound, which the average person can't hear, these low frequency sounds are believed to be the main source of many health issues.
The blades are made from fibre/epoxy matrix composites & are extremely hard to break down THEY DONT . They are either deposited in landfill or incinerated in cement factories. Much worse fir our environment than clean coal, gas technology.
Nuclear is the way to go.
NB it totally lowers the value of the property. Govt has no right to cone on anyone's land & destroy it in this wanton manner.
The property on World's End Rd, will be tarnished, birds affected, unsightly visual to the beautiful landscape it us now .
NO NO to wind farms

I am writing to submit my objection to the proposed Burrendong Wind Farm, application number SSD-8950984.
I have tried to make a submission through the NSW Government Planning Portal, however, there appears to be a technical difficulty with the site. I have, however, had a chance to read and agree to the terms and conditions displayed on the page.
For the record I have made no political donations to any parties and agree to have my details displayed in any documentation necessary.
My concerns for the introduction of a windfarm in such a unique bushland, range from the aesthetic to the environmental. Having frequented that area for years for family holidays, it would be more than a shame to be spoiled by the planned wind farm.
Asides from this, the destruction of almost 600 hectares of bush, inhabited by Koala's and birdlife, including the Wedge Tailed Eagle and the Glossy Red Tailed Black Cockatoo, cannot be justified for the construction of infrastructure that will only work when the wind blows. There is also a concern in the noise pollution. The wind turbines can be noisy when operating due to both the mechanical operation and the wind vortex created when the blades are rotating, surely this will affect tourism and also the residents who permanently live in the area.
I urge your department to cancel this project at the first opportunity.

Back in 2014 we found our heaven. It needed an absolute tonne of work but it was heaven in the country. The views from the top of our farm is quite literally breathtaking.

In the past 9 years we have replaced old fencing, bought cattle and sheep, done much to improve the soil for more paddocks, planted trees and rejoiced in becoming farmers – with drought, hard work, harsh conditions – we love it all.

With news a few years ago of potential windfarms going up in the area, we were crushed. Back then we were worried about the eye sore of them all, but with more and more research done over the years – we have found more evidence to suggest that these are not green at all!

I cannot even begin to imagine how many hours my husband and I have put into all the research - reading of documents, watching UTube stories of people who wished they had never agreed to hosting, and consulting with communities who are also opposed.

And of course the terrible stress over the past few years – wondering how it will devalue our property that we have worked so hard to rebuild.

I am sure you have seen the many submissions coming in with all the infrasound effecting people’s sleep and general health, the BPA chemical flying off the turbines as they age and embedding into the sheep wool, the flashing lights – the list that goes on and on. The industrialisation of our countryside is abhorrent.

Whilst many submissions may get very technical – I wanted to express my opposition to having windfarms through the eyes of hard working people who always wanted to have a lifestyle in the country where we can be at peace with the land, the sounds of nature, marvel at the abundance of birdlife, and help keep farming alive for Australia.

Regards
Jacqui Coates

I have attached some photos of our incredible landscape in all its glory. Right where they want to put a windfarm!

I have just been informed of a propsal made by your department to erect a windmill farm in Burrendong. I immediately felt it necessary to contact you to express my absolute objection to this.

I did try to make a submission through the NSW Government Planning Portal but was unable to do so. I have read and agree to the terms and conditions displayed on the page .I have made no political donations to any parties and agree to have my details displayed in any documentation necessary.

To consider destroying over 600 hectares of bush land is simply criminal. Not to mention the devastating impact it will have on the flora and fauna of the area.

I live in QLD but often visit a friends property there. A farm you now plan to destroy with windmills that are not renewable, emit EMF’s and only work when the wind blows. We go there for the peace and tranquility. It’s a stunning part of the world. How anyone could consider destroying such a beautiful ridge line with ugly windmills is beyond me. There are plenty of papers that observe the negative impact these windmill farms have on the environment Ann’s also state they may have little to no positive impact on climate change itself.

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/10/large-scale-wind-power-has-its-down-side/

https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/environmental-impacts-wind-power

To proceed with this project would be a disaster and I strongly implore your department to not proceed and cancel any plans for this.

To Whom It May Concern,

I wish to express my strong objection to the proposed Burrendong Wind Farm. As someone who regularly goes camping in the area, the peace and tranquillity of the surroundings are vital to my enjoyment.

I believe that the construction and operation of the wind farm may disrupt the serene atmosphere that I and many others value during our camping trips. I urge you to consider alternative solutions that preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Apart from the damage to the environment during the installation phase I am also very concerned about the recycling of the giant turbine blades when they are decommissioned after 10 years as I believe there is currently no plan in place nor method available in Australia for this.

Yours Sincerely, Ben Harmer

This is a major industrial development, that will have catastrophic impacts on many listed species which includes:
The fast track roll-outs of these large scale proposals will be felt forever for these regions, who we are concerned have not been properly advised of the adverse affects. This proposal threatens birds, bats, significant vegetation, and potentially poses serious fire risks to this unique Australian landscape.
Grey Box Grassy Woodland
• Box Gum Woodland
Three (3) species of threatened bats, one (1) mammal and four (4) species of birds (one migratory
species) were detected during field surveys:
• Chalinolobus dwyeri (Large-eared Pied Bat)
• Haliaeetus leucogaster (White-bellied Sea Eagle)
• Hieraaetus morphnoides (Little Eagle)
• Hirundapus caudacutus (White-throated Needletail)
• Miniopterus orianae oceansis (Large Bent-winged Bat)
• Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala)
• Polytelis swainsonii (Superb Parrot)
• Vespadelus troughtoni (Eastern Cave bat).
Although detected onsite, it was concluded that after extensive inspection of rocky habitat that no
specialised breeding, roosting or refuge habitat were present for threatened bats within the Project Site,
as such no species credits for threatened bats would be generated.

To who it may concern.
I’m a local resident that live on Yarrabin road Twelve mile. I can’t believe yours truly or our government think these Wind Turbines are a good idea. Seriously what are you thinking. No one wants them out here for starters. No one cares about how it impacts us Yarrabin Road residents. We have 5th and 6 th generation farmers which will be majorly effected and Olive growers. Not to mention all the other farmers trying to do there bit to survive. Why do we always have to cop it. How’s does Mudgee Tourism cope with the influx of workers. It’s a second time tourism town for a reason not for Windfarm workers as well. I don’t get how you think that dozens of trucks ,traffic vehicles and workers can flog our district to death for the years it take to build these things. Where does all the waste go from the project or will it just be another truck. We don’t want these things to look at or to maybe change our weather patterns out here as rain is hard to come by as it is. We don’t won’t a two lane tar road we won’t what we’ve got. We don’t won’t them at all.There not that bloody green anyhow. I reserve the right to add to this at a later date. From a not happy resident.
Darren Hartas

I object to burrendong windfarm.
My family and I live on the Yarrabin road, a quiet local road. I have recently been made aware that burrendong windfarm would like to transport all turbines, heavy equipment and all relevant traffic that goes with it on our small road. Our road would need substantial upgrades to accommodate this. My family has owned the land that we live on for 4 generations with my children being 5th generation. We would have never thought that there would have ever been an upgrade to the Yarrabin road as there is nothing but local traffic out here. Land holders who live on this road have built there house close to the road. In fact our house is only 50m from the road. My first point is if we knew this was going to happen, we would have built our house at another location further from the road. We had a drone fly over all our houses around 12months ago with no permission from us not even a mention that this was happening. We then received a map with no other consultation from the wind farm pointing out road upgrades. When I viewed this document the boundries are not even correct, so how can a road be upgraded if the map is not correct. I informed the manager about this soon after but there was no follow up. It even showed the road going thru our front yard. Still no mention of anything from the company. It is stated in the EIS that there is to be acquisitions with land holders… I don’t even know what that is as I have had no consultation.
Also stated that the road needs to be widened to 5.5m. No mention of any tar road, fencing or any other issues that will arise.
Ark energy did not take into consideration the governing body, the mid western regional councils recommendations of a sealed 7.2m road.
Our road not only is a small dirt local road, but our property is open range to the road. Meaning that there is livestock grids at paddock boundaries and our livestock graze along the road 24/7.
There has been no consultation on this and it poses a threat to our primary production business, not only for the loss of land, but cutting of use to our cattle yards, sheep yards shearing shed etc.
We also have country along the river that is open to a paddock that is critical in drought situations and we need to utilise that paddock when our dams are dry. We are using that paddock as I write this submission. If that was to be cut of it would pose a huge threat to our livestock in drought conditions. Its not just the wind turbines that will put us at a loss it will also be the road.
I went to a meeting in mudgee that ark energy was hosting regarding the turbines and asked one simple question, what is the connection between wind turbines and micro - climates as in could that mean less rainfall. The general manager told me that he was not aware of studies around this… a complete lie. So what does the next generation of my family do. If the wind turbines create less rain, a direct hit to our income. And the road cuts thru our country and changes it from the way we have been running it for 4 generations and would be dealing with loosing land. Then we talk about the noise that will be generated from the traffic. I know that on a main road this type of traffic is normal, but we are right at the road and we will hear all traffic and it will disrupt sleep. If a car does happen to go past at night I will wake up to it so I won’t be told that it won’t disrupt sleep. There has been studies done around diesel partial fumes and the health risks, I believe my young children will be out at risk with increased traffic. We also have a family members house that is within 25 metres of the road and there has been no consultation that that house. With the costs of farming being at an all time high. Then the next generations will not be able to sustain the farming practices. there is generations of one family in one area at risk.


Issues with EIS


It states that the average traffic volume of the yarrabin road is 201 cars per day. This is the average traffic volume from the hill end road turn til the burrendong dam road intersection. There is no data from the burrendong dam turn to the 12 mile intersection. At our house we have an average of 4 cars a day. There has been no study on this section of road so the information is false.
it is proposed that the yarrabin road needs to be widened to 5.5m. Going against local council recommendation of a 7.2m sealed road for that amount of traffic. Also there is no wording about fencing or ramps etc.
states that there will be acquisitions of land from land holders. There has been no consultation around that and we live on yarrabin road.
Says that there will be large amounts of vegetation removal, our livestock shade under this vegetation.
States that there is to be 203 vehicles a day, big increase from a 4 car a day average.

For the last 15 years, I have been visiting 167 Rockford Lane Yarrabin nearly every year. I am so disappointed to discover that this incredible natural space is in possible danger.

I live in the city and to be able to travel a relatively short distance to be amongst such beauty, tranquility and to look up at the starry sky above the World’s End Ridgeline is such a privilege.

More recently my daughter had joined me on these trips - and every time I’m amazed at how much she changes. To be away from technology and deep in nature, seeing animals in the wild, looking at constellations in the sky - she learns so much about our beautiful land. She has grown immensely from these visits and she is only in early primary school! Imagine what’s to come.

For this incredible landscape to be scarred by the Burrendong Wind Farm is a travesty. It will be ruined for generations for come, and at its heart, that’s not what renewable energy is about.

I oppose this proposal and its scar across a beautiful landscape enjoyed by so many in the past, present and hopefully in the future.

This wind farm will not only destroy the local aesthetic and country charm of this isolated haven, but it will also create a potentially very dangerous hazard. Bushfires already pose a threat to the locals. But with these terrible monstrosities, filled with fuel, the likelihood is that the already distant fire brigade will have little to no hope of stopping the threat.

This plan is yet another disgusting abuse of our natural landscape by a government driven by an idiotic and misguided (dishonest) ideological believe that they are somehow saving the world. They ARE NOT!! They ruining our country side and it must STOP!!!

DO NOT LET THIS HORRIBLE EYESORE PROCEED.

I strongly object to this absurd proposal for a myriad of reasons.
Ark Energy has not listened, and has been quite dismissive, regarding the concerns of the property owners.
I am concerned about decreased value of my property. The reasons why I bought here, and why so many visitors come to the area, are under threat. It's a quiet, peaceful area with stunning views and lots of wildlife. We do not want wind turbines towering over us and ruining the landscape. One of the wonders out here are the magnificent Wedge-tailed Eagles that regularly soar over the Worlds End Ridgeline. It sickens me to think that some, or all, of them may be killed by the blades.
If these 'renewable energy' turbines are environmentally friendly why is 600+ hectares of bush being destroyed? How are these 'renewable energy' turbines manufactured? From mining and the use of fossil fuels of course. How is that environmentally friendly? What happens to the turbines after use? Do they biodegrade? No, they end up in landfill.
Wind turbines are inefficient, not environmentally friendly, not wildlife friendly, and they will ruin the beautiful natural landscape in this wild and wonderful region.
I am also very concerned about the fire risk. Should one of the turbines ignite it could be devastating for the area. We are an hour's drive from town (ie; from emergency services) in a remote area with poor road access and no mobile phone reception, and there are limited escape routes for residents.
The Worlds End Ridgeline is a beautiful & unique place, loved and frequented by humans and wildlife alike, and we wish for it to stay that way.

I object to solar, wind and battery projects. In my opinion, they will do far more damage to the environment than coal, oil and gas ever did. Beautiful farmland is being destroyed by these toxic projects with no regard to the lasting damage they will do when they no longer work. Toxic chemicals seeping into the land, birds, insects, etc. being killed by wind turbine blades, it is frightening.

Good Afternoon,
As a property owner in the area I object to the Burrendong Wind Farm,
I currently live full time at my property and This will have a severe impact to the environment and the natural surroundings of Hargraves,
I object the Burrendong Wind Farm as it will affect my peace and mental health staring at these turbines,
this Burrendong Wind Farm project has put a lot of stress and anxiety to my family and we do not want the project to go ahead,
Especially the turbines closest to us 67,68,69, and 70.
These are the main turbines that will impact our daily lives,
we have not received any photo montages for our property - therefore we still cant get an accurate visual impact drawing to show us what other turbines will impact our property.

Ark Energy have a duty of care to contact all landowners and provide details on how the turbines will affect individual properties and to date they have not done that.

I object to the proposed Burrendong Wind Farm project.
I and my family have been visiting the Yarrabin area and in particular the land to the east of the World's End Ridgeline for more than 20 years. Indeed, when we have international visitors we make a point of taking them to this glorious spot to highlight the beauty and space that we love so much.
The view we most enjoy is of an evening at Sunset, although I have photos of the Ridgeline at all times of the day - in rain, fog-bound and outlined by stars at night. This experience is priceless.
The size and scale of the turbines, their number and position on the ridgeline will dominate this area, particularly as where we stay faces west. There will be no escaping their presence. Even at night their lights will be constant.
Surely, the positioning of the turbines could be moved further west to ameliorate their impact and retain the beauty which has us return so often,
It is so easy to destroy something in the name of commerce; so very hard to preserve something of immense aesthetic value.
The people who live in the area have a deep connection to the land. Most have been there for decades. There is a reason they have developed homes here. It is a glorious part of the world that is irreplaceable.
I sincerely hope that the NSW Government consider a review where the views of the local community, who call this home, are given due consideration and weight before any final decision is made.
Thank you for your attention.
Martin Fogarty

I am objecting to the development of the Burrendong wind farm. Wind farm is the most inefficient and least economical form of renewable energy and sustainability. It is also being proposed in a region that will significantly impact the local community, not only to their health but also psychologically. It has already caused so much grief and devastation with so many families who have been impacted by this proposal. Surely as a government you need to consider these factors seriously. The visual impact of having wind turbines on the world’s end ridgeline will be devastating for many habitants of neighbouring property owner's, their families and friends. As a city resident, we travel to this area to take a break from our busy lives and enjoy the beautiful landscape, not to stare and listen to the atrocity of wind turbines.
I sincerely hope this wind farm does not proceed and you consider our voices and opinions.

Wellington Valley Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation (WVWAC) would like to thank you for your invitation to provide a response for This Aboriginal Cultural Heritage issue relevant to obligations to protect our Heritage within our Traditional Lands. Wellington Valley Wiradjuri represent traditional families with identified apical ancestry pre European occupation with our known Traditional Lands. We know our culture, country and continue with our association with our traditional lands (Ngurangbang). Traditionally Aboriginal People were wholistic land managers and we see Environmental and Heritage Issues as one.

Wellington Valley Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation (WVWAC) have through consultation with other Traditional Elders and Traditional Community with cultural knowledge have the following comments and or recommendations:

* All tracks that are to be used by this project should be fully surveyed to ensure that Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Material will not be destroyed by heavy vehicles or machinery. Any un-surveyed areas of which there are sections in maps within Appendix N - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage must be surveyed. This includes the actual route and locations of powerlines.

* All environmental offsets should be procured within the local area close to the project, the use of Credits does not sit well with the Aboriginal and other local community.

* In Appendix H - Biodiversity, Section 10.8 on page 42, there is High Concern of Collision Strike Modelling for At Rick Species, of which there are 4 listed and two additional of high concern. Of High concern are the White-Striped Freetail Bat and the Wedge Tail Eagle. For Local Aboriginal Community the Wedgetail Eagle or Maliyan is a Creation Spirit and for Some a Totem which makes these birds sacred to us. The High risk of collision is unacceptable. Community have also noticed a decline in the number of Wedge Tailed Eagles in the area compared to the mid 1990's and further loss may see them decline to the point of not being able to breed or have a population that is sustainable.

* In Appendix H - Biodiversity, Koalas are listed as of concern and some evidence of them being close to the Biodiversity sample sites were recorded. The report also shows that the NSW Listing Status as Vulnerable as does the EPBC Listing Status however this is different to the NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) as of 20 May 2022 listing Koala - Phascolarctos cinereus as an endangered species. Farmers and other community that have association with the project area have seen a continued decline of these animals from the 1980's to present and there are real fears that this endangered species will be negatively impacted due to loss of habitat due to the clearing of their forage source.

Re: Burrendong Wind Farm
I wish to register my protest at the above proposed development.
Our 43-hectare property is on a hill to the east of the development, fronting the Meroo River and overlooking the Worlds End ridgeline and valley.
We purchased it in September 2001, and were profoundly influenced in that decision by the glorious 270-degree views from the small cabin perched on a hilltop. It is breathtakingly beautiful, particularly at sunrise and sunset; a couple of other dwellings are visible in the distance, but otherwise there is nothing manmade in sight. It is pristine.
We therefore regard with horror Ark Energy’s plan to locate 14 of 70-odd wind turbines along the Worlds End ridgeline. What sort of bloody-minded perverseness would position these 250m monsters in the middle of an idyllic setting that is valued so much by us and our neighbours, when there are thousands of hectares of mostly uninhabited wilderness stretching to the west, towards Lake Burrendong?
Then, to add insult to considerable injury, the proponent has 1) decided that the adverse visual effect on our property would be only ‘moderate’, and 2) proposed, in ’mitigation’, that trees be planted next to our house to screen out the visible wind turbines.
The effect on our property is not ‘moderate’ – it is severe.
As to ‘mitigation’, the dictionary definition of mitigate is 1) make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful. 2) (mitigating) (of a fact or circumstance) lessening the gravity or culpability of an action.
Ark Energy is vandalising the views we love, and their solution is planting trees to block out those very views! This almost laughable ‘mitigation’ does not remotely ‘lessen the gravity or culpability’ of their proposed action. It makes it worse.

I have not touched on the other wind farm, Piambong, proposed to our north. Piambong’s turbines look set to be closer and more visible even than those of Burrendong. Was not Ark Energy obliged to consider the cumulative effect of this development before lodging their application?
Then there are the anticipated adverse effects on the environment and wildlife of the Burrendong development, the increased traffic along Yarrabin Road, the lowering of property values, and more.

Please, could Burrendong’s wind turbines be moved further west, out of sight? We must not allow this vast power station, this rampant industrial overdevelopment, to destroy something that many of us hold very dear.
I extend a formal invitation to the DPE to visit our property and verify the above.

To who it may concern
I have been going to Worlds End and staying at different properties helping owners maintaining their properties for some many of years. In return i get to see the vast wildlife in the valley and on the mountain tops as a bird watcher i see many of different Eagles and their youngs and a vast array of Red Tail Black cockatoo of witch is native to Australia. With the proposal of the the 10 turbines right on the Ridge of the world's end valley Ridge line i do oppose as it will endanger there homes and existence as a lot of species like to return to breed.

I am writing to object to the wind farm.
I believe wind farms cause damage to the local environment, and fail to live up to the promises that they will save the planet from climate change.
I am a regular visitor and work and stay on a property at Hargraves and do not want to see any impact on the area or its surrounds. The area has amazing and diverse wildlife that we need to protect.
I would like to note that a minimum I request to reduce the impact the property I work and visit that you delete turbines 67,68,69 and 70 which are the turbines closest to the property.

With Thanks