Burrendong Wind Farm

Hi all,

Please see attached.

Regards :)

I have been monitoring this and other Windfarms now for over a decade. This project, and so many like it, are white elephants. The science and the costings do NOT add up. These projects are only possible due to the enormous subsidies provided by the Government, which in other words means me, my family the Australian people.
Why will the government not stop and look at the figures? ALL of the components for these projects require fossil fuels to make!
With specific regards to the Burrendong Wind Farm, the proponent has continually deflected and ignored the many many concerns raised by landholders in and around the project who will be directly and adversely impacted. There will be damage to the environment, negative health affects to nearby residents by way of noise, visual effects and shadow flicker just to name a few problems. I once attended a meeting with the proponents via zoom or teams meeting. This project is supposed to be about saving the environment, yet the Wind Farm openly admitted that their primary reason for being involved was to make a profit!
This project is no good for our local community, nor for the people of NSW who will be further burdened with the even increasing costs of energy, and this doesn't even factor in the enormous and looming costs to develop the REZ needed to carry this proposed energy to a grid where it can be used.
Please record this as my objection.

I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the proposed Berrendong Wind Farm project. As a frequent visitor to the area, I have witnessed firsthand the beauty and tranquility that this region offers.
Unfortunately, the construction of a wind farm in this area would irreversibly alter the landscape, disrupt the peaceful environment that so many of us cherish, and be devastating for land owners and and the community.

One of the main reasons my family and I enjoy visiting our friends' property at 167 Rockford lane, Yarrabin, is because it allows us to disconnect from the constant distractions of modern life. Their lifestyle property is completely off the grid. The absence of mobile phones, television, and video games allows us to truly appreciate the wonders of nature and enjoy quality time together.
One of the things we love most is star gazing with our young children without the interfere of unnatural light - something we can’t enjoy living in Sydney.

The introduction of a wind farm would bring with it the intrusion of artificial lights, noise pollution, and the unsightly presence of towering turbines on World’s End Ridgeline. This would undoubtedly detract from the picturesque landscape that currently defines the area.

Moreover, the negative impact on the native fauna cannot be overlooked. The construction and operation of the wind farm would disrupt the natural habitats of various species, leading to devastating effects on their sleep and movement patterns, reproductive cycles and much more. We have seen similar consequences in other countries where wind farms have been established, and it is disheartening to think that the same fate could await the wildlife in this area.

Additionally, the encroachment of wind farms on the properties surrounding the Berrendong Wind Farm site is a cause for concern. Many property owners in the area have invested in their land precisely because of the peace and tranquility it offers. The presence of giant wind turbines would undoubtedly decrease property values and deter potential buyers, leading to a decline in the local real estate market. This would have a significant impact on the property owners in the area and I have seen first hand the emotional stress it is already causing.

In conclusion, I strongly disapprove of the Berrendong Wind Farm project due to the detrimental effects it would have on the natural beauty, wildlife, and property market in the yarrabin area. I urge ARK energy to listen to the community feedback and eliminate the turbines along the World’s End Ridgeline.
I hope the NSW government reconsider the construction of this wind farm and explore alternative, less intrusive methods of generating renewable energy. Let us preserve the untouched nature and serenity that this area currently offers for future generations to enjoy.

Thank you for considering my concerns. I trust that you will take them into account when making decisions regarding the Berrendong Wind Farm project.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Pedersen property at Yarrabin almost 15 years ago. I was amazed at how beautiful the property is and instantly fell in love with it. Since then I have visited regularly to spend time with our friends there and escape the city and our busy lives. In the years since, I’ve had children and Yarrabin is one of their favourite places to visit because they  are free to explore in nature. And I love it for them because there is no technology in sight.
We often go on bush walks to the top of the highest point in the property which has expansive views out to Burrendong Dam and the Worlds End ridge line. The view is so beautiful and we often go there for sunset to enjoy it.

If the Ark Energy wind turbine project goes ahead, it will completely destroy this beautiful part of Australia, and rob us of our escape from the city to beautiful nature with our community of friends. It would also do a massive amount of damage to the local wildlife and landscape.

The construction and ongoing noise once completed will force all the local wildlife to leave the area, or worse, kill them. I have read about how damaging these wind turbines are to land and air animals, and how noisy and disruptive they are to human mental health.
They also are really expensive to maintain, so if there are any issues with them, they often get left in disrepair to rust up and are never removed, which makes them an eyesore on our landscape forever, a detrimental legacy for future generations to deal with.

As far as renewable energy goes, this technology is at the bottom of the barrel. Let’s do better. Please stop this project now.

These Turbines should be installed in location that is
closer to existing power grid for easier grid tie in. Please don't destroy the natural habutat and water way of this area that i personally have enjoyed many times. Turbines should be build close to freeways for cheaper maintenance and repairs when they invariably break down. I have a user pays philosophy about tubines. The pro turbine voters should have turbines built in close proximity to allow them to be marvelled upon by this voter group..
Thankyou for your understanding and time,
Greg

I strongly object to terrible ugly and toxic disaster for our environment. Why isn't Australia protecting our environment and wildlife and importantly our way of life. Why are we not fighting against an offsure multinational company who does not care about the impacts this farm will have. This will wind farm will impact negatively on community and environment and have devasting consequences to both the people, the land and our wildlife.

I am greatly concerned about the environmental impacts this project will cause. The effects to flora and fauna are massive let alone the possibility of contaminants entering the water system. Turbines cannot be recycled and are placed in landfill and it blows my mind that people actually think this is ok.

I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed Burrendong Wind Farm, as outlined in the recent project proposal. My family has owned property at World End for almost 50 years, and we have enjoyed the quiet and peaceful surroundings during our regular camping holidays. I am deeply concerned about the potential negative impacts that the wind farm could have on our cherished property and the surrounding environment.

Firstly, I am apprehensive about the widespread destruction of animal habitat that may result from the construction and operation of the wind farm. The delicate ecosystem and diverse wildlife in the area are integral to the natural beauty and serenity we have come to appreciate over the years. I fear that the project may disrupt these habitats, causing irreversible harm to the local fauna.

Moreover, the interruption of quiet enjoyment during our camping holidays is a significant concern. The tranquil atmosphere of World End has been a retreat for my family, providing a much-needed escape from the noise and bustle of urban life. The presence of a wind farm, with its associated noise and visual impact, threatens to compromise the peaceful ambiance we have cherished for decades.

Additionally, I am worried about the potential devaluation of property in the area. The visual impact of the wind farm could adversely affect property values, diminishing the appeal of the region for both residents and potential buyers. This decline in property values could have lasting economic consequences for property owners, including my family.

Finally, I anticipate significant traffic issues associated with the construction and maintenance of the wind farm. The influx of heavy machinery, construction vehicles, and increased traffic poses risks to the safety of residents and visitors alike. Moreover, the additional strain on local infrastructure may result in road damage and further inconvenience to the community.

In light of these concerns, I kindly request that thorough and transparent assessments be conducted to evaluate the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of the Burrendong Wind Farm. I believe it is crucial to consider alternative locations and technologies that minimize adverse effects on the community and its surroundings.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will take into account the well-founded objections of the local community and make decisions that prioritize the long-term well-being of both the environment and its residents.

Sincerely,

Brian Walsh

I, Ajay Corvera, a member of Burrendong SOS, hereby express my objection and refusal to consent to the adverse impacts of the Burrendong Wind Farm proposal on our community and surrounding landscape. If constructed, the proposed wind farm, particularly turbine Nos 49, 50, and 53 to 61, will have an unacceptable cumulative visual impact on the Worlds End Ridgeline, a high-quality landscape feature equivalent to coastal ocean views.

I request the removal of the specified turbines from the proposal to preserve the scenic quality of the Worlds End Ridgeline, shielding the highest density of dwellings from adverse visual impacts from the project. The existing Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) produced by Moir Landscape Architects (Moir LA) is biased, false, and misleading, serving the financial interests of Ark Energy and Moir LA rather than accurately assessing the project's impact.

Key concerns include:

The LVIA's failure to identify over 30 dwellings within 5km of the project site for impact analysis and the omission of properties with dwelling entitlements within the same radius.
The exclusion of the Piambong Wind Farm proposal from the Multiple Wind Turbine Tool analysis, violating requirements of the Wind Energy Visual Assessment Bulletin and Cumulative Impact Assessment Guideline for State Significant Development.
Intentional misrepresentation of individual dwelling assessments, exemplified by Dwelling U8-1, such as this dwelling being located within 3.35km not 4km from turbine No.53 and the fact that turbines will be seen in 3x 60 degree sectors (including from the Piambong Wind Farm) not 1 x 60 degree sector - indicating a need for independent review.
Lack of consideration for the high scenic quality of the Worlds End Ridgeline, which is located in a C3 Environmental Management zone that objectives strive to protect its ecological, scientific, cultural, and aesthetic values.
Disregard for the fact that the highest density of properties and dwellings located immediately to the east and north-east of the project site are predominantly LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES, not agricultural, and the fact that the proposal involving 250m high industrial scale turbines, spinning with flashing lights proposed to tower over 1/2km into the air above the relative level of several dwellings in LCU07 - Worlds End, will undermine the reason people chose to purchase their properties, live and visit the area (e.g. relative isolation, peace and quiet, natural outlooks towards the majestic Worlds End Ridgeline, enjoyment of the dark night sky - star gazing and being at one with nature, away from the fast pace city life and out of reception).
Deficient community engagement, with non-associated landowners not adequately notified, resulting in a lack of fair input and questionable Visual Impact Assessment survey responses.
Criminal deception in Ark Energy via Moir Landscape Architects accessing land for the agreed purpose of providing photomontages - which where never provided to several landowners. And a general lack of social license, creating distress for the impacted community.
A suggesting the landscaping to screen views from dwellings to the Worlds End Ridgeline (similar to screening ocean views for coastal dwellers) is a fair and legitimate visual impact mitigation solution. The fact non-associated adversely impacted surrounding landowners have not been approached with any offers of financial compensation that I am aware of.
The Worlds End Valley has a significant Echo effect. This has not been acknowledged nor addressed in the Noise Impact Assessment (NIA). Also, the NIA fails to assess noise impacts on over 30 dwellings missing from the assessment map. I do not consent to future nuisance noise emanating from turbines, that has potential to prevent me from having a good night sleep with associated health impacts.
Burrendong SOS will look to pursue a class action for any adverse impacts resulting from this wind farm.
Concerns about the impact on biodiversity, particularly the potential harm to the Wedge Tail Eagle population (Apex predator for the region), a species of cultural significance to the local Wiradjuri People (one of their totem animals). Concern for the red tail black cockatoo population that frequents the Worlds End Valley (we have feathers collected to prove their existence). Concern for micro bats (pollinators) that call the area home (we have video footage of these), knowing that changes in barometric pressure from turbines can exploding their internal organs leading to the demise of their population. Also unknown impact on the local Koala population, noting Burrendong is in fact an Aboriginal name for Koala! - Koala's communicate via a low frequency mating call and turbines also emit low frequency noise - will this impact their ability to find a mate? Will the noise and lighting on turbines push nocturnal animals such as the sugar glider and koala out of the area? Development of this proposal should not proceed until independent studies are conducted to answer these questions.
I call for the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to commission an independent Landscape Visual Impact Assessment; independent Biodiversity Impact Assessment; and an independent Noise Impact Assessment to address the aforementioned concerns, and uphold legal assessment requirements (particularly with respect to the definition of a dwelling for assessment purposes) to prevent a gross jurisdictional error with regard to the assessment of this proposal. Additionally, I strongly advocate for the removal of turbine Nos 49, 50, 53 to 61 from the proposal as a viable mitigation option to eliminate cumulative visual impacts.

I object to this project because it will be an ugly addition to the rural landscape. it will also impact local economy in a negative way. As someone who works in a small rural supplies store, renewable energy developments such as these will ultimately close down businesses. protect rural NSW communities! protect the koala habitat that is located where the Burrendong wind farm intends to be built!

I object to the Burrendong Wind project. Please see my objection attached.

Like all wind plantations, Burrendong is not fit for purpose as, without back up, it cannot provide power 24/7; and when current roof top solar is producing more than enough on either side of noon in the summer, so much so, and scandalously, that wind plantations like Burrendong already have to be paid NOT to produce electricity.
The claims that wind can produce cheaper power than fossil fuels are based on the utterly misleading Levelised Cost Analysis which ignores three enormous costs of back up;
1: The cost of construction of back up during wind lulls which can last several days (currently fossil fuel/ aka gas and coal)
2: The cost of having the back-up plant on standby when it is not needed; who would finance and build a nuclear power plant that did not produce power 24/7?
3: The cost of infrastructure to take the power from where it is being made, in the pristine hill tops of our forested great dividing range, to where it is needed in or near big cities. Fossil fuel and nuclear plants are built near the source of supply and are part of the existing grid.
No fiscally aware government should permit unreliable renewables that are unfit for purpose as they do not come with adequate back up-power as part of the package.
Think again dear Nestor, please.
Regards

I object to the Burrendong Wind Farm project. More needs to be done to protect communities in rural NSW. this will destroy local communities and local economies. This project will also damage the local environment. This project will destroy the local protected koala habitat.

I am concerned about the spread of feral animals (pigs deer & wild dogs) to neighbouring agricultural properties when the construction starts and then these animals will then stay on the neighbouring properties also the spread of weeds with all the earthworks.
I am concerned about devaluation of the surrounding properties.
I am also concerned about the noise when construction starts.
Bushfire risks
Biosecurity Risks.
I am also concerned about the volume of traffic once construction starts.
How much water the project will use

I strongly object to this project.

This project is not in the public interest. This project will only benefit the developer.

As far as "renewable energy" developers go ARK Energy have one of the poorest records. A review of the complaints to the AEIC will confirm their unsavory reputation.

There is no social license for this project from the immediate community or the broader community. The so called CWO REZ is crawling with foreign owned 'renewable energy' developers such as ARK Energy who are destroying the environment, destroying communities and contributing to the extinction of vulnerable, protected and threatened flora and fauna species.

ARK Energy sole motivation is to get this project approved by any means and then sell it off as soon as possible. The buyer will undoubtedly find many "errors" in the project.

The biodiversity assessment is totally inadequate and land clearing in this area by ARK will result in serious and irreversible impacts for many species including Koala. If cumulative impacts were genuinely taken in to account this project would never have made it to exhibition.

As for the community engagement, quoting studies by Greenpeace is ludicrous. The reality is that community engagement has included bullying, intimidation and at best a tick a box process.

I am absolutely DISGUSTED by the failures of this planning portal.
I just spent 3 hours of my unpaid time writing a submission in here and when I hit "continue" my whole submission has been lost.
WHAT THE HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!! This is UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I reserve the right to make another submission.

projects like this are no good for rural communities in NSW. Keep them out and put them closer to the cities. protect our landscapes, wildlife and lifestyles!

I strongly object to the Burrendong Wind Farm because it will destroy the scenic quality of the World’s End Ridgeline. Ark Energy could listen to the community feedback and remove the row of 8 turbines that will directly affect the close knit community in the area. These are lifestyle properties and the reason for being on these properties will be destroyed if these turbines go ahead.

NOPE - keep this out of rural NSW. We don't want them. They will destroy our small communities, businesses, homes and ways of life. NO WIND FARM IN BURRENDONG! PROTECT THE KOALA HABITAT! PROTECT THE HEALTH OF THE LOCALS!

I object to this proposal on many levels and cannot believe that the NSW Department of Planning and Environment is still asking for submissions for Wind projects when there has been overwhelming information produced both here and overseas, as to them being a danger to people and the natural environment, a futile contribution to electricity generation, and staggering financial costs which land finally at the foot of the Australian taxpayer for years to come.
Wind turbines cause pollution - directly through releasing chemicals that coat the blades slowly but surely, into the air, and then the soil and water.
The long wave length sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear, known as infrasound, have damaging effects on some people and interfere with the communications that are part of the life of many marine animals.
Wind farms divide communities, particularly smaller ones, where the cash windfalls to some members are welcomed and the remainder are left with the fall in land values, the disruption to farming operations, intrusions into the normal town commerce, the scarcity of skilled labour that is poached during construction, and the moving away of locals to avoid the inevitable ill will that pervades the area. And then there is no provision for the eventual removal of the towers or the closure of the farms for whatever reason.
Windfarms in Australia are not going to reduce carbon emissions from Australia. When the full costs, including batteries and new transmission lines, construction and decommissioning, and debt servicing and labour requirements are considered, they will increase them.