Burrendong Wind Farm

I strongly object to this project. I am all for saving the planet but this project, along with many others, is not the answer. We don’t seem to care about the insects, magnificent birds, etc. that are being killed by wind turbine blades. Solar panels are taking over much needed farming land and from my understanding, solar panels and wind turbines have a certain amount of fossil fuel derived components in them anyway so what’s the benefit? Let’s go nuclear.

I object to the project as there has been a lack of consultation and refusal of providing photomontages to landowners after access onto their properties. We have been left in the dark this has caused stress and anxiety to our family and our community. There are 250m high turbines that are proposed along the ridgeline, towering above the dwellings, the visual impact will be frightful. This stunning rural landscape will be ruined of the turbines been considered as they are massive. Detraction of rural visual amenity, the introduction to the landscape of such enormous man made structures will severely detract from the existing rural character and level of visual amenity for at least 30 years and possible forever. Low frequency noise - known as infrasound - Health and Safety. Advise recent press articles and research show low frequency sound associated with wind turbines are a major concern of neighbours of wind farms and some have been driven from their homes. Clearly the Government needs to take notice and fully aware of all the potential health risks and ensure that any development safeguards the health and safety of the inhabitants and our livestock. Some farming operations will be affected, such as aerial spraying. I vehemently object to the proposed development due to the nature, location, scale and impact on ourselves, and the surrounding community.

I would like to register my objection to the proposed Burrendong Wind Farm. This project is an ecological, economic, food security, and national security disaster. There are far better alternatives to fueling electricity generation such as the existing coal powered system and nuclear.

I feel for the people of yarribin. These large oppressive turbines will dwarf the community and ruin a beautiful place. The risk to fauna and habitat is enormous. Rare black cockatoos have called this place home for as long as I have known. I actually cannot fathom what it would be like to live under one of these. Surely the safety of humans is more important than a far removed cities air conditioning units. I recognise that no one wants this in their backyard yet this development seems excessive and the size of these turbines send a chill to my core. Please do not build these here.

I object to the Burrendong Wind "Farm" for the following reasons:
Firstly, THEY ARE NOT FARMS - A farm in this rural landscape is something that produces food and fibre.
These areas of Wind Turbines are FACTORIES and not very good ones at that. They will not produce the amount of power required for base load to power factories and heavy duty organisations such as steelworks. They do not produce anything when the wind is not blowing and they seem to be turned off for various reasons on numerous occasions - probably when there's too much wind!!!
The proponents of the numerous Wind Turbine Projects have no idea of life in the rural districts of every one of our states that is affected. The proponents are politicians, bureaucrats and pen-pushers sitting in offices in our Federal and State capitals who have never experienced rural life for a living and are absolutely blinkered with the narrow vision that renewables are the only goal they must achieve in the immediate future.
Burrendong is a picturesque area used for recreation and the dam area is used for supply of a vital need in our communities - WATER.
Climate change and Renewables have got the city people mesmerised. They believe everything they are told and many have never set foot out of their cities to see what actually happens in our rural areas. Do they think that farming country and surrounds is suitable for turbines? They should come and have a look.
The logistics of transporting turbine parts on the highways is incomprehensible. The highways are not adequate for the current traffic, let alone huge masses that will hold up traffic and block the flow of necessities like fuel to the west of the state and cartage of livestock, grain and perishables to markets in the cities.
What amount of concrete needs to be made for the base of a turbine? Thousands of tons.
How much energy is used to produce this concrete? IS THIS REALLY "GREEN/RENEWABLE". I don't think so.
Waste - tons of waste will be produced in this production - where will it go?
Workers Camps - not a pleasant idea in the rural scene - producing more waste, need for water. Not being of any benefit to the townships - strangers and possible crime near farming families.
There is not enough time to note all objections. We are being bombarded daily with so many proposals all over the state of NSW & other states in the name of Renewable Energy.
RENEWABLES (A NEW BUZZWORD FOR GOVERNMENTS) is all the Ministers for Planning, Ministers for Energy and others involved can think of and we, the residents who make a living from the land producing food and fibre for the city do not have the time to be reading and fighting all these ludicrous proposals.
We farming families do not have the time, when running a business, (or the resources such as are employed by the proponents who write thousands of pages of meaningless "gumph"), to digest every section of it.
Why should we be expected and in some cases, forced, (with COMPULSORY!!!! acquisitions) to ruin our land in making power for cities.
It's about time the cities took responsibility for their own production of power by mandatory installing of solar panels ON EVERY ROOF IN THE CITY.
It should be mandatory for every new house to have solar panels and battery hubs in the suburbs.
There are so many rules and regulations now in building a house with regards to energy saving with windows facing north, insulation, double glazing etc. so WHY NOT SOLAR PANELS ON EVERY ROOF IN THE CITIES.
With the money that will be spent on building these "TURBINE FACTORIES" and the rumoured ridiculous amount of money that the hosts will receive annually, the Government could subsidise solar panels on every house in Australia.
We can't get Doctors, Nurses or Teachers in the Country areas and money should be directed at that instead of expensive unworkable renewables.
IT IS MENTAL STRESS FOR LANDHOLDERS FIGHTING THIS IMPOSITIION ON PRIVATE LAND AND MENTAL STRESS FOR ANYONE WHO CAN SEE & HEAR THESE MONSTROSITIES.
IT IS AS BIG A FIASCO AS "THE VOICE"
WILL THE GOVERNMENT NEVER LEARN FROM THE PEOPLE THEY ARE MEANT TO REPRESENT instead of Bulldozing people.
THIS IS DICTATORSHIP WHEN IT COMES TO RENEWABLES.
Pam Bowman

I object to this project. The cost of converting to renewable energy is astronomical and we simply cannot afford it. It is also obvious that there is no way the world has enough materials to achieve the goal of green energy. We must also consider the fact that we are able to produce more food more cheaply and efficiently because of fossil fuels and until we have a viable alternative we should continue the way we are. I do not believe the science backs up the supposed benefits of renewable energy. We do not want to become a third world country because of our ideological stupidity. We have beautiful agricultural land being covered by unsightly solar panels and wind turbines which incredibly contain materials made from fossil fuels, the very things they seek to replace! Koalas and other native animal habitats are being destroyed to make way for these projects not to mention the birds, insects, etc. killed by the wind turbines. How is that greening Australia? Fossil fuel industries have contributed huge taxes to fund our country’s schools, police, hospitals, NDIS, etc., how will we be able to fund them without these taxes? I think we all want a cleaner, greener environment but not at the risk of destroying our countryside and our way of life.

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.

We regularly visit and stay on an amazing property at Hargraves to admire the amazing birdlife and incredibly diversife wildlife.
My proposal is to ask for the windfarm not to be approved, but at a minimum to reduce the impact on the property we regulrly stay at and visit we request to delete turbines 67,68,69 and 70 which are the turbines closest to the property we use.

With Thanks

Melissa Thomson

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

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

See attached

See attached

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