Central-West Orana REZ Transmission

To Whom It May Concern,

We are writing to express our strong opposition to the proposed wind farm development that is intended to be situated in close proximity to the residents living along Honeysett Road, Adelong Road, Whistons Lane and Castlereagh Highway as identified in the below image. The proposed wind turbines are numbered on the below image and we strongly urge you to reconsider their location.



Image sourced from Orana Wind Farm Planning Portal
Key:
Occupied residences
(We note there are several more occupied residences than shown on the map provided by the Orana Wind Farm project)
Proposed wind turbines that will adversely affect our daily lives

While we understand the importance of renewable energy sources such as wind power, we believe that the current proposal poses significant concerns to our well-being and quality of life.
First and foremost, the proposed proximity of the wind turbines to our homes is a cause for considerable concern. We enjoy living in a quiet environment and do not wish to hear the constant low level hum of wind turbines. Not only do the turbines generate noise that could disrupt our daily lives, but there are also safety issues to consider. Placing these turbines too close to residential areas seems imprudent and may expose us to unnecessary dangers.
Furthermore, the sheer size and scale of the wind turbines in question raises serious apprehensions. The visual impact of these towering structures would undoubtedly alter the natural landscape and views that our community currently enjoys. The serene and peaceful environment that attracted many of us to settle here would be irrevocably disrupted by the imposing presence of these turbines. It's essential to recognise that the character of our area is something we cherish deeply and the installation of such large turbines would undoubtedly detract from that.
Additionally, property values are a significant concern for homeowners in our community. The presence of such massive structures in our immediate vicinity would lead to a decline in property values, making it more challenging for residents to sell their homes or invest in their properties. This financial burden could have a lasting impact on families who have worked hard to establish their homes and properties in this area.
We implore you to reconsider the proposed location of the turbines in the above image and explore alternative sites that are more suitable for such large-scale developments.
We note that there has been very little consultation with property owners in the area. We urge you to take our concerns into account and engage in a transparent and open dialogue with our community. Working together, we can strive for a solution that aligns with the principles of environmental stewardship and preserves the sanctity of our residential area.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We eagerly await your response and hope that we can find a resolution that addresses our concerns.
Sincerely,

I object to the proposed project because as an effected landholder we have not been given any input into where the transmission lines are going to be located on our property. The consultation process has been very poor. We have a very high visual impact from our house which no effort has been made to address. The twin 500kv lines are only 240 metres from our house despite the EIS report saying that lines should be at least 500metres from any dwellings.No alternative routes have been considered.The project will result in a loss of valuable shelter trees and restrictions to our farming practices which are not being adequately compensated.
The Landowner Benefit Scheme is inadequate as it should not have a twenty year limit on it.

I strongly object to the application.
We don’t want our beautiful scenic area surrounded by ugly industrial monstrosities.

Is there a strict bio security plan? With vehicles driving through property after property, how is the spread of disease and noxious weeds going to be prevented?

Only homes up to 2km from proposed towers/infrastructure are considered for visual amenity. Are they invisible after 2km? Why only 2km? This is going affect many people for many kilometres.

The wildlife and vegetation that this project will destroy is massive.

Please reconsider this project!!

Please see attached submission

The power line proposal that is proposed to span across my family's farm will cause the destruction of a farm livelihood for both the period of construction and after. The lines effectively split the property in two and will isolate about one third of the property making it inaccessible for machinery to enable farming. The construction will destroy contour banks and waterways, which were installed to manage soil erosion when our family acquired the farm in about 1980. Construction will necessitate the removal of many trees used as shade for stock. The lines will traverse and necessitate the removal of bush regeneration areas established to prevent erosion of a creek bed and as wind breaks on the property. The farm will be unusable for the duration of the construction with the plant and personnel operating. The post construction requirements will mean that no farming is permitted within the 200m wide corridor that bisects the property and access to the rear of the property will not be possible for certain high equipment. The stock yards that were established well prior to my family's ownership of the property and silos that my family established will be destroyed. There is no other suitable location on the property for these assets as they are located on a dry ridgeline in the centre of the property, which is accessible in all weather. Plans for sheds and other infrastructure have been put on hold pending the resolution of this issue. The presence of powerlines increases the bushfire risk and will limit the ability to fight bushfires.
As you can see, there are many issues that have been raised and left totally unaddressed in relation to this proposal. EnergyCo has been unwilling to interact in any form of good faith and has threatened my brother and father with compulsory acquisition if they do not agree to the proposal. Alternative alignments have been put forward to EngergyCo who have rejected them out-of-hand. To date, EnergyCo's position on "engagement" is bullying my family into compliance. It has never had any intention to properly engage with my family to achieve a resolution that is tolerable by both parties. The way that EnergyCo has approached this issue has been nothing short of appalling and its senior personnel must be held to account for the tactics and approaches it has adopted to achieve its goals.
The mental health toll this proposal has taken on my family is immense. I live in Qld and therefore am remote to the issue, but spend hours discussing and hearing the impact that this proposal has on my family, and in particular my brother who owns the property. My family has committed vast amounts of valuable time defending its rights and pushing back on this poorly developed and ill conceived proposal.
Alternative methods of power transmission such as underground are entirely plausible and must be explored properly. Irrespective of the nature of the proposal, EnergyCo should be forced to properly engage (at the highest level and in open forum so that EngergyCo's approach to "negotiation" can be observed) and make amendments to its proposal to take into account all of the issue outlined above. Simply asking EnergyCo how it will address issues by manner of management plans and the like is inadequate. The proposal must be amended and the design changed to achieve meaningful outcome for the landowners affected by this project.

My email INBOX today - after my submission last night - Additional submission

The whole project has been a mistake waiting to happen from the start. No real consultation with residents of the area. Just bully boy tactics and private agreements. Our town will not see any benefit from this project. The beautiful valley will be destroyed by unneeded infrastructure and endanger further the flora and fauna. The water needed to build this project will affect our vulnerable water table. There has been no social licence on this project. All power generated is being fed to the coast and our small towns will not see any benefit only destruction and interruption to our lands roads and lifestyle.

Do not build this eyesore

RE: Objection to the Central West REZ Orana Transmission Line (REZ)

Thankyou for providing me with the opportunity to Object to the development of the Central West Orana Transmission Line. This proposed project has a number of issues that will greatly affect our family and business which includes: loss of visual amenity, decreased land values, increased bushfire risk, increased insurance premiums, in ability to attain sufficient insurance as well as the further fracturing of our local community. Please see below:

1. Cumulative Impacts of the CW Energy Zone Transmission Project
It is important to consider the ramifications of this transmission line and the resulting renewable projects that will be considered for development if this line is to proceed. Energyco has insisted that this line is in its current location due to the location of the proposed renewable energy projects. Similarly the proposed renewable projects also insist they’ve chosen their locations based on the proposed location of the Central West Transmission Line. It is from these assumptions that I believe the Central West Transmission Line and its associated proposed renewable projects should be considered as a whole project. The cumulative impacts of both the Transmission line and proposed projects is clearly evident in Figure 1-3 of the EIS.

From my own calculations the development of the transmission line will allow for the proposed development of approximately 715 wind turbines and 10,390 ha (25,663 acres) of proposed solar projects. The EIS states the requirements of the project in 1-5 and also in Chapter 3 in more detail, however the flow on affects from the numbers stated above outline the real impacts and effects of this development. The construction of the Orana REZ should be combined with generation projects (both solar and wind) for planning and environmental approvals.

The loss of Agricultural income as outlined in Technical Paper 2: Agriculture (vii) as a mere $4.04 million over the 3 year construction period is misleading. The real loss is apparent as proposed projects invade the CW REZ area taking over prime farming land, uprooting families and fracturing the local community.

2. Labour Issues
As employers of a number of local employees, both casually, and full time, I have a number of concerns based around the proposed project and its workforce. Our agricultural business at present employs a full time employee and relies on 3-4 part time casuals all sourced from the local community. The project states in 3-46 that it expects 1800 full time workers to be employed. This large requirement of workers for this project and the 12-13 proposed generation projects will absorb the local casual workforce which so many local agricultural businesses rely on. Increased demand for casual employees will lead to increases in salaries and rates of pay. Local businesses will not be able to retain staff nor afford to retain staff as salaries increase to levels that are not sustainable for local businesses, in particular, agricultural businesses.

3. Insurance
An issue I raised with Energyco, NSW Farmers and local generators and their projects numerous times is, how as neighbours are we going to insure ourselves and our businesses against public liability with the introduction of this project and its generators? This has been raised numerous times directly with Energyco staff with limited, to no answers. Our family property is proposed to be surrounded by upwards of 2835ha of solar panels (as a result of Energyco’s Transmission project) as well as a main Energco transmission line that connects the generators to the sub-station. The value of the projects surrounding us could be upwards of $4 billion not to mention the associated incomes from the projects each year. Our insurer has informed us they will not cover us in excess of $40 million with regard to public liability ($20 million at present). If for instance I start a fire on my property that burns these projects and their associated income is lost, who is making up the difference? This is an issue that affects every REZ zone across Australia.

As addressed on page D-11 of the EIS “Consideration of impacts on private insurance is not within the scope of this EIS”. Given the impacts of this proposed project and the associated proposed projects how is the issue of insurance not addressed?

4. Community Impacts/Visual Amenity
The proposed Central West Orana Transmission Line, the associated infrastructure as well as the associated generation projects will greatly change and transform our local community and the beautiful landscape we live in. The changes to landscape and the visual amenity of any residents that reside nearby is clearly outlined in Figure 1-3 of the EIS.

What is now prime agricultural land that provides food for the nation will be transformed into an industrial site. According to Climateworks centre only 13 % of Australia’s area is suitable for intensive livestock production (sheep and cattle) and cropping. The CW REZ and associated generators is proposed to be developed in these areas where intensive agriculture is dominant. As outlined in Technical Paper 2: Agriculture (vi) 92% of the study area is on Agricultural land. Should solar generators and the associated Energyco infrastructure not be placed on country deemed not suitable for agriculture (eg Rehabilitated Mine sites)?

The CW Energy Zone Transmission Project will greatly change our local community. The community will be invaded by workers both FIFO and DIDO. Work hours are 5.5 days a week and at times extended to 7 days per week as outlined in 3-46 of the EIS. These workers will not contribute to the local community given their employment rosters. There will be minimal benefits to the local community from this proposed project and the associated proposed energy projects.

In the local area we have already seen families leave the area due to the unknown of what is coming with the proposed projects. We have seen generators purchasing country (Origin Energy) and pricing local agricultural businesses out of the area. The short term increases in property prices (for those properties involved in projects) has left many agricultural producers unable to expand their current businesses. Our family business growth has ceased after huge increases in surrounding land prices. I have spoken to numerous families that intend on leaving the area and community due to the huge impacts and changes that are proposed for the future. It seems as though the concerns of the local community are not being considered nor heard. Hosting public meetings is merely box ticking exercises for both Energyco and the proposed projects to meet EIS requirements. Its time to listen to the community that is impacted and expected to live within the CW REZ.

Thankyou for taking the time to read this submission. I have outlined just a few of the major issues that will take affect and that still need addressing.

The system and structures planned are not sustainable, the impact to and on the community will be detrimental. No mining project or power supply project has ever improved the longevity or growth of a town. Coolah and surrounds is farming land. Tourism is the only primary income the town has, we lose this capacity when towers / substations/ transformers go in. Not to mention the quarries that will tear apart the land, drilling and blasting impacting the environment and animals. Road construction, road maintenance, road closures ongoing,impact of surrounding farms and farmland. Roads that will be periodically closed for movement of materials will impact on farmers with off farm income. The impact on our wildlife will be insurmountable, these unique species which will be knowingly destroyed by the government and private companies will not even be factored into the equation apart from a “sadly these will be impacted “ statement. And that in itself should be objectionable enough. I oppose the project 100%. I believe this is a non viable project with an agenda behind it that is not compatible with the story being trolled out. The sheer size and number that are required to be sprinkled ALL over the country is statement within itself that this system is not viable or validated. Yet here it goes under the cover of “multiple “projects so that the community is blinded to what is actually happening. Each company which is sleeping with the other are all using the same distraction methods to keep the community looking in the same one direction. I oppose.

I strongly object to the Central -West Orana REZ Transmission Project.
I have lived on a rural property in this district my whole life and am raising the 5 generation on my farm.
Prior to November 2021 all the landholders in our district had purchased or built our homes and developed our farms to enjoy a beautiful rural landscape. Without proper consultation during the covid period and without any compensation for most, a REZ has been declared over the area. The Industrialisation of our beautiful rural landscape is beginning without the approval of the people who have built their lives here.
Farming families such as mine in our area have very strong connections to our land. Year by year, and generation after generation farming families are continuing and further creating culture and heritage. As land owners we cherish this environment as it is where we raise our families, hold ceremony together, raise our animals and produce food. The Industrialisation of our local landscape by renewables projects and the proposed Central-West Orana Transmission Project threatens the scenic values and the environment we greatly value. I challenge any assessment that downplays the wider impact of the project especially its visual amenity. I query if Energy Co representatives have contacted land-owners personally across the broader region to get their honest feelings and feedback about the project and taken them on board? When asked I would suggest that most would support power production and transmission to remain and strategically be replaced in its current location and leave our rural area along and not industrialised.
One family I am most concerned about being impacted by Central-West Orana REZ Transmission Project is the Campbell family at their home at "Highlands" Blue Springs Road Stubbo NSW. Their level of distress about the proposed location of new transmission lines is very obvious. I object to any failing of the consultation process and other listed conditions of the EIS that have lead to this level of distress. They are a multi-generational farming family with enormous connection and commitment to their land family and faith. They have built a home for their family to enjoy the scenic value of their farm and beyond. This should not be ruined by a transmission project. People such as this family who currently occupy and care for the land should be given the same level of honour and respect that the people of the past are given in areas declared significant for culture or heritage.

I would like to bring to Energy Co's attention more cumulative impacts of the project. Locally, farmers are suffering a shortage of available and affordable labour. The further development of REZ projects will only worsen this labour shortage as demand is increased. Further cumulative impacts are that accommodation for permanent and seasonal agricultural workers has become extremely difficult to source and afford also. Buying land in our district that is not going to be affected by renewables or transmission projects is becoming ever more difficult. This is another cumulative impact for people want to start or expand agricultural businesses or simply enjoy a scenic rural lifestyle block.
The labour shortages and general highly demanding nature of farming also has meant that there are a significant number of farmers and rural land holders in the area who simply cannot afford to volunteer their time to attend community engagement sessions and read in detail the proposals of the REZ projects.
I welcome contact from Energy Co to discuss my concerns and objections to the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission Project and some concerns of other land owners who have not been able to afford the time to complete their own submission.
Yours Sincerly
Timothy Maxwell
PO Box 508
GULGONG NSW 2852
Phone: 0428741372

I strongly object to this project. The farmers and land owners in this area have suffered severe hardships including droughts, floods, fires, mice plagues, loss of stock, crops, money and having to sell their equipment and machinery to survive. They do not need to suffer more stress and hardships with their land and property further destroyed by having these monstrous constructions and power cables erected.
thank you

These projects should never have been approved & I strongly object to the construction of imported future landfill which will be the ruination of rural Australia. These so-called "green" policies have been the worst examples of political stupidity I've seen in my 83 years of life.

The CWO Renewable Energy Zone was decided upon without consultation with affected landholders or communities.
I value our farm as a small family business which we have operated for over 40 years.
I value an environment that allows us to grow clean grain & beef unhindered.
I value our 360 degree uninterrupted outlook over an unspoilt rural landscape.
I value nearby iconic Coolah Tops National Park & it's wildlife as a tourist attraction to be proud of.
I value the beauty, peace & serenity of where we live & work.
I value my time & prefer it to be directed at running our family business rather than be disrespected in having to fight to protect my property & livelihood & to stop our district becoming an unliveable, industrial wasteland for energy projects that are not only an environmental eyesore that won't deliver on energy but they're imported, non-recyclable future landfill. Greenwashing in the extreme & highly offensive to the communities under threat.

I am submitting an objection to the REZ as a whole.
# It wasn’t long ago that Australia was making negative press, internationally, regarding its lack of commitment to using Renewable Energy.
IRENA
International Renewable Energy Agency: the intergovernmental Organisation supporting wide-spread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy,
I truly feel, have placed immense pressure on the Australian Government to catch up with the rest of the world, especially Europe with presenting a plan for renewable energy projects, hence these Renewable Energy Zones, chosen with absolutely no thought what’s so ever.
# How absolutely disrespectful of the government , to the local residents, NOT to ask if it was an acceptable proposition, no, they just assumed that our prime producing land should be appropriate for a ridiculous number of solar and wind projects as well as the transmission line to service the above. They are so unacceptably large in scale and will be of detriment to the area visually, environmentally, and socially . They are not economical, being built so far from where the power is going to be consumed. No thought what so ever, but an act of desperation to put towards the IRENA!
# There has been lack of consultation between Energy Co , the Project managers and the hosts, and definitely the surrounding landowners, as the information given and discussed, is vastly inconsistent.
# The REZ transmission project initially presented to the public a map of all the projects and transmission lines, and since then, there are now more projects and hence there will be an extension to the transmission lines, this is outrageously deceitful!!
# Energy Co have stated unrealistic statistics on excessive water usage, waste disposal and road loading resulting from the campsites relating to the construction of all projects involved.
# What happens when there is a dry season, where will the water be sourced from, when the priority for water usage is for the townships and farm use with cropping and stock, and firefighting/aerial water bombing. The latter was imperative with the Sir Ivan Fire in 2017, that we had plenty available to control bushfires and the like.
# There are so many reasons for this REZ to not go ahead, too many to mention!
The alternative to consider is Micro renewables, whereby NO large scale industrial infrastructure has to be used, IE. Transmission lines, massive 250m wind turbines and hectares of solar panels, to be viewed by so many , daily, for 25 years. Also there wouldn’t be the handful of people benefitting from massive payouts, instead a majority of people, installing their own renewable energy sources, therefor being responsible for their own energy consumption.

There was no consultation with landholders or communities BEFORE these REZs were declared & foisted on us & all attempts at community consultation since have been disingenuous in the least. I strongly object to all proposed projects which will destroy wildlife & their habitat, groundcover, massive tracts of forest & productive land to construct imported, non-recyclable, visual polluting solar & wind projects with the addition of ugly transmission towers marching across the countryside. These projects will lower the value of our properties, drive energy poverty, become future landfill & render our district an industrial wasteland. Who bears the brunt of the clean-up when they reach the end of life? Rural communities should not bear the burden of not-fit-for-purpose, city-centric faux green ideology. Isn't it enough that we provide food without having to provide energy too at the expense of our valuable agricultural landscapes & livelihoods? There are no benefits for our communities, our towns, our jobs, our wildlife or our stunning district including the threatened Coolah Tops National Park. These projects are not green & if they go ahead it will be catastrophic for our community & for our environment.

Our environment has suffered enough destruction through drought and fires, without further destruction on our precious native animals with huge wind turbines covering our precious land that our native animals make their homes on, and also these wind turbines are threats to flying foxes and birds.

I live on the property “Merotherie” which has minimul direct impact from the project – ie no solar panels or wind turbines. That does not mean our lifestyle and livelihood will not be drastically affected. The upgrade of the Merotherie Road and expected foot traffic on this road will dramatically hinder the way we move stock around our farm. The only access to half of our property when the river is flooding/flowing is across the bridge with the stock – the proposed foot traffic will make stock movement nearly impossible. For generations we have grazed the roads whilst moving the stock, which has helped keep the fuel for bushfires at bay. This will become a problem in the future, as we will be unable to graze the feed on the edge of the roads due to the amount of proposed traffic.

I am deeply concerned about biosecurity on my property as the amount of traffic travelling around will put my property at huge risk of being infected with diseases that have never been an issue here. This will put my families’ livelihood in jeopardy.

Although there are no wind turbines or solar panels on our property, we will still be able to see the infrastructure of this proposed project everywhere we look. The property will be surrounded infrastructure including wind turbines, solar panels and the transmission line. Everyone who comes to my property comments on how peaceful and spectacular the views are in every direction from both the houses situated on the property. These views will be distorted by the proposed infrastructure. Instead of having wonderful vistas of prime agricultural land we will be surrounded by industrial eyesores in every direction.

The EIS had 29 statements that stated will be addressed in the next phase of planning. How is this acceptable, it appears there is a lot of buck passing, all questions that are raised and asked we don’t get any straight answers. The standard response from Energy Co is ‘ We will take that back and get an answer from above’. The community members taking the time to meet with Energy Co who are against the whole project are unable to get to the ‘people above’ to get the answers they require. There seems to be a lot of decisions being made without consultation with the people who will be directly affected by this development. Only 0.03% of the regional population were interviewed about this development. The renewable companies DO NOT have social license to proceed with this development. There are so many reasons why this cannot go ahead, but as a community we feel unheard and that our concerns are irrelevant to the powers to be who have a target to hit by a certain time so they are railroading this community to meet their target with no consideration to the people who have lived here for generations.

I am a resident & business owner in the community of Cassilis, NSW. I have a number of concerns about the proposed EnergyCo Transmission project in our area. There has been basically NO community consultation for the project. Outlined below are my concerns.

I am a resident of Cassilis, NSW 2329. I am also a business owner, farmer & mother. I am making this submission as I object to the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission Project. After reading the EIS, it seems obvious that community engagement is not valued, As a result, I can not see how this project can offer anything but a lose-lose situation for our residents, our roads, our businesses, our agricultural production and our community. My concerns are detailed in the attached submission.