Crookwell 3 Wind Farm

Megan Benson
56 Brighton Street
Bundeena NSW 2230
[email protected]
13th November 2016

Submission IN SUPPORT of
The Crookwell 2 Wind Farm Modification Application (Mod-2) and The Crookwell 3 Wind Farm Addendum
Noting that the amendments generally include a change in turbine size and reduction in number of turbines in the layout.

New South Wales needs to do everything it can to urgently mitigate the production of greenhouse gases in electricity production. Presently, NSW is the highest per capita emitter in Australia of greenhouse gas emissions - primarily produced by the burning, extracting and processing of coal. In NSW around 80% of the electricity we use is generated by coal.
We know the key contributor to climate change (ie the increase in the earth's temperature caused by the volume of greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere) is the burning of fossil fuels. (IPCC 2014). We know human induced climate change is causing more frequent extreme weather events including heat waves and bush fires and coastal flooding. These events cost everyone economically, socially, and environmentally.
Yet, the technology is in - we know that a renewable and a clean energy future is possible. For well over a decade successive Governments have frustrated the progress of renewable energy projects, favouring the short term financial security of immediate economic returns from coal royalties.
We know that continuing to rely on coal as the primary source of our energy requirements is both irresponsible and uneconomic. The influential 2006 Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change found that the costs of strong, early action to mitigate emissions could be up to twenty times lower that the future costs of inaction on climate change. We are well overdue for change.
Polling by Essential Research conducted in 2013 found that 76% of Australians support building more windfarms. It is good common sense, that in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Governments drive opportunities for renewable energy production and facilitate projects, like the Crookwell 2 Wind Farm (Mod-2) and the Crookwell 3 Wind Farm.
The Proponents for the Crookwell Wind Farm projects are applying for modification to their development to better accommodate their contract with the ACT Government's Renewable Energy Target. This contract aims to assure that the ACT meets their 100% renewable energy target by 2020 and supply energy to 101,000 homes.
One can only applaud the collaboration between the ACT Government, the Proponents and stakeholders - the people of the Crookwell region and the general community in their efforts to get this wind farm operating.
I understand there are eight farming families involved in this project as hosts and many neighbours who are also partners in it. Delays have resulted due to objections regarding health, visual and noise impacts - however, those fears have been allayed by actions that will see to the implementation of additional mitigation and management measures including a change in turbine size and reduction in the number of turbines in the layout. It should be noted that these measures are more stringent than those required for coal mines in the Hunter region of NSW, and coal mining is far, far more detrimental to the health and well being of local communities - not to mention the industry's irreversible impact on the climate.
The wind farm operation will allow the financial capacity and flexibility for the land owners to continue their farming operations and, as I have been assured, to manage the land more sustainably into the future. These two industries can coexist and the wind farm will not alter the social capital of the region.
There will be local economic benefits including - production of clean energy, donations by the proponents for special community projects, improved roads, limited environmental impacts and the efficient use of renewable resources (the wind is free!) with minimal environmental impact.
I have stopped a number of times with friends at the viewing area of the existing Crookwell Wind Farm. It is a wonderful experience - made more so by the fact that it is clean energy production in action. I don't know anyone who isn't drawn to the beauty of wind turbines especially when compared to the destructive impacts of coal mining.
It should be noted that the NSW Government recently set two aspirational objectives for NSW's environmental future (Draft Climate Change Fund, Strategic Plan), being:
1. Achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and
2. NSW being more resilient to a changing climate
and that the Australian Energy Market Operator has acknowledged that a 100% renewable energy system is technically feasible in NSW by 2050. Many believe NSW can do it sooner. I congratulate the ACT Government and the Proponents on their shared vision.
There are no justifiable grounds to reject the The Crookwell 2 Wind Farm Modification Application (Mod-2) and The Crookwell 3 Wind Farm proposals.
Yours faithfully,
Megan Benson.
I have not made a reportable political donation.

My family owns a grazing property in Rye Park and I am a strong supporter of wind farms for Australia's future for renewable energy. We have been trying to get a wind farm developed on our property since 2012, as it is a development that will help meet Australia's growing demand for electricity whilst reducing green house gas emissions.
The Crookwell wind farm will join others across the Southern Tablelands region to secure the region as a very important part of NSW's clean energy industry.
There will be a direct injection of over $1 million per year to the local community through payments to landholders, permanent staff, local councils, and the community.
This project will create new jobs to boost the local economy, whilst allowing the current agricultural activities to continue.
I support this development.

I am the son of a farming family that live in Galong and own a property in Rye Park. The property they own in Rye Park is in line to receive a number of wind turbines. The benefits of this proposed wind farm are numerous and far reaching.
Primarily, it will provide a much needed supplementary income for a number of farmers that have struggled through years of drought and hard times. It will allow my own parents to build a house on the farm which they work, which has been a dream ever since owning the property.
The Crookwell wind farm will join others across the Southern Tablelands region to secure the region as a very important part of NSW's clean energy industry.
The Crookwell wind farm will inject new life into the local community through a community enhancement fund, long term employment for locals and economic stimulation. I believe that Union Fenosa has entered into positive neighbourhood agreements that hold mutual benefit for the community and themselves.
Finally, on a wider scale utilising wind power as a source of green energy is integral for our environment. There is minimal impact on land use, high energy production efficiency and it is of course a renewable resource.
I strongly support the proposed wind farm and hope that it goes ahead.

CROOKWELL 3 Submission
Objection submission to DoPE 13 November 2016
We have previously objected to this proposed project.
The DoPE media release dated 11 October 2016 describes a revised development application of Crookwell 3 increasing the total blade-sweep area of the reduced number of proposed turbines.
The revision therefore increases the basis for not approving this proposed development.
Significantly, the Planning Assessment Commission sent the DoPE's recommendation for approval of the previous version of the application back to the DoPE for further review - undoubtedly for reasons on inadequate assessment.
The DoPE sensibly convened a local information meeting for 26 October 2016 to discuss the changes to the application for development approval. It has to be said that there seemed to be a particular lack of knowledge displayed regarding the proposal and the various grounds for objection as lodged with the DoPE and the PAC. On which point, several of those present spoke on the obvious lack of interest by the DoPE in ensuring all submissions were read and understood and not just handed over to the developer for its review and response. Further, I discussed with and handed to Mr Mike Young some questions which I requested Mr Young (and he agreed) to respond to prior to 14 November 2016 (closing date for submissions). As I write this submission on Sunday 13 November 2016 no response has been received.
Of significance to the development application:-
Crookwell 3 East:-
The 17 turbines in the Crookwell 3 East area are proposed to be sited within the E3-Environmental Management Zone (implemented in 2010) which effectively prohibits the siting of wind turbines no less than the construction of granny flats and other infrastructure. The DoPE and Upper Lachlan Shire Council deliberated on this zoning for two years prior to implementation.
We accordingly object to this development application as we believe it to be unconscionable for the DoPE to ignore the zoning.
Crookwell 3 South:-
The following is an extract from an objecting submission from another community member on the modification application:-
"The six turbines comprising CIII South are located just west of the scenic Pejar Dam water body. Apart from the sheer absurdity of placing a huge and noisy industrial complex next to a beautiful and tranquil lake, these turbines will be a major distraction to motorists on the busy Goulburn-Crookwell Road. As one descends towards the dam a driver's attention is already drawn to look at aspects of the impressive water body, but the giant rotating turbines will also draw the driver's attention to a different view on the other side."
"Overseas, turbines near roads are recognised as a driver distraction, and this worrying matter has not been addressed in this....Application. For this reason alone, Crookwell III South should not be approved."
We accordingly object to this development application.
We continue to object to this application on the above grounds and grounds previously stated by all objectors to the proposed development.
Respectfully submitted

Grant & Colleen Winberg
Highland Park
3077 Middle Arm Road
ROSLYN NSW 2580

I have had an opportunity to visit the windfarms in the Crookwell region within the last twelve months. I am impressed with how well they fit into the landscape with minimal physical and environmental footprint. Having been through towns of Crookwell and Taralga over the last 20 to 30 years I have observed a steady decline in business in these towns indicative of the decline of many country towns relying soley on agricultural produce. However since the consruction of the windfarms with the associated investment in this region the towns are now vibrant anfd fresh with shop fronts filling again and money spent on community infrastructure. The improvement in these regions is real and mostly due to the windfarms. Let us exploit this valuble renewable wind resource where ever we can, for the sake of these rural communities.

Regarding Crookwell 2 windfarm MOD 2 and Crookwell 3 windfarm.
I feel very strongly that windfarms are a form of renewable energy needed urgently. They provide cheap, clean energy, and have a low footprint in the landscape.
I for one find them no more offensive than many other human artifacts and certainly less dangerous than, for example, B double trucks.

Wind turbines generate massive megawatts providing energy for hundreds of thousands of domestic houses. BMW in Leipzig, Germany, have demonstrated that they are a reliable power supply for a major international industry. In the case of BMW, four 2.5 Mw turbines provide the full 10Mw needed for the entire factory.

The companies operating the windfarms in NSW have already demonstrated their commitment to local communities in many ways and are also dedicated to landscape restoration.
I have seen the quality of stormwater engineering at Crookwell- in a heavy thunderstorm- and can testify to the powerful erosion control it provides.

I urge you to allow these operations to proceed because of the significant community benefits they reresent.

It would be a pity to see this windfarm not proceeding on the basics of a low number of local objectors. As with any developments they can been scrutinised as profit taking for the developer, and governments on a jointly basics.
This is not the case with windfarms as the developer is in general not supported by the government, and at a whim changes its guidelines in the approval process.
With this, and any proposed windfarms many hoops have to be jumped thru to gain approval, one being large application fees paid to councils who are happy to take the fees.
Windfarms contribute financially to the local areas by improving structure and community structure.
It is unfortunate that a small group can halt progress purely by citing visual, sound and "hey my neighbours making money out of this and I'm not" type of people.
Come to Sydney and see what Mike (the Builder)Baird is doing to Sydney.

Dear Commissioners,

I support this project. It is imperative that wind energy is developed as quickly as possible. This project looks very reasonable and will help to reduce our emissions.
Yours sincerely

I support the development of wind energy as part of my acceptance of renewable energy sources in Australia.
1. Wind energy projects are particularly suited to the Crookwell region.
2. Further the wind energy industry is now more receptive to models of development which will benefit communities rather than individuals. The call for submissions such as this show a willingness for governments (and behind them developers and 'activists') to listen to community concerns and seek to address them.
3. I am a member of the Australian Wind Alliance and proud to be so. My 'profile' also includes being an ALP member and a member of the Anglican community in Goulburn.

I object to the Crookwell 3 amendments.
I understand the suggested changes are intended to reduce the impacts of the wind farm. How can this be the case when the devices will have much larger blades and more powerful turbines? Surely this means greater turbine noise including a higher proportion of the noise being the more dangerous infrasound and low frequency noise. This development should not be allowed.

As a Canberra resident I support the ACT governments commitment to the increased use of renewable energy sources and think it is great that the Crookwell project has been selected as one of the suppliers.

As a farmer I believe wind farm projects like the Crookwell project provide significant benefits to both the landowners hosting turbines and the community a whole. The additional income will help farmers improve their farming systems and profitability (so they pay more tax for education and health and other essential services) and help them become less reliant on external sources of assistance in difficult times like drought. In my view it is likely that a large proportion of the income received will be reinvested into the farms via local businesses creating jobs and economic prosperity in the area.

Wind farms have no impact on farm business operations, significantly benefit the environment and are a sensible part of the electricity supply mix.

A large part of the property I grew up on is now an open cut coal mine and I have seen first hand the irreversible damage that mining to produce coal fired power can cause. The paddocks I roamed on as kid will never be rehabilitated or returned to their pre mining state and the ever decreasing pool of productive agricultural land is, in my view, going to have long term ramifications for Australian prosperity.

We need to promote and encourage activities like wind farms that can supply an essential product while having little or no "real" adverse impact on farms or the local community.

"I support it"
submission relates to DPE's two projects - "RE: Crookwell 2 Wind Farm - MOD 2 AND Crookwell 3 Wind Farm"
Clean energy

The Crookwell Wind Farm is expected to generate 659 Gigawatt hours (GWh) per annum. This is enough electricity to power 101,000 homes,

It is estimated that the carbon footprint of the wind farm will be paid back in twelve months.

Crookwell's strong and consistent wind makes a wind farm an efficient use of agricultural land. A solar farm would need to cover about 750 ha's with solar panels to produce the same amount of energy as this project. By contrast, this project impacts just 100 ha's of the total project site of 3,588 ha's.

Farming

Local farmers will receive about $600,000 every year for the next 25 years, either in lease payments or through neighbour agreements. This will dramatically increase the financial resilience of the local farming economy and help farmers manage periods of drought and fickle commodity prices.

The construction of the wind farm and associated infrastructure will have negligible impact on continued grazing activities. Where possible, the wind farm will upgrade existing farm tracks and all electrical cabling within the wind farm will run underground.

Local economic benefits

The Crookwell Wind Farm is a $320 million project. It has the potential to add economic value of $130 million in NSW.

The project will create 120 jobs in the region during the construction phase, significantly increasing the number of people living and working in the area.

20 ongoing full time roles will be created in operations and maintenance, providing long term job opportunities for locals

More people working in the community improves the future of local schools and sporting teams and means more money being spent in the community - which stimulates business and creates jobs.

There will be a direct injection of over $1 million per year to the local community through payments to landholders, permanent staff, local councils, and the community.

There will be an annual contribution of $2,500 (adjusted annually to changes in the CPI) per operating turbine to the Upper Lachlan Shire's Community Enhancement Fund to be spent on community projects in vicinity of project area. This equates to an annual contribution of $140,000 to the direct benefit of community projects in the local area.

Local Amenity

The developer is required to make good on any road damage incurred through the construction period. Experience from other wind farms in Australia strongly indicates that local council roads are actually improved by the presence of a wind farm.

Significant additional traffic will only occur during the construction period with operation and maintenance adding little additional traffic to local roads.

The planning for this project has required additional flora and fauna surveys to be completed, adding to understanding of the natural value of the area.
A reduction of 19 wind turbines, reducing the total from 75 to 56, which is expected to further guard natural value.

Water

Unlike coal-burning power plants, wind farms use no water in their operation, leaving local rivers and creeks untouched.

On-site water usage during construction will be mitigated by minimising vegetation clearance, retaining all contaminated stormwater and process wastewater on-site and locating stockpiles away from drainage lines and in areas least susceptible to wind erosion.

I object to this submission as almost every criteria used to evaluate it is flawed, biased toward the proponent at the expense of the local community, disregards peer reviewed data and evidence for convenience and continually mis represents NHMRC statements to the proponent's benefit. Further detailed evidence will be presented to the PAC.

I support the construction and use of the proposed 2 and 3 wind farm projects Crookwell. I am familiar with this area and live near the existing similar developments just to the north of Bungendore. We are proud to have these nearby.

I am writing to strongly support the proposed Crookwell 2 Wind Farm - MOD 2 and Crookwell 3 Wind Farm for the following reasons
1. Projects such as these are vital in reducing our carbon emissions and moving Australia to a zero carbon country. For states that have set strong carbon emissions reduction targets, these projects play a significant role in helping to achieve those goals.
2. The impact on usage of space in the farming area is minimal.
3. The wind source in the area is strong and consistent in the area, which would make it a reliable energy source for the estimated 101,000 homes it is expected this project could supply electricity to.
4. Because farmers will receive payment for use of the land, this will help them remain financially resilient.
5. There is a significant benefit to the local community through jobs that will be created with the construction and maintenance of the wind turbines as well as jobs in the community in schools and businesses.
6. Water in the area is protected as wind farms, unlike coalmines, do not require water in their maintenance, hence local fauna and the local community benefit from clean water sources.

RE: Crookwell 2 Wind Farm - MOD 2 AND Crookwell 3 Wind Farm"
We are writing to strongly support the proposed Crookwell 2 Wind Farm - MOD 2 and Crookwell 3 Wind Farm for the following reasons
1. Projects such as these are vital in reducing our carbon emissions and moving Australia to a zero carbon country. For states that have set strong carbon emissions reduction targets, these projects play a significant role in helping to achieve those goals.
2. The impact on usage of space in the farming area is minimal.
3. The wind source in the area is strong and consistent in the area, which would make it a reliable energy source for the estimated 101,000 homes it is expected this project could supply electricity to.
4. Because farmers will receive payment for use of the land, this will help them remain financially resilient.
5. There is a significant benefit to the local community through jobs that will be created with the construction and maintenance of the wind turbines as well as jobs in the community in schools and businesses.
6. Water in the area is protected as wind farms, unlike coalmines, do not require water in their maintenance, hence local fauna and the local community benefit from clean water sources.

"RE: Crookwell 2 Wind Farm - MOD 2 AND Crookwell 3 Wind Farm"
Economic: At best I'm an armchair youtube economist. I would refer to Ken Henry's quote at the start of the GFC `Go early, go hard and go households'. Although we are not in a downturn, those events are always around the corner. Building operating windfarms in rural area supplies much needed money to farmers, local business that keep these rural centres resilient.

Community: In the early 90's I worked as a police officer in places such as Redfern, Cabramatta. I take great interest in social justice, community resilience because I have witnessed first hand those distressed communities. When people are jobless or have low job expectations, low educational prospects, low health outcome, those people affect a community's sense of hope. Communities need economic activity to create jobs, and look after its citizens.


Strategic: The political landscape is always uncertain and unpredictable. The election of Donald Trump may have unforeseen consequences to Australia's economic and defence positions. His economic, defensive isolationist policy has the potential to change geopolitical landscape. It is of national importance we secure our energy sources. Wind power occupies a small footprint allowing agricultural practice to continue; it allows for energy security for our towns, household and importantly the high energy needs of industry.regarding wind power are at best exaggerated. I'm concerned as a former Police officer as we had to be on guard for vexatious claims. One could not take these matters to a court of law as legal repercussions against the officer and others concerned were significant and this is not taking into account the ethical dimension. We have lost sight of science, facts and government

Air pollution: The air particle pollution from coal fired plants should be enough to warrant sufficient public concern. This pollution is the cause of major respiratory, coronary disease. Health concerns departments through political influence has been embracing pseudo science that has no place in our legal system.

Climate Change: It's real and is caused by human activity. Although I'm pessimistic about the 2 degree target, our society needs to move towards mitigating the effects of climate change. We are rapidly approaching the point where burning fossil fuels in particular burning of coal for electricity production will have to stop. If we don't make that decision it will be made for us by foreign states through coercive tariffs and other trade restrictions.

Currently the state's energy needs are around 12000 megawatts of which is mostly met by burning black coal. We need more higher capacity wind turbines, and electrical infrastructure to support that development to meet our states energy needs.

I support the amendment to the development application of Crookwell 3 Windfarm. As a ardent supporter of renewable energy and particularly wind energy I see the Development of Crookwell 3 as an important addition to the local area. Wind farms are so compatible with agriculture. The impact on farming practices is minimal but the economic benefits ensure not only the viability of the farm but also the small town community in which it is situated. I also believe that it is vital for us pursue renewable sources to ensure our electricity supply.Polluting the planet and affecting peoples health by mining and burning coal is not sustainable. We need to promote viable alternatives.

My submission is in regards to both Crookwell 2 wind farm Mod 2 and Crookwell 3 wind farm.

I am a close neighbor of the Gullen Range wind farm with our house 1.7km from the closest turbine and many more turbines surrounding us. We are quite happy living here. We hear the turbines sometimes but are not bothered by the noise. We find the turbines quite magestic to look at. We are not sick as a result of the turbines. We also do not receive any money from the wind farm.

I am in strong support of both the Crookwell 2 and Crookwell 3 wind farms and think the wind farms and their modifications should be approved. Wind farms are an essential component to help mitigate the impacts of human induced climate change. We are already feeling the effects of climate change and we must be very pro active in our approach to minimise how much more it can impact on the planet.

The wind farms are a great source of employment for the region with jobs both during the construction phase as well as on going through the life time of the wind farms. The jobs are a great injection to the local economy. This is enhanced further by the Community Enhancement Fund which brings even further invigoration to the community.

There will be a lot of objections to ththe we wind farms I am sure. I urge you to please see these objections objectively. There is good science to support that good community consultation can really enhance community support for wind farms. I urge that this be strongly encouraged so that the community can all benefit from these wind farms.

These words are essential for our local economy, our national budget and our global climate. May this please be taken into consideration when reviewing submissions for these wind farms.

Thank you

RE: Crookwell 2 Wind Farm - MOD 2 AND Crookwell 3 Wind Farm

I have lived in the Goulburn area for 16 years and one of the attractions was the Crookwell wind farm. It showed me that in our little part of the world, we can be providing solutions to tackle climate change, helping our society move towards greater sustainability, whilst providing clean energy jobs and community benefits to the area.

Whilst some wind farms in the past have treated the community with contempt and basically not done any community consultation, my understanding is that this project will not be done the same way and bring the host community along with the project.

We need change the conversation from being pro/anti a particular technology, and focus on how to build these great projects in a manner that provides the maximum benefits for the immediate community, and the greater community.