Crookwell 3 Wind Farm

I'd like to see the wind farm project go ahead, both for the local jobs it will provide, and for the clean energy

Community Energy for Goulburn supports the modifications that are proposed for the Crookwell 3 Wind Farm to bring it up to date with current technological advances since the original design was approved. The process for approving the farm has been drawn out that the original technology has now been overtaken by better technology that will improve the efficiency of the wind farm. We support the modification to the application.

As I have family in Germany, I visit Europe every two to three years. Each time my family gets together and we go bicycle riding for several hundred kilometers from one place to another. Each time we use a different route but each time we come pass windfarms.
It is interesting to read the objections and knowing what the reality is like. Noise has never been a problem, often you can hardly hear anything. as a matter of fact I have not heard of any detrimental health impacts from locals. Some may find their appearance unpleasant, but we always look at things critical and each time find them much better looking than for example any power station.
Many areas became revitalised with the windmills and that in itself should be a good reason to have as many as possible windmills installed.
It always feels like being the poor cousine to show visitors around if ones country is not engaging in clean renewable energy.

RE: Crookwell 2 Wind Farm - MOD 2 AND Crookwell 3 Wind Farm
We cannot continue to burn any coal to produce electricity - this is the overwhelming position I encounter when I read about climate change and energy quite regularly. The starting point is the consensus on anthropogenic climate change amongst 97% of climate scientists and their research. Working through further analysis the economic benefits of renewable energy over all other forms of energy production are clear, let alone the benefits for the planet. I fully support this.
Speaking as a local young person who has at times struggled to find secure employment, this project should be strongly supported on the basis of providing career opportunities for local youth. Many rural/regional communities lose young people each year as they finish school or university studies to head to the cities to find work. This project will bring employment to our region, which will assist in stimulating our communities and retaining young people.
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.
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.
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.
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.

The Goulburn Group Inc (TGG) is a community association established in 2007 to progress and support projects that provide for climate adaptation and mitigation across the southern region. TGG has been involved most recently in completing a feasibility study on a community owned solar farm in Goulburn city. As such we are committed to the uptake of clean energy and the benefits that large scale projects bring to regional communities like Goulburn and Crookwell.

We believe that NSW must play its part in facilitating clean energy infrastructure to prepare us for the future. According to the NSW Renewable Energy Action Plan, NSW is well short of the target of 8 GW of wind power to meet its own renewable energy target. The southern region hosts some of the best wind resources in Australia and we support well designed wind farms with strong community involvement in the planning process to harness this resource.

TGG also believes that income from wind farms strengthen our agricultural sector both farms and the service economy. A strong food and fibre industry in Australia is critical to our future security as a nation and as a region.

TGG has a broad regional focus and has identified strong on ground support for wind farms across the southern region despite the activity of wind opponents. People increasingly understand the desirability of clean energy and the economic and environmental benefits that wind power brings to agriculture and regional economies.

As the economic centre of the region Goulburn benefits substantially from the employment opportunities and flow on effects to a range of businesses during both construction and maintenance phases of wind farms. The fact that Crookwell 2 has successfully secured a bid in the latest ACT wind auction validates the high standard of design and community consultation that has accompanied this project.

TGG is impressed by the improved community benefit sharing measures being undertaken in the Crookwell 2 & 3 development. We are also impressed by the modification that will see more efficient technology and high environmental protections for flora and fauna.

TGG has strong relationships in the Crookwell area and has no hesitation in supporting this development and proposed modification.

regards
Mhairi Fraser, President, TGG.

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

My interest in this Application is as a recent Federal Election Greens candidate for the division of Hume. Although unsuccessful in that election I maintain an interest in the affairs of and a commitment to the people of the electorate.

Southern Tablelands agriculture is already experiencing negative impacts of climate change, for example in shortened growing seasons and increased weed infestation. It is therefore apposite that the region actively participates in the reduction of CO2 emissions through the generation of clean energy.

Crookwell has not experienced the level of economic and social decay that some other NSW towns have, but it is not thriving. There are numbers of disadvantaged people within Crookwell and surrounding areas who will have opportunities for employment directly relating to the Applicant's project, or as flow on from the project.

The Goulburn, Crookwell, Boorowa triangle is becoming an Australian centre for renewable energy development and implementation. There are considerations underway for a renewable energy educational and research institute in Goulburn. Approval of the Applicant's project will add impetus to the establishment of a Southern Tablelands centre of excellence for renewable energy, with concomitant flow on of social and economic benefits.

We object to the proposed amendment primarily on visual impact grounds. We live in Mt Fairy where we are already facing the possibility of significant visual impact of the Jupiter wind farm. The methodology for assessing visual impact needs to be made fairer to those wind farms directly affect.

The methodology used in the Crookwell 3 amended application is inconsistent with empirical research findings in relation to the visual impact of wind farms. Visual impact is based on the visual values of the employed consultants. Research has shown that visual values of employed professionals on such tasks is profoundly different from those of members of the public who will be affected. The application appears to claim a benefit that a lesser number of turbines will have a lesser impact. However, 23 turbines at a height of 157 metres, added to the cumulative impact of the already established Crookwell wind farm, and Crookwell 2, creates a significant visual impact for those people who will see and hear the 23 turbines for many years.

Re: Crookwell 2 Windfarm Modification and Crookwell 3 Windfarm Variation
I have read through the documentation prepared by the proponent and consider that the documentation encompasses a comprehensive assessment of noise and other environmental impacts arising from the proposals.
In particular, I note that the proponent has not relied upon the "reasonable and feasible" provisions of the Industrial Noise Policy for the projects to comply with the noise limit guidelines.
I also note that the noise critieria is based upon compliance with acheiving a noise level of 35dB(A) Leq. This level of noise will protect the amenity and intrusiveness of noise emitted by the proposed wind turbines.
I would also add that the sustainability of electricity generation in NSW is dependent upon renewable energy sources. The sustainability of the existing coal fired power generation plant in NSW and the scientifically established health effects arising from the combustion of coal mean that it is essential that NSW establish renewable energy sources. The proposed wind farms will assist NSW in this regard.
The recent South Australian experience has shown that renewable energy is not the major issue with reliability of supply portrayed by some. The regulator must provide a regulatory framework which does not discriminate against renewable sources and cause these to be seen negatively by the community without being justified.

Dear Sirs,

I am writing this submission to express my strong support for the Crookwell 2&3 wind farm projects.I strongly believe the flow on benefits provided by these projects far outweighs the perceived problems expressed in submissions from objectors.
Some of the more vocal objectors of this particular project do not live full time in the immediate area and have threatened Windfarm hosts with legal action because of potential noise nuisance.These people are full time residents of Sydney and have weekend farms in the area of the project mostly within a 10km radius.If this were a local government election would they be entitled to vote? They are not full time residents of the locality and their political ,social and community interests lie in the areas they reside in. I ask that the department of planning take submissions on local issues like Crookwell2&3 windfarms from full time residents of the affected locality only. These particular objectors have used their influence to whip up undue levels of disquiet amongst the mostly naive community members, so as to protect their investment from perceived negative land values , disproven health effects and visual amenity. They have whipped up fear amongst some of the least informed characters posing as saviours or guardians of the landscape. They endeavour to derail sensible discussion at community consultation meetings with constant and ignorant questions to the pannel.They only spend a few weekends a year enjoying their properties and they won't see or hear the turbines from their farms OR their Sydney residences.I am a full time resident of the affected area. I am a farmer with a young family .I am a host to proposed turbines and I am proud to be doing my bit to help in the transition to renewable energy in global effort to reduce carbon emissions from electricity production.
Yours Sincerely
Matthew Donoghoe.

Dear Sirs,

I am writing this submission to express my strong support for the Crookwell 2&3 wind farm projects.I strongly believe the flow on benefits provided by these projects far outweighs the perceived problems expressed in submissions from objectors.
Some of the more vocal objectors of this particular project do not live full time in the immediate area and have threatened Windfarm hosts with legal action because of potential noise nuisance.These people are full time residents of Sydney and have weekend farms in the area of the project mostly within a 10km radius.If this were a local government election would they be entitled to vote? They are not full time residents of the locality and their political ,social and community interests lie in the areas they reside in. I ask that the department of planning take submissions on local issues like Crookwell2&3 windfarms from full time residents of the affected locality only. These particular objectors have used their influence to whip up undue levels of disquiet amongst the mostly naive community members, so as to protect their investment from perceived negative land values , disproven health effects and visual amenity. They have whipped up fear amongst some of the least informed characters posing as saviours or guardians of the landscape. They endeavour to derail sensible discussion at community consultation meetings with constant and ignorant questions to the pannel.They only spend a few weekends a year enjoying their properties and they won't see or hear the turbines from their farms OR their Sydney residences.I am a full time resident of the affected area. I am a farmer with a young family .I am a host to proposed turbines and I am proud to be doing my bit to help in the transition to renewable energy in global effort to reduce carbon emissions from electricity production.
Yours Sincerely
Matthew Donoghoe.

This project provides significant economic benefits to the region and the local community.
In addition to this it injects much needed clean energy into NSW. Maybe some of the older generation are more concerned with the view than carbon dioxide, but I'm young enough that climate change is going to affect me and my children directly.

The Australian Wind Alliance has lodged a full submission to the Crookwell 2 Wind Farm modification, where we have addressed issues that may arise with the Crookwell 3 Wind Farm. We have treated the 2 projects as 1 project for this public exhibition.

This submission is in the form of an objection.
As a family that lives within 5 kms of an existing wind farm and now have a separate proposed wind farm sited on the other side of our property, we strongly feel that this should not be allowed to continue.
We experience noise and infra-sound problems from the existing wind farm and find it hard for proponents to continue to inflict such ailments to neighbouring properties and their families.
With more and more research showing that these industrial wind farms cause more problems than not, why are we continuing to push for this type of power???
If changes to the original development application are needed then the proponent should be forced to start again and not simply continue to be allowed to apply for modification after modification.

I am in full support of the Crookwell windfarms including the new amendments. This region is a fantastic area for wind energy and is growing expertise and jobs in this field. The wind industry is working much better and is supporting the farming community and the community as a whole. We need to be changing to renewable energy for so many reasons and to see the growth in broader community support for this position is heartening. I and my family, as well as many in our community, are investing in solar panels and battery technologies to do our small part to address the problems we are facing. We need a diversity of sustainable energy options to make these changes we need to do as a planet. Please support our planet and allow this process to proceed.

I am in full support of the Crookwell windfarms including the new amendments. This region is a fantastic area for wind energy and is growing expertise and jobs in this field. The wind industry is working much better and is supporting the farming community and the community as a whole. We need to be changing to renewable energy for so many reasons and to see the growth in broader community support for this position is heartening. I and my family, as well as many in our community, are investing in solar panels and battery technologies to do our small part to address the problems we are facing. We need a diversity of sustainable energy options to make these changes we need to do as a planet. Please support our planet and allow this process to proceed.

I support the wind farm. There is no evidence of harmful health effects from wind farms, and vast evidence for the harmful effects (health and environmental) of coal mining.

"RE: Crookwell 2 Wind Farm - MOD 2 AND Crookwell 3 Wind Farm"
Windfarms are great because they provide local jobs which is great for the economies of Goulburn, Crookwell and surrounding areas. Also, no pollution and it provides energy security so that we don't have to rely solely on coal or solar or gas.

Please accept our following concerns regarding the Crookwell 3 windfarm. We have summarised them as much as possible and put our view in point form;

1. Proximity - We are the southern boundary adjoining landowner with approximately 1.6km of boundary fence line. The proposed wind turbines are initially only approximately 150m off the fence line. Therefore, the shadowing effect, noise and visual are absolutely direct. Out of all the community, our property has the highest impact when compared to those kilometres away. We highlight our proximity as our following arguments are amplified due to the proximity. We are also one of the largest landholding within the immediate area and will also have the most effect on our value of land and future use of the land when compared to other smaller blocks.

2. Shadow/Flicker - The diagrams clearly illustrate that our land is highly effected. The easterly rising sun will forever be changed as the shadow reach is extreme. This impact will affect the future use of a huge amount of our land for ever. We are sure that most families would not want to live everyday with the flicker shadow affect in their homes, regardless of the actual time as it would occur every day of the year. It is unfair to make some of our best land for views basically worthless and uninhabitable. The future use of our land will change forever.

3. Noise - The proposed larger turbines are considerably much noisier than the existing ones within the district. Again, due to the turbines proximity, a large section of our land will become void for domestic purposes. The larger turbines would certainly change the current quiet rural atmosphere.

4. Visual - Our picturesque trees and rural environment will change. The scale of the turbines is overwhelming. The height, width, number and movement of the turbines is equivalent to putting up several constantly moving skyscrapers over 30 stories high right next door. In our circumstance, the proposed turbines cannot be hidden at all.

5. Firefighting - Being a direct neighbour, the reduction in firefighting capabilities is of major concern. Where the turbines (A24,A25,A20,A22,A21,A16) are proposed is at a high point, within woodland and any fire embers would come straight to our property. Given the winds, I would never want to hinder the efforts of our firefighting teams or be responsible for imposing such limitiations on their efforts. There have been several cases that we should have learnt from, particularly recently in the Victorian fires.

Overall, we believe that for all the arguments against the wind turbines in the public domain, our property is affected the most. The proposal directly impacts our immediate future but also of our three children and their future use of the land. Our land is approximately 437ha and future dwellings will be limited due to this proposed windfarm. We believe that we are detrimentally affected, by turbines A24, A 25, A20, A22, A21 and A 16.

Yours sincerely,

Scott and Tui Macourt

Please accept our following concerns regarding the Crookwell 3 windfarm. We have summarised them as much as possible and put our view in point form;

1. Proximity - We are the southern boundary adjoining landowner with approximately 1.6km of boundary fence line. The proposed wind turbines are initially only approximately 150m off the fence line. Therefore, the shadowing effect, noise and visual are absolutely direct. Out of all the community, our property has the highest impact when compared to those kilometres away. We highlight our proximity as our following arguments are amplified due to the proximity. We are also one of the largest landholding within the immediate area and will also have the most effect on our value of land and future use of the land when compared to other smaller blocks.

2. Shadow/Flicker - The diagrams clearly illustrate that our land is highly effected. The easterly rising sun will forever be changed as the shadow reach is extreme. This impact will affect the future use of a huge amount of our land for ever. We are sure that most families would not want to live everyday with the flicker shadow affect in their homes, regardless of the actual time as it would occur every day of the year. It is unfair to make some of our best land for views basically worthless and uninhabitable. The future use of our land will change forever.

3. Noise - The proposed larger turbines are considerably much noisier than the existing ones within the district. Again, due to the turbines proximity, a large section of our land will become void for domestic purposes. The larger turbines would certainly change the current quiet rural atmosphere.

4. Visual - Our picturesque trees and rural environment will change. The scale of the turbines is overwhelming. The height, width, number and movement of the turbines is equivalent to putting up several constantly moving skyscrapers over 30 stories high right next door. In our circumstance, the proposed turbines cannot be hidden at all.

5. Firefighting - Being a direct neighbour, the reduction in firefighting capabilities is of major concern. Where the turbines (A24,A25,A20,A22,A21,A16) are proposed is at a high point, within woodland and any fire embers would come straight to our property. Given the winds, I would never want to hinder the efforts of our firefighting teams or be responsible for imposing such limitiations on their efforts. There have been several cases that we should have learnt from, particularly recently in the Victorian fires.

Overall, we believe that for all the arguments against the wind turbines in the public domain, our property is affected the most. The proposal directly impacts our immediate future but also of our three children and their future use of the land. Our land is approximately 437ha and future dwellings will be limited due to this proposed windfarm. We believe that we are detrimentally affected, by turbines A24, A 25, A20, A22, A21 and A 16.

Yours sincerely,

Scott and Tui Macourt

See Downloaded PDF format of submission.