Culcairn Solar Farm

THE LAND FOR PROPOSED SOLAR CONSTRUCTION WORKS IS PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND.

THIS LAND AT THE PRESENT TIME IS A VALUABLE FOOD BOWL.
THIS IS A VERY CONSISTENTLY SAFE AREA FOR CLIMATE AND RAINFALL FOR PRODUCTION OF FOOD SUPPLIES FOR THE NATION.

WHILE THE GREATER PROPORTION OF N.S.W. IS IN DROUGHT THIS AREA HAS PRODUCED MASSIVE CROPS FOR FOOD AND MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF HAY AND SILAGE FOR STOCK FEED AND RESULTED IN SOME OF THESE FARMERS MAKING HUGE DONATIONS TO DROUGHT AFFECTED AREAS.

KEEP SOLAR FARMS TO THE MORE ARID COUNTRY WHERE THERE IS MORE OPEN SPACE AND LESS DESTRUCTION OF TREES, VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE.
AS THERE ARE ALREADY SOLAR CONSTRUCTIONS IN THOSE AREAS THERE ARE OBVIOUSLY THE NECESSARY POWER LINES TO TAKE THE NEWLY GENERATED POWER TO OTHER LOCATIONS.
OWING TO THIS AREA'S PROXIMITY TO THE HUME WEIR IT IS ALSO PRONE TO FOGS WHICH CAN AT TIMES AFFECT THE AVAILABILITY OF SUN FOR THE ENTIRE DAY.

MY PROPERTY HAS TWO OF IT'S FOUR BOUNDARIES FLANKED BY TWO ROADS ON WHICH THE PROPOSED SOLAR FARMS HAVE STATED THEY WILL TRAVEL ALL TRUCKS AND MACHINERY ON THESE ROADS, CONSEQUENTLY THE NOISE, THE OVERLOAD OF WEAR AND TEAR ON THESE ROADS, THE INTENSE DISRUPTION, DUST AND INCONVENIENCE TO OUR ENTERPRISE IS INCONCEIVABLE. ON THE THIRD AND WESTERN BOUNDARY IS THE PROPOSED SIGHT FOR THE PROPOSED WALLA WALLA SOLAR CONSTRUCTION WHICH AT THIS POINT IN TIME IS NOT PROPOSING A VEGETATION SCREEN ON OUR WESTERN BOUNDARY, WHICH IS AGAIN, UNBELIEVABLE AS ALL THE HOT SUMMER WINDS AND IN FACT ALL THE DAMAGING WEATHER COMES FROM THE WEST/NORTH DIRECTION CAUSING SUCH DEBILITATING EFFECTS ON THE HEALTH OF LIVESTOCK, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER HEAT.

AS THIS IS PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND WE STRONGLY OPPOSE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR FARMS AT WALLA WALLA AND CULCAIRN..
FOR THESE PROJECTS FAR MORE SUITABLE LAND WOULD BE IN LESSER RAINFALL AREAS.

THE PROPOSED SOLAR FARMS TO DATE HAVE ALREADY CAUSED EXTREME DISTRESS TO MANY ADJACENT LANDHOLDERS AND IS IN DANGER OF CAUSING SERIOUS BREAKDOWNS WITH DIRE RESULTS AND ANGUISH FOR THE DISTRICT.

This project looks fantastic for the region. Clean renewable energy located near existing high voltage power lines.

I am in full support of the Culcairn Solar Farm as it offers so many positives for the local community of Culcairn and the Australia as we look to progress the way in renewal energy. As a father I look to the next generation and their future, we need to progress our thinking and use more natural resources and renewal energy. The Solar farms are able to produce both renewal energy and use the land for grazing sheep at the same time. This provides both in the agricultural and energy industries, so its a win for both. Lets not worry about superficial issues, of what it may look like, but instead look to the future and the positive influence it can have for the next generation.

Hi,
I've recently started thinking about our planet more, how were using up it's resources and how previously we should be treating it. I think that this solar farm is a small but wonderful way to help save our planet because solar is renewable energy, and is less destructive than the use of coal.
I'm not overly hank well versed in the topic, but I do truly believe in what it stands for.
Thank you for reading this!

Site Selection
• We are not opposed to renewable energy - but the placement of it
• Government planning to further assess already identified renewable energy zones is required
• Not all land is equal in terms of reliable agricultural production
• Transmission lines on flat land should not be the driving factor for renewable energy projects
• Increased reliance on imported food brings its own significant issues such as market volatility and biosecurity concerns
Agriculture
• Loss of productive crop land in reliable farming area
• Crops in our area provide hay, grain and grazing
• Potential to produce up to 12,400 tonnes of hay per year
• Could feed excess of 22,000 cattle in a normal feeding regime
• Fodder can help support fire and drought-affected areas including nearby Upper Murray
• Farmers undertaking current agricultural practices provide effective management for the health of the land
• Neighbouring farmers worried about impacts to their business, livestock and cropping production as per research
• Flow on long term loss to agricultural-related businesses
• Short term jobs during construction at long term expense to agriculture.
• Sheep grazing claims cannot compare to local productivity with cropping capabilities
Fire
• Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigade members seriously concerned about increased fire threat to neighbours and nearby towns
• WHS issues such as electrocution, entrapment and toxic exposure will prevent RFS members from combating fires inside the facility
• Development land mapped as bushfire prone near Culcairn and Walla Walla towns
• In close proximity to heavily treed Billabong Creek, stock reserve, Walla Gum Swamp, Culcairn Gas Pumping Station, pipeline and Culcairn Tip
• Hairy Panic accumulation around the panel s and high-security fencing may also be a major fire management issue.
Environment
• The area is a haven for wildlife particularly in the riparian areas of waterways
• Habitat and displacement of wildlife on the site from hollow logs
• Waterways nearby the site have significant frog populations, migratory birds and many species of flora and fauna including some threatened and vulnerable species
• 99 Paddock trees to be removed.
Visual Impact
• Solar infrastructure is visually confronting
• The notion that solar panels have a low visual profile is rejected
• Amazing rural outlook turned to an industrial site.
• Small tube stock tree lines will take years to grow
• Vegetation screening inadequate
• Proposed landscape changes causing neighbours mental anguish
• Greater Hume is supposed to be the shire to “Live a Greater Life”.
Picture: Colleambally Solar Vs the currently pleasing agricultural outlook at Culcairn
Roads/Traffic
• Noise, dust and road pressures from 300 passenger vehicle movements and 100 heavy vehicle movements during peak construction
• Compound road pressures if Walla Walla and Culcairn projects go ahead
• 16 to 18 months disruption for construction at the proposed Culcairn site
• Financial and safety risks to roads

I support the Culcairn Solar Farm because I believe Australia urgently needs to transition away from relying on coal power to renewable energy sources. Now, more than ever, Australians young and old are worried as climate change threatens our energy supply and Australia’s agricultural future. Through the Culcairn Solar Farm, the Greater Hume Shire has the opportunity to allow clean, renewable, energy that supports sustainable agriculture.

Benefits of the Culcairn Solar Farm

The Culcairn Solar Farm will provide many benefits in addition to cleaner, cheaper energy to the local area and beyond. There will be a large amount of jobs created during the construction phase with opportunities for training new apprentices. Further economic benefits will flow on to the surrounding communities, especially local contractors and service providers. Neoen has shown its intention to be invested in our local communities for the long-term through its Community Benefit Fund which will provide $150,000 annually to the towns of Walla Walla and Culcairn during the lifetime of the project. This money is much needed in these towns and can be used to fund roads, infrastructure, services, education, and more.

The Greater Hume Shire Council

I attended the council meeting where the Greater Hume Shire (GHS) council voted against the solar farm proposal and I spoke in support of the project. I encourage the independent panel members to watch the livestream recording of this meeting on Youtube at <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX4RTJK2aP4>. During this meeting, the incompetence of the Greater Hume Shire’s elected representatives is visible. Many councillors displayed their lack of knowledge about the Culcairn Solar Farm, showing they clearly had not (nor cared to) read Neoen’s Environmental Impact Statement. Moreover, the Councillors were relying on information provided in the Director of Planning’s report which was inaccurate and negatively biased against the Culcairn Solar Farm. I do not believe that certain GHS council member’s votes were derived from an independent assessment of the merits of this project. Rather, the council’s vote was reactionary and biased against this project, as it has been for two other renewable energy projects prior to this. I do not believe that the GHS council’s decision should be afforded much weight while deciding the outcome of this project as they have proven themselves to be ignorant in many aspects of renewable energy technology.

The False Binary: Food vs Fuel

“We are not opposed to renewable energy but the placement of it” had become the tag-line and leading argument for those opposed to the proposed Culcairn Solar Farm. The anti-solar campaign and the media have capitalised on the fears of members of this community by creating a false binary between agriculture and energy. This is misleading and factually inaccurate. The Culcairn Solar Farm will not force a choice between agriculture or energy. There are many innovative ways in which food and energy production can coexist. In other parts of the country farmers have been able to run sheep underneath solar panels at similar capacity to conventional farms. Renewable energy can be paired with agriculture in innovative ways that will be more sustainable than conventional agriculture in the long term. In my opinion, the arguments of the anti-solar campaign are simply reactionary and inadequate in addressing the pressing climate crisis.

Conclusion

The proposed site of the Culcairn Solar Farm is optimal for solar farming and agriculture to coexist together. This is a prime opportunity for New South Wales to further its transition toward renewable energy in line with Australia’s international commitments with the Paris Agreement. I support the Culcairn Solar Farm because it will benefit not just my local communities, but the rest of Australia and the world.

This solar farm is very important and must go ahead. Please allow this to happen. Solar is the future and we must say YES

Australia needs more renewable energy sources as coal is a finite resource. This project would be a positive contribution to the production of renewable energy in Australia and the land is ideally suited for a solar farm as it is flat and receives a lot of sunlight.

I support Australian renewable energy!

I am so sad about this very large proposal for Culcairn and Walla Walla. It is way too big for this area and will make an absolute mess of the land. Solar panels are very ugly, industrial and so many of them will ruin the whole area. I know a family that lives next to the property and they are devastated and very stressed about how this will affect them. I know that the land proposed for the Culcairn Solar Farm grows excellent crops and has made a lot of hay. I was able to obtain additional work last year from a business undertaking farm work in hay and harvest season.
Agriculture is the lifeblood of our country towns, it provides employment for many not just on the farms themselves but there are so many agricultural businesses that enjoy the benefit of the flow on effect. Every year a new crop is sown, this brings expenditure and the commodities that feed us all. These commodities are then sent all over the place to produce our food. Food doesn’t come in packets to start, it is grown but the people that put it in packets have a job all because of the farmer and there are so many people involved in the process between the farm gate and the supermarket. Less produce will increase prices and less produce affects jobs. We know when there is a storm in queensland that banana prices go up. What about the drought, where will our food come from if it continues. Will we have to buy it overseas and lose the employment here? Milk is so expensive overseas, what if our dairy farmers can’t buy hay? If our livestock can’t get food then meat will be more expensive as there will be less of them. I think this is a reason to put solar farms in other areas that cannot produce food, especially the big ones as they take up far too much good land.
I have heard there are many other issues such as fires and it is scary to be so close to the Billabong Creek. What if toxic chemicals get into the creek, will people or livestock get sick? Will it kill animals? After what we have seen with nearby fires we do not need the added danger, people in our area were so severely affected and RSF members lost lives. We do not need this risk and Culcairn is so close if there is a fire the town could be at risk.
And what happens to all the wildlife near the creek and in the waterways. You shouldn’t take away the trees and logs.
There are concerns about heat, flooding, loss of environment and aesthetic impact to neighbours. There is not enough research. The company is not doing enough to screen the ugly development from surrounding neighbours and their mental health should be an important consideration with such industrialisation to the community.

I drive on the roads that will be affected all the time and believe that increased trucks and cars moving through Culcairn and on local roads could cause increased risks within the towns eg school children and also cause road damage which will create a financial impact on Council. I know there are many school buses on Cummings road and worry about the children.

Most importantly I believe that this extremely large solar plant should be placed in arid non productive land with little agricultural capacity and minimal impact on neighbouring communities. There are significant amounts of land in the west and north of NSW, and renewable energy zones that could be developed for renewable energy projects and the NSW Government should be undertaking serious infrastructure projects to allow this to occur.

My family has been shocked by the massive size of the solar development and our home could be surrounded by 1,100,000 solar panels which is extremely stressful for us all.
The area of the Culcairn Solar Farm is on productive cropping land that our area is lucky to have when most of the rest of the state is in drought. This development will reduce the amount of hay and grain available for livestock as well as agricultural work in our area through the loss of grain.
I believe that the best farms in our country should be kept as farms for food and solar farms should be put on arid land that cannot grow anything. The size of the Culcairn Solar Farm is far too great a loss to food production and this land is prime agricultural land that provides food and fodder.
I have watched the crops grow well here and know that even in a drought year it yields well. This area is very lucky to have good conditions with rainfall and you don’t have to drive too far away and the ground is bare. Head towards Canberra and it looks terrible but here we have stubble for feed and plenty of hay. Out west they have no water. This area has recently provided massive amounts of hay to northern NSW drought and fire areas that have no feed. On the property to be developed I helped producing a lot of hay, making stacks, and loading many many trucks. The work of agriculture in turn creates more employment opportunities and I think the loss of this land wilI affect the whole community. Hay will be in shortage again this year as many areas have not been able to make hay due to the drought. I have many friends that are involved in agriculture in this area and believe the loss of this land is a loss of opportunity for the future. Agricultural businesses local and further afield will lose work from this development and it will affect employment.
The solar construction will only be for a short time and offer some extra jobs but afterwards agriculture will be lost for a very long time.
We have an amazing dam near our house that leads down a waterway near where I have a few pigs. I am worried I will have to walk in close proximity to the solar panels every day to feed them. Will this affect my health?
Animals, birds and trees will be affected with such a big construction and loss of habitat. The dam is full of birds and frogs and we have a lot of other wildlife in the area especially on the Billabong Creek which is the longest creek in the world. The huge construction project will create havoc and displace many species that may be threatened or vulnerable. This waterway leads to our lagoon that has heaps of birds and we have seen brolgas and other different migratory birds that are different. We often see eagles and lots of owls.
I wonder if we have a season with high rainfall or a flood will toxic substances end up on our property or in the Billabong creek.
We are very scared about other issues like bushfires, heat impacts to neighbouring crops, how this will affect livestock, health and very importantly the mental health of our community.
The conflict has been terrible. I have been forced not to talk about this issue at school. These solar farms have created a very stressful situation in our community causing conflict and it is really all about money which is wrong. We should be thinking about feeding people not making money. I am currently in year 12 and do not need any extra stress whilst trying to complete my higher school certificate.
I know the mental stress of thinking about how my families home may be totally changed forever surrounded by millions of solar panels. Our family has worked very hard to build a great home and make ourselves strong to cope with farming issues and I understand that the many neighbouring families around this development will see the same problems. Some are my good friends.
I think there will be many other issues that may impact the area if a solar farm goes ahead. My family operates a contracting business and will be affected by a loss of income due to the reduced work available. I know of other contractors that will also lose year in year out work. Farm supply businesses and machinery dealers will lose sales.

Please read the attached, I absolutely object to the Culcairn Solar Development, the size is ridiculous.

Australia needs to invest in solar power and other renewable energies. Opponents of this project say the solar farm would be taking up prime agricultural land. They think the land should be used for agricultural production not for energy production. There is plenty of other agriculturally suitable land around the area, but land suitable for solar panel farms is not so readily available. Renewable energy needs to be a priority. Australia does not struggle in agricultural production and more emphasis needs to be put on renewable energy sources, where Australia is lacking.

I support renewable energy

I object to the Culcairn Solar Farm SSD 10288 as it is destroying my future
I am the first of the fifth generation to have the privilege of farming the land that our family has worked so hard to hand down since 1909. Our farming has been successful not only through our hard work but as the land is fertile, highly productive and is a safe rainfall area. My parents and grandparents have worked hard to expand our opportunities and increase our land size to support us all.
The land suggested for the Culcairn Solar farm is excellent cropping land and has made huge amounts of hay and grain providing for many drought and fire affected farmers when they have nothing. Cumulative effects of drought, fire and minimal water allocations have increased food demand and food protection for our country is very important. We do not believe the assessment of the agricultural land given in the EIS and now understand that Council has confirmed this land will be mapped as Important Agricultural Land. Land in this area should therefore be constrained from solar development. We know this land is prime agricultural land and have proven it with our production figures especially in a drought year.
I understand that solar farms are also important but their location should not impact on important food requirements for society. Solar farms should be placed on arid, non productive land and the Government should make infrastructure available for this to occur. It is not right to make a problem to try to solve another problem.
I have serious concerns about the increased risk of bushfire this solar plant may have on our community and the neighbours. It is not fair to put increased risk on RFS members. I was recently at the Jingellic fire where we lost a member of a local brigade. It was devastating for many including myself. I never want to see another person carried away from a catastrophic event. No person should be put at increased risk from a development. I believe that fire hazards and the fact the RFS members will not enter this development should be referred to the RFS commissioner. It is not enough to consider a fire management plan after a development is approved, that is too late. The commissioner must know that RFS members will not enter these sites as they pose a real risk to peoples lives especially in this bushfire prone location. RFS members do not enter HAZMAT events as they have no training or equipment nor as volunteers do they want it. The fact that RFS members will only fight a fire from outside the development puts everyone surrounding the development at increased risk including the towns. There are too many hazards nearby such as the gas pipeline and pumping station, the local lands travelling stock reserve, the Culcairn tip, and Gum Swamp which is covered with trees.
I have concerns for my parents if this development goes ahead and am not sure my mum could stay living here as it will destroy her mental health but then my dad would struggle to leave our fifth generation farm. This could destroy my family and I believe this development will destroy many things. I don’t think mum will be able to go outside and see the destruction and the ugly panels. My nanny will no longer be able to walk down her track with the kids and dogs as it is right next to the solar panels. We will all hate it and Im not sure how we will all be able to continue working outside around the farm with the disgusting looking industrial eyesore around us. The company have offered only minimal tree lines mostly 1 tree in only a few locations that will do nothing, our peaceful country property will never be the same. We are very worried about how our production will be affected, we are worried about heat on our crops, especially in spring, livestock impacts when lambing and calving, dust and other issues like weeds.
We will have to put up with industrial noise from construction, and high pitched electrical noises from motors, inverters and BESS, even at night. I have always been a poor sleeper taking melatonin at night from a childhood age and wonder if the noises will stop me from sleeping. We like the peace and quiet and love our home. It is so close to the development.
We have a huge frontage and will have significant loss but contrary to what is stated in the EIS that landowners are receiving $200 - $300000 we have had no offer of compensation except a measly $15000 construction disruption payment that will do nothing in view of our impacts to our large frontage and 3 homes. The company wont even give us the courtesy of clearly advising what the disruptions will be. They have not ever talked to my grandparents which is so disrespectful as Poppy has lived here all his life.
The loss of our lease on this land will cause loss of income to our family and the loss of production and related expenditure will flow on to agricultural business and suppliers in our local area and region. We will lose contracting work as may others and employment on our farm may be affected.
There have been many lies told and we have been treated unfairly which has been so very difficult for our family who chose not to partake in this development through care for our land and other people around us.
This development just has far too many impacts and hazards in this location. The development is huge and cannot be justified near so many family homes and close to towns on prime agricultural land.
I most strongly object.

I 100% support the Culcairn Solar Farm. As a young person of this community my future is in constant threat as climate change becomes more and more irreversible by the day. I believe now is the time to start making large and positive changes to have impactful climate action results, and the Culcairn Solar farm is exactly the change that is needed. As non-renewable energy companies drain Australia of resources it is imperative that the government looks towards renewable energy to continue the very much needed power supply demand of this country. The Culcairn Solar farm is the perfect opportunity to blend agricultural with energy, with benefits rippling through the community in both economic and lifestyle sects. The Culcairn Solar farm is the positive change that needs to be made in this community in order for it to expand and grow.

I have lived here all my life however have not been approached once by the solar company regarding this development even though I live only 150 metres from where the solar panels will be installed.
My Grandfather came from South Australia in 1909 as family had already settled next door and word was sent to him to come and farm due to this being prime agricultural land.
Our farm is now in its fifth generation of farming and continues to grow stronger and stronger. We have expanded considerably through the wealth of this land. The farm has successfully produced over the last century. This should not be underestimated and the surrounding land has exactly the same potential.
I would like to see my family farm continue being productive in the years ahead. We do not deserve to have to suffer with impacts from a solar development on our production and my grandchildren will have to deal with potential future impacts around them.
I have concern about the impact this whole development is having on our mental health. It is causing severe mental anxiety, stress and insomnia.
We have a peaceful lifestyle around busy farming pursuits and believe as Council plans state that the rural landscape character of the land should be maintained.
We do not want to see the ugly eyesore of industrial solar panels.
I am concerned that our land prices may decrease causing financial concerns and associated risk may increase interest rates. Who would want to buy land here surrounded by a solar factory.
I am concerned about glare which we understand is downplayed by solar companies but recent photos show some shocking glare at the Bomen Solar site. I wonder if this impact our ability to work driving in paddocks, sowing crops and undertaking farm activities.
I have been a member of the RFS for many years and was previously a captain. I believe that this development will cause a severe bushfire risk in view of the trees along the creek heading to the Rural Lands reserve and the Culcairn town. The Gum Swamp is also nearby and would be a severe bushfire threat. It is concerning that the site will contain hazardous battery storage near the gas pipeline and I wonder if a catastrophic bushfire was to go through how any fires could be appropriately managed in this area especially due to the creek being a difficult area to access. It is not fair to put neighbouring properties at increased risk as I understand rural firefighters would not enter the site and would only wait until the fire exits the property to combat fires. The fact that HAZMAT responders are required and aerial response may be needed may inhibit a timely response to avoid spread.
Our property suffers from major flooding and we do not believe that this development should be anywhere near the creek as the flood waters can be devastating and take a different path depending on the conditions. In 2010 we lost many sheep, fencing and infrastructure and the water went the closest to flooding our house as it has ever done. The solar panels may change the course of the flooding and impact particular locations including our bulk shed and silos that house grain and hay sheds. A hydrology report must be undertaken considering different scenarios for flooding. In flood the fast moving creek cuts through between our house and sheds bringing debris and destroying everything in its path. We do not want damaged solar panel or fencing debris scattered through our property. The gully cuts through half way down our track and would be near infrastructure. In 2010 our neighbour sunk his ute on the property and had to be rescued when the creek was still rising. There is no need for this development to be placed on the northern side of Cummings road at all and is far too massive anyway.
The track to our house that we drive down multiple times every day will be directly adjacent to the solar panels and we will be disgusted every time we drive past. My wife regularly walks down the track for her health and this will stop. My grandchildren will have to put up with this for 30-60 years.
I am concerned that the noise impact and loss of rural amenity may cause myself and my wife to move after being here for such a long time and being a base for our family. Massive conflict has been caused that can never be repaired, we can only imagine this will get worse for the community if the project proceeds further. Solar projects need to be directed to the correct place in isolated areas.

I support the Culcairn Solar Farm because I believe producing clean, renewable energy is vital towards addressing climate change and growing energy demands across New South Wales (NSW) and Australia.

This project has been met with opposition who uphold the belief, “not in my backyard”; this attitude inhibits development. The anti-solar campaign has circulated mistruths and induced fear around this project, stating food not fuel. I ask, why not both? This project enables energy and sustainable agriculture to coexist harmoniously with sheep grazing possible under the solar panels.

I am disappointed by some Greater Hume Shire (GHS) Councillors and staff, who I believe, neglected to provide an individual assessment on the Culcairn Solar Farm, this was highlighted in Councils February 2020 meeting. The Director of Planning indicated during the meeting they had written a negative report with the intention Councillors oppose the project. It was evident some Councillors solely relied upon this report and did not rely on the Environmental Impact Statement. Where other Councillors provided vague concerns for the project but did not ask Neoen questions when the opportunity was available to them.

With many coal mines reaching the end of their operating life, NSW and Australia needs to address growing energy demands with renewable sources. Unfortunately Australia still intends to open new coal mines where Germany sets to close theirs. I believe this project enables NSW the ability to transition towards clean energy and further Australia’s international commitments with the Paris Agreement.

I support the Culcairn Solar Farm because the project will provide unprecedented employment and economic opportunities within the GHS. I am especially excited by Neoen’s $150,000 annual Community Benefit Fund for the towns of Culcairn and Walla Walla.

I find it appalling that we have never been approached by the solar company to discuss their intentions in the area. We completed a feedback form but have never heard directly from the company and have only had information relayed from family members. Surely in all the time they have been back and forth they have had opportunity, our family members have asked the company to contact us but they never have.
We live within only about 150 metres away from the development and we can see though the tree line along our track which is immediately next to where the solar panels will be located. I do not wish to see the ugly eyesore and do not want to hear the construction or inverter noise. I regularly walk up our track and back and this will change my life and I will probably avoid this activity which is good for my health. How would I cope with the noise from pile drivers, I have been told that workers wear double ear protection. I have already suffered from mental health impacts as the conflict has destroyed friendships and my family is severely stressed. I have had anxiety epoisodes and suffered from hypertension due to the concern.
I am worried about increased traffic risks on the road with so many extra cars and trucks and we have numerous school buses on our road carrying children. I drive to town and back twice a day to pick up school children and do not think our road is suitable to cope with so much traffic. They will not be able to stop passenger vehicles using Cummings road and the Olympic Highway will become more dangerous from trucks as well as our own road from increased car traffic.
The recent fires have increased our concern about bushfire risk. As this land is mapped as bushfire prone it is not suitable for a development of this nature that has too many risks. These people are volunteers and should not have their safety put at risk let alone the risk to nearby towns and other facilities.
I think the glare will be an issue after seeing a photo of the Bomen Solar site showing a severe glare issue. I am not sure how I will deal with this as will look towards the site from my verandah to across the road where there will be no screening at all. Glare may also be a problem entering and exiting our driveway or driving up our track. There is minimal screening for most of the development and along the roads and I am worried about heat impacts to our crops as we have a huge frontage to this solar farm. The potential that our livestock may be affected during lambing and calving is of great concern and construction impacts will be devastating.
I am very passionate about the birdlife here and enjoy watching willy wagtails, flame robins, eagles, kookaburras, owls and many other sorts of wildlife. Our home is quite close to the creek so we are aware it has strong ecological value and think that the nearby construction would see this diminish.
I am greatly concerned that in years to come we may see some dire impacts from health effects from so many solar panels in one location. This development is on a massive scale in the most inappropriate location. Even a small solar developent would not be suited here and this solar plant should definitely not be near the Billabong Creek or any other waterways where toxic chemicals could have an environmental or health affect.
We are worried that flooding may have an increased or changed affect to our home and the nearby sheds and hay storage. We have seen major flooding along the creek and the flow changes during an event and water cuts through different areas.
I would like to be sure that this solar development will not cause any interruption or electrical interference to services such as NBN, UHF or mobile phones some of which are required for safety and work on our farm.
This farm has provided for our family and allowed expansion to support the 3 generations currently living and working here. The land has yielded well over many years and our farm business flows on to many people in the community. I worry that the removal of farm land will take away opportunities for my grandchildren all so keen on the farm. I believe this land will be mapped as Important Agricultural Land and can only hope that the people assessing this application have the sense to see the long term benefits of agriculture as opposed to a short term construction gain. I am not opposed to solar however believe that such enourmous solar farms should be directed to arid unproductive land. Please do not allow this development to proceed, the consequences will be devastating.

The use of Good quality agricultural land for Large Solar Farms is bad for the agriculture productivity and considering the impacts Australia has had recently with drought and fires. The many Impacts on the flora and fauna large disturbances of the habit and waterways. The landowners foregoing land value for this vast project and lifestyle changes.