Gundary Solar Farm

This energy depriving, horrible plan is a Life-Threatening Fire & Toxic Contamination Disaster - endangering lives, homes, productive land, water, stock & wildlife.
It puts rural communities at direct risk from highly flammable infrastructure that can easily ignite fires.

I am writing to firmly oppose the proposed Gundary Solar Farm development near my property at 983 Windellama Rd Gundary. This project presents a serious threat to my family's wellbeing, the value of our property, and our overall quality of life. I have grave concerns about the potential impacts of this development, which I outline below:

The proximity of this solar farm to my home will undoubtedly result in a drastic reduction in the value of my property. Studies and market trends show that developments like solar farms, especially those too close to residential areas, significantly decrease the desirability and marketability of nearby homes. The loss of value poses a serious financial risk and could cause substantial hardship for my family should we need to sell.

The open and scenic view from my property is essential to our daily enjoyment and quality of life. The proposed solar farm will obliterate this view with vast arrays of panels and industrial infrastructure. This visual intrusion will not only destroy the aesthetic appeal of our home but also permanently undermine the peaceful, rural environment we cherish.

The close proximity of the solar farm to our home introduces a significant fire risk. Solar panels and battery storage, particularly in hot or extreme weather conditions, are known to catch fire. Such a fire could easily spread to our property, endangering the lives of my family, destroying our home, and threatening the surrounding environment. This is an unacceptable risk to our safety.

While solar farms are often promoted as environmentally friendly, they can cause considerable harm to the local ecosystem. The large-scale clearing of land, destruction of wildlife habitats, and potential for harmful runoff can have lasting effects on the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the construction and maintenance of the solar farm could introduce pollutants that would negatively impact local soil and air quality.

The stress and anxiety caused by the prospect of living near a massive industrial development has taken a serious toll on my family’s mental health. The constant worry about our safety, property value, and the long-term effects on our environment is creating a significant psychological burden that affects our overall wellbeing. This level of stress is neither fair nor acceptable.

Given the substantial and undeniable concerns raised above—regarding property value, safety, environmental harm, and the impact on our mental health—I strongly urge the relevant authorities to reject the Gundary Solar Farm proposal. The consequences of moving forward with this development are far-reaching and cannot be ignored. I request that these serious issues be thoroughly investigated and addressed before any further steps are taken.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a solar farm near my home, located at 983 Windellama Rd, Gundary . While I understand and support efforts to expand renewable energy sources, I have serious concerns regarding the impact this development will have on my property, the local environment, and my mental well-being. I respectfully request that these concerns be taken into account before a decision is made.

1. Impact on Property Value:
The proximity of a large-scale solar farm to my home will significantly affect its market value. Properties near industrial developments, even those that are renewable in nature, tend to experience a devaluation due to the disruption to the local environment and the aesthetic quality of the area. As a homeowner, I am deeply concerned that my property’s resale potential will be diminished, and that I will be unable to recoup the value of my investment.

2. Fire Risks:
I am also alarmed by the potential fire hazards associated with the operation of a solar farm. While solar technology has advanced, there remains an inherent risk of fires, especially in dry conditions. A fire near or within a solar farm could quickly spread to nearby residential areas, posing a serious threat to both life and property. I believe this is a risk that must be carefully evaluated and mitigated before any development proceeds.

3. Detrimental Impact on Scenic Quality:
The proposed solar farm would significantly alter the natural landscape surrounding my home. I purchased my property in this area because of its serene, scenic quality, and the visual impact of industrial infrastructure would undermine the beauty and tranquility that this area is known for. The loss of these aesthetic values would not only affect my quality of life but could also harm local tourism and the appeal of the community as a whole.

4. Mental Health and Well-Being:
The introduction of a solar farm in such close proximity to my home is likely to affect my mental health. The loss of open, natural space and the imposition of large-scale industrial infrastructure would contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety, as it would significantly alter the peaceful environment I have come to cherish. It is well-documented that environmental changes of this nature can lead to negative psychological effects, and I am concerned about the long-term impact on my well-being.

For these reasons, I strongly urge the planning authority to reconsider the proposed solar farm development. I believe that renewable energy initiatives can and should be implemented in ways that do not negatively impact local residents, property values, and mental health. I would appreciate your attention to these concerns and look forward to your response.

Map of Goulburn shows the size of the Solar Farm over an older map of Goulburn. From Cathcart Street. Finlay road, to Sloane Street , across to Lagoon Street out to Mary's mount road, back to Kinghorne street, and extending to Clyde street. It covers an enormous area of Goulburn City.

Objection submission attached

My husband and I have lived in the Gundary Plains Homestead for 38 years, where we have raised our family. They return frequently with our grandchildren. Some of these children live in the city and love visiting to enjoy all the different activities associated with a rural lifestyle e.g. riding motor bikes, chasing cattle, fishing and catching yabbies.
The Gundary Plains Homestead was built in 1914 and during the past 38 years we have restored and renovated it as required, hopefully adding to its value. During that time, we have grown and developed the garden, fostering our view of the Gundary Plains to the mountains. I enjoy the garden very much and the wonderful Gundary Plains view adds to the ambiance.
1. SEPP
More than two thirds of this proposal by British Petroleum is within a 10-kilometre zone of Goulburn and the SEPP (Special Environmental Protection Provisions) should protect the rights of residents living with that zone.

2. Loss of view
If the Gundary Plains solar factory proposed by British Petroleum goes ahead our view will be lost forever, replaced by solar panels, substation, gantry, grid scale lithium batteries (BESS) stations, substation security fencing, a noise wall.

Residents living along the Windellama and Kooringaroo roads will have constant repetitive and unavoidable view of the solar panels and the necessary infrastructure, plus the noise pollution as the environment is eroded.

3. State of Windellama Road
This proposal is less then 10 kms from Goulburn with the main entry to the Solar factory off the very busy Windellama Road that ends at the coast. This road is totally inadequate to cope with heavy industrial traffic that will be using the road if this proposal goes ahead.

4. Fire
Goulburn is quite renowned for its wind and the risk to residents around the proposed Gundary Solar factory is of great concern, particularly to residents living on Kooringaroo road which is a dead-end road. Those residents are unlikely to be aware of a fire until its too late and there is no way out. Why should we be subjected to toxic and carcinogenic smoke should a fire occur in a substation as a result. Our insurance premiums and public liability insurance costs will increase due to fire risk.

5. Water Supply
The dust generated by construction of this solar factory proposal will contaminate our drinking water which is collected from the roof of our home and stored in an underground tank. The dust will collect as silt in the tank further contaminating our only water supply. There are also concerns of pollution of the Gundary Creek should this proposal go ahead.

6. Land Value
The proposal has already affected the value of our properties, in some areas as much as 20%. The current owner of the land where the proposed Gundary Solar factory is to be built lives in Sydney. He does not appear to care about the beauty of the landscape, have any emotional attachment to the land, or a social conscience to the impact this proposal is having on the residents living around it. He stands to make a large profit leasing the land to British Petroleum.

7. Mental Health
Have British petroleum thought about the mental health of the residents living around this proposed project? Stress, anxiety and frequent fear of the outcome are causing sleep problems and irritability. This is very exhausting if you experience long term stress as we the residents of the Gundary Plains have.

8. Remediation
British Petroleum has made no commitment to remediate the Gundary Plains once the life of the solar farm has finished and unlike the mining industry there are no clear guidelines on remediation for the solar industry.

The Proposed Gundary Solar Factory will affect over 60 families living on their lifestyle blocks. British Petroleum has no social licence to build this installation in the middle of the Gundary Plains amongst so many residents.

What British Petroleum is proposing to do to our beautiful plains will break out hearts.

Thank you for reading my objections
Susan Christie

I object because a large scale industrial factory that is 7 square kilometres in size and the noise, the contamination and pollution, the heat island impact, the high levels of mental health inflicted on residents, the increased fire risk and the destruction of the rural life style area south of the regional city of Goulburn should not be allowed. My submission is attached.

I am writing to object to the proposed solar farm on the Gundary Plains just outside of Goulburn NSW.
This 1650-acre project with 740740 panels, 154 lithium batteries and a High Voltage substation will have a detrimental impact on the environment and surrounding residence.

Forcing the Gundary Community to live with the construction and operation of this unwanted monstrosity is abhorrent. This Community has chosen a quiet, beautiful country lifestyle and don't deserve the financial, emotional and totally unfair traumatic imposition to be thrust upon them. Build renewable energy facilities near transmission lines where they are welcomed and supported by the surrounding community... not where it is a lazy greedy politically convenient location with no regard for ruining good people's way of life that they have worked hard for and deserve to retain.

See attached PDF document which is the same as the original submission 04/12/24 objecting to this proposal with formatting and further comments

SAVE Gundary Plains is lodging its submission objecting to this proposal - attached is our submission

Will be no benefit to the community

These so called solar need to be stopped. You are taking away value farm land and neighbouring property are having great mental health issues.
You are taking away value food for us people of nsw.

I object to this proposal on the following grounds.

Visual Impact

It is all very well to take photos of the view from our properties and then to stretch them and flatten them to suit your purpose.

Nothing will show the true impact on the visual amenity of the impacted land owners better than the naked eye.

The photographs used by LSBP in their visual report have been doctored and provide very inaccurate information about the view that the landowners currently enjoy and the impact of the 660,000 panels, the 14.8 acre sub-station and 6 acre battery plus inverters and smaller batteries.

The map at Figure ES-1 is so out of date it does not show our cattle yards built in 2012 and it does not show our house on Kooringaroo Rd in the North, 137m from the solar boundary built at the beginning of 2017. It has a dwelling on the other side of Kooringaroo Rd that looks like a dirt bike track.. That property has never looked like that in the last 11 years if ever. How can a map that is at least 12 years out of date be relied on by LSBP.

The map also doesn’t show the topography and the impact of the over 700m high hills. Unless you have visited this site it is impossible to imagine what 660,000 panels on 700m hills will look like.

Instead of having an view of open plains with paddock trees for as far as the eye can see, the impacted residents will have their eyes drawn to the hideous 3m high glass and metal panels on hills of over 700m high, the huge BESS of 14.8 acres and over 300 smaller batteries and inverters, each the same size of a 40 foot shipping container.

We would not have bought our block had we known that this is what we would be exposed to for the rest of our lives.

Ann Moore
Gundary

Please see submission below

I do not think a solar farm should be made in such a location as Gundary. This is a waste of good fertile soil that’s needed for agriculture purposes.

It is ridiculous how much danger and destruction this will create so close to suburbs and historical land. It places many people in danger. Put it somewhere else away from livestock and families

I am aware of and respect local concerns regarding the size of the project. I understand that the developers have reduced the size and also reduced the panel size in response. I am also aware that they have attempted to reach out to the local community and proposed neighbours . As a local person who will drive past this proposed development on a daily basis, I believe that the proposal is reasonable, the proposed efforts regarding increase in tree cover in the area is a positive for the local environment and the combined use for the land as grazing is positive.
I have been presented with information regarding local concerns and believe that the general benefits to the wider NSW community of increased generation and battery storage outweigh the concerns.

I am deeply opposed to this flawed project in a shocking location which will destroy some people's lives. The location for this project is all about BP saving millions on grid connection, and completely rides roughshod over the people who live in this lifestyle location. I am also appalled that there is no requirement for BP to pay now for remediation of the land in the future. This is a disgrace. If people in the city knew about this there would be uproar! Also, these should be built in drier, hotter, sunnier locations where they will not affect as many people. Finally, as an retired farmer I can also see huge problems with grass fire risk and lack of access in the event of fire from Kooringaroo Rd.

Background
I am the owner and occupant of 1322 Windellama Rd, Tirranaville NSW 2580. I have reviewed the SEARS and EIS for this proposal and wish to lodge my strong objection. This proposal will have a direct impact upon our lifestyle/quality pf life.
We purchased this property in 2016 due to its scenic value, quietness and proximity to Goulburn City. We are 13km from Goulburn and 1.3kms from the southern boundary of the proposed Solar farm with direct visibility of the panels and plant.
Our primary motivation was for my retirement and to enjoy the peace and tranquillity offered by this location. Additionally we planned and have now moved our family into the property consisting of our Daughter, partner and 4 children - our grandchildren. We moved here from Sydney to escape the burgeoning developments encroaching upon all areas of the greater Sydney Metropolitan and suburban areas with the associated industrial and social disruptions which are occurring. We view these massive Sydney types of development and now the Gundary Solar Farm as being a negative influence on the upbringing and future development, lifestyle of our family, children and the community in general.
Objection Grounds:
The Gundary Solar farm proposal will involve the installation of thousands of glass solar panels , battery enclosures and substations directly in our line of sight within 1.3 kms of our property
It will totally destroy the scenic outlook and overall tranquillity of our property and adjoining properties to the east and north east. The consultants have provided detailed photographic views from our property with the Solar farm overlayed to represent the impact to our property which when viewed shows the scale of the impact and is nothing short of horrific.
The Gundary plains have a history of sheep and cattle grazing stretching back over 150 years. The early settlers viewed this as the perfect area to graze their cattle and sheep - pristine and not encroached by industrial or rural developments. Today the plains are still grazing sheep and cattle, however the Gundary Solar farm will decimate this capability and the lifestyle/livelihood of the concerned farmers.
Further family and general information of the negative impacts.
It is important to note that our property is not a working farm, like many we made a conscious decision to buy and move here purely for lifestyle, its unspoilt Vista, tranquillity and close proximity to Goulburn City and its amenities such as schools, hospitals and shopping all with a country feel and life style.
When the Gundary Solar Farm was first proposed we were and remain horrified, to the extent we looked at selling our property, however the valuation has dropped significantly circa -30% with no buyers keen to invest due to the proposed Solar Farm. Additionally we have now learned that another Solar Farm - Merino Solar Farm is proposed and the proposed development area is directly behind our property to the West, North West and South West. Effectively we will be surrounded by Solar farms if these both go ahead totally destroying our lifestyle and these areas around Goulburn city and regions.
My daughter, who is a nurse, lives in Sydney - wants to subdivide our land and build and relocate here to enjoy the massive benefits afforded by this lifestyle as well as offering her nursing skills to the city of Goulburn however this is now on hold due to the potential encroachment and lifestyle ruination presented by the proposed Gundary Solar Farm and now the Merino Solar farm.
The developers have stated that Goulburn City and residents will receive benefits and or compensation however in all the meetings and correspondence there is no real evidence of benefits or compensation that they state will be bestowed.
Conclusion:
The Gundary Solar farm was first mooted and the development plans matured before Goulburn was granted city status and the local residents and farm holders consulted. As such I believe it to be an illegal development which does not meet the tenets of the status of Goulburn and its city status. The developers show contempt for our region, our city and the residents showing no concern about the livelihood nor personal and mental impacts.
No real thought nor care has gone into the proposal to the point that it appears to be have been devised with no real concern to the residents, the farmers and overall lifestyle opportunities and conditions we enjoy both locally and within the Goulburn City environment - which attracted us to invest and live out our lives here. There has been no duty of care from the developers taking into our concerns in relation to the impacts to our lifestyle nor future. The developers appear to hold both the city of Goulburn and our local area, the history and residents in contempt.