Gundary Solar Farm

Cons far outweigh the pros. The biggest problem is the hurt it does to the surrounding community. Money and greed will always be priority, why would BP be involved otherwise!

I live right next door to the proposed solar farm on a family hobby farm. me and my family wont to live a quiet rural life style but if the solar farm goes ahead we will see all the solar farm next door especially the power station witch to my understanding has been made bigger. I have been lied to by bp that we are classed as a low impact property and how I do not no as if i wont see any of it. My family will have years off putting up with noise traffic and a heap of workers that will not be local. There's been no mention off a workers back ground cheak so can come from anywhere. I'm even awear that there is a nother solar farm to be going up over the road and from the council rule they should not be built with in 10 kays from the city of goulburn. It does not have an effective fire plan at all and if a fire was to break out possibley cant be stopped as they wont have enough water and excess will not be possible god pray for the ones that live behind as they only have one road in witch leads to a dead end.Iv asked my local real estate agent and iv been told my property will lose 30 to 50 % value that's money my family lose and won't get back. Iv been offed a $5000 a year to put up with it witch is bugger all compeard to the bigger picture and what the owner of next door farm will likely make been told 1 million dollars a year and mind you he does not live on the property. I'm not the only family that live hear there are lots of family's and can even be seen from a far that will be affected as well. I Take my family to even swim in the gundary Creek down the back witch is a beautiful spot but won't be looking at all the solar panels when erected. This is great cattle country and yet bp say it's clased as not that good ground witch is a lie has grown many a animal from this great beautiful land witch can be devastating if developed and turned to a solar farm. I'm sure there is many other locations that would be more suitable for a solar farm than hear the company and any one else just wont to make a quick buck and most likely sell it off and then who will control new owners to clean up all the old panels when there life span comes to a end. So do I wont it hear no we do not and it should not go ahead at all it will force my family to not wont to live hear as it won't be pleasant any more and then who will wont to buy and live next to a solar farm and power station not me.

The proposed Gundry Solar farm is environmentally irresponsible as well as unnecessary. The devastation to the flora and fauna would be catastrophic. The solution to our ongoing power needs should be solar panels and batteries on all homes and it's beyond me that new builds aren't required to by law have them installed.
It's such a shame that our consecutive governments over the last twenty years have ignored the future and instead have followed the American system of consumer greed and massive cars as opposed to the mindful systems in place in England where the people actually care about the environment and act accordingly.

This is a terrible project for this beautiful farming area. What a disgusting waste of wonderful farmland. The animals and plants that would be destroyed and displaced for this hideously ugly solar farm, are unacceptable. The ecological impact is far too great. I'm all for alternative energy sources, but not at the cost of such ecologically rich farming land.

I would like to make the following comments regarding the EIS for the Gundary Solar Farm Project.

As a small investor in the Goulburn Community Solar Farm and as the owner of solar panels and battery on my house, I am in favour generally of the move to renewables as quickly as possible. I am personally committed to efficient use of energy and to underline this have insulated my home and moved off gas etc.

I have followed this project since its inception and have attended two LightsourceBP presentations and displays in Goulburn. I appreciate and sympathise with landowners whose homes are directly affected by the proposed construction but believe that overall the benefits to the environment, the country, and the community outweigh this.

Overall, I support this project but with some reservations.

1. I do not believe sufficient attention has been given to the Community Benefit Fund. Page 37 of Appendix 19 states an allocation of $250,000 as a one-off payment. I believe this falls short when compared with other similar projects such as the Winterbourne wind farm in New England who have committed to pay $1 million to a Community Benefit Fund at the start of construction and $750,000 per annum thereafter based on a 600 megawatt development. I feel the NSW Government should press for LightsourceBP to give an improved and more detailed Fund offer.

2. I understand some nearby residents are concerned about the additional fire risk over and above the potential for the existing grassland to burn. Having spoken to the LightsourceBP representatives at their public display meetings, they assured my wife and I that this will be addressed. However I understand it has been suggested that a sprinkler system should be installed in addition to the measures already included.

3. As a member of the Sustainability Committee of the Goulburn Mulwaree Council, one of the projects that was discussed and which received considerable attention during the local Council elections was the Goulburn to Crookwell Railtrail development. At present this is derelict but with funding it could become a reality and a great opportunity for attracting visitors to the area as well as a local amenity. LightsourceBP could be encouraged to support a Community Benefit such as this.

As stated earlier, I have some reservations about the project but we cannot afford to delay on projects such as these. One only has to look around the world to see the impact and rapidity of climate change.

The Goulburn Group supports the construction of the Gundary solar farm but only on the condition that it provides significant and tangible benefits for the local community. Please see attached submission for details.

Please refer to the attachment.

I question the fairness of the proposal.

We are Allan and Susan Christie, residents of the heritage property “Gundary Plains”- Circa 1914, 1013 Windellama Road Goulburn. We have lived here for 38 years, raising a family and now assisting with caring for grandchildren.
The Gundary homestead was the centre piece of a large rural holding. Over time the property has been divided into many small holdings providing a rural environment for families, hobby farms and farmers with small numbers of livestock, orchards and tree plantations, retirees living on off farm income are part of our community. The Gundary Plains is a quiet picturesque, peaceful place, a good place to live. BP Lightsource plan to change that!
For the last 2.5 years we as community have been struggling with BP Lightsource as they seek approval to establish a massive solar factory on our Gundary Plains. The factory will cover a huge swathe of our space with 750, 000 solar panels and supporting BESS battery storage. A massive 14-acre substation is placed right in front of our heritage property dominating our views to the North and violating our sense of space and appreciation of where we live and why we live here.

1. SEPP (Special Environmental Protection Provisions)
We enjoy the SEPP, the government’s own protection mechanism protecting the rites of residents living inside a 10-kilometre zone from the centre of Goulburn City. These provisions prohibit large scale industrial developments that adversely impact a resident’s sense of belonging, space and appreciation of the Gundary Plains. More than 2/3 of this development is inside the 10km zone. These provisions were upheld recently by the Land and Environment Court when BP Lightsource proposed and another solar factory inside the 10km zone of the city of Mudgee, the project was not approved!

2. Loss of Land Value
Licenced valuers on inspections have advised us to expect up to a 20% reduction in property value for Gundary Plains and that protracted listing times are inevitable. We have neighbours trying to sell with no interest, the solar factory is a major negative. This has created major hardship for them. Neighbours that have managed to sell have had to discount heavily. No compensation from BP Lightsource has been offered!

3. Fire
We are in a grass fire prone area. The solar installation will be fully fenced. A fire entering or starting on the solar farm will be very difficult to defend. The restricted space between rows of panels could easily trap firefighters with disastrous results. Our local R.F.S will not enter the fenced area, a fire driven by our intense North Westerly winds will move rapidly through the solar factory and create critical risk to the many residents on the Eastern Side. The Kooringaroo Road is a dead end, partially dirt with narrow crossings, it would not cope with firefighters entering and locals escaping. People will be trapped. Loss of property and possibly loss of life will result. The R.F.S have been highly critical of the BP Lightsource fire management provisions.

4. Heat Bank Impact
Scientists recognise the heat bank impact in summer months – we will be very close to the installation and substation. BP Lightsource have no right to impact our environment or our space by modifying local climate conditions.

5. Sydney Water
The Gundary Creek is part of the Warragamba catchment, the solar farm is adjacent to and encroaches on the on the Gundary Creek. Pollution of water resources in establishment, operation and deteriorating metal and cabling as well as panel over time will compromise water quality. A fire in the solar factory would be a disaster for Sydney Water releasing toxins into the water supply.

6. Physical and Mental Health
The past 2.5 years since BP announced this project have been devastating for our family. We have had to face the destruction of our deeply valued environment and our enjoyment of it. The impact on our general and mental health, as well as neighbours has been frightful. There has been no recognition of this by BP as if it doesn’t exist, let alone assistance.

7. Remediation and Decommissioning
The mining industry has clear guidelines on remediation and decommissioning, not so for the solar industry. Depositing funds to cover remediation is essential as the ownership may change many times over 30 years. The end owner may declare bankruptcy and walkaway. This leaves the local government and taxpayers with a mammoth bill. BP has made no specific commitment to rehabilitating the Gundary Plains.

8. Roads and Access
The Windellama Road on the Western side is a mosaic of repairs at the moment. The road needs to be rebuilt to take the 2 years of heavy transport in the establishment phase. Fifes Bridge is a serious big transport risk as it is narrow and on a blind curve. The bridge needs to be rebuilt and widened, and the road straightened to take the large trucks. Will B.P be providing finance for these works?

Summary
BP Lightsource’s attraction to our area is easy access to established transmission with taxpayer funded incentives and substantial profits. Pushing aside over 60 families living on or adjacent to the solar factory boundary and hundreds of others also impacted. This is a closely populated rural community of hobby farms, retirees, young families, living on small acreages enjoying a rural lifestyle. The government has a duty to uphold the provisioning of the SEPP and protect these people from inappropriate industrial style developments. The Goulburn Mulwaree Council is also against this development as it conflicts with council vision for future growth. This project needs to be moved to a more appropriate site where it respects the provisions of the SEPP and causes minimum disruption to the local community. And functions with maximum efficiency.


Allan and Susan Christie
Gundary Plains, Goulburn

I object to this proposal - it is in a completely inappropriate location and should be in a more remote area, far away from local residents and township. The risk of fire is already a high probability prior to the implementation of this proposal. The proposed plans to fight a fire at this location and beyond its boundaries are not adequate. It puts the local residents and surrounding homes at risk for a catastrophic event. There is very little benefit for this solar farm for the local residents, even though there has been talk about putting money back into the community, the people who need to benefit are the locals who surround the site, this is not the case.

RE: Objection to the Gundary Solar Farm Development

I am submitting this letter to strongly oppose the proposed Gundary Solar Farm project. This development poses significant risks to the well-being of the surrounding community, our environment, and local families' financial stability. It demonstrates a blatant disregard for those who call this area home.

1. Unsuitable Land Use and Disregard for Residents

My parents invested in our 30-acre property to provide a quiet, rural lifestyle for our family. This land represents more than just a home—it’s where we’ve built memories and enjoy the serenity of rural living, all while being close to essential town services. The solar farm, as planned, undermines this lifestyle.

It is deeply concerning that BP’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) does not state that the project’s location avoids conflicts with residential land use, as required by law. Instead, BP’s own Scoping Report reveals their priorities: access to the power grid and open land that avoids clearing native vegetation—decisions motivated solely by profit, with no regard for the impact on nearby residents. The assertion that the project does not conflict with residential land is both misleading and offensive.

2. Environmental Harm

While BP claims to have minimised clearing native vegetation, this development will undoubtedly disrupt the natural environment. Noise, construction, and the industrial footprint of the solar farm will have lasting consequences for local wildlife. Many native species could be displaced or lose critical habitat due to this development.

3. Unexamined Heat Bank Effect

Global studies indicate that large-scale solar farms create a “heat bank” effect, increasing temperatures by several degrees for hundreds of meters beyond the solar panels. This phenomenon is most severe during summer and will significantly impact nearby residents.

Despite this well-documented issue, there has been no effort by Australian authorities to study or evaluate the extent of this effect locally. BP’s Environmental Impact Statement fails to address how this heat impact will affect the families living within its range. This glaring omission renders the proposal incomplete and unfit for approval.

4. Fire Hazards and Safety Concerns

The placement of this project creates an unacceptable fire risk. The area is serviced by a single road, Kooringaroo Road, which could leave residents—including my family—trapped in the event of a fire. High winds, common in our region, would accelerate the spread of flames, placing lives in jeopardy.

Having personally endured the catastrophic Southern Highlands fires in 2019/2020, my family knows all too well the physical and emotional toll of such disasters. The anxiety this project brings to our community cannot be overstated.

5. Severe Economic Impact on Local Families

The proposed development will drastically affect property values in the area, with local real estate experts estimating losses of 30-50%. For my parents, who are hardworking individuals—a school teacher and a shearer—this financial blow would be devastating.

Our family’s property is not only our home but also part of my parents’ retirement plan. Selling it was meant to provide financial security in their later years. Now, the solar farm threatens to devalue their investment by hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is a stark example of corporate greed overshadowing the livelihoods of ordinary Australians.

6. Overlooked Policy and Community Needs

Large-scale solar farms of this nature were never intended to be built in areas like Gundary. Policy frameworks have failed to anticipate the placement of industrial-scale projects in rural residential areas, leaving residents like us exposed to their detrimental effects.

BP is fully aware of these oversights and is pushing forward with this project regardless. They have prioritised their financial gain over the community’s needs, treating residents with disregard throughout this process.

Conclusion

This proposal highlights a severe imbalance between BP’s profits and the negative consequences for local families. It sacrifices our community’s safety, environmental health, and financial security to line the pockets of a corporation with no vested interest in Gundary’s future.

I strongly urge the planning authority to reject this proposal. Protecting the interests of the Gundary community must take precedence over corporate greed.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns

My wife and I own ( since 1988) and together with family operate a large farming/grazing property, Lumley Park, located approximately 12 km east as the crow flies of the proposed solar farm at Gundary.
I am concerned about the added fire risk posed by this development. Lumley Park is located just south of Bungonia village and covers an area of about 8000 acres. This year, 2024, marks 200 years of continuous lamb, mutton and wool production on Lumley Park. In that time there have been two devastating bushfires - 1965 and 1984 - on Lumley Park. Both burnt through the Gundary Plains and could not be stopped before reaching the bush at the top of the feature known as Mountain Ash which is approximately 1km east of the solar farm boundary. Once a fire reaches Mountain Ash - which is densely timbered with relatively tall trees and wall to wall undergrowth - the abundant fuel and favourable topography it becomes inaccessible to ground vehicles and uncontrollable with the abundant fuel. To my knowledge there have been no prescribed burns in this area in 40 years. Additionally I don’t think any fire trail maintenance has been carried out anywhere. I have the Rix fire trail on my place which I used to maintain but it is now impassable.
I would doubt the RFS would be able to attempt to control any fire escaping out of the solar farm other than by air. There is just too much potential danger to firefighters.
Both the 1965 and 1985 fires caused massive damage. In the nearly 40 years since the last fire most of the area has been sub divided into small holdings typically of 100 acres or smaller. Many of these properties are located in extremely fire prone situations off Mountain Ash Road.
The population has increased significantly and a major fire going through the area now would present problems with evacuation. There are only two exit roads - Mountain Ash and Jerrara. A fallen tree blocking either could be disastrous.
Apart from the 1965 and 1984 fires there have been many others which have been stopped on the Gundary Plains by RFS fire trucks and private fire fighting vehicles. Lightning strikes are very common on the Gundary Plains - has the EIS looked at the geology? I wouldn’t be surprised if there are areas of iron stone encouraging lightning strikes.
I have noticed over the years that no matter where fires start they end up at Gundary. The topography seems to funnel fires to Gundary. As noted, many grass fires have started on Gundary over the years which fortunately have been controlled before reaching the Mountain Ash bush. Some of these have been serious and have resulted in injuries to fire fighters. My concern is that fire trucks will not be able to drive through the dense array of panels; long dry grass growing around the panels will accelerate any fire making it uncontrollable; the proposed fire break around the development is so small it is ludicrous; the quantity of water proposed for fire fighting is similarly ludicrous even if fire trucks could reach a fire in the panels. The key to controlling a fire is to get onto it fast and this is usually done by RFS trucks but if the source of the fire is inaccessible in the middle of 1500 acres of solar panels then the RFS people will just have to sit outside the fire while it builds into an uncontrollable inferno.
The EIS does not address the extreme fire risk this development poses to properties such as Lumley Park who are not immediate neighbours.
Everyone is also aware of reports of solar panels and associated equipment going into failure mode and catching fire. This is a new risk in country already considered fire prone by Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
So in summary the development in an area with significant bush fire history is not a smart move and should be rejected.

I cannot understand how something like this can planned on prime agriculture land . The whole area will covered in solar panels , rendering it useless for farming or grazing, not to mention fire hazard. When will someone listen to the everyday person we don’t want this in our back yard.

I am opposed to Gundary solar farm project for a number of reason:
Large scale solar projects such as this one is only a short term solution for a long term renewable power issue. I believe the sight was chosen due to its close access to the grid system, without taking into account the viability of the land, the families, and beautiful area so close to a thriving small community. Solar panels/batteries will eventually wear out and need to be disposed of, creating waste that will have an environmental impact. It is not clear in this submission how/where old solar equipment/batteries will be disposed of, who is responsible to pay for this?
The fire risk and fire management proposal is catastrophically under estimated. The fire risk/management plan is undeniably not adequate to deal with the historical extreme dry weather events that the Gundary Plains experiences, this puts more than just neighbours at risk if a fire was to escape the proposed project area.
Property values to the adjoining project have already been negatively impacted and if the project is approved will continue to have a negative impact.
Even though there is proposal to block as much view of the solar farm from homes and road, it just isn't possible to eliminate the eye sore it will be on the land. Why destroy a beautiful area for short term gains? Please stop this project from advancing, it's in a location which is in the wrong area, there are plenty of other unpopulated land, in sunnier locations than Gundary Plains.

I object to this proposal due to:

The SIZE & SCALE – 1650 acres, 740,740 industrial solar panels, 154 battery stations & 167 Inverters (each larger than a 40 foot shipping container), a large 7.4 acre high voltage substation with switch and extra transmission towers and a 400 or 800MW grid scale lithium battery.
It is located at GUNDARY, less than 10kms from the Regional City of Goulburn and is located on land that is mapped for Goulburn City’s future growth and is in the middle of over 100 Rural lifestyle blocks within 4km of the site.
FIRE RISK is a serious issue on Gundary Plains. Solar panels with their associated infrastructure and large scale lithium batteries bring an increased fire risk. There are over 40 residences on Kooringaroo Road, a dead end road, that have a likelihood of being trapped by fire.
PROPERTY DEVALUATION which has already occurred and the inability to sell properties in close proximity is real. Devaluation is more than 30% in some cases.
Cumulative impacts are likely as there is another large scale solar “farm” proposed 2 kms apart between Windellama Road and Braidwood Road. The total area will be 14.5sq km.
There is no financial commitment by the developer (a shelf company – Lightsource Development Services Pty Ltd) for the decommissioning and remediation of the site.
This is a completely wrong location for this development. It is prime land in an inhabited area that could cause extreme danger to the residents in that area, especially if a fire was to break out. The fire wouldn’t need to be caused by the panels, bushfires can start so easily due to lightning strikes and can get away so easily as was evidenced on the south coast only four years ago.
There is no on going benefit to the local economy and could in fact cause harm to the area, especially residents who already have suffered the devaluation of their land.

I object to the proposed solar facility located at 961 Windellama Road, Gundary, due to the overwhelming concerns regarding its size, scale, environmental impacts, fire risk, and adverse social and economic consequences for the community. The development in question is not suitable for this location, and I urge the responsible authorities to reject this proposal.
• Inappropriate Size and Scale
The sheer size of this proposal is completely out of proportion to the surrounding land uses and the local community's capacity to absorb such a development. This scale of industrialization is incompatible with the rural and agricultural landscape of the Southern Tablelands, with significant long-term consequences for both the environment and local residents.
• Proximity to Goulburn and Rural Lifestyle Blocks
The proposed site lies less than 10 km from Goulburn, a regional city. The project site is surrounded by over 100 rural lifestyle blocks, which are the homes of many local residents who have chosen this area for its scenic beauty, peaceful environment, and agricultural history. The massive industrial development will irreparably alter the character of this area and negatively affect the quality of life for local residents, many of whom are likely to experience significant impacts on their health, safety, and property values.
• Historical and Scenic Value of Gundary Plains
Gundary Plains has a rich agricultural and grazing history and is renowned for its unique landscape, which has attracted settlers and families seeking rural lifestyles. The area is also of historical significance, having been observed by early explorers. The development of this industrial solar facility would degrade the scenic quality of the land and detract from the visual appeal that is a primary draw for families looking for rural properties.
• Fire Risk and Public Safety
The fire risk posed by large-scale solar infrastructure, including solar panels, inverters, and lithium battery stations, is a major concern. Gundary Plains has a history of bushfires, and the introduction of highly flammable infrastructure presents a significant fire hazard, especially given the dry conditions often experienced in the region. With over 40 residences on Kooringaroo Road—many of which are on a dead-end road—residents could find themselves trapped in the event of a fire. The presence of a large-scale solar facility could exacerbate this danger, potentially putting lives at risk.
• Property Devaluation and Economic Impact
There is already clear evidence of property devaluation in the area as a result of the proposed development, with some properties seeing value decreases of more than 30%. The inability to sell properties near the proposed site has become a tangible and serious concern for many homeowners. The long-term economic impact on local residents cannot be ignored.

• Environmental and Biodiversity Impacts
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by the developer acknowledges that the construction of the facility will result in direct impacts to flora and fauna, as well as the loss of habitat due to vegetation clearing and earth-moving activities. Additionally, there will be indirect impacts to the surrounding ecosystem, including changes to noise, dust, and hydrology during the construction phase. While the EIS suggests that no further biodiversity impacts will occur once the facility is operational, the long-term ecological consequences are uncertain and could be detrimental to the unique environment of Gundary Plains.
• Mental Health Impacts on the Local Community
Finally, the developer's actions have already caused significant mental health distress within the Gundary Plains community. The proposal has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety among residents, who fear the irreversible changes to their land, livelihoods, and way of life. The social fabric of the community is being undermined by this development, with some residents expressing feelings of helplessness and powerlessness in the face of such a large and intrusive project.
Conclusion
The proposed solar facility at Gundary Plains is ill-suited to its location and represents a significant threat to the environment, the community's safety, the local economy, and the cultural heritage of the Southern Tablelands. Given the substantial objections raised, I urge the relevant authorities to reject this development proposal and consider alternative, more suitable sites for large-scale renewable energy projects.

To: The Planning Authority
Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: Objection to the Proposed Gundary Solar Farm

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Gundary Solar Farm development for several significant reasons that will greatly impact my family, our property, and the broader community.

My parents purchased our small acreage property of 30 acres with the intention of providing a peaceful, rural lifestyle for my brothers and me. They envisioned a place where I could keep my horses and where my brothers could ride their motorbikes without disturbing neighbour's. This property is more than just land; it is our home and sanctuary. We cherish the tranquil ambiance, beautiful rural vistas, and proximity to essential town services.

The proposed site for the solar farm is alarming for several reasons:

1. Inappropriate Land Use and Town Planning Concerns
It is my understanding that the proposed site spans two-thirds of mapped land. This seems to conflict with current town planning guidelines. Such a massive industrial project is entirely unsuitable for this rural area and contradicts the intended use of the surrounding properties, which are small-scale farms and family homes.

2. Significant Financial Impacts
My parents are hardworking individuals—my mother a teacher and my father working in shearing sheds. They are not wealthy but have worked tirelessly to secure this property. They planned to sell the small hobby farm as part of their retirement strategy. However, local real estate agents have informed them that if the solar farm goes ahead, the property's value could decrease by up to 30-50%. This devastating financial loss is profoundly unfair, especially when the landowner behind the solar farm proposal is a multimillionaire who does not live on the property and appears unconcerned about the harm this project could inflict on neighbouring families.

3. Increased Fire Risk
The fire threat posed by the solar farm is substantial, with only one road—Kooringaroo Road—providing access in and out of the area. In the event of a fire, high winds (common in this region) could rapidly spread flames, trapping families, including ours. This risk is not hypothetical; my family were directly impacted by the devastating Southern Highlands fires in 2019/2020. These fears are very real and have significantly affected our mental health.

4. Health and Environmental Concerns
Living within 500 meters of the proposed solar farm raises concerns about the heat bank effect, particularly during summer. This elevated heat would not only affect my family members but also my horses, which are sensitive to such changes. Furthermore, the construction and operation of the solar farm will generate excessive dust, worsening my asthma and potentially affecting the respiratory health of my horses. This is unacceptable for our daily living conditions.

5. Loss of Lifestyle and Wellbeing
The solar farm will forever change the character of this area. The dust, noise, and visual pollution from its construction and operation are incompatible with the rural lifestyle we sought and invested in. It will diminish the enjoyment of our property and disrupt the peaceful environment that brought us here in the first place.

Conclusion
The Gundary Solar Farm proposal is inappropriate for our rural community. It threatens our safety, financial stability, health, and way of life. It disproportionately harms hardworking families like mine while benefiting an absentee landowner.

I urge the planning authority to reconsider this proposal and reject the Gundary Solar Farm development to protect the residents, environment, and future of our community.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns

GUNDARY PLAINS IS THE WRONG PLACE FOR A LARGE INDUSTRIAL SCALE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION FACILITY!!!!

GUNDARY SUBMISSION DRAFT

We fully support in principle the establishment of Lightsource bp’s proposed solar farm. Too long the inevitable and vital change to renewables has been held to ransom by a minority of politicians and ideologies that support fossil fuel suppliers. Don’t these people have children, grandchildren - don’t they care that human life remains survivable on this planet?

The generation of myself and my husband has unwittingly led us to this precipice. There is no time to delay action. Thousands of volunteers in the region are involved in organisations that actively work to protect the environment and habitats of native animals - Landcare, ACF, FROGS, Australian Plant Society, Rotary (involved in massive tree planting in Goulburn), The Goulburn Group, the Climate Council, WIRES and other animal welfare groups - and many others with less well known names. The work of these dedicated individuals deserves to be nurtured, not put at risk by the very vocal and well organised few locally opposing renewables.
The recent Council vote against the solar farm allowed no discussion, and was taken SOLELY
in response to the opponents’ submission - long before the EIS. In no way does it reflect
local opinion. Many in the community even now have no knowledge of the proposal.

I have visited the area for the proposed solar farm and spoken to some of those opposing. I have since learned that some of their claims are not true, and others of their fears, such as water course management, have been addressed in the EIS. Also other similar projects prove that agricultural use (particularly sheep farming) and solar farming can successfully co-exist on the
same land.

But two matters particularly must be clarified by the proponents of the solar farm:
FIRE MANAGEMENT It is imperative that fire risk management strategies and infrastructure
be approved by the relevant fire authorities. Opponents claim that access and infrastructure is not adequate. Such approval by the fire authorities must be made public, for the sake of peace of mind of ALL Goulburn region residents and to counteract false claims by opponents.
What opponents do not appear to realise is that a neighbour with sound fire risk management and infrastructure is an advantage to them, lessening their own risk.
BENEFITS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY While the proponents mention such benefits in the EIS in broad terms, no specific offers have yet been made. The proponents must come to the table with specific benefits - Goulburn residents, and Goulburn-Mulwaree Council, need to be made aware that there is much more to be gained than just employment, that regional infrastructure and community organisations can benefit greatly. Also, impacted neighbours (though all are low impact except one) need to receive specific and fair offers. It will be a considerable boost to the local economy. Some areas of Goulburn struggle, and all additional financial input is very welcome.

The Gundary solar farm is well placed close to a transmission tower - which obviates the need
for another for a new tower to be built, always contentious in rural areas.
Thank you for your attention. Norman and Annie Bilton

Concerned about the impact on the natural landscape. The direct impact of the substation. The effect on the livelihoods of over 80 families. Concerned about the possibility of fire and the wind ripping through the land stripped of it’s natural trees. Concerned about the end ownership of this project when LightsourceBP sells it off.