Gundary Solar Farm

I want to be clear that I support Solar. I have solar panels at my own home. So, it is not the principle that I object to, although I will say that the proponents of solar do not address the issues of continuous energy availability, because solar is obviously not.

That aside, my objections to the Gundary Solar Farm are firstly that the individuals in the affected area, of which I am not one, are not being compensated for their actual financial loss through property values declining as a result of even the proposal of the project. I have attended a session in Goulburn speaking to the company's' representatives and they seem to have had prepared responses to this issue which did not make sense. The fact is that property values have declined for people. This fact can be established fairly simply but getting all, or a number, of the local real estate agents to submit information on this. Individuals have done this for their own properties and the proposers of the solar farm just keep ignoring them. It is not right that a set of individuals should have to pay such a significant, to them, price for this project. Compensate them properly and a degree of the opposition will subside.

Next, the way that the company have assessed the visual impact it may be an appropriate methodology to use for a city or suburban home but when you live in an area like Gundary the view from the windows of your home are very much a secondary consideration to the view from outside. You buy property in areas like this for what is on the outside. So, the conclusions made about the amount of visual impact where very much underestimated. And as Goulburn extends out towards that direction, and there are already proposals in the works to open new estates there, these people will also have the horrible view of the solar farm from closer and closer. It will affect the ability to grow Goulburn in that direction, which is inside our 10 km area where this sort of facility should not exist.

It also seems that the issues related to the potential for fire management is very much under-played. From the SEPP to the EIS the size of sub-station has doubled from 3 hectares to 6 with the battery increasing in size to 4.5 hectares. All in an area in the middle of houses on Windellama Road, and information for which they did not disclose or have to answer to face to face. The issue of hazardous events occurring from the lithium-ion batteries and transformers was not acknowledged as an important risk. I believe that they have underestimated the strength of the winds in this area and the speed at which fire can spread. Fires have spread as fast as 7.5 km in 10 minutes in this very area. When assessing the impact of this the current and future inhabitants of our city, in the area between where houses are at present right through to where the city is planned to grow, which is right up to the edge of the solar farm, should all be protected but they have been ignored. The second road of proposed access to the site is not suitable in its current state and there appears to be no acknowledgement of this nor funding to make the changes required. The safety of the residents within several kms of the solar farm, and that of the fire fighters required to respond needs a higher priority, or maybe I should say needs priority because it seems to have been brushed aside.

Renewable energy companies have some bad habits that we need to prepare for. Such as the decommissioning of the site. It would be wise to set up a trust fund at the start, and add to it each year, to ensure that the necessary remediations will be funded when the time comes. Protections like this should also be a mandatory inclusion for any new owner of the solar farm - with selling being a loophole where commitments made to the community are erased. The commitments should go with the ownership, whomever that is. And we should have a pool of money at least started in the case where a company closes down.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback.
Whilst I am making this submission in objection to the project, I hope that the issues can be addressed and greater support for the project obtained.

I am a Farmer whose property is adjacent to Crookwell 3 Wind Farm.

I am in favour of the Gundary Solar Farm, provided that Lightsource BP acknowledges local community disruption and commits to local community benefits.

My own experience with the Crookwell 3 wind farm has been one of ongoing disruption and destruction of natural wind breaks on the border of our property.

I can understand the neighbours of the planned Gundary Solar Farm concerns.

Lightsource BP need to address and compensate neighbours for disruption and the impact of the Solar Farm on their property values etc.

The Gundary solar farm is a needed renewable energy source to help our nation address climate change.
Solar farms have proven to coexist with sheep grazing and other agricultural farms, contrary to the belief of those who oppose renewable energy solutions.
Renewable energy farms provide a guaranteed source of income to farmers, allowing them to buffer the impacts of climate change and drought.

The project should be allowed to proceed so long as it attains a social license to do so by returning value to our Goulburn Community.

There are a number of excellent community benefit models already existing in NSW: Winterbourne wind farm; Pottinger Energy Park; and even our near by Collector Windfarm all contribute significant funds annually to the local communities, both during the construction stage and for each year of operation.

Lightsource BP have not committed to such an undertaking, and so although I am very much in favour of the proposed solar farm, my support is conditional on Lightsource BP stepping up to their obligations to compensate our community and near neighbours.

The Crookwell 3 windfarm, which is to be commissioned on December 12 2024, is managed by a Spanish company, Global Power Group (GPG).
GPG mostly used Spanish staff to manage their construction, with only minor works offered to locals.

The Gundary solar farm offers great possibilities for our Goulburn area, including hiring and training local businesses, contributing to our TAFE development, investing in local community projects, but none of these elements are listed in Lightsource BP’s Environment Impact Statement.
We don’t want another multinational rough riding over our local community for their own capital gain.
We want a solar farm developer who will partner with our Goulburn community to enrich our community across business, education and social areas.

Thank you for your consideration.

Ian Anderson
Farmer
283 Annies Lane
Woodhouselee, NSW 2580

I support this project , please see my PDF attachment

I oppose this project because it is very unlikely that the decommissioning, removal and land rehabilitation will occur due to the exorbitant cost that will be involved. The cost in 20 years or so time will likely exceed today's cost to build the project. Unlike mining companies there is no requirement for this developer to lodge a bond to cover this future cost. Who will ultimately pay? The new owner of the plant, the host landholders, the local ratepayers or the State and/or Federal governments. The project must not be approved unless such a bond is in place.

I oppose this project as it is just one of many that will cumulatively destroy our country life-style and country environment, which will be devastating for decades, including for tourists.

The proposed project is the most environmentally damaging of the alternative electricity generation methods. Not just at the local level but globally too. Wind, solar, BESS and pumped hydro projects require massive amounts of resources resulting in the destruction of wildlife ecosystems and threatened and endangered species. The project should not be approved.

The proposed project will negatively impact our energy and national security. The bulk of the components will be made in China, who is not only the world's increasingly higher greenhouse emissions country but has already used trade bans against Australia. This project will make Australia even more dependent on current and future supply of electricity components. Do not approve the project for the sake of our children and their children.

I object to this project. Until the Proponent can fully articulate how its project can, with a medium term capacity factor over 12 months of under 30%, be relied upon to provide electricity 24/7 in the quantities when needed then this project must not be approved. My property requires electricity to run 24 hours a day for my house and my farm operations. Getting electricity for 7.2 hours a day, or on some days zero hours, from this project or any similar project is just unacceptable and ridiculous. To claim the project will supply electricity for "x" number of households is blatantly false. Stop the green washing. Be honest and tell us your project is based on falsehoods.

Your sincerely
An Unhappy Australian

I support the project as a boost to NSW's renewable energy infrastructure to keep the lights on and reduce emissions . The Goulburn LGA does not host any such large scale projects to date and the community/neighbour benefits from these projects are substantial. I see a lot of positive work going into negotiating a decent benefit sharing agreement by many local people of good will and it appears the proponent is responsive. I understand that the Indigenous assessment with respect to special sites has been undertaken thoroughly and sensitively. Some of the opposition appears to be politically motivated, some arguments against the project constitute misinformation and come from people who are not in direct line of sight of the project. I think those directly affected visually should receive benefits and interventions that mitigate their concerns but do not derail the project. We live in the 21st century and should be building 21st century technology to address environmental concerns and climate change. Please approve this project with an emphasis on substantial benefit sharing & local jobs. I believe there is considerable support for action on climate change in the Goulburn electorate and LGA. It is the noisy minority that make change so difficult to achieve. I feel for the folks who are genuinely affected but there are mechanisms in place to negotiate compensation and benefits that far outweigh concerns.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Gundary Solar Farm project. While I recognise the importance of renewable energy and sustainable development, the planned location and execution of this project raise several serious concerns. The Gundary Solar Farm is projected to bring a range of detrimental impacts to our community, local environment, and economy. Below, I outline the specific issues related to rural vista disturbances, property value depreciation, increased fire risks, insurance complications, mental health impacts, and environmental concerns associated with decommissioning.

1. Rural Vista Disturbances and Loss of Scenic Beauty
The construction of a large-scale solar farm in the Gundary area will have a profound and negative impact on the rural landscape. This region is renowned for its scenic beauty, characterised by open pastures, rolling hills, and unobstructed rural views that have been enjoyed by the community for generations. The introduction of vast arrays of solar panels, substations, and other infrastructure will dramatically alter this landscape.

The rural character of Gundary is not only aesthetically valuable but also integral to the local identity and heritage. This project threatens to permanently degrade the visual appeal of the area, which is cherished by both residents and visitors. The construction phase will involve clearing areas of land, and the reflective surfaces of solar panels will disrupt the natural view, resulting in an industrial appearance that clashes with the rural surroundings. This change in the visual landscape will also affect tourism, as visitors often seek out the area's unspoiled natural beauty.

2. Property Value Depreciation
One of the most concerning impacts of the proposed solar farm is the significant decline in property values for nearby residences. Studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that properties located near large-scale solar installations can experience value reductions of up to 50%. The loss in property value stems from multiple factors, including the visual impact, increased noise during construction, and the perceived loss of the area's rural character.

For many homeowners, their property represents their most substantial financial investment. A reduction in property value could lead to financial hardship, especially for those who plan to sell or refinance their properties. This financial loss is unjust to long-term residents who have invested in the region, trusting in its stable and appealing rural environment. The potential decrease in property value also undermines the local economy, affecting the overall prosperity of the community.

3. Increased Insurance Policies and Premiums
The presence of a large solar farm in close proximity to residential properties may lead to increased insurance costs for homeowners. The risks associated with solar farms, including potential fire hazards and damage to properties from equipment failure, could prompt insurers to raise premiums for nearby homes. In addition, some insurance providers may refuse coverage or impose higher excesses due to perceived risks associated with living near large-scale solar developments.

Residents in rural areas already face challenges in obtaining affordable insurance due to bushfire risks and limited access to emergency services. The added presence of solar farm infrastructure could exacerbate these difficulties, placing an additional financial burden on property owners. It is unreasonable to expect local residents to bear the increased costs and stress associated with heightened insurance premiums, especially when they are not the beneficiaries of the proposed solar project.

4. Increased Fire Risk and Limited Emergency Access
The proposed solar farm is located in an area accessible via a single road, raising serious concerns about emergency access, particularly during bushfire season. Large-scale solar installations can increase fire risk due to the presence of electrical equipment, high-voltage transformers, and flammable components. In the event of a fire, having only one road in and out of the area could severely limit the ability of emergency responders to reach the site and evacuate residents.

Furthermore, it has come to light that the local Rural Fire Brigade may not have adequate access to the solar farm site. Without proper access roads and emergency response plans in place, there is a significant risk of uncontrolled fires spreading to nearby properties and farmlands, endangering lives and livelihoods. The increased fire risk associated with the project poses a grave threat to both the environment and the community.

5. Mental Health Impact on the Community
The construction and operation of the solar farm are expected to take a considerable toll on the mental health of local residents. The sense of place and connection to the land are vital aspects of rural living. The introduction of an industrial-scale solar farm disrupts this connection, leading to stress, anxiety, and a feeling of powerlessness among residents who are opposed to the project.

The constant noise, increased traffic, and disruption during construction, combined with the permanent alteration of the landscape, may lead to heightened stress levels and mental health concerns. The uncertainty surrounding the project and its long-term effects adds to the anxiety experienced by local residents, many of whom are already dealing with the pressures of rural living.

6. Environmental Concerns Regarding Decommissioning
One of the most pressing environmental concerns is the question of what will happen when the solar panels and associated infrastructure reach the end of their lifecycle. Solar panels typically last around 25-30 years, after which they need to be replaced or decommissioned. There is currently a lack of clear plans and regulations governing the disposal of solar panels and the decommissioning of solar farms.

Solar panels contain hazardous materials such as cadmium and lead, which can pose significant environmental risks if not properly managed. The decommissioning process could result in contamination of the soil and water sources, with long-lasting consequences for local ecosystems. Additionally, the removal of infrastructure and restoration of the land to its original state may be costly and time-consuming, potentially leaving the community to deal with the aftermath if the project developers fail to take responsibility.

7. Loss of Prime Agricultural Land
The Gundary area has a long history of agriculture, with families having farmed this land for generations. The proposed solar farm will result in the loss of prime agricultural land, reducing the availability of fertile soil for food production. At a time when food security is becoming an increasingly important issue globally, it is shortsighted to convert valuable agricultural land into industrial solar farms.

Farmers in this region have invested time, effort, and resources into cultivating their land. The displacement of agricultural activities not only threatens their livelihoods but also the broader agricultural industry that supports the local economy. The loss of agricultural land for solar development undermines the sustainability of rural communities and diminishes the region's capacity for future food production.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Gundary Solar Farm project may have commendable goals in terms of renewable energy, the negative impacts on the local community, environment, and economy cannot be overlooked. The rural landscape will be permanently scarred, property values will plummet, insurance premiums will increase, and the risks associated with fire and decommissioning are too significant to ignore. Furthermore, the mental well-being of the residents and the loss of agricultural land for future generations are grave concerns that must be taken into account.

For these reasons, I urge the decision-makers to reconsider the location and scope of this project. There are alternative sites better suited for such developments that do not pose the same risks to established rural communities and prime agricultural areas.

Thank you for considering these objections. I trust that the concerns of the Gundary community will be taken seriously and that a thorough reassessment of the project's viability and impact will be conducted.

Submission of Objection to the Gundary Solar Farm Proposal

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally submit my objections to the proposed Gundary Solar Farm development. As a resident directly impacted by this proposal, I wish to raise several significant concerns that affect not only my property but also the safety, lifestyle, financial security, and mental well-being of myself, my family, and fellow residents in the area.

1. Fire Risk and Safety Concerns
The proposed solar farm poses a serious fire risk that endangers the safety of my family and other residents along our road. Currently, the access to our properties is limited to a single road with one way in and one way out. In the event of a fire breaking out at the solar farm or its substations, residents will be trapped with no secondary route for evacuation. This lack of access is a critical safety hazard that could result in devastating consequences during a fire emergency.

While the developers have indicated that a 20,000-litre water tank will be installed on-site, this amount of water would be grossly insufficient in the event of a large-scale fire, particularly given the size of the project and the high fire risks associated with solar panels and substations. Additionally, the installation of a large locked security fence around the perimeter of the proposed site would severely hinder the Rural Fire Service’s ability to access the area and control a fire effectively. In a rural setting where every second counts during a fire, such barriers could lead to catastrophic delays and increased risk to life and property.

2. Impact on Rural Landscape and Lifestyle
We purchased our property as a small hobby farm, specifically for its tranquil rural setting and the beautiful, expansive views that it offers. If the solar farm project proceeds, our landscape will be drastically altered, replacing the current natural vistas with 650 acres of solar panels. This industrial intrusion is completely at odds with the character of the area and will fundamentally change the rural environment that drew us to live here. The loss of these scenic views will significantly affect our quality of life, as we will no longer be able to enjoy the natural surroundings that are integral to our property’s value and our personal enjoyment.

3. Negative Impact on Property Values
Local real estate agents have advised residents that property values are likely to decrease dramatically if the solar farm is constructed. Estimates suggest a decline in property values of between 20% to 50%, which is a substantial financial blow to many of us who have invested in our properties as a form of superannuation. This loss in property value is deeply concerning, as it will negatively impact the retirement plans of many residents who have relied on their property investments for future financial security. The prospect of being unable to recoup our investments due to the devaluation caused by the industrialization of the surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable.

4. Increase in Insurance Premiums
In addition to the concerns about fire safety, residents have been informed by insurance companies that our insurance premiums and policies will likely increase as a result of the increased fire risk and public liability issues associated with the solar farm. The heightened risk of fires, combined with the potential difficulty for emergency services to access the site, means that insurers may classify the area as high risk. This will not only increase costs for residents but could also result in difficulties obtaining adequate coverage, thereby further compromising our financial stability.

5. Impact on Mental Health and Well-being
The cumulative impact of the concerns outlined above has already begun to take a toll on my mental health. The anxiety associated with the potential fire risks, the threat of being trapped during an emergency, and the loss of our cherished rural environment is affecting my peace of mind and overall well-being. The prospect of seeing the landscape I cherish replaced by industrial solar panels and knowing that my family could be in danger due to restricted evacuation options weighs heavily on me every day. Additionally, the potential financial losses from reduced property values and increased insurance premiums are causing significant stress and uncertainty about our future.

The deterioration of the peaceful, rural environment we once enjoyed, combined with the fear for our safety and financial stability, has created a constant source of worry that affects not only myself but also my family. It is deeply unsettling to think that our mental well-being is being disregarded in favor of a project that will irreparably alter our way of life.

Conclusion
In light of these significant concerns—ranging from fire safety risks and impacts on our rural landscape to reduced property values, increased insurance costs, and the mental health effects on residents—I strongly oppose the approval of the Gundary Solar Farm project. The proposed development poses serious threats to the safety, well-being, and financial and emotional stability of local residents. I urge the relevant authorities to reconsider the approval of this project, taking into account the legitimate concerns of the community who will be directly affected by these changes.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that our concerns will be taken into serious consideration.