Jindera Solar Farm

I object as I know that the land proposed to house the Jindera Solar Farm is beautiful multi purpose farm land suitable for both stock or cropping and should not be developed for a solar plant. As a farmer driving past this farm for many years I have seen how productive it can be and what it has produced.
Once this land is lost to a solar farm it will be difficult to return this land to the farm that it previously was. Australia has so much land that does not grow anything and solar should be built on poor land to allow for the growing of food on the best land.
I think it is sad that the many nearby residents that have chosen to live in this area for a rural lifestyle will have to put up with the construction and the view of thousands of panels for the long term of this project. They did not chose to live next to thousands of panels and this could affect their health and wellbeing.
I have worries that this solar plant will also be a fire risk to the people nearby and the town of Jindera.

This is the wrong location for a solar farm, and is being constructed for the wrong reasons. As a 21 year old, I will be the generation that will have to deal with the consequences of this attempted short term gain for funds, instead of the potential of actually making a difference in the world. I am studying at university and now have to come back to a location which will be overrun with issues, such as; the heat that the solar farms will produce, the infertility of the land due to the proposed farms, and the building of these farms on land that can actually grow food. These farms if they are to be built, need to be built in an area where they are sustainable and not causing negative effects on those people around it. This is not the right move for the future, as even the power is not going to the area.

This good farm land should be kept as farm land.
I work in an agricultural job and think work will be lost in the long term and food and wool will be lost for the long term.
Solar farms should only be allowed on poor land that does not affect people.
Bushfire risks are too dangerous.
There is no gain for locals over so many years and the Jindera solar farm has so many neighbours that like their country homes and peace
Solar in this part of Jindera may stop the town from growing
Too many trucks through town might affect business, safety and roads.
The Jindera Solar Farm should be stopped from going ahead as it is not the right place.

Dear Sir/Madam,
We are writing in response to the exhibition of the EIS for the Jindera Solar Farm (SSD 9549) and wish to formally object to the proposed development for the following reasons:
Loss of high quality agricultural land
The EIS indicates that the land on which the subject development is classified as class 3 land and class 6. Perusal of Figure 6.13 in the EIS and Figures 3.9 and Figures 3.10 reveals that a large majority of the development footprint is situated on the Class 3 High Capability Land rather than the Class 6 Low Capability Land. We believe class 3 land should not be used for a solar farm development and should be maintained as agricultural land, particularly given the relatively higher rainfall received in this area compared with western areas and the current climatic conditions across Australia. This area has a higher potential to ‘feed’ Australia than many other locations.
Impacts on native vegetation and aboriginal heritage
The removal of 17.41 hectares of native vegetation, including 33 out of 40 paddock trees, and a total loss of value of 24 items of Aboriginal cultural heritage should deem this site unsuitable for a solar farm development. We consider the loss of this important habitat vegetation and aboriginal sites unacceptable.
Number of impacted neighbours
25 residences within 1km and 48 households and an additional 9 landowners within 2km of the site should deem this site unsuitable for a solar farm development. This is a large number of people in our local community who will be directly impacted by the development.
Cumulative impacts of multiple proposed developments
There are 4 proposed major solar farm developments in the area; Jindera, Glenellen, Walla Walla and Culcairn. While the above mentioned impacts on agricultural land, neighbours, native vegetation and aboriginal heritage may be considered acceptable by the developer, the combined impact of four developments in a relatively small area is unacceptable. As young people looking to get into the agricultural industry, we are particularly concerned about the amount of agricultural land being ‘locked up’ for 30 years in a solar farm development.
In summary, while we support solar development in Australia we believe there are far more suitable sites in Australia than that proposed for the Jindera Solar Farm. Solar farm development should be limited to where land is marginal for agricultural use and there is minimal disturbance to the surrounding community.

Dear Sir/Madam

Objection to Jindera Solar Farm – SSD 9549

I refer to the above State Significant Development currently open for exhibition and wish to make a submission OBJECTING to the development as outlined in the documents available on the NSW Department of Planning Major Project Portal.

My reasons for objection are as follows:

Loss of Agriculture
Our family strongly values agriculture through our business of farming and agricultural contracting. It is my view that agricultural land should be protected to retain food and fibre production in times when a significant part of our country is suffering from severe drought. Irrigation areas have encountered minimal allocations and the Murray Darling Basin is on its knees. Through sufficient rainfall and soils that are suitable for crop production, this area of Greater Hume has the capacity to produce whilst others are not. It must be considered that the cumulative impacts of drought added to the loss of agriculture for other reasons including large scale solar developments has a possible impact to the end consumer of increased food prices and limited availability. Instead of complaining about increased electricity prices people will soon by crying about food prices and a need to import food potentially may bring bio security risks such as Asia has seen with the African Swine Flu epidemic. Food security should be an increased emphasis at this time of agricultural struggle in our country and hence I object to the further loss of productive agricultural land. Fodder production in our state and country is also extremely important to protect and secure the retention of breeding livestock to ensure primary production can continue reliably into the future and provide for increasing food needs.
I must say that I do not believe that the suggestion of grazing some sheep around panels can be justified as the retention of agriculture and see this simply as a marketing effort by the developer. Land in Greater Hume has mixed farming capacity allowing for the growth of crops which enhances the productivity of the local area. If this area is covered in solar panels the capacity of production is diminished. Where will the sheep feed come from? Sheep do not generally do well on the nutritional quality of weeds that may potentially grow in the poor shaded soil that may occur under the panels? There is research that confirms that the soil is impacted by the installation of solar panels and also that micro climate impacts do exist. It is important to consider that finished lambs require good feed, where will the grain and hay come from to feed these sheep if the capacity to make these products no longer exists on the property covered in panels. There is absolutely no way that this property under panels could near equate to the carrying capacity as is at present.

Climate Change
There is much conjecture and conflicting research in relation to climate change however I understand one truth in relation to the changing climate and that is that IF Climate Change is true then the biggest impact will be a significant reduction in our countries capacity to grow food. If we want to believe that action is necessary in relation to Climate Change then that action should include a primary response to protect and secure reliable food production in this country and NSW. Personally, I wish to make it exceptionally clear that I am not opposed to renewable energy projects and am in favour of such developments WHEN they are placed in the correct location and not at the expense of agriculture that feeds our country.

Growth of Jindera & Aesthetic Impact
People living in the area of this development enjoy the rural and peaceful landscape of farming and agriculture.
Solar Farms are not:
Agriculture - defined as the science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.
Nor are they,
Farms - defined as an area of land and its buildings, used for growing crops and rearing animals.
There should be no allowance for these developments to be called “Farms”, it is a misleading use of the term used inappropriately as marketing for these developments that are industrial installations.
Jindera has been a significant growth area of Greater Hume offering those looking for a country lifestyle the opportunity to enjoy the pleasing aesthetic landscape available in that area. The development of a large scale solar development will not only disturb that pleasure and the beautiful homes that the neighbours have worked hard to achieve but will also impact on further opportunities for growth in the future.
I strongly believe that if approved, this industrial development will cause significant impacts to the numerous receptors including possible mental health issues from the many impacts including aesthetics, dust, noise, financial impacts, devaluation that should not be underestimated. Many have worked hard to purchase and build homes to enjoy a rural lifestyle that will be significantly changed should such a large industrial type facility intrude into their community. Unfortunately, it is already too late for landowners to consider selling without an impact on saleability or value.
In addition, this development has caused significant fracture and community angst which is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of people living in the area.

Flora and Fauna
I understand that many trees require removal in the development of this project and that displacement of flora and fauna may be a result. Personally, I cannot understand when the push for renewables is a consideration to save the environment why we would cause great disruption to the environment to do so, it is hypocritical. This area is known to be the home of the squirrel glider, flame robin, curlews and many other wildlife species that should be protected and trees should not be removed to allow this development to proceed.

Ongoing Viability
It is my great concern that there is no scrutiny of the actual ability of the company to remain viable throughout the full course of the project or that the energy produced from this facility will actually be required to fulfil supply. There is no financial guarantee of remediation of the site at the end of its tenure or should the developer become insolvent. I understand that remediation would then become the responsibility of the landowner however this still provides no guarantee that there will be the financial capacity to remediate the site should insolvency occur. I have great concern that at some point in time there may be a solar waste land left for the community to deal with.

Traffic Impacts
The impact of increased traffic, specifically truck movements, through the township of Jindera warrants significant consideration to ensure the safety of townspeople in the main street and through the school zone. I have family at school in Jindera and often shop in the town and feel that these substantial truck movements will impact the single lane main street and the roundabout. Additionally, I have great concern that damage may potentially occur to Greater Hume roads from the significant truck movements in the area. The consequential financial impact this would have on Council may have a further affect on Councils ability to attend to the many other shire roads that are greatly in in need of repair.

Bush fire impacts
Many members of my family participate as volunteer members of the Rural Fire Service in our local brigade. I personally have great concern about the installation of these solar developments as brigade members have learned that Solar PV Plants have significant workplace health and safety issues to the point that they are being told that it may be unsafe to enter a Solar Plant due to high voltage, fumes and entrapment issues caused by infrastructure and fencing. It has been confirmed that members would be not be expected to enter the development and would be required to fight any fires on the outside perimeter should a fire in the plant occur. It is greatly concerning that with the township of Jindera in close proximity and the size of the development that the risks of fire to Rural Fire Service members, neighbouring landowners and the nearby township would appear greatly exacerbated by this development.

Conclusion
I wish for it to be noted that I strongly believe that there are many better places for these developments to be situated. Greater Hume, with its agricultural strength IS NOT THAT PLACE and as long as we allow the opportunistic approach of targeting existing transmission lines it does not push government to construct such lines in places where they would be more appropriately placed in the west or north of NSW where nothing grows. I understand that there is the argument of transmission loss and other factors however all business suffers from some loss and this is just the cost of doing business. There are many communities north and west struggling with minimal ability to produce agriculturally in these tough times of drought. These communities would benefit from solar development whilst in our area, after the construction period is complete, this development will result in a net loss to the community through the loss of agricultural production and agriculture’s multiplying benefits. Please, use some common sense and direct these developments to where they should be, NOT ON PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LAND!!


As required, I hereby declare that I have not made any reportable political donations in the previous two years.

I object for the following reasons:-
Good farming land being used, put solar farms where there is arid land. No farms, no food, greater cost to everyone.
Devaluation of the land, no proof the land will come back from this.
Devaluation of properties in this area. People have worked hard to make their homes here and should not have to worry about not being able to sell for a good price due to a solar farm.
Loss of flora and fauna habitat.
Loss of cultural heritage sites.
The solar company is from overseas, we are selling off more of our country, we need our land for Australians.
Bush fire risk, this seems to get brushed under the carpet, anything I raised at The Hub when we spoke to the developers their answer was it will be fine that won't happen, that is not good enough clearly they don't know.
Restrict the future growth of Jindera as no-one wants to live next to a solar farm.
This is dividing the district and making things very uncomfortable for everyone.
The mental health of the residents here is at risk, you might have a property worth a lot of money to sell and retire off the money, then your property value will be drastically reduced and you have to worry where you will find the money to retire.
I don't like their oh that won't happen it will be fine.
There will be more dust, noise and glare in this lovely quiet area.
The roads out here are not great and all the traffic will simply make the situation even worse.
So much more traffic through Jindera township, I bet they don't know they are getting trucks through there every 14 minutes 6 days a week.
No benefit to any of the people living out here except those whose property it is going on and the foreign developer.

My objections outlined by attatchment

I object to the Jindera Solar project on a number of levels. These are numbered below.
Firstly, I object to the nomenclature of the Jindera Solar project, as a farm, where in fact it is a major industrial plant. This is a plant, where there is multimillion dollar infrastructure, major changes to the community, and long term impact to the community. In calling it a farm, there has been a lack of due diligence in the planning of this project. If this was considered a major industrial enterprise, there would be far more planning, consultation, and research into the contracted companies. The companies involved have little information on their financial success, which is important, as if these companies fold, there is uncertainty as to the future of the infrastructure on our community. The planning is rushed. In undertaking research about this area, I have discovered that this area was graded in the 1980s drought as occasionally arable land, which if due diligence was being undertaken, would be reviewed, as this is very reliable land for agricultural production. The timing of this is extremely difficult for farmers in this area, as in the midst of a statewide drought this area is producing hay, stock and grain, and they have a huge workload and stress in considering responses to this project.
Secondly, I object to the installation of these plants in an area that, unlike many other areas of the state, is not being residualised in population and demographic as other rural areas of NSW. As a resident and taxpayer in NSW, I am concerned that this area of the state is enjoying a growth in young families and diverse enterprise, with at least three subdivisions of housing in the area. All three schools in the township are experiencing growth, and two busloads of secondary students go to Culcairn, and two busloads of students to Albury. The size of the plants dwarf Jindera, one of the only towns in the Riverina that is growing. The impact on the infringement of the community needs careful, thorough and diligent consideration, and the long term future of the community needs to be factored into this project development. In a time where there are so many communities suffering from residualisation, due to drought and the Murray Darling Basin Plan impact, there are areas in the state that could much better support the development of such a large industrial plant. I understand that this is due to the location of the plants to the existing grid, but this again is a rushed decision – a new grid west of this area could much better support alternate townships, an injection of much needed infrastructure in residualised areas of the state.
Thirdly, I object to the installation of the Jindera Solar Plant on prime agricultural land. In the midst of a drought, this area is producing hay, stock and grain, with large numbers of neighbouring farming enterprises affected in proximity of the plants. I object to the removal of high numbers of old trees, creating salinity issues in an area that has never experienced them. I object to the removal of a sugar glider habitat, and there is much conjecture over the change in microclimate. I have seen the huge number of weeds under the recently opened Finley plants, and all the information regarding grazing opportunities are negated to me by what I have seen. In all of this, as a resident of the Jindera area, there are concerns about fire hazards, and even the insurance prospect of residents nearby has not been thought about. Farms neighbouring the plants may not be able to insure their properties, and so one neighbour will profit, and one neighbour will not be able to conduct business with hard to obtain public liability insurance. This, in a district with a number of small productive farms affects the long term health of a now-thriving community.
Ultimately, what I object to most is that in our state, we have always made haste slowly. There is a need to consider renewable energy opportunities, but to rush into such huge decisions, the considerations of location, local impact, productivity, community health, wildlife habitat and risk have not been taken into account in a thorough and timely manner.

I believe that if this solar farm goes ahead that it will be beneficial towards the community as there will be a couple hundred odd workers to install the solar farm, these workers will need to get a feed, fuel their implements, maintenance, accommodation, so on and so forth. I am a 7th generation Jindera young farmer that supports green energy as it is a cleaner way of generating energy for the local and surrounding communities.
With this proposed development the land holder is still allowed to have grazing rights so that they may still be able to produce a high quality product. Surrounding areas during the summer period are exposed to harsh winds of which cause the top soil to get carried by the wind causing dust storms, as the proposed site is going to be covered by solar panels, these will protect the land from erosion and block the winds from damaging the pasture crops. The panels will also protect the crops from frosts in winter so that the plants may still be able to grow providing grazing through out the whole year.

I have several reasons behind my objection to the Jindera Solar project. The first is the environmental impact on two fronts: initially, the landscape, and secondly, the unknown climatic implications for the area - there is no clear strategy at this point in time for the change in microclimate, as this is unknown. I also have issues with drainage, bearing in mind that this is effectively an extremely large project, which could cause serious flooding problems into the future. Furthermore, and certainly not the least of my concerns, is the obvious impact that this will have on property values, reducing the opportunities for sale further down the track. As my career for the last 45 years has been as an agricultural banker, I find it reprehensible that quality agricultural land in reliable climatic conditions, is being considered for this project. It should not be disregarded, as it would appear to be the case. The diminution of asset value will have impact on the asset position of individual farmers, resulting in reduced equity, and difficulties in ensuring financial health. All of these above factors have a detrimental impact on the mental health of many individual farmers and their families in surrounding areas, as the issue has overwhelmed a number of farming families. This is not going to affect a minor number of farmers, as so many farms are on the boundaries of these solar plants. In conclusion, I believe that there are many other areas far more suitable, that would cause far less disruption than on prime farming land such as ours.

I object to this development based on many reasons.
This development is to be constructed on productive agricultural land and due to my employment being part of an agricultural contracting business including hay and fodder production I understand the value of this land in an area that has good rainfall and ability to produce when other areas are struggling from drought. It is important to preserve the value of agriculture to ensure food production in our country can continue and avoid the need to import and continue the multiplying economic benefits that agriculture brings to many in our community and Australia wide.
Jindera is a growth area of Greater Hume Shire and this development will inhibit the ability of the area to grow. Many existing homes will be affected by this development and the change of the landscape from agricultural to an industrial look will affect those living in the area, it may devalue the land having financial consequences and in turn cause stress in the community. This development is being undertaken by a foreign company and I believe that agricultural land with the strong ability to produce should remain under Australian ownership for agricultural production.
As a member of the RFS, I am greatly concerned about the bushfire impact this may bring to our area. I understand Solar PV developments have significant workplace health and safety issues and believe that if a fire is to break out in the solar development that local RFS members that are NOT HAZMAT trained or equipped will not be able to enter and therefore it will be necessary to fight any fires from outside the development on neighbouring land. This will definitely bring an increased risk not only to myself as a volunteer RFS member but also the neighbouring landowners and also the nearby town of Jindera.
My young cousins go to school in Jindera and I also understand that this development will bring quite substantial truck movements through town and I am concerned this will be a great risk to school children and the community.
I feel exceptionally worried for the landowners in the area, I believe this development will bring great disturbance to the area and will affect the mental health of the surrounding neighbours and nearby community.
Agriculture in our country is in a dire state with drought, Murray Darling Basin and fire and I strongly object as I believe that the agricultural land proposed for this development should be retained for agriculture and absolutely refute that the sheep grazing proposed by developer will be anywhere close to the agricultural capacity that currently exists on this arable land including that which has been cropped in the past.

I object to this project because they are using prime agricultural land that is still productive in a dry year.
I also am unhappy with the effect this project will have on land values and feel that it will decrease them greatly.
I feel it will restrict the future growth of the Jindera township and surrounds.
I am disgusted that these projects can remove long establised trees and the filling in of farm dams.
I am concerned that the construction of the project will cause an influx of light and heavy vehicles on our local roads that are not up to scratch for such traffic.
I and very concerned of the bush fire risk this project will cause and the inability to fight fires in the confines of the project.
I am unhappy that these renewable companies are foreign owned.
This project has divided the district and neighborhood and caused much angst and concern.
I am concerned of the glare the panels will cause.

I wish for my objection to this project to be noted.
I have great concern on the grounds that I believe the nature of this development will detract from the current agricultural landscape changing it to and industrial zone.
This land is currently productive agricultural land including cropping which whilst other areas are suffering from drought, water and fire issues will continue to produce food for our country.
I do not believe that the small number of sheep that is being said will be grazed after the solar panels are constructed is the retention of agriculture and the production capacity will be significantly diminished. As retired farmers we understand the value of the land in this area, we have great rainfall, good soil and the ability to produce when others north and west can not. These solar developments should be placed on much less arable land and allowing the application for these developments in this area does nothing to make the Government construct grid lines to other arid areas where these developments should be placed.
I am worried about the increased truck movements through town and also my grandchildren attend school in Jindera and I am concerned about their safety being a concern.
Jindera is a growing town and I believe that should a large solar development be approved that this will change the view of our area and growth will stop. Many are worried about a reduction in their value of land which will create increased stress in addition to the physical construction impacts (dust, noise etc) which will affect the many neighbouring landowners.
I am worried about the increased bushfire risk and the ability of volunteers to fight any fires as am aware they will not enter due to workplace health and safety issues.
This project has divided our community and has seriously fractured relationships. I am also seriously worried about the ecological loss, the loss of trees, flora and fauna including squirrel gliders, curlews, flame robins and frogs.
Please accept my strong objection to the Jindera Solar Development.

Please see attached.

Please see attached.