MOD 1 - Revised Road Design

I object to the CRWF Modification as I have family that own and live on
land joining this wind farm project that have not yet received
information in relation to how these changes to the project will
affect their property. I believe prior to any modification to the
project they, as neighbouring landowners, should receive information
relevant to their land regarding the noise, visual, and environmental
effects from the wind farm. We are also extremely concerned that the
construction of the wind farm will impact on my family's ability to
subdivide their land and obtain a dwelling entitlement on this
subdivision. This obviously will affect the value of their land.

I object to the CRWF Modification as I own and occupy land joining this
wind farm project and have not yet received information in relation to
how these changes to the project will affect my property. I believe
prior to any modification to the project I should receive information
relevant to my land regarding the noise, visual and environmental
effects from the wind farm changes. I am also extremely concerned that
the construction of the wind farm will impact on my ability to
effectively control noxious weeds on land joining the wind farm. The
use of a helicopter to aerial spray weeds on inaccessible areas near
the location of the nearest turbines will obviously be restricted.

I object to the CRWF Modification as I own and occupy land joining this
wind farm project and have not yet received information in relation to
how these changes to the project will affect my property. I believe
prior to any modification to the project I should receive information
relevant to my land regarding the noise, visual and environmental
effects from the wind farm changes. I am also extremely concerned that
the construction of the wind farm will impact on my ability to
subdivide my land and obtain a dwelling entitlement on this
subdivision. This obviously will affect the value of my land.

Arron's pass road is in desperate need of upgrades and the council should
be pushing harder for greener , renewable energy

Aaron's pass road are surrounding areas are koala habitat. The removal of
trees in this area for the development of the wind farm will have a
detrimental impact on the koalas in the area.
I oppose the removal of trees for this development.

As a local service provider in the area (Lodging and Meals), I feel that
the addition of this project to the area is a beneficial one.
We have an excellent working relationship with CWP Renewables and
their subcontractors and feel that any addition to the local economy
can only help.
Mudgee and it's surrounds are thriving on the back of the resource
sector, agriculture and viticulture and the melding of the people who
works in these industries. Workers bring their families to Mudgee to
stay here, Kandos, Rylestone etc to eat and stay and enjoy our
beautiful region.
Also with the push towards moving away from fossil fuels, we should be
encouraging more wind and solar farms.

Re: Crudine Ridge Wind Farm - Aarons Pass Road Upgrade
Crudine Ridge Wind Farm started construction in August, employing 45
people and issuing over $3M of contracts to local companies in the
Central West. The workforce is expected to grow to 240 people in the
next year with over 50% of employees from the local region.
To continue construction of this important project, we propose to
upgrade Aarons Pass Road, improving safety for the community and
enabling safe and timely delivery of project equipment.
A road design has been prepared in consultation with Mid-western
Regional Council (MWRC) including corner realignment, localised
widening and crest-work to improve road condition, visibility,
drainage and passing opportunities. A new local gravel supply has been
sourced which would provide a more durable road base, less dust and a
better condition road as a legacy for the region.
Stringent traffic controls and dust management are in place to
minimise impacts to the community. The upgrade would be entirely
funded by the wind farm as a legacy for the local community.
Development Consent
To secure approval for the road upgrade, we have applied to the NSW
Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to modify the Development
Consent. An Environmental Assessment has been prepared to avoid,
mitigate and offset impacts to local flora and fauna. Approximately
five hectares of roadside vegetation would be disturbed, with all
works carefully managed using the Biodiversity and Traffic Management
Plans.
The application is on public exhibition from December 5 - 19.
We are asking for the local community to show support for the
important road upgrades by making a submission and contacting your
local representatives.
All submissions will be addressed and in a Response to Submissions in
early 2019. The Department will then make an assessment on whether the
road upgrade should occur. 
What You Can Do To Help
We are asking for your support so we can undertake the road upgrades
without delay. You can help:
* Make a submission
* Write to your local Council and Member of Parliament
* Attend the public meeting to voice your support for the wind farm.
Local businesses will benefit and grow from this project with flow on
effects for: trades, professionals, accommodation, hospitality,
services and retail outlets.
Over $3 million of contracts have been awarded to local businesses to
date, as well as 45 employees working on the project, contributing to
the local economy. Over 50% of the employees are from the local region
and its expected that up to 240 people will be directly employed
during construction, once fully underway. A number of roles and
contracts are currently being advertised.
CWP Renewables is proud to be pioneering Australia's first community
wind farm co-investment initiative at Sapphire Wind Farm in northern
NSW. The program enables local community members to invest in a secure
renewable energy investment. The initiative has generated so much
interest that the program is being considered for each of our
projects, including Crudine Ridge Wind Farm.
The wind farm will provide enough power for around 55,000 homes. In
addition to the direct economic benefits, the Project will contribute
over $168,000 annually to the community funds for Mid-western and
Bathurst Regional Council, once operating.

Re: Crudine Ridge Wind Farm - Aarons Pass Road Upgrade


Crudine Ridge Wind Farm started construction in August, employing 45
people and issuing over $3M of contracts to local companies in the
Central West. The workforce is expected to grow to 240 people in the
next year with over 50% of employees from the local region.
To continue construction of this important project, we propose to
upgrade Aarons Pass Road, improving safety for the community and
enabling safe and timely delivery of project equipment.
A road design has been prepared in consultation with Mid-western
Regional Council (MWRC) including corner realignment, localised
widening and crest-work to improve road condition, visibility,
drainage and passing opportunities. A new local gravel supply has been
sourced which would provide a more durable road base, less dust and a
better condition road as a legacy for the region.
Stringent traffic controls and dust management are in place to
minimise impacts to the community. The upgrade would be entirely
funded by the wind farm as a legacy for the local community.
Development Consent
To secure approval for the road upgrade, we have applied to the NSW
Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to modify the Development
Consent. An Environmental Assessment has been prepared to avoid,
mitigate and offset impacts to local flora and fauna. Approximately
five hectares of roadside vegetation would be disturbed, with all
works carefully managed using the Biodiversity and Traffic Management
Plans.
The application is on public exhibition from December 5 - 19.
We are asking for the local community to show support for the
important road upgrades by making a submission and contacting your
local representatives.
All submissions will be addressed and in a Response to Submissions in
early 2019. The Department will then make an assessment on whether the
road upgrade should occur. 
What You Can Do To Help
We are asking for your support so we can undertake the road upgrades
without delay. You can help:
* Make a submission
* Write to your local Council and Member of Parliament
* Attend the public meeting to voice your support for the wind farm.
Local businesses will benefit and grow from this project with flow on
effects for: trades, professionals, accommodation, hospitality,
services and retail outlets.
Over $3 million of contracts have been awarded to local businesses to
date, as well as 45 employees working on the project, contributing to
the local economy. Over 50% of the employees are from the local region
and its expected that up to 240 people will be directly employed
during construction, once fully underway. A number of roles and
contracts are currently being advertised.
CWP Renewables is proud to be pioneering Australia's first community
wind farm co-investment initiative at Sapphire Wind Farm in northern
NSW. The program enables local community members to invest in a secure
renewable energy investment. The initiative has generated so much
interest that the program is being considered for each of our
projects, including Crudine Ridge Wind Farm.
The wind farm will provide enough power for around 55,000 homes. In
addition to the direct economic benefits, the Project will contribute
over $168,000 annually to the community funds for Mid-western and
Bathurst Regional Council, once operating.

I object to the CRWF Modification which should be totally rejected.
However should the modification be accepted in part, then specific,
and fully and unambiguously defined conditions regarding Aarons Pass
Rd need to be put in place. CWP, the developer, has shown that by
their actions to date that they cannot be trusted to comply with set
legal requirements (PAC Consent conditions) and need to be held to
account for every action taken or proposed. This project has never
been about global environmental concerns but rather a means of making
money, much of it being from subsidies ( RECs), ultimately paid for by
the public.

I object to the CRWF Modification which should be given no consideration
until proper and meaningful information is provided by the proponent
to address the enormity of changes arbitrarily made by the developer
for this project. In its current format this project is far removed
from the assessed and determined project handed down by the PAC in May
2016 and the Commonwealth Department of the Environment in April
2017..
The developer "bangs on" on how concerned he is to ensure that CWP is
creating a reduced environmental impact resulting from this
`modified'project. This is supposedly to be achieved by reducing the
number of turbines to 37, but `surprise, surprise!' the proponent does
not indicate that these turbines will have blade lengths which will be
about 10% longer than those originally assessed and approved - not to
mention also the 22% increase for blade swept area. Where are the
reports to be able to assess the full and changed impacts that this
will have for noise, visual and the environment effects?
The developer also makes a great deal of `noise' about ensuring
certainty that no more than 37 would ever be built. This is abject
nonsense since the Commonwealth Department of Environment was the
final decision maker for this project and set a maximum of 37 turbines
as part of its Consent conditions. Since the proponent seems to be so
desirous of scattering his `certainty' largesse for the community
perhaps he might like to give certainty for decommissioning by putting
forward a decommissioning bond ( cash or insurance bonds) ?
With regard to Aarons Pass Rd, the developer in spite of the extensive
mapping shown in the Modification Appendices (Eco Logical Australia)
does not indicate how intensive the clearing along APR is intended to
be (or what limitations, if any, are to be considered). It can only be
assumed that a repeat of the first 3.5 km is the developer's
expectation. Unless clear, explicit and carefully detailed
tree/vegetation plans are submitted by the developer the Modification
sought should be given no consideration.

i strongly support the approval of the Aarons Pass road modification
application. This road has traditionally been a dangerous access for
the community. The encroaching vegetation has restricted appropriate
drainage and widening possibilities and if modification approval is
granted the appropriate work required would greatly enhance the safety
and condition of the narrow, winding access. Approval of the
modification would benefit the wider community through better access
for four deck stock transporters, large machinery and general freight
including grain and fodder at no cost to the local Council.

i support the approval of the modification application by CWP regarding
the Aarons Pass road upgrade. This road has been a dangerous road
because of the encroaching vegetation and narrow sharp bends. Approval
of the modification would improve safety for the increasing number of
vehicle movements both tourist and local.

I am very much in support of the approval of the modification
application lodged by CWP for the upgrade of the Aarons Pass road.
This road has long been a winding narrow road with vegetation
encroaching onto the road on crests and corners. Traffic movements
have been increasing as more and more subdivisions occur in the area.
Stock transporters find it difficult to travel along the road because
of the lack of visibility and overhanging limbs. The granting of the
modification application can only enhance conditions for local
residents at no cost to the local Council.

I believe the construction of the windfarm should be allowed to go ahead
as soon as possible. There's no point letting all the work that has
been done go to waste just because a few people disagree with trees
being cleared. Not only is holding up construction on this project is
waste of time, money and resources, it is also a safety issue. Just
because the trucks from the windfarm aren't travelling on it doesn't
mean that trucks from the quarry, workers from the offices/worksites,
tourists and existing residents aren't using this road. Everybody in
the area can see that there has been a huge increase in traffic since
construction started. Upgrading the road can only bring benefits. The
trees along the road themselves are a hazard. Majority are old and
could fall over at any time. Every time a storm passes through we are
out pulling trees off the road. People aren't realising that we need
to look towards the future and realise that this area is growing quite
rapidly with the subdivision on large properties.

I support the road upgrade.
It will improve visibility on the road and help vehicles avoid
kangaroos which have caused a number of accidents in the area.
It will also reduce the number of fallen trees which i should note are
usually cleaned up by locals

12 December 2018


Re: the upgrade of the Aarons Pass Road

I am writing to you regarding the upgrade of the Arrons Pass Road.
This road has required an upgrade for as long as I can remember; I am
84 years young and have been driving on Aarons Pass Road most of my
life and it has been a very basic and ordinary road for as long as I
can remember.

This road was partly in the old Rylstone Shire Council area, this
council had control of the northern end and Cudgegong Shire Council
had the southern end and neither council wanted to look after it. Then
these two councils amalgamated and became Mid Western Regional
Council. This council had a lot of catching up to do and Aarons Pass
Road was not on their; to do list - nothing has been done to upgrade
it yet!

It has been a bloody goat track all my life and why anyone would
oppose this upgrade I don't know. There have been a lot of accidents
on it and I can recall a couple of deaths. This year a motor bike
rider was killed near the turnoff to Sally's Flat Road (very nasty),
the Hill End Road was closed for most of the day and the vehicles
which needed to use this road had to be diverted onto the Sally's
Flat/Aarons Pass Road to get to their destinations. One other matter
just of interest, when the Hill End - Bathurst Road was upgraded, the
Monkey Hill section had to be blasted to widen it. This closed the
road for a few days, and the community of Hill End / Sally's Flat had
to go through the Aarons Pass Road to get to Bathurst and visa versa.
Aarons Pass road has some very nasty bends, very bad crests, trees
virtually on the road, also the canopy grows right over the top of the
road and there has been a lot of accidents and a couple of deaths in
my time living in the area. Livestock and agricultural trucks hate it.
The 4 Decker livestock floats find it very difficult to manoeuvre
along this road.

The Aarons Pass Road badly needs to be upgraded, not only for the
safety of the locals and tourist but also for the people who own
blocks around Bocoble, Pyramul, Windeyer, Hargraves who travel through
this road to get to their destination would greatly appreciate it.
Another reason is for Crudine Ridge Wind Farm to continue with their
work as it is already well underway on the north and south ends. This
is a great opportunity for the Mid Western Regional Council, as the
Crudine Ridge Farm is willing to invest and provide the services to do
the work.

They talk about dust; they ought to have lived as we did at Sally's
Flat on the Bathurst to Hill End road before it was upgraded and
asphalted. During holiday weekends/school holidays you could write
your name on anything 100yds from the road.

The basic trees on Aarons Pass / Sally's Flat road are stringy bark
with a sprinkle of white gum. These stringy bark trees are
particularly prolific seeders and are quite capable of regenerating
the road verge in within a few years and they are also easy to
replant. These are going to have to be pushed back and cleaned up/the
bends straightened/crests cut of road and widen etc. Once the road is
upgraded it will be nearly dust free & it will have a very hard
surface. The Crudine Ridge Wind Farm have purchased a large block,
1600 acres of scrub as a environmental offset block to cover the loss
of trees. I was of the understanding that this block was to cover loss
of trees etc. I hear a lot about the removal of trees but I have
fought with trees and their regrowth most of my life, they always seem
to get the upper hand. Trees are a renewable resource and these trees
grow fast.

There will be dust and hold ups during the upgrade but no pain no gain
and in the end it will be worth it. I find it very hard to understand
how people that are "Anti" wind farm can hold a project of this site
to ransom.

Yours sincerely

Ian Price

I Support the proposed upgrading of Aaron's Pass Road to improve the road
safety and allow for the transportation of heavy vehicles and their
cargo

I AM TOTALLY FOR THE ROAD TO BE UPGRADED, I TRAVEL ALONG AARONS PASS UP
TO SIX DAYS A WEEK FOR WORK AND OVER THE YEARS HAVE HAD A LOT OF NEAR
HEAD ON CRASHES WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. YOU CAN NOT SEE CARS COMING THE
OPPOSITE WAY ON THE CORNERS AND AM HAVING TO REMOVE FALLEN TREE'S AND
BRANCHES AFTER ANY STRONG WINDS AND HAVE BEEN STRANDDED QUITE A FEW
TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND HAVING TO WAIT FOR A PASSING CAR TO HELP
WHICH IS VERY COMMON.
I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE WIND FARM AND THE ROAD UPGRADE.

I would like to receive emails regarding updates. I did register a few
years ago but not had any information sent.

My main interest is the road condition and modifications. This road
has been neglected and in poor condition for a long time due to this
project. I would like to know how future maintenance will be scheduled
and who is responsible.

As I am not in a visual impact zone (un like other residents) that is
not an issue for me.


The SPL is a factor i need to understand before i know if that is an
impact to my location.


I believe reducing the trees along the roads creates a safer fire exit
if needed. But should be balanced or a replacement revegetation plan
away from the roadway be implemented.

I wish to confirm my support of the Aarons Pass road upgrade