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State Significant Development

Determination

New England Solar Farm

Uralla Shire

Current Status: Determination

Interact with the stages for their names

  1. SEARs
  2. Prepare EIS
  3. Exhibition
  4. Collate Submissions
  5. Response to Submissions
  6. Assessment
  7. Recommendation
  8. Determination

Development of a 720 MW solar farm with energy storage and associated infrastructure.

Consolidated Consent

Consolidated Conditions

Archive

Request for SEARs (2)

SEARs (2)

EIS (17)

Response to Submissions (1)

Amendments (1)

Additional Information (3)

Recommendation (2)

Determination (3)

Approved Documents

Management Plans and Strategies (42)

Reports (1)

Notifications (10)

Other Documents (18)

Note: Only documents approved by the Department after November 2019 will be published above. Any documents approved before this time can be viewed on the Applicant's website.

Complaints

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Enforcements

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Inspections

There are no inspections for this project.

Note: Only enforcements and inspections undertaken by the Department from March 2020 will be shown above.

Submissions

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Showing 21 - 40 of 117 submissions
Name Withheld
Object
Nerang , Queensland
Message
I would like to forward through my objection to this project at this
location. With all the space out there in the New England area a
location could have been better chosen that does not impede on the
beautiful views of the particular area the project is proposed to be
constructed at. What an eyesore, I can't imagine the view will be so
beautiful anymore.
Name Withheld
Object
Nerang , Queensland
Message
I would like to forward through my objection to this project at this
location. With all the space out there in the New England area a
location could have been better chosen that does not impede on the
beautiful views of the particular area the project is proposed to be
constructed at. What an eyesore, I can't imagine the view will be so
beautiful anymore.
Gordon Williams
Object
Uralla , New South Wales
Message
It has come to our attention that a large solar farm is proposed for
parts of the Salisbury Plains area near Uralla, 2358.

There are a number of issues that concern us. We realise that it will
be a project of state significance, therefore the State Government
rather than the local council may have a final say, but it is
important that everyone affected in any way should express concerns to
all authorities.

1) This is high rainfall, productive grazing land and use of such for
industrial purposes is counter productive in the longer term.

2) The possible explosion of weeds within and under solar panels is of
serious concern. Serrated Tussock is a prime example. Windblown spread
in grazing land currently is a serious problem in the area and this
will be increased within an "industrial" site. This weed has no
nutritive value for stock, so even if sheep may be able to be run to
some extent under panels they will have no effect for control, and the
logistics of control by weedicides or mechanical means will be very
costly and difficult.

3) There is concern that industrial pollutants from the panels, such
as Cadmium, even if in small quantities from each panel, from such a
large area could contaminate the soil and water in the area.

4) Will there be funding guarantees for clean up and removal of
infrastructure by the developer, (or the owners at some future time,
if the development is sold on) when the life of the panels/project is
over, or if there is a natural disaster such as fire or storms that
render the project nonviable?

5) What will be the rules for preventing serious visual pollution from
dwellings or roadsides, in what is a relatively densely populated area
with a main trunk road traversing it?

6) In heavy rainfall events, due to sudden run off from a large area
of hard surface there is a concern that this could increase local
erosion issues.

Thank you for your consideration of this important issue.

Sincerely,
Gordon Williams.
Name Withheld
Object
Armidale , New South Wales
Message
14 March 2019

Mr Clay Preshaw
Department of Planning and Environment
[email protected]


Dear Mr Preshaw,

Re: New England Solar Farm

We are writing to you concerned about a solar farm project proposed by
a company called UPC, that we have just found out about very kindly
from a group of concerned members of our community called the
"Uralla-Walcha Community Responsible Solar/Wind Action Group." The
lack of community consultation is unbelievable. What has been written
in the media about this project, has been false and misleading to say
the least. This company has not given any notification to surrounding
areas about this project AT ALL. It has taken groups like this to
stand up and relay information for people to have a say and that is
discouraging enough as it is.

The proposed site for this Solar farm is very central to our region
and the operation quite extensive and inhibiting. It will be situated
less than six kilometers from our house, but it will still have a
dramatic and highly intrusive presence in our lives.

This proposal leaves us and other residents of the Arding, Saumarez
Ponds, Invergowrie and Bowmen Estate, Uralla and Walcha neighbourhoods
anxious and distraught. Proposed developments of this nature raise a
number of concerns. These are:

The ease of which this company has been allowed to proceed to
application stage for this project and the threat of losing yet more
prime agricultural land to a foreign company who has a chance of
selling the project on, with all profits going off-shore.

The proposed site is prime agricultural land and will cover some of
the most highly productive grazing properties in the New England.
There are a number of industries that are already set up in this area
that do not need to be replaced.

This project will have a great affect on the view of the landscape for
everyone in this region. The people living directly next to this
project will have views of these panels. People who travel to and from
work will be affected by both the vastness of this project destroying
beautiful rural views that we have become accustomed too. This rural
life is what we love and desire. Not industrial sabotage of our lives.

The affect and devastation this will have on natural water lagoon's
and ways. Dangars Lagoon is a very important part of the ecosystem in
this area. It provides a safe haven for migratory birds. We are also
very worried about the pollution into water ways and destruction of
habitat for wild life, we are aware that part of this project is to be
developed on a flood plain which could potentially breach the Macleay
Water Sharing Plan.

We are of the understanding that there are quite a number of issues
concerning the devastation of productive agricultural land with the
lack of care that can no longer be provided with solar panels and
other infrastructure in place. These include not being able to super/
fertilise the land for productivity and soil regeneration. The
increased growth of weeds, which then have to be poisoned or left to
multiply will lead to poor stock nutrition and performance, not to
mention erosion of the land.

As previously noted, there are a number of industries already in place
on this proposed site, and to loose these industries which bring
money, profit and the prospect of luring more people to our region for
long term sustainability is what our area needs for economic
viability. There are many local tourism spots in and around this area.
Some farms are apart of a "Foodies Trail" which has been very
successful, but will no longer be if there are no tourist spots to be
found because they have been replaced with a solar farm. There is a
dairy which has won many awards for its products which will be
directly affected. There are wineries, heritage listed buildings such
as Saumarez Homestead,etc, nature walks, farm and agricultural tours
which take place regularly, B&B's that will all take an incredible
downturn if this project is approved. These listed above allow our
towns to be individual and prosperous. It allows small country towns
to become boutique and look attractive to people from other areas to
move here and contribute to our economy long term.

We do not believe this project will use and sustain long term local
employment or businesses or have an economical benefit to the area.
This is evident in part of UPC's proposal to build temporary buildings
(Dongas) on-site to house "fly-in fly-out" workers. The temporary
accommodation development will not be far from the Bowmen Estate and
Arding communities which have many families. We do not feel safe
having hundreds of workers brought in and living only a couple of
kilometers from our houses. There are children who catch local buses
and the increased traffic from this development could potentially put
our children at risk.

We fear that these projects have a huge affect on the valuation of our
properties in and around this farm. We believe this industrial site
will dramatically drive our land value downwards. This will affect
housing prices greatly both around this project and the surrounding
regions.

There are no existing facilities where this is proposed for and we
have great trepidation about the set up, the cleanliness and the waste
water and sewage treatments that needs to be put in place for this. We
have had to undertake great measures to have our water treatment
systems up to scratch with government regulations, and cannot
understand how this could be approved if such systems are not put in
place and regulated.

The impact on climate change and health by the change in the current
environment to an industrial site.

The amount of increased traffic including thousands of semi-trailers
and earth moving equipment to the area will greatly contribute to air
pollution created on these unsealed access roads and development of
the project.

Participating landholders are paid a fortune - neighbours are devalued
both economically and visually.

As neighbouring residents we strongly disagree that our beautiful and
productive grazing country could be turned into an industrial power
station which would see Australia loose yet more important farming
assets which would be lost to future generations.

Considering the devastation that has occurred in Queensland after the
cyclone, the Oakey Solar farm destruction due to a hail storm, and the
lack of responsibilities over these projects (such as unskilled
backpackers hooking up panels!!), leaves us with great concern as to
how, as a country, we can stand to loose any more valuable country to
ridiculous projects. The continuing drought that affects NSW
especially can also be counted as a factor as to why farmers are
giving up their lands for these projects. But it doesn't make it
right.

There are far more appropriate places for these Solar Panel industries
to be built. Valuable agricultural land is NOT one of them.
Infrastructure needs to be built so that these farms CAN co-exist in
other lowly populated, poor responsive country that makes sense.

We call upon you to assist us to STOP this UPC project and similar
companies obtaining this, or any other prime Australian farming land.
Australia has many large regions of unlimited land for such projects
without the loss of prime agricultural land.

We need your help to prevent this going ahead as it has the potential
to completely devastate and change our lives and lifestyle choices.

Yours sincerely


Jamie & Jo Starr
[email protected]
Ross Blake
Support
Uralla , New South Wales
Message
While I am a supporter of renewable energy, UPC has NOT dealt with
neighbors well. One farmer in the Southern area is completely
surrounded by panels coming right up to her boundary. There should be
a mandatory buffer of 500m from any house and working with affected
owners to address issues where possible would also be helpful. For us
also as a neighbor, we have had very little contact with UPC. We have
received invitations to information sessions but little other
information. We were fortunate to see a map recently on which there
are proposed power lines running across our property. We have not been
consulted about this or given our permission.
Name Withheld
Object
Walcha , New South Wales
Message
sundial dairy goats, business is a sustainable farm I really good for
educational purposes
Susan Peatfield
Object
Brisbane , Queensland
Message
I wish to lodge a submission against this proposal on the following
grounds. My interest and concern stems from firstly, my investment in
this region as the owner (and therefore a ratepayer) of 6 rental
properties in the region. Secondly, my family have been graziers in
the Uralla area since 1955, spending considerable toil and money
building the quality of the land/soil to a level where production of
high quality beef is possible and sustainable. My brother and his
family continue to farm and contribute to pasture improvement and
sound land management here.

Specifically:
1.The proposal is sited on high quality agricultural land. Beef
production is a significant contributor to Australia's export
earnings. Land that has been nurtured and improved for generations,
should not be taken out of production for solar or wind farms that can
be located on arid or unproductive land. Land management (pest/weed
control) is likley to be minimal if a solar or wind farm is
constructed, leading to land degradation in both the immediate area
and to surrounding properties.
2.New England is a well recognised tourist destination as well as a
place of choice for higher education because of the attractive rural
environs. Visitors to the area will be turned off by unsightly
solar/wind farms, at odds with the natural beauty of the area. A
downturn in visitors and students directly affects me as a rental
property owner. Again, tourism is a big earner needed in Uralla and
surrounds, higher edcuation similarly is probably the main source of
income to the area.
In summary, it would be short-sighted and damaging to the area to
proceed with this application.
Gillian Smith
Object
Winmalee , New South Wales
Message
I urge you to reconsider the placement of the New England Solar Farm.

Harnessing solar power in this way has many costs - to the land, to
the flora and fauna, and to the social and economic welfare of the
community. Private investors need to recoup their capital, which in
this case this means profits from solar farms basically benefit the
business owner and may potentially go off shore, while the host
community pays a continuing big price, and yet, even with the
introduction of alternative energy sources, electricity prices seem
always to rise.

The touted benefits of this development to the community, in work and
business seem small. Work opportunities will dwindle after 3 years
(see Appendix O Economic Assessment) and the huge influx of workers in
the first 3 years will likely benefit large providers and contractors
NOT local business.

New England and the Armidale area has a long history as a beautiful
tourist destination. The beauty of this area will be marred by the
installation of the solar farm and related infrastructure. I write, in
particular, in relation to the Southern Array. I have visited Uralla
often over the last 15 years. It is a small, quiet, viable community.
Visually this array is adjacent to Thunderbolts Way and will impinge
on the ambience, beauty and sustainable livelihood of the area.

Also, almost adjacent to the Southern Array is Sunhill Skin
Essentials, a goat dairy farm and residence established in 2005. This
is a viable, flourishing and sustainable small business and tourist
site, as well as a family home.

Although the support of small business is one of the government's well
advertised priorities, this array will impact immeasurably on this
business. For the development of this business, Corinne Annetts was a
RIRRDC (Rural Industries Rural Research Development Co-0p) finalist in
2012, and received high praise for her business development. Corinne
and her husband and business partner Richard have constantly added and
developed this sustainable business, now to find they will be only
200m from the solar site, with pile driving 350m away.

This site, designated as S9, will be totally immersed in noise, dust
and lighting, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 20 months at least.
Appendix J Work Scheduling (Chapter 9.2.3) suggests mitigation in
"scheduling high noise generating work to coincide with less sensitive
periods, where possible (for example, when residents could be expected
to be at work)".

However, in the case of Sunhill Skin Essentials: Home = Work = S9 =
Sunhill Skin Essentials!!

Therefore, in the case of S9, home and work are synonymous and
therefore this mitigation will not assist these residents. Work is an
integral part of their home and lifestyle, 24 hours a day.

The development of this array will potentially destroy this family's
business and hard earned and valued lifestyle. This business also
supports the wider Armidale tourism market, by being actively a part
of advertised food trails, and community markets and events.
I note, farmers who elect not to run sheep under the arrays will be
`well-compensated'. But, residential tenants adjacent to the solar
farm, S11, seem to be poorly treated, as they didn't have the
foresight to make a `noise agreement' with the owner before leasing.
There other instances of this in the other arrays.

I urge you to move New England Solar Farm, at the least the third
array, further away from this viable, sustainable farming community.
Don't destroy someone's livelihood just because you can. Keep what
good farming land Australia has - for farming.
Nanette Peatfield
Object
URALLA , New South Wales
Message
I wish to object to the Southern area of the proposed NEW England Solar
Farm.
Firstly, visual impact from the surrounding hills and on Thunderbolts
Way. The EIS claims no major scenic impact. This is not true.
Thunderbolts Way is a scenic route and must be preserved as much with
at least a setback of two km to keep the ambience of Salisbury Plains
and our beautiful district. There is plenty of alternative room for
these projects to co-exist with environment without turning Salisbury
Plains into a black sea of silicon. I make this statement knowing that
there is another Solar Farm Project about to launch its PEA which
overlays the proposed UPC project. I ask you to put in place an
overall plan to ensure sensitive development of renewable energy on
the Salisbury Plains and the Northern tablelands in general.
Secondly, a significant part of the proposed southern development is
on a floodplain. Cavalier consideration has been given in the EIS to
flooding in spite of local knowledge being available but not properly
researched. As well as the danger of flood damage, this flood plain is
some of the best alluvial land in the district.
Thirdly, I object strongly to the lack of empathy given to the
proprietors of the Sunhill Goat Dairy. These people are trying to run
a boutique cottage industry which is an asset to the district. The
southern development as proposed impacts severely on their business
and the ambience of their commercial environment.
Fourthly, I would like to complain about the initial lack of
consultation with overlooking landholders including ourselves. The
insensitive and intransigent manner of UPC has made it impossible to
achieve any real form of negotiation. The company is aggressively
pursuing what it considers its divine right to place their footprint
where it commercially suits them.
This has resulted in division in the community.
I am for renewables. With this new energy source, we have the
opportunity to do it properly to everybody's benefit. Responsible,
intelligent and cooperative planning and negotiation is required at
all levels.
In a broad sense, areas of high rainfall, quality agricultural land
should not be saturated for solar generation. Once the existing grid
has reached its capacity, new grids should be built to logically more
suitable areas.
I ask you as the planners to limit the area of solar fields in areas
such as ours and please look at a combination of hydro and collection
of eastern flood water to solve both energy and water problems in the
Murray Darling basins. This would give a legacy for many decades
rather than a band aid approach to energy only. I invite you to
discuss this on site.
.
Annette Healey
Comment
Kellys Plains , New South Wales
Message
I note that the application has an impact on the Samaurez War Memorial
Road. This is our emergency exit road from our property, if Corey Rd
is out of action. I want to ensure that this road will remain open and
available in case of emergency.
I also am concerned about noise during construction and would like
consideration to screening (eg, trees) being provided for our property
on the southern and western aspects.
Thank you.
Shona McRae
Object
Pymble , New South Wales
Message
This is a letter of objection regarding the proposed New England Solar
Farm .
The area has a high visitation rate by tourists both for its natural
beauty and unique community .
We should preserve the environment and support current buisnesses both
large and small.
This proposed development will directly impact Sunhill Dairy in a
negative manner , greatly effecting the livelihood of this family and
its products.
Name Withheld
Comment
Uralla , New South Wales
Message
I have the following concerns regarding this project.
* Increased traffic on Barley Fields Road which is a popular
walking track for locals, used both mornings and evenings.
The road is currently not wide enough to accommodate
walkers,and two vehicles at the same time. With an
increase in traffic his would make this a very dangerous road
for walkers.

* Increased traffic on Big Ridge Road, which is a popular
route for cyclists, once again not wide enough to
accommodate both vehicles and cyclists.

* Entry and exit from properties on Big Ridge Road will
become problematic during early morning and late afternoon
with the sun rising and setting making visibility a problem
particularly when turning left onto Big Ridge Road in the
mornings.

* I would like to know where the water is being sourced from to
water the unsealed roads named. We currently are on level
2 water restrictions. It appears our current water supply will
not be able to accommodate this requirement.

* Also of concern is the Koala population on Big
Ridge/Munsies Road Area. We also have a vast range of
bird life in this area one in particular an Eagle which is
very elusive and apparently endangered.

* What provision is being made for livestock on these roads,
some graziers enroute to the planned array have unfenced
paddocks and livestock graze freely within their boundaries.
We are in the grips of drought and stock can be found on the
sides of the road getting the only feed available.

* Allowing our children to traverse Big Ridge and Barleyfields
Roads on their bicycles with the forecast increase in traffic
will be vetoed. It will be too big a risk to take.

* As you can see most of my concerns relate to the current
width of Big Ridge and Barley Fields Roads. The safety of
walkers and cyclists. The native fauna in the area and the
increase in traffic on these normally quiet country roads
Perhaps construction of a purpose built paved or sealed
designated walking/cycling track could be considered.
Wayne Ruting
Object
Hamilton Island , Queensland
Message
I object to this proposed project. I consider it a totally unsuitable
development in the location that has been selected.
My home is on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef region which
makes us particularly sensitive to the potential for environmental
impact of large commercial developments like the proposed solar farm.
While I am supportive of sustainable energy programs and their
potential to mitigate global warming in the future, this should always
be executed with sensitivity to the best practices. There should be
deep concern with the siting of such an enormous solar farm as it
relates to and including (but not limited to) the impact on the local
environment, history, community, land use, cottage industries and
tourism.
I have spent considerable time in Uralla area over the past 15-20
years. It is a beautiful part of the country with a lot of local
community charm and many cottage industries servicing what appears to
be vibrant tourist industry. The proposed plan is an enormous
footprint creating a solar wasteland on high quality BSAL Agricultural
Land. The area has a vibrant history with both Buckets Way and
Thunderbolts Way driving visiting tourists.
It would also appear that the plan is on a floodway with the potential
to breach the Macleay Water Sharing Plan. The project location
suggests it is likely to have an impact on migratory birds that
utilise the Dangars Lagoon.
There are many other areas that would offer flat land easy for
construction that has little arable value and would not damage a
pristine and historically important part of the country.
This solar farm will be an eyesore and have a destructive impact on
the Uralla area. It is environmentally unfriendly to say the very
least. It should be rejected and not permitted to proceed in its
current form in the proposed location.
I am very strongly opposed to this highly destructive construction
that would take place in this beautiful area.
James & Elaine Croft
Support
URALLA , New South Wales
Message
Our response is based on personal observation of a significant Solar
Research Project located at the University of Queensland Gatton Campus
which has been operating for the last 4-5years

We have observed this project and the land on which it occupies over a
number of years, together with the effect on the family of our
daughter who has lived adjacent (within 120metres) to the site for the
last 19 years and raised three children to adulthood during this time

There has been no ill effect on the health or amenity for their family
Land use has changed from an airfield to solar panels with sheep
grazing the grass, thus quieter and less intrusive than before with
panels barely noticeable visually (non- glaring)
Construction phase was non intrusive and beneficial to the local
economy through employment

Regarding the proposed development at Uralla, we respect the judgement
of individual landholders to participate or not, as their considered
decision has led them

They, by hosting this project are providing both a community and
environmental service which will assist in lessening the threat to
groundwater caused by large scale coal mining in other locations

The land use will not be likely to change significantly from the past
with only minor change to grass species mix over time with the grazing
of sheep which they are highly skilled at doing

Based on our obervations of the Gatton site, the beneficial outcomes
for a broader cross section of the community are highly likely to be
flow for many years to come with no damage to the existing land or top
soil

Clearly, with good management, the land will be maintained and
potentially result in the improvement of biodiversity over the
lifetime of the project
Name Withheld
Object
Uralla , New South Wales
Message
I own two homes in the Uralla area and also will be the recipient of
inheritance in the form or rural acreage within the proposed 'southern
array' of the solar farm. I also work full time in the area.

I am a huge supporter of renewable energies and also am a stakeholder
in the agricultural industry. I am saddened to see these two issues
come in to conflict, however I am not surprised given the lack of
foresight by the managers of the project. The proposal does not
encompass the huge amount of information provided to the developers by
concerned parties. This disregard displays questionable business sense
and a 'Bull at a gate' attitude to what is a fantastic alternative to
fossil fuels.

The proposed area encompasses land of extremely high quality for
agricultural purposes. This fact aside, a large portion of said
'Southern Array' is totally unsuitable to be considered in the solar
farm plot. In the event of a 'normal' flood the solar infrastructure
would certainly sustain damages not to mention the damage the
neighbouring properties fences, sheds etc of which the solar company
would be pursued financially for. In the event of a 'Large' flood
event, it is inconceivable that any solar infrastructure would
survive. The debris that is carried by these torrents are varying and
can be large. With accompanied solar infrastructure, this will produce
devastating results for infrastructure to all stakeholders in the
area. The clean up will require a mammoth effort.

Visually, the panels look ordinary at best but are a necessary evil
considering fossil fuels have been surpassed in suitability for our
environment. In this immediate area there are rural residential homes
and farm houses. The negative impact on the prices of these properties
could be considerable; I am yet to hear how the solar developers plan
to offer financial remuneration for those visually affected.

There are areas that are not flood affected, of much lesser
agricultural value and contain less people.

The solar developers have got it hugely wrong in their planning or
lack there of. A high level of consultation occurred however its a
shame the same level of consideration did not.
Robert Nethery
Comment
Kellys Plains , New South Wales
Message
TO: Whom It May Concern - NSW Planning and Environment
RE: New England Solar Farm - Application No. SSD 18_9255

We couldn't find answers to these specific queries within the EIS
online.

1. If, for whatever reason the New England Solar Farm goes under,
either fully completed or part completed, what would happen to the
infrastructure, panels and batteries?

2. What steps will be taken to prevent possible contaminants entering
soil and waterways? For example, if there was a catastrophe - man made
or natural - and the battery energy storage system was breached. One
of our main concerns is batteries leaching toxic contamination then
making its way to our property and several of our neighbours
properties via Hariet Gully which flows through the middle of our
places, eventually entering Saumarez Creek.

3. We are perplexed as to why there may be a need for construction of
an accommodation village? In these challenging economic times one
would think there'd be local accommodation businesses in Uralla and
Armidale, for example, who would welcome customers.

Thank you,
Robert and Alison Nethery
Name Withheld
Object
Nerang , Queensland
Message
I am in favour of solar farms but not in this location. This does not
seem to be so well thought out in the planning process as a good
location. It will be an incredible eyesore and blight on the
landscape. This is a beautiful area that is renowned for its views and
beauty which will sadly be gone and replaced with panel after panel of
ugliness. I don't know how the people living in the area will bear to
look at this everyday. No one will want to visit what was once a
pristine beautiful countryside. I certainly won't be, it will make me
too sad and angry. Please reconsider and think of another area to
build the solar farm.
Name Withheld
Object
Nundah , Queensland
Message
I object to the proposal of UPC Renewables who intend to build a massive
720 MW Solar Farm (6,672 acres/2,700ha) east of Uralla on the
Salisbury Plains district which is on the tourist gateway to the town
of Uralla.

I would like to object to the SOUTHERN ARRAY of the proposed solar
farm on Salisbury Plains. I have two main objections.

The first being the misuse of prime agricultural land. This area has
been identified as predominantly BSAL and should never be considered
for this type of project. Obviously the land would no longer be zoned
as rural but rather as Industrial. This to me is a heinous situation
when Australia has proportionally such little BSAL land for the future
production of our Agricultural exports which contributes significantly
to the Australian export dollar. Surely every hectare of classified
BSAL should be protected from any Solar Farm development when there
are other far more suitable areas to choose from. Why can't exclusion
zones be put into place as was done for mining and coal seam gas? How
depleted will this prime agricultural land be in thirty years time?

My second objection as a tourist/visitor to the scenic New England
district is the negative visual effect that vast quantities of black
silicon solar panels will have from the highway along Thunderbolts
Way. This is a tourist route. Surely there should be a minimum setback
arrangement between the developers and your department and if not,
then why not? I also believe that those farmers who have leased their
land to the developers have been given very generous monetary returns
whereas those farmers who are not leasing their properties in that
same area will surely experience the opposite with greatly devalued
properties. Who is going to buy land in the middle of or bordering a
huge Solar Farm????? The visual amenity is severely affected.

Surely our government has the ability to plan and scrutinise these
proposed Solar Farms in a sensitive and pragmatic way? Obviously, the
main reason for this location is its proximity to the grid. Why can't
the government build grids out west where there is an abundance of low
rainfall and far less productive land. It defies reason. Why were
grids not built in more suitable locations before foreign companies
were allowed to be involved? Where is the responsible planning for our
future renewables? Who will be the main benefactor from the sale of
our power? The Australian tax payers and energy consumers or the
foreign investors who are being allowed to invade our precious
agricultural land. How much money is going overseas?

I support renewables - we all support renewables - it is an obvious
solution to our energy problems. However, placing vast Solar Farms on
very visible and productive land in prime agricultural areas is not
the solution. This is the reason I am objecting to UPC's proposed
Southern Array on the Salisbury Plains.

Surely our government planning department can provide a far more
suitable and responsible outcome. Responsible placement of Solar Farms
please. Responsible government please.
Name Withheld
Support
Uralla , New South Wales
Message
I fully support renewable energy and believe it is less invasive on the
environment than coal & gas. Property owners should be able to decide
what they do with their freehold land, and NOT be told by other people
how to manage, work or look after their property. No landowner makes
decisions lightly especially in the current climatic conditions and
everyone's decisions should be respected. We will adjoin country that
will have solar panels and if graziers can still graze the land under
the solar panels, and the Uralla community can benefit economically
and socially from the development then this is a good thing, change is
always inevitable. Communications should be kept open and people who
live in close proximity to panels, an appropriate buffer zone,
screening and consideration should be forthcoming.
Name Withheld
Object
Kentucky , New South Wales
Message
I would like to object to this submission due to its placement. Why does
it have to be on prime agricultural land - find an area that has
little or no land value - Australia is made up of lots of wide open
spaces that are useless for anything else!
Also, when/where will this stop - There is already another one being
planned. We are at Kentucky and I am very concerned about how far
these projects will be expanded in the future. We talk about how
Australia can and should produce enough food to feed itself and then
we allow these 'projects' to use land that is valuable for this
purpose. I do not object to renewable energy, but please think about
the placement of these 'farms' for the future!

Pagination

Project Details

Application Number
SSD-9255
Assessment Type
State Significant Development
Development Type
Electricity Generation - Solar
Local Government Areas
Uralla Shire
Decision
Approved
Determination Date
Decider
IPC-N
Last Modified By
SSD-9255-Mod-2
Last Modified On
26/05/2023

Contact Planner

Name
Iwan Davies