Orange Grove Solar Farm

I am writing to object to the proposed Orange Grove Solar Farm.
My family has known and been apart of the residents lives of R1 for 3
generations. The proposed solar farm project is detrimental to the
property of R1 its value and I object to proposal of the Orange Grove
Solar farm being built on prime agricultural land

I am writing to object to the proposal of Orange Grove Solar Farm. It
will be built on a secondary flood zone for convenience to access the
grid - alone. The engineering hazards of a solar farm
that claims it will not affect the environment or surrounding area on
a flood zone and close to a river should be illegal. Conveniently
based on only a 2003 flood. The mesh fence built around the solar farm
perimeter would only collect debris in a flood and water flow would
run back to a public road and adjoining land, causing more flood
storage water and affecting other properties. The company does not
follow development procedures for drainage or run offs of water as is
paramount in urban development. I do not believe two solar farms in
close distance are necessary or appropriate and the farmers and their
income become at risk in between, for their health with EMF's or
constant glint and glare reflected upon them . Coverage by trees would
take years they have to suffer and so will their incomes. The trees
aren't planted around the entire development. I do not think the area
of land for the project Overland design considers any affects on
nearby residents . It shouldn't be developed at all on agricultural
areas. The location needs to looked at.

Why does the government insist on not one but two solar farms to be built
so close together and on more food belts in Australia? Why aren't
these being build in deserts ? I am writing to object to Orange Grove
Solar Farm because it is agricultural land and a flood area and has
the potential to be dangerous with fences and without drainage . It is
built too close to nearby residents and everyone should have the right
to protect their own health and income and home they live in. After
years of hard work farming adjoining land will be devalued and no one
is compensated. No one wants to live between solar farms . This is a
cruel government to exploit the rural properties and farmers and put
them in this situation . Please consider that they have to live beside
or between them for 30 years without space.

I'm writing out of concern that the Orange Grove Solar proposal has made
inadequate planning provisions for the site, surrounding farmland and
wildlife habitat. A key concern is the inadequate consideration that
the development is planned for a known floodplain. Addressing this
during or after construction may involve considerable design
modifications which render this planning application deficient. Other
environmental impacts, such as loss of native grassland under the
panels, clearing of remnant bushland and the rendering of neighbouring
farmland unusable have not been sufficiently addressed in the
application. Soil erosion, groundwater contamination via soil seepage
and effects of runoff into the Namoi River have been neglected.
The developers would do well to show how a solar project of this
scale, in planned close proximity to another project of greater size
again, impacts on neighbouring agribusiness. Within this application
or related informational materials the proponents have failed to
obtain and share data from Australian or overseas projects already in
commission to assuage concerns of neighbouring property holders and
communities. Assessment of cumulative impacts and compatibility of the
development with existing land use is equally absent from the
proposal. These concerns have been raised directly through
communications with the company and within their public consultation.
Landowners are therefore compelled to object to this project based on
their considerations of how it will affect their livelihoods and
quality of life. For these reasons Orange Grove's planning application
is demonstrably unsuitable to progress in its current form.

I hold deep concerns for the unmitigated flood risk that would result in
the potential success of this application. I believe that this risk
has not been mitigated in the application.

The security fence detailed in this application is likely to have an
impact in redirecting flood waters. This could negatively impact
property and residents around the solar farm and downstream. The EIS
fails to address the actual impact to the solar farm and neighbours
property during a flood.

It is my submission that further studies need to be carried out before
the EIS satisfies the potential risk to neighbours property in
particular.

I wish to object to this project to construct a Solar Farm on prime
agricultural land on Orange Grove Road Gunnedah. In particular, the
Environmental Impact Study does not address temperature and local
meteorological changes. Barron-Gafford, G. A. et al. The Photovoltaic
Heat Island Effect: Larger solar power plants increase local
temperatures. Sci. Rep. 6, 35070; doi: 10.1038/srep35070 (2016) showed
an increase in local temperature of over 2 degrees. Also the EIS
states that the project is compatible with the agriculture and other
interests of the adjoining landholders, I do not believe that
sufficient consideration has be taken of the effect to land values,
quality of life for adjoining residents, the loss of agricultural land
nor effect on adjoining agricultural pursuits by Photovoltaic Heat
Island Effect.

I object to the Orange Grove Solar farm on the basis that there are
uncontrolled flood risks as a result of the project which have not
been addressed by the proponent.

The proposed site area is subject to flooding, as shown in the SMEC
study in 2003. The proposed security fence around the perimeter is
likely to have an impact in redirecting flood waters, negatively
impacting property and surrounding residents around the solar farm and
also downstream.

It fails to address the swelling of this watercourse during major
flooding.
The debris that get caught on the fencing will act as a water
diversion and create huge problems in times of flood.

Because the Orange Grove Sun Farm site is affected by flooding,
further assessments need to be completed with respect to the
distribution of water flows, increases in flood levels as required by
the Draft Floodplain Management Plan for the Upper Namoi Valley
Floodplain.

These are the reasons I object to the orange grove sun farm.

-----

I am making a submission regarding the Orange Grove Solar farm on the
basis that there are unmitigated flood risks associated with the
project which have not adequately been addressed by the developer,
Overland.

The proposed site area is subject to flooding, as shown in the SMEC
study in 2003. The proposed security fence around the perimeter is
likely to have an impact in redirecting flood waters, negatively
impacting property and residents around the solar farm and downstream.

The SMEC study shows that the Orange Grove Sun Farm site is affected,
as demonstrated by the 1984 and 1955 flooding. If repeated in the
future, flood waters would inundate the proposed solar farm.

Because the Orange Grove Sun Farm site is potentially affected by
flooding, further assessments need to be completed with respect to the
distribution of flows, increases in flood levels and changes to
velocities caused by the proposed farm.

I object to the Orange Grove Solar farm on the basis that there are
unmitigated flood risks as a result of the project which have not
adequately been addressed by the proponent.

The proposed security fence around the perimeter is likely to have an
impact in redirecting flood waters, affecting property and residents
around the solar farm and downstream.

Because the Orange Grove Sun Farm site is affected by flooding,
further assessments need to be completed with respect to the
distribution of flows, increases in flood levels and changes to
velocities, as required by the Draft Floodplain Management Plan for
the Upper Namoi Valley Floodplain.

I object to the proximity to neighbouring food production farms. The
development will be to the detriment of them.

Test

I wish to object to the Orange Grove Solar farm because of the flood
risks posed by the proposed project which have not been properly
addressed by the proponent.

The proposed site area is subject to flooding, as shown in the SMEC
study in 2003. This risk will be exacerbated by the proposed security
fence around the perimeter which is likely to redirect flood waters,
negatively impacting property and residents around the solar farm and
downstream.

The environmental assessment for the Orange Grove Solar Farm is
flawed. The site layout (Figure 2 of the EIS), which includes drainage
features, does indicate the location of the swale/creek,but fails to
address the swelling of this watercourse during major flooding.

The SMEC study indicates that the Orange Grove Sun Farm site would
have been impacted by the floods of 1955 and 1984. This modelling
shows that flood water flows did pass through the Orange Grove Sun
Farm site during the 1955 and 1984 floods. Similar floods in the
future can be expected to inundate the site.

Because the Orange Grove Sun Farm site is affected by flooding,
further assessments need to be completed with respect to the
distribution of flows, increases in flood levels and changes to
velocities, as required by the Draft Floodplain Management Plan for
the Upper Namoi Valley Floodplain.

Dear DPE,

Please take into consideration the points below, as to why I am
objecting to the Orange Grove Sun Farm, planned to rollout, by
Overland. I visit this particular area of Gunnedah, so can see
firsthand what impact such a development will have on the surrounding
lands.

My key points for objecting:

Environmental impact - It would appear that there could be flood
concerns, which would impact the surrounding lands that are situated
so close to the Namoi River.

Government subsidisation of such projects (Sun Farms), in their trial
stage, must be factored in VS the options to spend this money
elsewhere in the community.

Ambience of the area - it is an area of great agricultural beauty,
close to a key farming community, many would be impacted by these
aesthetic changes.

Loss of Income to surrounding farmers needs to be considered, with
recent harsh droughts, the community needs to be protected from
developments, that have not been adequately trialled.

Loss of income to the community - considerations such as Tourism
Income (eg Farmstays), as well as local labour used to farm &
distribute farm produce, are key considerations.

Local economic benefit has been stated by Overland as a part of the
proposal, evidence of this needs to be put forward, outlining exactly
who does in fact benefit.

Community Socio-Economic impact can already be seen, as the proposal
appears to benefit few.

Wildlife impact - should flooding be an issue, then this will have a
knock-on effect for the natural wildlife

Loss of key agricultural land, given limited information on Sun
Farming ROI, and who benefits, losing prime agricultural land, not far
from large metropolis', such as Sydney, appears shortsighted.

Sun Farming trialling, there does not appear to be enough evidence of
success with current projects, so approving more, seems illogical.

Above outlines my 'objection' reasoning, please take this into
consideration, during your Planning Process.


Yours sincerely,

(name withheld)

There are unmitigated flood risks as a result of the project which have
not adequately been addressed.

Further assessment needs to be completed with respect to flooding and
the distribution of flows, increases in flood levels and changes to
velocities, as required by the Draft Floodplain Management Plan for
the Upper Namoi Valley Floodplain.

I object to the Orange Grove Road Solar Farm due to the high impact of
flood water from the Namoi & Peel Rivers in the proposed location.

6.9.5 page 138 of your EIS states
"The project is UNLIKELY to have significant impact on local or
regional flooding"
I disagree with this statement - as well as the following ....
"The project SHOULD NOT IMPACT on the relevant large design flood
plan" table 3.1 page 44 of 192

As a landholder & resident of the Orange Grove Road for the past 35
years I have seen floodwater from upstream from the Peel River join
the Namoi to close the road for many days during the 1984 1998 2000
floods & my parents remember the 1955 flood that devestated the Namoi
Valley.
The SMEC report is dated 2003 - I cannot find any current scientific
research in this EIS & nothing relating to the impact of the security
fencing that I assume would be needed around the sub station & solar
panels - high grade ring lock security mesh fencing would impact
greatly on flood water debris & change or push the water flow into
neighboring properties resulting in damage to prime agricultural land
& livestock as well as homes rural infrastructure.

I also have had no communication from Orange Grove Sun Farm regarding
any information for their solar power proposal or community meetings.

It seems this project has stayed under the radar & is now quickly
moving along in the project planning while the pressure has been on
the opposition Photon Energy proposal.

While I support & encourage the use of renewable energy this Orange
Grove Solar proposed site is unsuitable -

My objections are ...

No current scientific data or paid research information regarding the
flooding issues of downstream of the proposed solar site on the Namoi
River, especially the impact of the Peel River when Keepit Dam is at
full storage capacity.
No information of the security infrastructure & how the flood water
through mesh will not change flood water flow onto neighboring
properties.
Lack of any information to a current land holder on the Orange Grove
Road.
Increased traffic on a designated unsealed school bus route as have
grand children travelling into Gunnedah.

My husband and I make regular visits to close friends in Gunnedah and
know the area in question well.

We object this new proposal for the following reasons.

1. Not enough scientific or community involvement to warrant approval.
2. Other similar proposals rejected and the same criteria must apply
in this case.
3. Inadequate assessment of a range of risks - flood height, effect on
land holders downstream, increased traffic on unsealed school bus
route.

I object to the Orange Grove Solar farm
environmental issues have not adequately been addressed.

There are so many issues that have not been taken into consideration,
that I believe there is a serious risk with this project going ahead.
It is unthinkable that a government department would let this go ahead
without the adequate checks, as many other farms and properties and
businesses have had to go through this process.

Because the Orange Grove Sun Farm site is affected by flooding,
further assessments need to be completed with respect to the
distribution of flows, increases in flood levels and changes to
velocities, as required by the Draft Floodplain Management Plan for
the Upper Namoi Valley Floodplain.

Thank you for your consideration.

I object to the Orange Grove Solar Farm - these are my reasons as listed
.

1 -There has been very limited community consultation
2 -No awareness of the potential flood water affect downstream of the
proposed site on the Orange Grove Road Gunnedah
3 -The increased traffic on the unsealed Road

I am a current landholder on the Orange Grove Road in close proximity
to the proposed Orange Grove Solar - not once have I been contacted by
the company or Overland to provide me with any details or been made
aware of any community meetings - I read with interest the EIS meeting
summary & noted very few land holders along our road attended the
meeting 15 - 16 March 2018 ... there were small numbers - note in EIS
Appendix B Consultation material - table 2 - Landholders attended the
community information session ... population of Gunnedah is 10,000 -
how many community members & landholders attended or were aware of
these meetings.?

Overland should know who all the landholders are in close proximity to
the Orange Grove Sloar Farm Site & the Namoi River. It is not
difficult to make contact via a personal visit, leave a business card
in mailbox or on gate or make the effort to use white pages for a
contact number. All land parcels & portion numbers have contact
details through the Gunnedah Council.

I also object to the lack of research done in the flood management
plan of the Namoi River. In the EIS, I cannot find any up to date &
any scientific research done on the Namoi River flood zone attached to
the property of Orange Grove Solar Farm. The surface water assessment
is out of date - the information used in the EIS is the SMEC published
2003 for the Mooki & the Namoi upstream Carroll & Breeza. No mention
of the Peel River entering the Namoi upstream of the proposed Solar
Farm site.
A independent assessment & up to date hydrological study needs to be
done & Overland & Orange Grove Solar need to be aware of the flood
plain & water flow of the Namoi River especially after the current
drought we are in. The comments in the EIS stating " The project is
unlikely to have a significant impact on local or regional flooding ".
(6.9.5 page 138) reflects the significant lack of reasearch done.
I am extremely concerned about the lack information in EIS of security
mesh fencing around the solar panels & sub station - in a flood
situation this mesh would alter the flow of water as would too the
metal poles the solar panel are installed on. The flood water would be
held up with the debris & rubbish as in flood situations with stock
fencing - water flow would be altered & would affect neighboring
properties infrastructure.


I am also extremely concerned of the traffic on a designated school
bus route on the unsealed road that Orange Grove Solar Farm will not
seal as mentioned in their current EIS, but will have dust
suppression.
Also stated that the work period will be 7am - 6pm Monday to Friday &
Saturday mornings. There are many little infant & primary school
children plus high school students on the Hopes Keepit Dam bus run. I
am concerned with the increased traffic flow,the dust, plus the number
of stock trucks as well as grain & cotton carting during harvests in
April through to December each year for movement farming produce.

While I am in favour of renewable energy - Please note my objections
to the proposed site of Orange Grove Solar at Gunnedah

Even though i am not currently living in Gunnedah it is a town very close
to my heart. With both friends and family living in the area i feel
that the wellbeing of the community needs to be taken into
consideration before installing the proposed solar farm. The concept
of renewable energy definitely has its benefits, but not at the
expense of the the locals who live and work within the area.

With the proposed perimeter fencing being located within the flood
plain more needs to be done to mitigate the risk of flooding, if not
this could pose as a detrimental risk to the local community. Also
with the site having a history of flooding it is not as issue to be
taken lightly.

I am objecting to the development of the Orange Grove Solar Farm as it is
located in a flood zone.

The SMEC of 2003 shows flooding occurs in that area & no recent
independent research has been done in the past 15 years. History shows
after drought there will be floods & who can predict where the flood
water will run after this historic drought we are experiencing.

Concern also for the flow of flood water that will be held up by
security fencing & poles & the effects of downstream rural
infrastructure of neighbouring properties.

The amount of traffic on a designated school bus route on the unsealed
Orange Grove Road will make parents & careers anxious for their
children.

Lack of community meetings & awareness of the proposed Solar Farm -
seems Overland is riding on the back of Photon who have done all the
right liaison & media relaeases.

Renewal energy is the way of the future but not at this proposed site
on Orange Grove Road.