Sandy Creek Solar Farm

Annie Hare
The Planner.
I’m concerned about a this renewable generating installation.
Many are being proposed on productive Agricultural land.
We need to protect the food producing land in Australia to grow food.
This junk in a crime.
Regards
Annie Hare

I believe the current project as it stands, is totally unacceptably. Firstly the land on which it is proposed to be constructed is prime agricultural land, that provides food and fibre for our country. Secondly the environmental damage that this could cause with huge amounts of vegetation destroyed and biodiversity impacted. Small communities are struggling with families leaving the land/farms around Australia and projects like this does nothing but make this worse with the loss of prime land.
While not completely sold on the renewables path, I can see that change does need to happen, but in my opinion there is more appropriate sites for this project.
My family and I have been regular visitors to this area for many years, but I feel with this development and others planned in the area, that the appeal of this beautiful part of Australia will be wrecked. Which in turn will effect all businesses in the region.

The planner
I’m worried about lot of solar panel.
What happens when they are damaged. Who is going to be responsible for the when there broken.
Solar panels don’t have any electricity at night or when it is cloudy.
This is s not a good idea.
Thanks
Meika Gordon

I Vehemently Object to Sandy Creek Solar Farm proposal.
I need Renewables On Rooftops Only From Now.
I Demand this.
Sandy Creek Catchments area is a Sacred Site.
Upper Tributary Catchments are.
All are.
Once Very Understood.
Protect Sandy Creek region.
Put Solar Panels On Rooftops Only From Now.
Cease and Desist Increase in Anthropogenic Impacts to Catchments.
Cease and Desist Solar Panels On Country On Farmlands Immediately.
Cease and Desist Renewables Agenda.
Immediately.
I Demand a Moratorium into Renewables Immediately.
I Demand an International Inquiry into Renewables On Country On Farmlands I say Can Be On Rooftops Only From Now.
Threat from Renewables Agenda is Taking Away Prime Agricultural Land for No reason-No reason.
Its Insane to offer Renewables On Country On Farmlands.
I watch the Ministers and Senators in Parliament time JOKING between each other about SERIOUS ISSUES aka Energy , whilst we, those Protesting. Renewables suffer Grief. Grief.
PATHETIC are our representatives JOKING about SERIOUS ISSUES, and Unable to DISCUSS INTELLIGENTLY BEST PRACTICE SOLUTIONS re Energy Production that MUST MUST MUST have RENEWABLES ON ROOFTOPS ONLY FROM NOW-NOW.
This Land Australia needs Care for Country Care To The All On Country, including Catchments.
Catchments.
Unseen by government.
Yet Vital to Our Next Generations, 500 years from now.
I DEMAND Solar Panels be ON ROOFTOPS ONLY FROM NOW.
God.
Is.
In.
The Land, Wetlands Region Sandy Creek, where, once upon a time, Swans swam, and Can Again in this Precious area of Vital Upper Tributaries to the Upper Tributary Talbragar River, a Vital Waterway in Western Plains regions, Dunedoo, Elong Elong, to Dubbo Catchments, where it meets the Macquarie River, then to the Incredible Macquarie Marshes, Vital for Waterbirds, Local and Migratory and Internationally Protected.
If the Issue worldwide is Temperature then Protect this area , Sandy Creek, by Creating a Marsh, not a Solar Farm, that Cannot offer Care for Country. West of the Divide-West of the Divide.
West of the Divide needs More Wetlands under Protection plus Additions to National Park areas that Must Include areas Wetlands, and once upon a time vast, Wetlands - Wet Lands - watering to the Mighty Darling, now a Drain-a Drain, not its Original form Floodplains, Due to Inappropriate Land Management of governments over Time, Ignorant- Ignorant Still about the Driest Continent on Earth, NB, the Driest.
The government in NSW is Ignorant, Completely Ignorant.
The government, Federal, is Ignorant- Ignorant Still, about this Dry Continent. A Dry Continent once Wetlands and Floodplains and Forests not here now, Hey. Not here now.
So what has the Australian Government done to this Nation, Continent - the Driest On Earth ?
Dried it out, Correct. And Still doing so, which raises Temperature.
The Ignorance of those in government - Federal to State to Local - and to those supporting Renewables On Country, including Prime Agricultural Lands our Next Generations, 500 years from now, are needing As Farmlands, Producing Food, Impacts All On Country, Impacts Temperature, Impacts Biodiversity, Impacts Rainfall, yes, Rainfall, now So Changed its Difficult to Predict Rainfall, Hey.
I Demand a Immediate Moratorium on Net Zero Agenda including Renewables On Country On Farmlands. You are INSANE, gov.au. Insane. Put Renewables On Rooftops Only From Now. Right Now.
The region around Dundeoo to Elong Elong to Gulgong to Dubbo is surrounded by fertile plains, gently rolling hills and wide valleys. The surrounding districts are agricultural, Growing wheat, cattle, mixed farming, timber, fat lambs and wool, Vital to the Australian Economy, without much on offer these days, Hey.  What sort of Future will it be On Country On Farmlands once Solar Panels finish their Lives. Well look at the US. DUMPS they are now, the Prime Agricultural Lands placed under Solar Panels, Unrecyclable and Forgotten.
Get Solar Panels OFF OFF OFF Prime Agricultural Lands.
The area was occupied by the Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri peoples, massacred off Country, Wetlands.
Dubbo Regional Council and
Warrumbungle Shire Council share the Proposed Site of Sandy Creek Solar Farm, how Interesting. Hmmm. It's on the boundary In 2 shires - Site size 1,713 ha ! Solar Footprint - 1,489 !
RU1 Primary Production Land - Cropping & Grazing, hmmm. Primary Production Land.
Dubbo, Baltimore, Elong Elong, Dunedoo, Coolah, Gulgong, Geurie, Wellington, Mudgee, and so on can Surely put These Proposed Solar panels on Their Rooftops, Surely, Surely.
Insanity is Renewables Agenda, USING COAL sent OFFSHORE to Asia to....., then Returning back to Australia, USING ENERGY. This is Insanity.
I need an Investigation into BP, FF XS Extraction Company Claiming Clean. Dear oh Dear. How Does our government Believe this Nonsense " Clean Energy", when What has been involved in Manufacturing Solar Panels Offshore, using Coal Energy Hey Hey Hey, Get It ? How do you not Get It gov.au ? Hmmm. Needs an Investigation. Ingredients are from Where, Impacting Where, using XS FF plus Coal Energy for NO Reason. MAKES NO SENSE. Makes no sense. None at all - using Energy to MAKE Energy Infrastructure. Costs Environment. Costs the Communities. Costs the users of Electricity. Costs Businesses charge too much for power, Hey.
I prefer Coal.
Unfortunately Renewables are SUBSIDISED, so put Solar Panels On Rooftops Only, Now From Now. Protect Country and Farmlands from a unwell Future.
An Unwell Future.
Put Solar Panels On Rooftops Only.
Put Solar Panels On Rooftops Only.
Leave the Region of Prime Agricultural Lands Free of Infrastructure Global Sourced, Global Sourced, Sourced.
For Gods Sake, put Solar Panels On Rooftops Only. Only.
I would like Sandy Creek region to become a Protected Wetlands region, of Vital need for Future Generations, 500 years From Now.
I Prefer That Proposal.
Wetlands Can Can Can offer Care for Country Care To The All On Country upon Western Plains regions, Serving All, Benefiting All. C Sequestration need are Wetlands, Protected, Restored, Healing, in the Western Regions.
I Propose Sandy Creek Solar Farm proposal is Changed to Sandy Creek Wetlands National Parks region, where it can Restore Itself Over Time, over Time, over Time, to its Original nature, Wet Lands, Wet Lands, of the Western Plains Upper Tributary Catchments of Macquarie River region, Vital to Food Production.
Dapper area, Laheys Creek, Spring Creek, Sandy Creek, Broken Leg Creek are Upper Tributaries to the Talbragar River. Imagine this area where a Proposed Solar Farm is sited, becoming a Vital Wetlands National Park. Offering Far More Benefits to the Land growing Food for Australians and the Nation.
The Talbragar River is Sacred. Is the knowledge about this understood ? In the Sandy Creek region where Vital Upper Catchments conjoin. Hmmm.
Protect the Area Sandy Creek.

Create a Wetlands National Park in this Region that has Farmlands surrounding it, that need Water in the Land, and Plants growing Back the Carbon.
Understand? No you don't. I know you don't.
I'm not telling you why I say this. I know why.
You are Gathering Information and Formulating information you have No idea at all about.
Dunedoo name is "Swans". Are they there now ? Well Create a Wetlands National Park in this area and Get Aware Hey, of a Need for Wetlands under Protection in the West, certainly Not a farm of Solar Panels that can't Grow Water or Cycle it, or even Grow a Crop of course.
Depper Nature Reserve , Goodman State Conservation Area, Yarrobil National Park in the area Enhance. Create a Climate Refugia Region upon Western Plains Upper Tributary Catchments of the Macquarie River, upon the site Proposed for a Solar Farm, under Threat from Infrastructure Unable to offer appropriate Benefits to the Western Plains regions needing Wetlands under Protection, under Protection.
This Ridiculous Agenda, Solar Farms upon Our Prime Agricultural Lands Must Must Must Cease.
I Demand a Moratorium on Solar Farms On Country On Farmlands Immediately. Put them On Rooftops Only From Now.
Now, look at the Maps offered:
Go and Look at the Macquarie Marshes Catchments please, Vital Climate Refugia under Threat from Renewables Agenda Correct. The Issue is Anthropogenic Impacts Increasing, Increasing, Increasing upon the areas understood to be Drought Prone. Anthropogenic Impacts to Planet Earth Affect it - a Planet. Do you understand ? Obviously Not.
Isn't Agenda Climate Change all about Anthropogenic Impacts ? Yes. Yet government are Enabling an Increase in Anthropogenic Impacts On Country Environment All On Country Environment ??? Needs an INVESTIGATION.
What did PM Albanese say Today in Parliament. Renewables are all about JOBS? JOBS? Aren't they All about Climate Change ? What a Farce this government IS.
Make the Site a Wetland. That's what I say. Much More Value if this site becomes a Wetlands National Park, serving Upper Tributary Catchments of the Macquarie River Catchments system.
I Vehemently Vehemently Vehemently Object to Solar Farms On Prime Agricultural Lands, and Vital Upper Tributary Catchments, when they Can be On Rooftops Only, can't they, Yes, They Can, They Can, They Can.
I Object to Sandy Creek Solar Farm proposal, a proposal that can go On Rooftops Only in the CWREZ.
Oh God, you need an Investigation, gov.au. How Dare You. How Dare You. How Dare You Commit to REZ. See a link and WE NEED you Investigation gov.au because you Deal Deal Deal without Community Consultation that Won't Impact City Dwellers Will it. How Dare You.
https://www.insidestategovernment.com.au/central-west-rez-commitment-deed-signed/
Put REZ ON ROOFTOPS ONLY NOW FROM NOW.

I object to the Sandy Creek Solar 'Farm' Project on productive agricultural land. It is toxic and contaminating and will poison and ruin the land for us and for our future generations. How are we meant to be 'Made in Australia' when our agricultural land is used for industrial power plants and ruined with no care.

Large scale solar shouldn’t be placed on prime cropping land such as this.
It’s a fire hazard and destroys important habitats that are home to many species, including those that are threatened.

I object to the Sandy Creek Solar project. Please accept the attached as my objection submission.

The government's commitment to renewable energy transition is commendable and aligns with the Paris Agreement. I fully support this transition as a crucial step toward sustainability. However, I do oppose the proposed Sandy Creek Solar Farm.
While renewable energy is vital, the selection of prime agricultural land for this solar project is problematic. This land is integral to our food and fibre production, sustaining the livelihoods of producers who have established viable enterprises. Displacing these producers will not only undermine their livelihoods but also reduce our agricultural output, having significant environmental and social impacts.
The environmental impact includes the loss of fertile soil, disruption of local ecosystems, and a reduction in biodiversity. Socially, and perhaps more importantly, the project threatens the sustainable livelihoods of local farmers, forcing them off their land and disrupting the community fabric. These adverse effects highlight the importance of siting solar farms on non-arable land to avoid these negative outcomes.
Ensuring that renewable energy projects do not compromise our agricultural resources is essential for maintaining a balanced and sustainable approach to land use. Therefore, the government should consider alternative sites for the Sandy Creek Solar Farm that do not jeopardise our agricultural assets.
By doing so, we can continue to support renewable energy development while preserving our essential food and fibre production and mitigating the environmental and social impacts

My name is Ben Simmons, I own and operate a contract labour business providing the following services: hay making, harvest and general labour in the Elong Elong, Dunedoo and surrounding areas. Due to the increased infrastructure developments proposed for this area, I will no longer be able to provide hay making and harvest as a service to those neighbouring the Sandy Creek Solar Farm project. The level of insurance I can get from my insurer ($20M) is not sufficient to cover the risks involved with the surrounding infrastructure which is estimated in excess of $2.5B with all associated projects including Sandy Creek Solar, as well as Dapper Solar and Cobbora Solar. A solar project of this size should not be allowed to be developed on agricultural land of this calibre. One of the businesses I contract too is intending to leave the community should this Sandy Creek Solar Development go ahead which will further negatively impact my business.

PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT WITH OBJECTIONS TO THE SANDY CREEK SOLAR FARM

My objection to the Sandy Creek Solar is from an Infrastructure/Traffic and Property Value standpoint.
Our home is located on Spring Ridge Road; therefore, I have reviewed the proposal and I have major concerns regarding their being NO proposed upgrades to Spring Ridge Road south of Dapper Road.
Our families’ safety is paramount, and we cannot be asked to put that behind economic gains or environmental ideals.
Infrastructure Planning should come first, and Spring Ridge Road is not suitable for any increase in traffic. I travel this road 4 times per day and while we have not had a fatality whilst I have lived on this road, there are certainly a lot of near misses observed with other road users.
The applicant cannot guarantee that the majority of light vehicles, and all heavy vehicles will use the Golden Highway route. Spring Ridge Road and Lahey’s Creek Road are an attractive thoroughfare via Castlereagh Highway. It is the fastest route from Sydney, with a difference of less than 10 minutes if travelling from Newcastle.
Any increase in traffic would make this road more dangerous for all users without upgrades to the width and road surface.
Spring Ridge Road is unmarked, narrow and has degraded road surfacing in many areas particularly south of Dapper Rd. In sections it reduces to a single sealed lane, at the intersection with Lahey’s Creek Road it transitions to a dirt road through to the Goolma Rd intersection.
To avoid the dirt road and being the more direct route to Gulgong and Mudgee, Lahey’s Creek Road is used to meet the Castlereagh Highway. Lahey’s Creek Road is also narrow, unsealed and in some sections the road surface is so degraded it is down to dirt.
The photograph of Spring Ridge Rd (Table 5.6 Appendix N Traffic Impact Assessment) was taken from the most advantageous location. I do not feel the report is an accurate reflection on the current state of our local roads.
Even with 30% of light vehicles and no heavy vehicles (as stated in the report) coming from the south on Spring Ridge Rd, it will still require upgrades to both the width and road surface to sustain increased traffic as will Lahey’s Creek Road. Local councils are unable to maintain these roads despite repeated requests.
The majority of residents in this area live here for a quiet country lifestyle, even more so with a rural location like Spring Ridge Rd.
We did not move here because of or ask for the developments going on around us. The least that can be done is to make sure the roads are upgraded and safe for all, whilst the negative impact on our region is minimised as much as possible.

ear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to oppose the proposed solar due to its potential impact on property values. Numerous studies have shown that the presence of large-scale solar can lead to a significant decrease in nearby property values due to visual and other environmental concerns.
As a homeowner, this is deeply troubling. The financial implications for residents could be severe, reducing the value of our investments and negatively impacting the local real estate market. I urge you to take this into account and reject the development plan.

sincerely
Adam Nicholson

Dear Planning Committee,
As an artist who draws inspiration from the stunning natural beauty of natural, I am horrified by the prospect a BESS marring our landscape. The visual impact of these structures would be devastating, not only to the aesthetic value of our community but also to our local tourism industry, which relies heavily on visitors seeking unspoiled coastal scenery and piece, quite.
The sight of these large scale industrial solar would destroy the serene and picturesque environment that defines Sandy Creek . Please consider the long-term visual and economic consequences of this project and reject the development plan.
Best regards,
Tegan Hare

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to oppose the proposed solar due to its potential impact on property values. Numerous studies have shown that the presence of large-scale solar can lead to a significant decrease in nearby property values due to visual and other environmental concerns.
As a homeowner, this is deeply troubling. The financial implications for residents could be severe, reducing the value of our investments and negatively impacting the local real estate market. I urge you to take this into account and reject the development plan.

sincerely
Adam Nicholson

Please Find attached the Submission to object to the Sandy Creek Solar Development

I object to the Sandy Creek Solar Farm Project. It will be using prime agricultural land which should be remain available for agricultural use. The solar farm should be built on non arable land not prime agricultural land. It will also devalue neighbouring properties and threaten the livelihood of local farmers. I have a young family who run a business on neighbouring land and it will have a significantly negative impact on their business.

I am opposed to the Sandy Creek Solar farm as I feel it is using valuable and highly productive agricultural farming land. Also for neighbouring properties it will be visually unattractive and will also devalue their land value.

Dear Planning Officials,
I am writing to highlight the significant infrastructure concerns associated with the proposed solar development in Sandy Creek. The construction of these solar panels would necessitate road building and other supporting infrastructure in previously untouched areas. This would not only lead to habitat destruction but also increase the risk of soil erosion and water contamination.
The impact on our local infrastructure would be immense, and the long-term maintenance costs could burden our community. Please consider these serious infrastructure concerns and oppose the development plan.
Sincerely,
Gary Hare

I strongly object to the development of the Sandy Creek Solar project. As a farmer on the NSW/VIC border, its devastating to see the lack of support from the government regarding those in the agricultural industry expected to neighbour these large scale industrial sites. The location of these solar sites should not be on prime agricultural land, land of this caliber should be protected. As per the Paris Agreement, these renewable projects should have no impact on agriculture. Projects of this size will be the decimation of these smaller communities.
Solar needs sun, not prime agricultural land. When will food production take priority?

I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed Sandy Creek Solar project, which, as I understand, aims to cover 1489 hectares (3650 acres) with solar panels, making it the largest solar installation in NSW to date. This project, along with two other adjacent solar projects, raises significant concerns that affect the community and environment.
Firstly, the sheer scale of the project poses several immediate risks and long-term implications. My primary objection to the project is due to the impact on high value agricultural land. The change of land use to solar panels will remove this high value agricultural land from primary production reducing the amount of food and fibre produced by this region and displacing the people who rely on this industry. Land that is highly suitable for sustainable food production should not be used for industrial installations. Displacing generational knowledge of how to sustainably manage this land, for not only agricultural outcomes but also biodiversity and environmental objectives, should not be sacrificed for a short term solar factory.
Another major concern is the limitations it imposes on firefighting efforts. Given the extensive coverage of solar panels, there is a valid apprehension about the potential for fires to spread rapidly and the challenges emergency services may face in combating such incidents effectively.
From an amenity perspective this is one of many projects proposed for this small community and cumulatively they will destroy the visual amenity of the region and have a detrimental impact on not only community wellbeing but also land values across the region.
The influx of construction vehicles and ongoing maintenance activities associated with such a large-scale project will put a strain on local infrastructure and services as well as introducing a biosecurity risk for neighbouring properties.
In light of these multifaceted concerns, I urge the responsible authorities not to approve the Sandy Creek Solar project.
Thank you for considering my objection to the Sandy Creek Solar project.