Springdale Solar Farm

The development of the Sutton solar farm would be a sensible and
intelligent construction and development that evidentially will be
detrimental to the future canberra and country living dwellings to
thrive. The continuous expansion of Canberra and residential areas
within the surrounding area will benefit profoundly from the
construction. 35 000 houses will benefit annually being provided with
clean green energy replacing 123 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
emissions. Australia must advance in ecological factors, this solar
farm would contribute to Australia's growth economically as well as
ecologically. The production of building the solar farm creates
various employment opportunities from the local area and ultimately
benefits its citizens due to the increased use of small businesses in
the area that will be utilised regurlarly,
employment/apprenticeships/scholarship opportunities. Ultimately, the
Sutton solar farm is an essential investment for the future of
Canberra, and is an influence to potential solar farms for the overall
advancement of Australia.

I'm a strong supporter of the Sutton solar farm. I grew up in the area
and attended Sutton school. Those I know who still live in the area
(including some in living in line of sight from the proposed site) are
also supporters of the project. I am aware there are objectors also,
but I am worried that their main concern may be based on short term
property values, rather than long term environmental impacts. I
believe those of us committed to the community for the long term are
in favour and will be proud to live near such a progressive piece of
infrastructure.

I'm a strong supporter of the Sutton solar farm. I grew up in the area
and attended Sutton school. Those I know who still live in the area
(including some in living in line of sight from the proposed site) are
also supporters of the project. I am aware there are objectors also,
but I am worried that their main concern may be based on short term
property values, rather than long term environmental impacts. I
believe those of us committed to the community for the long term are
in favour and will be proud to live near such a progressive piece of
infrastructure.

The solar farm is a brilliant idea. Not only will it benefit the
environment, it will also benefit the community. A renewable source of
energy is in-valuable resource that the whole of Australia should
support. I think it's amazing that the solar farm will be able to
provide power to 35,000 houses , imagine how much people will be able
to save on their energy bills! I support it 100%.

I strongly object to the Springdale Solar development. Already I have
witnessed the severe tension, mental health and wellbeing affects that
the proposed development has had on our community. This is an added
strain to the already drought like conditions in Sutton.

The Renew Estate website says that they "listen to local communities",
but are they listening? Given that the Sutton community had to create
an action group in protest of the proposed site and the media articles
rejecting the proposed development from neighboring families is a
strong indication that their voices are not being heard. Financial
remuneration is offensive to families that see their land as much more
than a financial investment.

The proposed site is also a fire hazard to neighboring properties. The
20,000L static water supply is insufficient for firefighting, other
equipment onsite could also add to the hazard concerns and will the
plantings be fire resistant?

The surrounding roads to the proposed development site are already a
concern with the poor visibility, heavy fog and many cyclists that use
these routes. The added traffic will only add to this causing
additional road safety concerns.

The 2015 Climate Change Council report outlines that the ACT had a 40%
reduction of GHG emission between 1990 and our current year. The paper
also noted that the number included indirect emission from suburbs
bordering the ACT. This suggests that there is not a significant
electrical demand in Canberra as stated in EIS. There is a number of
proposed sites across the Yass Valley Region, which will not have the
significant impact that the proposed build will have if placed on the
Springdale site.

Our family has been planning to build on the neighbouring proposed
site. We will be the seventh generation building on this land and we
had obviously not imagined our rural location to become an industrial
site. We have held off on our build with the proposition of the solar
development with major concerns around our children's safety. Our
eldest son has what is classified as severe Autism. The noise
pollution, risk of chemical exposure, environmental factors including
changes in the environment and his routine is likely to cause
significant anxiety and potential regression in his development. He
has in the past also had a tendency to abscond and the site will
present a significant safety concern for our family and other families
in the community with children with additional needs.

Planning Services
Department of Planning and Environment
GPO Box 39
Sydney 2001

Attention Director

Submission in objection of the proposed Springdale Solar Development,
Sutton NSW
I object to the Springdale Solar Farm development and my reasons are
written below.
* There is no mention of Mulligans Flat reserve (within 5kms) in the
IES or that it is part of the Greater Goorooyarro Strategic Area. "The
land adjacent to Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarro Nature Reserve that is
the Yass Valley LGA is of high ecological and strategic importance,
this is because of the movement of animal across the area (e.g.
seasonal of birds) and the recolonization back and forth of native
plants and animals, and potential expansion of habitat for locally
extinct species from the Sanctuary". (Yass Valley Settlement Strategy,
Oct 2017)
* The Yass Valley settlement strategy outline plans for the RU6 zone,
5 km buffer zone which includes this development and undermines the
intended purpose of the plan to maintain this area as open rural
landscape and provide environmental value.
* The visual impact of the solar farm will have a negative impact on
rural lifestyle blocks and hobby farms. Farmers or anyone don't
generally like them close to their residence as they are a visual
nightmare. The AECOM's visual impact assessment failed to mentioned
some of these properties sit on higher grounds (high-lying topography)
than the proposed large-scale solar development and will be highly
visible with proposed screening as the properties affected will be
looking into the valley.
* The NSW DPE Draft Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline provides the
planning framework for the assessment and approval of large-scale
solar energy development proposal under the Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). The guideline outlines key assessment
issues for State significant solar energy projects, such as land use
conflict, biodiversity and visual impacts. Area of constraint
mentioned is an early indicator of potential land use conflicts,
"Sites located in a valley with residences with elevated views looking
towards the site; habitat of threatened species or ecological
communities within and adjacent to the site, including native forests,
woodlands, grasslands, and proximity to dwellings and potentially
affected properties". (NSW DPE Draft Large-Scale Solar Energy
Guideline, 2017)
* The Springdale site does not meet optimal solar resource as per
BOM/GA maps which show that the solar radiation in Australia
particular to the site in Sutton. Within a timeframe of six months the
solar reading of 12 MJ/m^2 daily is not in the optimal solar region of
NSW. The NSW DPE Draft Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline's preferable
site conditions is to generate optimal energy generation in a suitable
area.

Regards,
Juan

THIS PROJECT HAS THE CAPACITY TO REDUCE EMISSIONS POWER TENS OF THOUSANDS
OF HOMES AND CREATE LARGE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. IT WILL NO
DOUBT ADDITIONALLY PROVIDE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
WHICH IS THE FUTURE OF THE YOUTH . A VERY WORTHWHILE PROJECT THAT
SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PROCEED.

It would power 350000 annually with clean green energy and save 123000
tonnes of CO2 annually.
The project will create opportunities for contractors and local
employment, as well as training and scholarships.
It will be good for local business.
Opportunities for the community to co invest in the solar farm: and
there is $100000 community fund.

The Springdale Solar Farm would be of great benefit to the local
community and businesses throughout the Yass Valley region. The
opportunities for employment during construction and ongoing support
of the Solar Farm are a great positive for local businesses and a much
needed injection of business activity in the region.
Complete Civil has been involved in the construction of renewable
energy projects previously and looks forward to the opportunities that
this project will bring.

I support the Springdale Solar Farm Project that it will bring much
needed economic benefits to the area. The renewable energy sector is
growing and the Yass Valley should be included these opportunities as
other nearby communities are already benefitting from such projects.

I am whole heartedly in favour of the solar project being planned for
Springdale. I frequently travel on the Mulligans Flat Road and I do
not agree that the erection of the panels will be a blight on the
landscape.

I am delighted that the project will provide more additional green
energy into the national grid. To suggest that the power will only be
used in the ACT, as has been suggested by some opposed to the plan,
shows a lack on understanding of how the national grid system works.

I am impressed with the developers plans to establish a community fund
to provide Sutton with support for local community activities and
minor developments.

I applaud the opportunity for locals to invest in the project. It
provides a genuine sense of ownership for the local community.

As with any development, the construction phase will provide
opportunities for local contractors and workers to be part of the
project.

I believe I keep my hand on the pulse of community feeling on new
projects and activities around the district. The majority of talk is
in favour of the project. Often the problem for developers is that
when people are in favour they seldom voice their position.

The recent discussions relating to National Energy Guidelines
highlight the need for ever increasing alternate sources of power
(solar and wind). This proposal will only enhance much needed
development of these sources.

I write to object to the proposed Springdale Solar Farm development.

I am the daughter of Robin Lees, one of the oldest farmers in the
Gundaroo district whose property and wellbeing would be adversely
affected by the proposed development.
I am also the cousin of Bruce Hall who owns the land for which the
development is planned (and the niece of Ian Lees, who sold his farm
to the residents whose dwellings adjoin the development area).

The land has been in our family for generations and is farming land.
It is not intended for commercial purposes - including solar farming -
as reflected in its RU1 zoning.

The proposed use of the land and the supporting infrastructure of the
development - including commercial buildings and industrial fencings -
does not respect the values of the local community and will negatively
impact on residents' vistas, lifestyles and property values.

I do not object to solar farming. My objection is the location of the
solar panels. A commercial development of this size is not appropriate
on residential land for which commercial and electrical generation
purposes are not permissible.

The impact is significant:
1. Devastating impact on properties and significant impact on our
small/residential area. A lot of landowners will now overlook solar
panels. Their properties will be impacted by dust storms created from
lack of grass under the panels.
2. The scale of the proposed site is 850 acres. This is the size of
Bonner, a suburb in Canberra.
3. The supporting infrastructure includes commercial buildings up to
3,500m2, industrial fencing and security cameras operating 24 hours, 7
days per week. This development will result in significant disruption
to local residents for many years.
4. Construction traffic generated by 200 workers for 12 months will
create noise pollution in a peaceful, rural area.
5. There is no existing infrastructure to support such large-scale
development with the roads leading in to this property either dirt or
a poor asphalt.

I also question the value of such an investment when the power
generation proposed will be 100 mega watt. South Australia's Teslar
battery capacity is 129mega watt, only producing enough electricity
for 30,000 homes for JUST ONE HOUR.

And as the land is located in a valley, solar power generated will be
limited for a significant period due to winter frosts.

Is this really an appropriate use of land zoned residential?
Is this investment of $115 million by the government worth the
disruption to a local community that has invested in property based on
residential zoning?

For all this disruption and financial loss to property values, the
compensation being proposed to residents is worth only $100,000. This
is despite the landowner, Bruce Hall, receiving a material sum for
leasing the land and the government funding this project by $105
million.

As Mr Kerrigan from The Castle noted "It's not a house. It's a home".
The residents and farmers of Sutton and Gundaroo community should be
respected.

Springdale Solar farm proposal does not respect current zoning,
significantly impacts residents (financial and environmental outlook)
with limited benefits to our society.

MY WIFE AND I ARE VERY MUCH IN FAVOUR OF THIS PROPOSAL PARTICULARLY IN
LIGHT OF THE FEDERAL GOVT.,ABDICATION OF ALL RESPONSIBILITY TO FUTURE
GENERATIONS.

I support the project for the reasons below

- Solar installations are the way of the future and should be
supported
- Solar belifits the community and the environment
- Better grass development around the solar panels rather than in full
sun

I support this because it would be good for local businesses and give the
community the opportunity to co-invest in the solar farm.

It is the perfect location for a solar farm.

The project with certainly create opportunities for contractors and
local employment.

Powering 35,000 homes with clean green energy is a positive step in
reducing climate change.

I support the Solar-farm immensely. The project will create opportunities
for contractors and local employment, as well as training and
scholarships which is great for local businesses & the local economy
especially with the opportunity for the community to co-invest in the
solar farm - and there is a $100,000 community fund; It is a great
idea and in the perfect location.

Springdale Solar-farm is a great idea and in a great location. It is a
source of clean renewable energy which will not only help our
environment, but will provide an alternative energy supply with no
damage to the environment. In the long run it will also create cheaper
energy options for the community.

I support the Springdale Solar Farm project as it will be very beneficial
to the environment. The size of this project will allow 35,000 houses
to be powered with clean energy. Clean energy has many environmental
benefits such as reducing green house gas emissions, creating new
employment opportunities, improve public health and many more. Whereas
using coal for energy produces harmful byproducts and gas emissions
such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide that causes
pollution to the environment including acid rain. Coal energy is also
non renewable whereas clean energy such as solar panels and wind
turbines is renewable. This project would also prevent 123,000 tonnes
of CO2 being released into the environment annually. CO2 is extremely
harmful to the environment as it is increasing global warming and the
harmful effects of climate change. This project is also providing
benefits to the local community of the Yass Valley area. It's going to
increase business for restaurants such as Eagle Hawk Pub and other
food venues in the town of Gundaroo. There is also the opportunity for
community members to invest in the solar farm and receive even more
benefits from this project. Employment opportunities with the solar
farm are also available for the community. The local community is
saying that the location of the Springdale Solar Farm is prime grazing
land. The solar farm is using 470 acres of land on this farm, however
nearly 50% of this land will still be used for agricultural purposes.
The solar panels will also be elevated which means livestock such as
sheep will still be able to graze under the panels. NSW is currently
experiencing a devastating drought and needs to ease the pressure of
grazing so that overgrazing doesn't occur and impact the environment
negatively. It makes sense to reduce the grazing of livestock on this
land so that the vegetation can revive quicker as it won't have the
pressure of livestock overgrazing. Whilst the community is saying that
the proposed location is not the right location for the solar farm I
have to disagree. The location of the Springdale Solar Farm is not
accessed by large amounts of the public. The only people who would be
needing to drive past the location of it is residents to the area,
otherwise it's not located next to a highway where it is visible for
thousands of people to see travelling everyday. Also the layout of the
solar farm is being designed to reduce the visual impact on
neighbouring landowners as much as possible. This will be done by
planting screening where possible along the edge of
the solar farm and at other locations within the site. Another issue
community members are protesting about the Solar Farm is traffic
related issues. There will be a number of measures used to manage the
impact from construction traffic
on the community some of them being designated routes of construction
traffic to the site and scheduling of delivery of major components
where practicable to minimise safety risks to other road users
including avoiding major deliveries during school pick-up and
drop-off times.

As a keen supporter of renewable energy and a person who believes the
government should be supporting viable efforts to effectively harvest
solar energy to create a cleaner environment with sustainable power
sources, I represent many average citizens who want to see coal fired
power stations decommissioned over time as solar shows its ability to
cheaply cleanly and effectively power our homes.

The development of the proposed solar farm will be of great benefit to
the environment and local area, I strongly support the development of
the Springdale solar farm.