Valley of the Winds Wind Farm

I further object to the proposed Coolah - Leadville three wind farms for the following reasons:
* The scenery around Coolah & Leadville is particularly attractive. The construction of the three proposed wind farms with almost 150 ugly & towering wind turbines will cause visual pollution from a long distance away. It will definitely have an adverse visual impact to the attractive rural landscape.
* The construction & location of associated transmission wires across the landscape are also matters of great concern.
* The 4 year time period for the construction of the 3 wind farms (approx. 21 + 53 + 76 turbines) will result in years of increased congestion & disruption in a peaceful community region, particularly along an already inadequate road network.
* We once had a reliable energy supply. Now NSW has an 'energy crisis' due to this rush to demonise coal & gas, to deter further investment in these reliable resources, to allow power stations to fall into disrepair or to close, and to rush far too fast into unpredictable & unreliable wind & solar.
* The possible construction of these 3 proposed, visually polluting, wind farms, at massive expense, will only exacerbate an unreliable, insufficient, power supply situation.
* If the NSW Government is going to provide some funding for this proposed project, in my view such funds would be much better spent on greatly improving local medical & aged care services, fixing our roads, keeping our existing power stations operational, and building new coal or gas power stations using the latest, low emissions technologies. We only contribute 1.2% of the world emissions!

I am writing to Object to the Valley Of The Winds wind farm. I have lived and worked at Tongy Station since late 2016. The property hosts a number a permanent resident and employs up to 10 workers, mostly sourced from the district, depending upon the seasonal requirements. Tongy will be materially impacted by the Girragulang cluster of turbines, each being up to 250 meters in overall height, and which will abut the western boundary of Tongy. Tongy dwellings will be within the 4950 meter buffer zone as set out in the EIS.
My objections are based on the following reasons;
* The high visual impact of the Girragulang cluster on Tongy. Given the proposed turbines will stand 100 meters higher in elevation above Tongy. Thus, making +350m above our dwellings and working area.
* Proposed turbine location on a high ridge will stand directly in and dominate the western skyline and outlook as viewed from Tongy. This will be more acute when viewed from other working areas on Tongy and along the scenic Turee Ck valley, particularly along Tongy Lane.
* The EIS states low to moderate visual impact form the Girragulang cluster of turbines. This is materially understated as the visual impact from any part of Tongy Station will be high.
* The EIS states that all people living at, working, visiting Tongy will hear the turbines as the are currently proposed, predicting noise levels to be at least 25db. Tongy currently experiences very little noise, apart from occasional passing traffic, occasional overhead aircraft, combined with day to day common rural farm land noise from bird life and livestock. Imposing noise from wind turbines onto a very low to non-existent base is not acceptable.
*The proposed Girragulang cluster of turbines seriously compromises use of the Tongy airstrip, which is acknowledged in the EIS. The reduced flying circuit area due to turbine location combined with the identified levels of wake turbulence across the airstrip will make it unsafe. The airstrip is regularly maintained and required for aerial applications as part of the farming enterprise. The proposed Girragulang cluster of turbines and aircraft operations from Tongy airstrip are not compatible.
* The EIS bio diversity report lacks consideration to endangered and rare bird life in the district which also migrate through Tongy.
* The connection to the transmission grid is unclear in the EIS and does not specify how the proposed turbines will do so. However it proposes three high level options, each of which are uncertain and creates increasing levels of anxiety in the district. In particular for non-associated properties.
* When combined with the Liverpool Range wind farm (proposing 223 turbines) the township of Coolah could potentially surrounded by 371 turbines all of which are 250m tall. Too much concentration of turbines for our community. Not acceptable and the project should not go ahead.

I am sitting here listening to the sounds of nature that have come back after the Sir Ivan Fire in 2017 ripped through here. But for how much longer? Apart from an occasional truck on the Golden Highway these are the only sounds I hear. That will change if the Girragulang Cluster's 350 odd (your estimate) vehicles a day for at least 2 years are allowed to access our little village in the middle of nowhere. We do not want to be taken over and used by the Wind Farm vehicles. We see,apart from the villagers and the postman about 2 vehicles a week and the thought of over 350 vehicles per day is horrendous! We are a few people who wanted to retire here in the beautiful peaceful valley that has been our home for the last 43 years. People are building their houses here and maybe they will change their minds because it will never be the same again. No-one would want to come here and build or buy a house as their dream of a peaceful existence is no more! The property values will be devalued. The Golden Highway ( In name only) which is in a terrible state now will be very much affected by the volume of traffic expected. We have been told about 350 odd vehicles per day will come through and mostly during the day but if you read the fine print that may also NOT be true. Our Flora and Fauna has started to return after Sir Ivan Fire and now you want to tear down "a few trees". That is like telling people in Sydney the same thing and bulldozing Hyde Park! If we have another fire caused by anything, including one of the turbines flying apart,how are the water bombers etc supposed to come here and do their job with the threat of running into one of your turbines? We have been told there will be jobs for locals but will there? Most are contractors who follow the constructions around and they also don't shop in local shops. We, who live in this village, including my husband, who has emphysema don't want the huge risk of traffic using our unsealed roads. The dust is bad enough at times from the 3 coal mines to the South of us .Why should we in the village put up with the havoc which will be delivered? Why don't they access the ridges through the properties of the landowners hosting these turbines and being remunerated for it? Apart from the visual impact of these monstrosities on their surroundings, as can be observed from visiting already constructed Wind Farms, what about after they are decommissioned and they can't be recycled? I think this proposal should be rejected and alternatives considered such as solar as we have an unlimited supply of energy "up there" much more reliable and less invasive on our senses than these horrors. Our many beautiful and rare species that inhabit our bush are going to be greatly impacted by this proposal and no amount of money can fix that. If this proposal goes ahead I fear for the Mental Health of my affected friends and neighbours as I am already feeling like a boiler about to explode and it is not a nice feeling. You are dividing this community as I am sure you must already know. Do you honestly care? I fear not! This is not the only problem with this proposal as the Transmission lines are to be constructed on the other side of the Golden Highway. We are left here to survive the best way we can until someone like you comes along and wants something from us and whether we want it or absolutely NOT it doesn't seem to matter. The Community is already fractured by this and I fear worse is to come. This submission has been written by me, Shirley Holden and submitted on my husband's email address as mine isn't working

* Three wind farms in the Leadville - Coolah region comprising almost 150 huge wind turbines (21+53+76) will completely deface the environment.
* The cost of each wind turbine + the cost of installation +the cost of maintenance will be enormous, running into millions of dollars for each turbine.
* If the purpose of the wind turbines is to reduce the effects of climate change, the manufacture of the turbines, probably in China, will require enormous amounts of energy & materials (including rare metals) that will counter any emissions advantages.
* The energy that will be produced by these wind farms will be unreliable as the wind is frequently not blowing!
* Wind turbines only have a limited life span and then there is the enormous problem of disposal and environment impact.
* As a resident of Leadville, the 4 year construction period for the wind farms will be horrendous! Traffic movements along the Black Stump Way are already at very high levels, with heavy vehicles regularly hurtling through Leadville despite the 50kph speed limit. The construction of 150 wind turbines will require many more unwanted, heavy vehicles movements along all roads in the region. Long sections of these roads are already in disrepair & are too narrow.
* The wind turbines will be an ecological death trap for large numbers of birds.
* Just too many ugly huge turbines in one area of Central West NSW.

UPC/AC Valley of the Winds proposed project is NOT in the public interest, see attached.

Valley of the Winds Wind Farm
John Purcell
106 Moorefield Road
Uarbry NSW 2329
18/06/2021

I am raising concerns regarding the ingress and egress to the Valley of the Winds Wind Farm and the expected disturbance to the residence, the flora and fauna of the region.
My family have owned the 106 Moorefield Road property since 1981, we purchased the land as a retreat for our family and as a sanctuary for the native flora and fauna of the region as we have always had concerns regarding the continued destruction of their habitat due to continued clearing of native bush for farming and mining.

We are concerned that this project will have a greater impact than the current level of destruction that has happened in recent times in this region.
We have concerns regarding the impact to our lives and the serenity we so greatly value. Our concerns extend to the use of Moorfield Road for the construction and ongoing maintenance of the project. Our concern extents to the township of Uarbry and the impact this will have on the small community that live in this tranquil village.

The concern is, we have not had any representation regarding the expected impact to us or the local flora and fauna, the expected traffic, noise and dust disturbance, visual impact, social impact.
We have tried to find this information but have had little success. We attended an information session in Gulgong believing we would be well informed on the entire project and it's potential impact, but no this was for the transmission lines only and there was no one from the turbine section of the project.

We do not support the ingress and egress plans for the project that we believe includes Moorfield Road, we do not support the project impacting on the lives of the local community and the native flora and fauna.

We do not believe we should be expected to have the sanctuary with have maintained for over 40 years for ourselves and the native flora and fauna of this region to be destroyed by a project that is supposed to be for the benefit of the environment.

we would welcome correspondence regarding the expected impact to us and the village of Uarbry if the project proceeds.

Yours faithfully
John Purcell
0458800870

As a long term farmer and resident (family has been in the same location for 101 years) I object to visual impact wind turbines will have on my environment. I will see these monstrous things on both the South East and North of my property. The view has remained unchanged here and it’s a blight that we will have it destroyed.
Unfortunately these things will financially benefit those who’s land they are built upon, whilst the rest of us are just left with the reality that our environment will never be the same again.
The short term tiny gain these turbines make will never outweigh the permanent destruction of my location.
I do not approve of this development and my opinion is just as valid as anyone else’s. I can’t just pick my farm up and move it.

1. The community has been through several significant events over the past few years (fire, floods, mouse plague, COVID-19) which have united the community. This project is having the opposite effect. This is small close-knit community with families that have been friends for generations and often your neighbour is also a relation. The landholders hosting the turbines will receive generous financial benefits, meanwhile their neighbours and the landholders hosting the transmission lines will be poorly compensated. It is creating a big social and wealth division.
2. It will have a significant visual impact on the area. This is not a project that will be tucked out of sight, it will be visible from major highways and surrounding towns/villages. This is an area of natural beauty, and the size and number of turbines will dominate the landscape. The pictures illustrating the turbines in the landscape are poor, there should be clearer pictures with the turbines shown against clear blue sky not a cloudy sky which is of a similar colour to the turbines.
3. There is already a struggle to find housing/rental properties in the area. It is also increasingly difficult to find and attract employees into the agricultural industry. This project will add pressure to the housing market and make it harder to find people to work in agriculture as we can't compete with the salaries offered by private investment companies.
4. There will be aviation impacts on the ability to fight fires and aerial applications in the agricultural industry. The community knows all too well of the importance of aerial firefighting after our Sir Ivan fire experience.
5. There hasn't been proper consultation with the RAAF. The project is in an area that the RAAF use for their low-level flying training which is a core skill for fighter pilots and tactical training for Hercules pilots. They already have a restricted area to use for their training and this project will further reduce the area they have to practice this critical skill.

I object to the building and construction of the proposed wind turbines (application number SSD-10461). They will adversely affect the environment, flora, fauna (aerial and land), ruin farmland and disturb residences both in noise and views. The submission report is badly written and contain numerous errors which shows lack of appropriate attention and care given to the environment and the landowners whose lands and view will be affected.

The proposed wind turbines will not benefit the local community as all workers will be imported and will have separated accommodation away from the local towns, not benefiting any local organisations. The power generated from these wind turbines will not go to the local area but is to be sent to Sydney. If the city requires power, they should have the wind turbines built nearby them, rather than interfering in the lives of people unrelated. If the people want or need this power, it should interfere and be seen by the people who will be benefitting from the power not unrelated communities with no connection to it. Alternately put them somewhere that is unpopulated and will not affect the local residents.

The proposed height of the wind turbines (250m) will have a visual impact in excess of 25km away, affecting the majority of Coolah and the surrounding rural dwellings, ruining the country views we enjoy. It could also negatively affect local tourism. The potential addition of lighting to prevent aerial collisions will cause the scenery to turn into a city scape at night further affecting nocturnal wildlife and stargazers who appreciate the dark sky for astronomical viewing.

The blasting required to put the foundations in for the wind turbines and then the construction will greatly affect the animal and human population, causing great disturbances and ruining ecosystems. Following their removal, the remains of the cement, along with the related infrastructure etc, from anchoring the wind turbines and their productions and upkeep, will stay leaving the land unusable again and reducing farm land for grazing and food productions.

The wind turbines will ruin the idyllic rural countryside by towering over the landscape, their subtle but noticeable noise pollution and their interference to nearby local communities. It is not considerate of the people who live here and whose families have been here for decades.

Celia Piper

Please find submission attached

Please do not allow a waste to energy incinerator in Western Sydney. This is a densely populated area and such a project will definitely affect peoples health. The emissions are toxic and no filtration system in the world can filter out pops such as dioxins and furans.
These chemicals will also end up in the soil and water. Prospect reservoir is only a few kilometres away. Burning rubbish is not the answer to our waste problem.

The purpose of this submission is to object to the UPC/AC Valley of the Winds (VOW) Wind Farm. This objection is based on the overwhelming cumulative effects of two giant wind farm proposals on a rural community, a lack of consultation with us by the VOW Wind Farm proponents, errors and omissions in the EIS and the lack of regard for all stakeholders who stand to be adversely affected by this project.

Please see full submission attached.

17th June 2022

Valley Of the Winds - Coolah

As a long term resident of Coolah, I object to the Valley of the Winds wind farm for several reasons on top of the fact that we have already been approved to host one of the biggest renewable energy projects ever to be built in Australia. We don’t want any more projects or the proposed Energy Co study corridor for high KV power lines with the negative impacts that will outweigh any proposed benefit to our rural community in the long or the short term. Negative impacts such as loss of visual amenity, impacts on our services. As we are a small land holder, we have seen enough evidence that it will decrease the sale value of our land, as a farmer we rely on the sale of our farm to fund our retirement. The state significant approval process has dis empowered our local government who have said it is out of their control the DPE makes the decisions.

If this wind farm goes ahead our property will be visually impacted by at least 20 of these unsightly monstrosities. People often comment on the natural beauty of the "valley of the winds", Coolaburagundy Valley, but I fear with 147 huge wind turbines clearly visible along the edges of the valley, the beauty will be overshadowed and lost. We fear that the sight of these will reduce the value of our property, situated in an area known for its natural beauty. It is common knowledge that people don't wish to live near wind farms, making properties near them much harder to sell. As the towers would be sighted up wind from us, in the most common prevailing wind we will also hear the hum from these towers. We chose to live here over 30 years ago, being mainly attracted to the natural beauty of the area and the peaceful nature of the place.
I also fear for the wildlife in close proximity to the towers, in particular the large birds of prey, like wedgetail eagles that are often killed by the blades of wind turbines. We don't have such an abundance of these birds, therefore we cannot afford to lose any.
I also think that the proximity of the Coolah Aerodrome to the proposed wind farm presents an unacceptable hazard to aircraft. Many aircraft use Coolah Aerodrome for navigational purposes but would have to avoid a large part of the valley because of the turbines. Crop duster and sprayer aircraft and fire fighter planes would also be severely restricted in our area. Wind turbines are also known to start bushfires and without the use of spray planes would be very difficult put out in the hilly terrain.
On the whole I feel the wind farm has no outstanding attributes warranting its construction. It would be an eyesore on what is now a very attractive place to live and visit.

I strongly object all the wind turbine projects in coolah including the one disguised under the name liverpool range wind farm that people didn't realise was only 7kms from coolah.
The turbine was dramatically destory the views an small town feel of Coolah an will kill many native birds that coolah is known for.
Our only real draw to the town is the scenic valley views an I believe the turbines will cripple the town.
There is going to be zero benefits for locals who have to put up with the looks an the noise of these turbines.
BIG NO TO WIND TURBINES.
I CANT STRESS HOW MUCH LOCALS DONT WANT THEM RUINING THERE VIEWS AN DROPPING THERE PROPERTY VALUE!!!

17th June 2022

UPC/ AC -Valley Of the Winds
As a citizen of Coolah object the Valley of the Winds wind farm for several reasons on top of the fact that we have already been approved to host one of the biggest renewable energy projects ever to be built in Australia. We don’t want any more projects or the proposed Energy Co study corridor for high KV power lines with the negative impacts that will outweigh any proposed benefit to our rural community in the long or the short term. Negative impacts such as loss of visual amenity, impacts on our services. The state significant approval process has dis empowered our local government who have said it is out of their control the DPE makes the decisions.

Our community has already one approved state significant renewable energy project, the Liverpool Range Wind Farm, though they have now submitted a modification increasing the size and capacity of proposed turbines. In isolation this project with is approved corridor to supply the power to the grid, was generally accepted by the community and hosts landholders. The governments have since applied the REZ overlay on our community, so far attracting eight additional renewable projects. Our community has no way of comprehending the cumulative impacts by this Valley of the Winds Project or the seven other project along with the proposed Energy Co study corridor for high KV power lines to cross our rural community connecting project to project, REZ to REZ and the network as a whole. Therefore, it appears unreasonable for the DPE to expect the community to be able to provide EIS feedback that is informed.

Please see attached letter of submission dated 19 June 2022

We wish to object to the proposed Valley of the Winds wind farm project on the following basis:
We never wanted this Renewable Energy Zone in our area. There was no consultation. It just happened!!!!
The proposed wind turbines, we are told, are to be 100m higher than most already erected in other areas.
These are an unsightly blot on the landscape in the numbers that they group them and in a beautiful valley from Leadville to Coolah would be absolutely ugly and detract from the scenery. People do not want to look out their amazing picture windows in their houses which are designed to capture the landscape and have these turbines in their line of sight. We are already seeing the ugly power lines running the rural scenery in other areas - eg the Bylong Valley at Wollar.
City advocates for renewable energy ("greenies") are the ones burning excessive power ie air-conditioners for heating and cooling and millions of downlights throughout the cities. This being borne out now, with threatened power black outs in the middle of winter.
City offices and other buildings seem to, in winter, heat their premises excessively to the point where everyone is in summer clothes and people entering from outside dressed for the climate cook, while in summer they cool the places to the point that you freeze after being inside for any length of time and have to go outside to "thaw out" .
We in the country dress according to the weather and do not waste power.
These city folk do not have to look at these unsightly structures, so try putting the wind turbines on North Head and South Head in Sydney and on every high cliff along the coastline. There is wonderful wind comes off the ocean. Try and reclaim their houses to put a huge power line through!! Just as their homes are their assets, so are our farms OUR ASSETS and we don't want them devalued with these proposed structures.
Families that have ben friends for 3 generations in the bush are now not on speaking terms because it is OK for the ones being paid BIG money and the others who have to look at the unsightly structure are getting NIL. It becomes a case of greed and money is the root of all evil. The money paid to landowners should be proportioned out so that a percentage goes to the community as well as the landholders. We have heard of absurd amounts in the $millions being paid to people on an annual basis.
In 2017 we had the Sir Ivan bushfire sweep through the areas where turbines are proposed. Tell us how air water bombing can save property when these fan blades at huge heights are everywhere on the hills.
Aerial agriculture would be affected, ie super spreading and weed control spraying. It is a biosecurity problem for the LLS controlling weeds and vermin.
No doubt birds flying into blades would be an occurrence and we would not like to see the Eagle population depleted. They are graceful hoverers, enjoyable to watch as they keep vermin at bay; not to mention they are a protected species and it has been identified that there are endangered species in the area such as red tailed black cockatoos.
A huge concern is the footprint left in construction:
How many tons of cement goes into the base of each turbine? - Huge amounts.
How many years to become carbon neutral? - Probably about the time the turbines finish their life.
What happens to all the structures at the end of their useful life? - We are so fussy about landfill rubbish!!
How will they be disposed of? NOT ON OUR RURAL LAND!!!!! This to us is one of the most important issues that needs to be addressed.
What of Land Valuations in the future? The eyesore created is something rural people will not abide. We appreciate the beautiful scenery and city greenies couldn't care less. Most of them don't come over the Blue Mountains to see what beauty exists. WOULD THEY WANT THESE TURBINES IN THEIR PRECIOUS FRONT GARDENS?
GIVE THEM THE WIND TURBINES TO LOOK AT DAY IN DAY OUT.

Finally and most importantly - we are in a direct line from Williamtown RAAF Base who use this area for flight training and have been for 40 years, back to the days of F111.
There is very limited airspace available for this training and turbines are just going to take out more airspace.
Negative effects are that they can't fly low and low flying is a ore skill in being a fighter pilot.
It will also affect other aircraft such as Hercules who use the airspace for low flying in their tactical training.

IN CONCLUSION THIS TO US SEEMS LIKE SHORT TIME GAIN FOR LONG TIME PAIN.

15 June 2022

Uarbry village has just recovered from fires back in 2017 birds and wildlife have finally returned to the village.
Regrowth from the fires in 2017 has made the village more vulnerable than ever before with so much fuel we are worried about a turbine fracturing a blade or internal shorting out causing sparks to be blown onto vegetation and causing a fire like in 2017.
Aircraft water bombed in 2017 with turbines so high aircraft would have to keep a safe distance and would not be able to get to a certain target there for degrading the bombing mission.
We have been told by your representatives that we may expect over 300 movements of traffic through Uarbry at the moment we only have the occasional vehicle use the streets in the village.
We purchased our property in 1979 intending to retire to a nice quiet village if this project goes ahead our dreams will be short lived,
I was intending to leave my property to my children and grand children so the grand kids could have a taste of quiet country life and to appreciate the wild life and birds that have retuned to the village.
We have a beautiful out look of the valley and hills why should I have to look at hills full of wind farms surely there are mountains were no one lives eg blue mountains.
This village is quiet that's why we bought here and raised our children why should I have to give it up NOT GIVE IT UP but it being taken away from me.
I think the land holders that are going to get paid for having these on their lands are the most selfish people I have ever known as they do not care that our little village has to be raped of its beautiful scenery and not to mention of the noise of the traffic .
Our values of out properties are going to be degraded who would want to live here with the traffic and noise who would want to buy here we might as well say stuff it and give it away if we can.
You tell me why I should have to put up with noise ,dust that's certainly going to be covering the village Dust from Moorefield Rd which is dirt and will certainly turn to bull dust after a couple of trucks tear it up.
I strongly appose this project.

Wayne Holden 16-06-2022