Wallaroo Solar Farm

Wallaroo is a beautiful, peaceful residential/rural area where residents have chosen to live there, including ourselves, on the significant natural beauty and stunning regional views. The quiet amenity and peace of the surroundings was essential to our decision to purchase property in the area, and would be catastrophically compromised should the project proceed.

Our property, Bimbadeen, in particular appreciates a stunning vista south towards the Brindabella's. Bimbadeen is an aboriginal word which translates directly to "Good View", so to interrupt that vista would be in direct contradition of the very nature of our property. We are still improving our own knowledge of why our property was afforded the name that it holds and the significance to the local aboriginal people. We are engaging Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in this regard.

Having reviewed the documents provided by the solar consultation, it is almost comical how inaccurate they are regarding the impact on views to neighbouring properties. Our property is noted as "not impacted" when attached you will see the markup provided by the solar farm consultant on request for further explanation of what the view would look like. It is totally compromised, which calls into question the validity and accuracy of the entire report.

There are also far superior locations for a solar farm that are NOT contained within a residential/rural region where residents have chosen to live, for significant aesthetic reasons. There are vineyards nearby, and the area is stunning. One such location in Uriarra has been totally disregarded by the solar farm operator. Making this project appear to be purely aimed at lining the pockets of the landowners, themselves not even NSW residents as the reside in the ACT.

We are a family of 5 - children 9,7 & 3. We believe in and support renewable energy, but this is the wrong location and the project is flawed in multiple ways. It should be squashed immediately, and residents spared the ongoing distraction to their quiet enjoyment, noting that the disruption is purely the result of one landowner looking to profit from a usage far outside the lease purpose terms of their property, at the expense of all others.

I love visiting the Wallaroo region for its superior wine and untouched nature. Its close enough to Canberra for day trips and yet has a very unique farm feeling. I believe a massive solar farm would ruin the village atmosphere the suburb currently has and irreparably damage the natural ecosystem that exists due to the high amount of rainfall Wallaroo enjoys.

Please find another location. Thanks

This project is fantastic , especially now with the closure of coal plants happening . We cannot afford the negativity and tall poppy syndrome from some and object to this because it may be close to someones home and in someones view . The proposed land for the project is not owned by the neighbours so they should not try to dictate what purpose the owners use it for . There will be jobs , improvements to roads (this is something the council struggles to achieve) , a $50,000 dollar community benefit fund yearly (hopefully something substantial for the Wallaroo RFS ongoing) and extra power generated for the surrounding area on both sides of the border .This will help greatly the electricity needs of the new suburbs of Gininderry within ACT and NSW and its growing population and its close proximity to Wallaroo solar farm. .This is a very clear and obvious benefit and any absolutely necessary . It makes no sense to transmit electricity from many hundres of kilometres away when this reduces that need . I support this very strongly and look forward to see it happen . I also wish the proponents and land holders the best wishes in their efforts going forward . Thankyou . Name withheld

I do not support the proposed solar farm at Wallaroo.

I live in Dunlop and my home is approximately 850m from the proposed site. I chose this area to raise my family based on the natural outlook and amenities, sweeping views, fresh air, low noise levels and country appeal.

I have concerns about the impacts of the solar farm on the local community and environment.

I find it quite contradictory that the proposed site is 850m from my home, located in the ACT, whereas in NSW there are guidelines for solar farms to be at least 5km away from residential areas.

The solar farm will create an eyesore for myself, my family, my neighbours and community. It will ruin the natural outlook and beauty of the area. The site is also in very close proximity to the Centenary Trail, which doesn’t deserve to be impeded by 209 hectares of solar panels.

I have concerns for the environment on the site and surrounds; what it will do to the soil and vegetation/flora and fauna, including disruption to the Golden Sun Moth.

I am concerned about potential chemical and radiation exposure generated from the proposed battery storage facility, or from the solar panels themselves. There must be a reason many jurisdictions recommend living some distance away from solar farms. Who knows what the health implications will be from living 850m from 209 hectares of solar farm, and associated battery infrastructure, for 30 years or more.

I also believe this development will negatively impact property prices in the area. I have worked hard to buy a house and create a future for my family, and this should not be jeopardised by a solar farm so close to residences.

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission.

Dear Department of Planning and Enviroment,
I am writing to express my strong objections to the Wallaroo Solor Farm (SSD-9261283) project. My family resides within the area of this proposed project and will be directly impacted by the project.
We live on the edge of what is called locally as "new Macgregor". It is the outer edge of the ACT. It is a quiet residental area with open bike trails and views of the gentle rolling hills of New South Wales. And while it is less convenient for commuting to the Canberra CBD and more densely populated areas of ACT, the benefits of a more visually pleasing and naturally aesthetic suburb are worth the trouble.
This proposed project will negate much of the natural aesthetic of the suburb as well as consume all ready scarce possible residental land within and adjoining the ACT.
I have no desire to look out my window onto acres upon acres of black beeltle-like solar panels, accompanying battery storage and grid connections. Neither do I look forward to riding my bicycle with my family having the glint and glare of panel after panel as the view.
Macgregor is a residential area not a commercial one. There is currently an extreme shortage of affordable residential land in the ACT. It is highly irresponsible to use possible residential acrage when there are many other more remote and suitable places for this project. A more reasonable location for this project would be in an area where residences are not permitted to be built.
If this project is indeed as enviromentally friendly as it claims to be then this solution would be ideal.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
JM Brion

This project is a disgrace to the people of this area, in prime beautiful country side near the Murrumbidgee river and in prime land to Australian Natives this solar farm will be devastating to residents and the local wildlife. There are so many better options for placement of this solar farm. To cover up the beautiful hills where many people live around is absurd. Myself and many local residents will fight the placement as much as we can and will not let bureaucracy strip this land from the locals. We have all purchased land here to enjoy this beautiful area and this solar farm will destroy this community.

To whomever it may concern,
I have objections to this solar farm proposal.
1. I have started farm stay accomodation which is extremely popular in Wallaroo. Canberra residents love visiting Wallaroo for its peace and quiet feeling with rolling grassy hills and the views of the sunsets and Brindabella ranges. My guests often comment how beautiful and peaceful Wallaroo is. This enormous Solar Farm will ruin the feeling locals and visitors have on a daily basis in Wallaroo, and will also personally ruin my farm stay accomodation and its popularity with Canberra residents. Instead of sitting on our property in the afternoons looking at livestock roam on grassy plains, we will have the glare of thousands of panels to stare at, not what we signed up for when we spent our life savings on this property.
2. The solar panels proposal team states that the area isn't good agricultural land, this is dishonest. When we brought our property a contact from the CSIRO told us how rich the soil was for livestock and farming. Why ruin beautiful farming land 25 minutes from Canberra CBD?? All the locals run cattle, sheep and horses, the only reason the solar farm land holder isn't because you make more from solar panels apparently!
3. Australian politicians are suppose to treat everyone fairly. Please tell me how it's fair the land owners of the solar farm site are going to receive $1 million a year for 30 years and the rest of the locals who are affected just as bad have been offered $20,000 in total in compensation???? There is no logic to this, especially when local real estate agents have reported that the demand in housing in the area has dropped off because of the solar farm proposal and the property values will see a huge decrease. Is this fair?

Please come to Wallaroo and visit the properties, wineries, tourism locations and experience the beautiful surrounds and views we have to offer here. Then you can make an informed decision on whether this site is suitable for a solar farm.

Kind regards.

Hi,
I have several concerns with the Wallaroo Solar Farm.

1. The danger of trucks and buses coming along Gooromon Ponds Rd. The road is already dangerous with its narrow width, lack of light, and huge amount of potholes. Our children wait by the road for a school bus. The road isn't made for high vehicle use, this project will cause accidents on Gooromon ponds Rd (hopefully not injury or death). Please come out and I will get a truck to drive past you in the opposite direction and you'll realise my concerns are very valid thanks.
2. My wife and I spent every cent of savings on this property because our views of the rolling hills and Brindabella ranges was priceless. This Solar farm will ruin those views. The sketches from a so called expert from Melbourne has never visited my property and judged the impact in a professional matter. Local real estate agents have already told us the value of our property will severely decrease. The solar farm team offered $20,000 compensation when our property could decrease by up to $1 million. (Whilst the owners of the land are getting $1 million a year for 30 years........ how is that fair when we are affected just as much as them......). We have the best views in Canberra and the report says the views are 1/5..... all their reports are hugely biased and have been done from people who have never even been to Wallaroo...... This wouldn't be able to happen on the foreshore of Yarralumla or Kingston?? Please come out to Wallaroo and you'll realise why us owners have spent huge financial investment into the land here.
3. Fire danger from the machinery and panels. No report or survey has been completed re these concerns for all the residents.
4. Wallaroo has seen a huge boom in farm stay accomodation, wineries and tourism. People drive 25 minutes from Canberra to Wallaroo to spend time in the hills and fresh air and feel like they could be anywhere..... This enormous solar farm will ruin this feeling and picturesque area.... (Government have given Wallaroo wineries/farm stay accomodation grants to increase tourism in the area/no one wants to drink a wine over the weekend looking at solar panels).

I have solar panels on my roof and I am pro renewable energy, but this enormous solar farm is going into the wrong location. The solar farm business are too concerned with their profit margins and are not considering the beauty and unique feeling Wallaroo has and provides to locals and hundreds of visitors a weekend. I would appreciate showing you the Wallaroo area and why the solar farm is the wrong decision for Wallaroo. Please email or call me anytime. You cant make the decision from inside an office, please come to Wallaroo and see for yourself.

I appreciate your time with this objection and the proposal. I have attached a couple of photos below but would appreciate if all members responsible for the decision come and be my guest for an afternoon in Wallaroo.

Kind regards

We are long term residents of Wallaroo and have major concerns with the development of this area as a Solar Farm. The proposed location presents a range of concerns impacting environmental, social and health issues amongst the community.

The current road infrastructure, Gooroomon Ponds Road, leading to this project is rated at 5 tonne limit and will be quickly destroyed as trucks utilise this current infrastructure. This in itself will lead to a heightened risk of serious accidents due to the deterioration of the road.

The ACT and immediate surrounding areas do not have an excess of residential land. The proposed land bank for this project is "prime" residential land so why is it being used as industrial purposes. It would seem sensible to use this land for residential.

We are in favour of renewable power sources but this project seems not to have been properly thought through.

I object to the Wallaroo solar and BESS proposal because:

+ Lithium-ion batteries use cobalt and copper that is likely to have been mined in the DRC by slave labour, including over 40,000 children.

+ the components, including the batteries and inverters are likely to be sourced from China, which emits the world's greatest amount of human induced green house gases.

+ Solar panels can contaminate both the site and when dumped in landfill

+ there are much better alternatives to a Solar works and BESS, including modern low emissions coal-fired power stations, such as those being built in China, Japan, Europe, and India by the hundreds and the expected near zero emissions, small nuclear reactors to be available by 2028-9.

My objections to the Wallaroo solar and BESS proposal include:
1) The loss of even more biodiversity due to the cumulative destruction of evermore habitat in regional NSW
2) The continued cumulative reduction of food producing land for renewables projects
3) The massive waste of resources in creating the BESS, frequently replacing the batteries and the thousands of tonnes of toxic waste at the end of life of the batteries and other components
4) Cumulative impact on our roads, travel times, animal strikes, etc. from our shipping ports to the numerous renewables sites of plants under construction or proposed.
5) The increased fire risk to our brave RFS volunteers and others resulting from concentration of thousands of km2 of wind, solar and wind projects in our regions of NSW.
6) The unwillingness of developers to put upfront bonds for end of life decommissioning, waste disposal and land rehabilitation (if even possible). What have they got to hide? Will the cost be greater than the original construction in 10-20 years time for the BESS and 20-30 for the solar? Will the owners at that time be viable? Will the rate payers and/or taxpayers get stuck with the costs?
7) My annual electricity costs have risen fourfold in four years, which coincides with the increasing amount of renewables in our electricity system generation mix. No country has achieved lower electricity prices for its consumers when a high % of intermittent, unreliable wind and solar plants are relied upon. Why does the Developer insist their Solar and BESS project will put downward pressure on consumer electricity prices when all the evidence and real world experience proves the opposite?

Dear Sir,
I am landowner from the original subdivision of the Gooroomon Ponds Road and still living in the area. I have a number of concerns with the proposed Wallaroo Solar Farm and the impact it’s construction and development will have accessing the solar farm site via the Gooroomon Ponds Road. The Gooroomon Ponds Road has a 5 ton weight limit and was only originally constructed to service the subdivision blocks along the road.

In addition, the bridge on Wallaroo Road over Gooroomon Ponds Creek was constructed for the local area residents by the Yarralumla Council. I believe the bridge has a 10 ton weight limit. I believe the double D trunks, that could be use in the construction of the solar farm, could exceed anything up 60 ton in weight and traveling along the road at 80km per hour are likely to cause damage to the bridge. Noting the bridge is the only access in and out of the area for local residential farm owners.

I have been a building and civil engineering contractor in the Canberra area since the early 1960. During which time I have been involve in the construction of bridges and road works within Canberra and surrounding area.

A Concerned Resident

Please refer to the attachment for our reasons for objecting to this project.

Dear Sir Madam,
Please see my attached objection to the Wallaroo Solar Farm industrial development, I would appreciate a response.
Yours sincerely,
Carolyn Emms

The location is far too close to suburbs. There are better sites further west and south that would have impact on fewer people. The project is not even Australian owned. This project needs to be relocated elsewhere away from suburbs for the comfort and safety of the residents.

Wallaroo Solar, Yass,
Solar Electricity Generating Works
Application Number SSD-9261283
Dear DPIE,
I strongly object to the Wallaroo Solar development. These developments have the potential to pollute the environment with their toxins in the panels and batteries. Solar only producers power at 25% of the name pate MW. How can that replace base load coal or gas power stations which we have now. The batteries pose a huge environmental hazard when they catch on fire. At no stage is the environment taken into account with this blind rush into "renewable energy. The only thing free is the wind and sun none of the rest of the production to decommissioning is. It is going to bankrupt Australia and make us reliable on a foreign country to hold us to ransom when they start to malfunction. We have plenty of our own fuels here to make clean cheap power for the Australian people and industry. Who is looking after our National Security!!!

Regards A Food Producer of Central Queensland

Submission that the Wallaroo Solar Farm, Yass Valley not be approved.
Solar Farm technology is Stone Age Technology, suitable only for a society living in the Stone Age.
This is because the fuel used to produce the electricity in a Solar Farm is Sunshine. The Sun only shines (in Winter) for a maximum of nine hours of every day, sometimes not at all. This means that for fifteen hours (62%) of every day the Wallaroo Solar Farm has NO FUEL. This leaves a black hole of fifteen hours each night with no electricity being produced.
The importance of a constant, reliable supply of electricity, 24hrs/day, 7days/week in NSW, cannot be overstated. Any possibility of the occurrence of BLACKOUTS of the supply of electricity on a daily, intermittent basis would be catastrophic. And similar to a person having a series of heart attacks.
Rolling blackouts will affect everybody, financial systems will suddenly close down, Banks, Shopping Centers, Cafe', manufacturers, just everything will be unable to trade or operate, particularly with a lack of refrigeration leading to widespread food spoilage in both Supermarkets, cafes and homes, leading to food shortages. High rise buildings, apartments and homes would become uninhabitable. Such simple items such as garage doors would not open. Schools would need to close, traffic chaos would ensure as traffic lights would shut down, boom gates would stay down, street and all lighting would be out, TV, telecommunications and the NBN may shut down, the supply of water would be interrupted and sewerage services will backup. Hospitals, nursing homes and people relying on heating, cooling or life maintaining devices may die.
1. Approval should not be given to the Wallaroo Solar Farm (WSF), which only has a maximum amount of fuel available for a useable 8 hours a day, (with many days having cloud disrupting or stopping fuel supply altogether) to be built. With the shortage of fuel, the WSF can only supply electricity to the Grid, for a maximum eight hours a day (and even that amount is uncertain). The other sixteen hours has to be supplied from a completely different source. This makes the WSF claim to be able to supply the electricity for 48,000 NSW and ACT homes (for 24 hours?) extremely unlikely to be fulfilled.

2. The inclusion of a Lithium Battery only makes the WSF further inefficient and uneconomic.

3. Batteries alone can never produce electricity. Batteries take in electricity from the Grid and release less than they take out. Therefor batteries are inefficient in storing electricity.

4. A Lithium-Ion battery only has a short life. Will the WSF battery have to be replaced in 3 years? A Lithium-Ion battery's average life span is 2 to 3 years or 300 to 500 charge cycles, whichever comes first. A charging cycle is a duration of utilization when the battery is fully charged, completely drained, and wholly recharged. https://au.renogy.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-lithium-battery-charging-cycles/
5. Lithium batteries are an extreme fire risk. There were at least 25,000 incidents of fire or overheating in lithium-ion batteries over a recent five-year period, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Within large-scale lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, there have been 40 known fires in recent years, according to research from Newcastle University. Reality: These fires have unique attributes and are very difficult to extinguish. In fact, you may need to let the fire burn out. That’s due to additional cells rupturing due to fire and heat, releasing flammable vapor. While water or foam may appear to put out fires out quickly, lithium-ion fires can reignite as breached cells are met with oxygen. https://www.tuvsud.com/en-us/resource-centre/stories/lithium-ion-battery-fires-myth-vs-reality
6. The requirements of the WSF must include the on-siting of Special Lithium Fire Fighting Equipment? The WSF must take safeguards in order that no fire or toxic chemical residue escapes from the WSF site.
7. The WSF operators must have a PUBLIC LIABILITY POLICY of at least $500 million to cover damages to life and property in the surrounding areas, if a fire or an incident of noxious chemical pollution escapes from the WSF site and burns or contaminates any surrounding areas?
8. A further reason the Wallaroo Solar Farm must not be approved. Is that it will permanently pollute the 391 hectares of the site area. The site will be permanently contaminated with solar panels containing some toxic chemicals, concrete steel reinforced blocks, steel stands, electrical cables, etc. The cost of restoring the property will be prohibitive, but if attempted it will never be able to be restored to its former uncontaminated state or full agricultural productivity.
9. The finance created by agricultural production of the site will be lost to the Yass Valley Community forever.

Submission attached

Please see attachment.

Although there will be some impact in the views from Dunlop to the surrounding farmland and rural setting these are minimal. The benefits of addition large scale green energy generation near to Canberra is positive.
As a nearby resident I have no concerns with this project and hope that it receives full approval and progresses soon.