Wellington North Solar Farm

I own the property "Dunbell" on the western side of the proposed WNSF. My
house is 315 metres from the boundary.
Firstly I want to state that I am in favour of this project as I
believe it will help Australia's effort to halt global warming by
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. My family is also involved with the
Bodangora Wind Farm and I believe renewable energy projects such as
these are good for the environment and will also benefit the local
economy during the construction phase.
I have read the EIS for the project and commend AGL for producing such
a thorough document which covers most issues in great detail.
I do have some reservations regarding the project.
1. Why is it necessary to build this project on such fertile and
highly valuable land? It would be much easier and far cheaper to buy
flat, less expensive land in the west of the state. AGL already has
the Nyngan site, where there are few issues with creeks/watercourses,
hills or trees so I don't understand the need to be so close to the
Wellington Sub Station.
2. I believe that noise during construction could impact my home,
Receiver Station R3. 10 pile drivers, rated at 114 dBA, in operation
could produce a repetitive noise and if this occurs I would expect
some redress/compensation for this inconvenience.
3. Similarly given our close proximity to the site I am concerned
about dust. With 10 x 30 ton excavators as well as many other
construction vehicles operating I expect all measures to be undertaken
to mitigate this problem or suitable compensation to be forthcoming.
4.1. Cobbora Rd has seen a significant increase in traffic in recent
years particularly large B Double trucks. The road is quite narrow in
places and these trucks already pose a danger to local traffic
including the school bus. Cobbora Rd needs upgrading an widening from
Mitchell Hwy to Maryvale Rd to help cater for the large volume of
construction traffic.
4.2. Campbells Lane should be sealed to the east of the proposed main
entrance as well as the western end. There will be construction
traffic entering from both directions.
4.3. The proposed construction of a turning lane at Cobbora
Rd/Campbells Lane junction may be difficult as there is little space
on the western verge.
4.4. If construction workers use Maryvale Rd it will need upgrading
and sealing. The Junction with Mitchell Hwy is already a dangerous
place with no turning lane so this may need upgrading. Alternatively
ban the use of Maryvale Rd to construction traffic though this may be
hard to enforce.
5. Will the installation of 1 million solar panels cause an increase
in the temperature for near neighbours? Has any research been
undertaken to check the possible increase in temperature especially if
wind blows over the panels toward a near neighbour?
6. Will the 26,000 cubic metres of gravel used for road base be
recovered/removed when the site is decommissioned?
I congratulate AGL on such a thorough EIS and look forward to there
reply.

If Wellington North Solar Farm proceeds production from valuable farming
land will be lost. This is the 5th solar farm either progressing or
proposed for the Wellington area, one just 3km away. As well there are
two wind farms being developed. The beautiful Wellington Valley is
turning into an industrial zone. The peaceful rural views will be
destroyed. Land in the vicinity of the solar farm will be devalued
impacting retirement plans and financial security of aging farmers.
This is overload of renewable energy projects in our small rural
community.

Wellington North Solar Farm will be one of seven renewable energy
developments proposed for the area which ;
1.Will impact on large areas of agricultural production,
2.Affect the visual outlook of the picturesque Wellington Valley,
3.Decrease property values of adjoining farms,
4.Have possible health affects on nearby residents.
5.Provide very few long term jobs.
Surely renewable energy power plants should be located near higher
population areas eg Blue Mountains for wind farms and rooftop solar in
capital cities which would provide a far bigger areas for power
production using existing infrastructure with less impact on food
production regions and have better environmental outcomes.

We support this development providing environmentally friendly energy to
our region
the proposal does not impact adversely impact on the area

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