State Significant Development
Response to Submissions
Willavale Park Battery Energy Storage System
Goulburn Mulwaree
Current Status: Response to Submissions
Interact with the stages for their names
- SEARs
- Prepare EIS
- Exhibition
- Collate Submissions
- Response to Submissions
- Assessment
- Recommendation
- Determination
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Development of a 300 MW / 1200 MWh battery energy storage system and associated infrastructure and connection works
Attachments & Resources
Notice of Exhibition (1)
Request for SEARs (1)
SEARs (1)
EIS (16)
Response to Submissions (1)
Agency Advice (25)
Submissions
Showing 1 - 20 of 73 submissions
Stan Moore
Object
Stan Moore
Object
GUNDARY
,
New South Wales
Message
These batteries last on average 9 years only and therefore have to be replaced every 10 years. This will ensure the price of electricity to consumers will remain high to pay for the infrastructure.
Lithium ion batteries have a propensity to catch fire and when fires happen they produce very toxic gases and dangerous chemicals that pollute the countryside and water.
The location of this development is relatively close to the hamlet of Breadalbane and any fire and subsequent toxic plume is likely to require the evacuation of residents depending on the wind direction at the time. The location of this big battery is inappropriate and therefore should not be approved.
Lithium ion batteries have a propensity to catch fire and when fires happen they produce very toxic gases and dangerous chemicals that pollute the countryside and water.
The location of this development is relatively close to the hamlet of Breadalbane and any fire and subsequent toxic plume is likely to require the evacuation of residents depending on the wind direction at the time. The location of this big battery is inappropriate and therefore should not be approved.
Save Our Surroundings Murrumbidgee
Object
Save Our Surroundings Murrumbidgee
Object
Griffith
,
New South Wales
Message
Independent research warns that mega-scale BESS fires exceed firefighting capabilities and have life threatening, poisonous impacts for human beings and biodiversity, while the NSW Government is hastily and irresponsibly approving these dangerously volatile projects without doing their due diligence.
This horrific failure in their duty of care to the people of NSW/Australia - in spite of the catastrophic impacts - just to appease vested interests - is outrageous and must be condemned.
“Safety of Grid Scale Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems”
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352158070_Safety_of_Grid_Scale_Lithium-ion_Battery_Energy_Storage_Systems
This horrific failure in their duty of care to the people of NSW/Australia - in spite of the catastrophic impacts - just to appease vested interests - is outrageous and must be condemned.
“Safety of Grid Scale Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems”
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352158070_Safety_of_Grid_Scale_Lithium-ion_Battery_Energy_Storage_Systems
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
GRIFFITH
,
New South Wales
Message
This horrible plan is for toxic pollution that lingers for generations - defying all the Principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development - including the Precautionary Principle and Intergenerational Equity.
Hazardous Battery fires disperse microscopic heavy metals and fluorinated compounds that are highly toxic, bioaccumulate, evade detection, and leave no viable cleanup pathway - resulting in toxic wasteland and public health and safety disasters.
Hazardous Battery fires disperse microscopic heavy metals and fluorinated compounds that are highly toxic, bioaccumulate, evade detection, and leave no viable cleanup pathway - resulting in toxic wasteland and public health and safety disasters.
Save Our Surroundings Swan Hill
Object
Save Our Surroundings Swan Hill
Object
Swan Hill
,
New South Wales
Message
This CCP reliant, filthy, rip-off BESS plan’s ridiculously short 10 year life span and endless replacement makes no sense!
It defies all aspects of the National Electricity Law Objective regarding:-
(a) price, quality, safety, reliability and security of supply of electricity;
and
(b) the reliability, safety and security of the national electricity system
This BESS creates a cycle of constant replacement, contamination, ever escalating toxic waste and austerity from rising costs.
It defies all aspects of the National Electricity Law Objective regarding:-
(a) price, quality, safety, reliability and security of supply of electricity;
and
(b) the reliability, safety and security of the national electricity system
This BESS creates a cycle of constant replacement, contamination, ever escalating toxic waste and austerity from rising costs.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
LEETON
,
New South Wales
Message
There are no benefits whatsoever from this ruinable junk that’s a poisonous curse to the public, our essential energy security, food security, our economy and sovereignty.
The predatory vested interests are manipulating the market - profiteering at our expense - while we all suffering the Government inflicted Cost of Living Crisis - caused by intermittent RenewaBULLs and BESS that profits from price volatility and arbitrage, distorting electricity markets and increasing costs for consumers.
The predatory vested interests are manipulating the market - profiteering at our expense - while we all suffering the Government inflicted Cost of Living Crisis - caused by intermittent RenewaBULLs and BESS that profits from price volatility and arbitrage, distorting electricity markets and increasing costs for consumers.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Coolah
,
New South Wales
Message
This project is NOT designed to support the grid. This project IS designed to profit the foreign investors by capitalising on subsidies funded by taxpayers and an electricity market that puts profit for these developers above affordability for consumers. Backed up by diesel generators (given that wind and solar is unreliable and shipping containers of batteries have to be cooled 24/7 to avoid thermal runaway), BESS materials mined using slave/child labour, toxic residues from mining processes, short life span, and unrecyclable. This project is NOT in the public interest.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
CUNNINYEUK
,
New South Wales
Message
Australia’s manufacturing capacity has been sacrificed by the unreliable, unaffordable, weather dependent RUIN-A-BULL EXPERIMENT!
The collapse of Australia’s only battery manufacturer seemed designed to fail - leaving our nation fully dependent on imports - predominately from our most hostile enemy - wrecking our sovereignty and security.
Australian Financial Review, 2025
“Crying Shame: Inside the Demise of Australia’s Only Battery Maker”
THIS BESS IS OUR ENEMY!
The collapse of Australia’s only battery manufacturer seemed designed to fail - leaving our nation fully dependent on imports - predominately from our most hostile enemy - wrecking our sovereignty and security.
Australian Financial Review, 2025
“Crying Shame: Inside the Demise of Australia’s Only Battery Maker”
THIS BESS IS OUR ENEMY!
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Coolah
,
New South Wales
Message
This foreign developer has one focus and that is to profit from the taxpayer and electricity consumer. We cannot afford these battery scams. How many diesel generators will be used in this project to keep the fans cooling the batteries 24/7? This project is a fire risk, an environmental disaster given the mining and the lack of recycling of components, and will not provide electricity consumers with affordable 24/7 electricity.
Ian McDonald
Object
Ian McDonald
Object
WALCHA
,
New South Wales
Message
Contamination and Waste Management are issues that are being swept under the carpet. It’s time government stop putting renewable energy targets ahead of the nation’s public health and food security. Please see attachment:
Attachments
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
KOORINGAL
,
New South Wales
Message
This plan breaches the Government’s Primary Duty of failing to protect its citizens from the obvious National Security Risks of CCP produced/controlled BESS infrastructure and the highly toxic, Fire hazardous nature of this BESS.
Knowingly introducing such toxic fire risk, cyber vulnerability, and infrastructure fragility in pursuit of ideological energy targets is completely irresponsible and unacceptable.
Knowingly introducing such toxic fire risk, cyber vulnerability, and infrastructure fragility in pursuit of ideological energy targets is completely irresponsible and unacceptable.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Harefield
,
New South Wales
Message
This BESS plan is intrinsically Toxic, experimental and unsafe technology.
Lithium-ion batteries are chemically unstable, release poisonous gases and persistent pollutants, and create long-term contamination risks when they fail.
“Forever Chemicals’ used in Lithium-ion Batteries Threaten Environment”
The Guardian, 14 July 2024
Lithium-ion batteries are chemically unstable, release poisonous gases and persistent pollutants, and create long-term contamination risks when they fail.
“Forever Chemicals’ used in Lithium-ion Batteries Threaten Environment”
The Guardian, 14 July 2024
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Kepnock
,
Queensland
Message
This plan must not be approved as Thermal Runaway Fires burn for days - billowing poisonous smoke and releasing irreversibly contaminating residue - affecting vast areas and poisoning the public.
CSIRO explicitly states there is no certified method to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires, meaning failures escalate into uncontrollable thermal runaway events.
CSIRO Advisory Note AN-004 – Extinguishment of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
CSIRO explicitly states there is no certified method to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires, meaning failures escalate into uncontrollable thermal runaway events.
CSIRO Advisory Note AN-004 – Extinguishment of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Springfield
,
New South Wales
Message
This insecure CCP reliant BESS plan is an open invitation for a catastrophic, sabotaging, Critical-Infrastructure attack on Australia’s Electricity Grid.
It’s extremely treacherous that this untrustworthy Government are relying on Chinese BESS that embed CCP-manufactured, networked hardware into Australia’s grid while lacking robust, transparent cyber-security requirements.
It’s extremely treacherous that this untrustworthy Government are relying on Chinese BESS that embed CCP-manufactured, networked hardware into Australia’s grid while lacking robust, transparent cyber-security requirements.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Hay
,
New South Wales
Message
Western intelligence agencies are constantly warning that Chinese hackers actively target energy infrastructure they produce - like this unethical, insecure plan that would illogically expand our exposure - threatening national security.
(PBS News, 2024 - FBI Director Christopher Wray warning)
(PBS News, 2024 - FBI Director Christopher Wray warning)
Save Our Surroundings Hay
Object
Save Our Surroundings Hay
Object
Hay
,
New South Wales
Message
It is totally illogical to plan to fail so extensively - with an intermittent, weather dependent Solar/Wind/BESS ‘Transition’ that DOESN’T WORK MOST OF THE TIME, that has an endless and irreversibly poisonous, monumental footprint that is ABSOLUTELY NOT FOR THE GREATER GOOD.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Hay
,
New South Wales
Message
CCP produced, toxic contaminating BESS like this unethical project are putting Australian people at extreme risk and hardship by subjecting Australia to a National Security Nightmare.
Just like Reuters’ confirmed undocumented communication devices inside Chinese inverters - validating fears of hidden access and sabotage capability.
(“Rogue Communication Devices Found in Chinese Inverters”- Reuters, 14 May 2025)
Just like Reuters’ confirmed undocumented communication devices inside Chinese inverters - validating fears of hidden access and sabotage capability.
(“Rogue Communication Devices Found in Chinese Inverters”- Reuters, 14 May 2025)
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Lancefield
,
Victoria
Message
I Object on the following grounds:
• It is destructive to native flora and fauna and harmful to the public;
• Construction will leave a legacy of land destruction that is unlikely to be rectified by the builder;
• It is an abomination on the natural landscape;
• It is part of a system that costs billions, does not work reliably and attempts to solve a problem that does not exist, in other words useless and irresponsible use of public funds;
• All such infrastructures should be built at developer’s expense, NOT on public funds. We are told wind and solar are the cheapest, well prove it, remove all subsidises - do not build this system on public funds;
• The TOTAL cost has not been verified by independent experts;
• There is NO verified scientific basis for reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere so this project is a total waste of public money, along with all other such projects. There is in fact reliable verifiable scientific proof that CO2 is beneficial to plant life and by extension to human life on earth.
• It is destructive to native flora and fauna and harmful to the public;
• Construction will leave a legacy of land destruction that is unlikely to be rectified by the builder;
• It is an abomination on the natural landscape;
• It is part of a system that costs billions, does not work reliably and attempts to solve a problem that does not exist, in other words useless and irresponsible use of public funds;
• All such infrastructures should be built at developer’s expense, NOT on public funds. We are told wind and solar are the cheapest, well prove it, remove all subsidises - do not build this system on public funds;
• The TOTAL cost has not been verified by independent experts;
• There is NO verified scientific basis for reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere so this project is a total waste of public money, along with all other such projects. There is in fact reliable verifiable scientific proof that CO2 is beneficial to plant life and by extension to human life on earth.
Save Our Surroundings Lancefield
Object
Save Our Surroundings Lancefield
Object
Lancefield
,
Victoria
Message
Unacceptable, Unethical Modern Slavery is built into China’s BESS.
ASPI documents that large-scale batteries rely on forced labour, coercive mining, and human-rights abuses, undermining ethical claims.
ASPI Strategist, Editors’ Picks 2024
ASPI documents that large-scale batteries rely on forced labour, coercive mining, and human-rights abuses, undermining ethical claims.
ASPI Strategist, Editors’ Picks 2024
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Springfield
,
Queensland
Message
This is a disastrous plan as independent energy analysts describe modern renewable-battery systems as “beautifully hackable”, prioritising remote control over security.
(Irina Slav – Beautifully Hackable, 12 Aug 2024)
(Irina Slav – Beautifully Hackable, 12 Aug 2024)
Alistair Carwardine
Object
Alistair Carwardine
Object
PARKESBOURNE
,
New South Wales
Message
Dear Sir/Madam
RE: Willavale Park Battery Energy Storage System Submission (SUB-102346208)
I write on behalf of Parkesbourne and Merrilla Uniting Church congregation.
I am the Treasurer and an Elder at the church. I represent the Executive Committee, with their full support.
About Parkesbourne and Merrilla Uniting Church
The church comprises two places of worship, one located at Parkesbourne, on Church Hall Rd (6km from the BESS) and the other at Merrilla, on Gurrundah Rd (9km from the BESS). In addition, there is a church hall opposite the Parkesbourne church building.
We write to Object to the Project, for two reasons:
1. Poor community engagement leading to insufficient social licence
2. Inadequate commitment to fire preparedness and response
Poor Community Engagement
Overall, the engagement by the Willavale consulting team to assess genuine community feedback is poor. We note from Appendix R Social Impact Assessment (SIA), there are less than 180 neighbours within 10 km of the BESS site. Communication was virtually non-existent, with limited flyers distributed and, as best we can tell, only one forum offered for Q+A.
It's hard to understand why communication is so inadequate given the small number of households in the affected area.
No correspondence was received by the Church.
Casual checking with neighbours in the immediate vicinity of the site revealed detailed engagement by the Project team was poor, with only a 50% hit rate to get direct feedback.
We understand the interviews were brusque and dismissive.
We have little confidence the engagement was genuine, to seek community feedback: rather, it consisted of well-presented brochures misdirecting any reader to understand the project was already approved.
This doesn’t mean the project won’t be supported; however, it is incorrect to conclude the community backs it.
Inadequate commitment to fire preparedness and response
The SIA noted high concern by the community with Fire Safety associated with the BESS.
The responses provided in Appendix O Preliminary Hazard Analysis and Appendix P Bushfire Risk Assessment are wholly inadequate. In neither case are details of the likely plans for battery fire or bush fire provided. Indeed, both provide a notional commitment to preparing the same as the Project design progresses.
No wonder this remains a top concern for our congregation and broader landholders.
Many in the community are members of the RFS (Parkesbourne Brigade), who will be called on to deal with fires that may originate from the BESS, to potentially manage LIB fires that require specialist training and equipment. The only note by the Project to this end is a vague commitment to provide a plan, when it suits the project.
Similarly, many in the community are located within 10km to the north of the BESS. It is not unreasonable to expect southerly weather conditions during the year. In the event of a LIB fire, the gases emitted will be driven over the same community.
Conclusion
Given the shortcomings in community engagement and a totally inadequate commitment to provide details supporting fire management, Parkesbourne and Merrilla Uniting Church object to the Willavale Park Battery Energy Storage System.
RE: Willavale Park Battery Energy Storage System Submission (SUB-102346208)
I write on behalf of Parkesbourne and Merrilla Uniting Church congregation.
I am the Treasurer and an Elder at the church. I represent the Executive Committee, with their full support.
About Parkesbourne and Merrilla Uniting Church
The church comprises two places of worship, one located at Parkesbourne, on Church Hall Rd (6km from the BESS) and the other at Merrilla, on Gurrundah Rd (9km from the BESS). In addition, there is a church hall opposite the Parkesbourne church building.
We write to Object to the Project, for two reasons:
1. Poor community engagement leading to insufficient social licence
2. Inadequate commitment to fire preparedness and response
Poor Community Engagement
Overall, the engagement by the Willavale consulting team to assess genuine community feedback is poor. We note from Appendix R Social Impact Assessment (SIA), there are less than 180 neighbours within 10 km of the BESS site. Communication was virtually non-existent, with limited flyers distributed and, as best we can tell, only one forum offered for Q+A.
It's hard to understand why communication is so inadequate given the small number of households in the affected area.
No correspondence was received by the Church.
Casual checking with neighbours in the immediate vicinity of the site revealed detailed engagement by the Project team was poor, with only a 50% hit rate to get direct feedback.
We understand the interviews were brusque and dismissive.
We have little confidence the engagement was genuine, to seek community feedback: rather, it consisted of well-presented brochures misdirecting any reader to understand the project was already approved.
This doesn’t mean the project won’t be supported; however, it is incorrect to conclude the community backs it.
Inadequate commitment to fire preparedness and response
The SIA noted high concern by the community with Fire Safety associated with the BESS.
The responses provided in Appendix O Preliminary Hazard Analysis and Appendix P Bushfire Risk Assessment are wholly inadequate. In neither case are details of the likely plans for battery fire or bush fire provided. Indeed, both provide a notional commitment to preparing the same as the Project design progresses.
No wonder this remains a top concern for our congregation and broader landholders.
Many in the community are members of the RFS (Parkesbourne Brigade), who will be called on to deal with fires that may originate from the BESS, to potentially manage LIB fires that require specialist training and equipment. The only note by the Project to this end is a vague commitment to provide a plan, when it suits the project.
Similarly, many in the community are located within 10km to the north of the BESS. It is not unreasonable to expect southerly weather conditions during the year. In the event of a LIB fire, the gases emitted will be driven over the same community.
Conclusion
Given the shortcomings in community engagement and a totally inadequate commitment to provide details supporting fire management, Parkesbourne and Merrilla Uniting Church object to the Willavale Park Battery Energy Storage System.
Attachments
Pagination
Project Details
Application Number
SSD-78100252
Assessment Type
State Significant Development
Development Type
Electricity Generation - Other
Local Government Areas
Goulburn Mulwaree