Winterbourne Wind Farm

Wrong infrastructure, wrong location.

I support green energy and captial projects that improve our economy, our infrastructure, and the environment, especially in regional locations is an enormouse win win. Winterbourne Wind farm will create massive job growth during construction, and ongoing employment during the life of its operation.This is excellent for the wider economy and the immediate regional economy. Once complete, the overall project will deliver green energy for thousands of homes. This helps propel us towards our required future carbon reductions which our country and our world needs to reduce the effects of climate change.

I am opposed to the project, because of the disruption to our community that the transportation of the infrastructure will create on the roads leading to the Winterbourne project. There has to be better alternatives to energy than wind and solar that is more long term, than the proposed life of solar panels and wind turbines.
As in previous instances of so called innovative projects in our area to create jobs and industry they have, failed and the community is left with the mess to clean up.
The destruction to wildlife and fauna in the area proposed is unacceptable.
It is important for the future of the whole community to survive and be sustainable that this project should not go ahead.

Submission by Walcha Council for Winterbourne Wind Project SSD-10471 attached.

I am most concerned about the proposed Winterbourne Wind Farm. The community consultation has been extremely insufficient considering the impact this project will have on the wider Walcha community. The visual impact of 119 turbines at 230m high on a small rural community will be immense. The construction period will see roads saturated with heavy vehicles, delays in travel time, decreased tourist interest and excessive water requirements which will have to be supplied by our small community. None of these concerns have been addressed by the company . As a farmer in this area, we feel we have been responsible by investing substantially in renewable energy. We have a 6 Kilowatt solar system on our property and all of our stock water is based on another solar submersible bore pump. I believe to be inundated by these wind turbines when the much of the general public elsewhere ,viz large metropolitan areas,have not utilised solar energy, is very one -sided and to the detriment of our small rural community.

I believe The Winterbourne wind farm is an important project for both Walcha & Australia.
With global warming we need to urgently move away from fossil fuel generation to slow the rate of climate change
Building the Winterbourne Wind Farm will a much needed boost to the Walcha economy with up to 400 jobs during construction & 16 permanent jobs after construction has finished .
With transport moving toward electric cars we will need much more generation capacity to power these new cars ,this must come from renewable sources .
Wind energy is far cheaper than building new coal fired plants & produces no green house gasses .
The Winterbourne wind farm has my full support

My son who is buried in the vicinity would not support this drastic change to our area. I wish this area to remain as it was when my son passed for when I visit this site I remember our time.
My husband & I will be buried beside my son Jordon and do not wish the current outlook to be changed.

Submission on behalf
of Uralla Walcha Renewable Energy Action Group regarding Winterbourne Wind
Project


Having read the EIS, Uralla- Walcha Renewable Energy Action Group objects
to the proposed Winterbourne Wind Project EIS( 0526676)
on the following grounds


1. Biodiversity —
*Flora—-unacceptable destruction of an already delicate eucalypt population
due to the land clearing involved. Much of this area has already been
adversely impacted by “dieback”, drought and mistletoe and historical over
clearing. Millions of trees have been planted to attempt to redress this. We
do not need more land clearing
*Fauna
Koalas -are now a threatened species . One arm of Government Policy is
encouraging, and rewarding us to preserve Koala Habitat while the other is
allowing Developers to destroy it.There has not been a
proper{eg,infrared}Population Study of this project area
Birds. -Several threatened species including the small eagle and wedgetail
eagle will be impacted by this project both by habitat derstruction and
blade strike . This project is in close proximity to a National Park which
is a breeding ground
Dangars Lagoon , east of Uralla is the temporary home for a number of
migratory bird species . These species could be impacted by blade strike
The intention of the Proponent to put a monetary value on destroyed Flora
and Fauna to purchase offsets is ludicrous. Offsets will not replace the
lost species!!

2. Cumulative Impact
The EIS fails to include several other Renewable Energy projects in close
proximity,
Notably the two Brackendale Wind Projects and the Ruby Hills Project
This is extraordinary as these three projects are in the planning stage by
Walcha Energy. They cannot claim ignorance of these projects and their
detail.
Also the community knows that other projects including Salisbury wind,
Boorolong Wind, Yarrowyck Wind ,Balala Wind , Woolbrook Wind and Solar and
Tia Wind are also in the planning stage.
There is a failure to acknowledge the Cumulative Impact aspect of the
Winterbourne Wind Project and the Salisbury Solar Project. The EIS states
“The potential cumulative visual impact must also be be assessed in relation
to the potential visual impact when viewed sequentially. If a number of Wind
farms are viewed in succession as a traveller moves through the landscape(
eg motorist travel routes or walking tracks) this may result in a change in
the change of overall perception of the landscape character. The viewer may
only see one Wind Farm at a time, but if each successive stretch of the road
is dominated by views of a wind farm, then that can be argued to be a
cumulative visual impact.(EPHC, 2010).”
The same must be applied to Solar Farms

In reality, a motorist driving from Walcha to Uralla, with the REAL
developments being planned , relative to Winterbourne Wind in the cumulative
sense will see.—-

Winterbourne Wind on the right, Ruby Hills Wind on the left
Then Salisbury Solar on the right in the foreground with Salisbury Wind
behind
Then Salisbury Solar on the left with a connecting 330kv Transmission Line
crossing
Thunderbolts way
They will then see a Switching Yard on the left as they approach Uralla.
This could be argued as “ cumulative visual impact.
This cumulative Impact also flows on to Biodiversity, Agriculture ,
Lifestyle, Property Values, stress on water, gravel, labour ,,waste
management, rental affordability, traffic management etc

This REAL cumulative impact situation has dire consequences for our
district, particularly Uralla
In addition to the proposed Wind and Solar projects under construction and
in the planning stage, Uralla is to host several switching yards and a new
AEMO/ TransGrid double 550kv transmission lIne. This is massive
overdevelopment and Cumulative Impact.

3. Uralla Switching Yard and Transmission Line.

The 50km , 330kv Transmission Line proposed by Winterbourne Wind, crosses
the Thunderbolts way. If built it should be underground Particularly where
it is in sight of Thunderbolts Way
Switching Yard— Must be out of sight of Thunderbolts Way. The EIS states
“ existing vegetation along the western side of Thunderbolts Way is likely
to fragment views of motorists travelling north or south”
This, we believe is fanciful
Glib references to screening by vegetation is made. The idea of growing
trees to”screen“ a 235 metre Wind Tower or a switching Yard is an insult to
our intelligence hose of us who are familiar with the Salisbury Plains
know the difficulty of growing trees in this area anyway.

We are a group of individuals who reside in the Salisbury Plains area and we object as a group this this project going ahead.
Uralla Walcha Renewable Energy Action Group

This project is what Australia needs to reduce the reliant of our energy supplies from fossil fuels. Apart from really supporting our national vision of net zero carbon emissions, the wind farms will also be providing more jobs for rural areas outside of the CBD's and will provide a sustainable energy resource into the future.
Hopefully this is the first of many projects we see generating renewable energy resources in Australia.

I OBJECT to the Winterbourne Wind Farm development.

I am a 4th generation Walcha grazier, running a business Greenwells Farming Pty Ltd.

My husband and I run premium grass-fed beef cattle. We chose to move Sydney back to the New England for my career (I studied Rural Science at UNE and post graduate Agribusiness through Marcus Oldham), to be close to family (Walcha and Arding) and part of a fabulous community.

The reasons I OBJECT to the Winterbourne Wind Farm SSD – 10471 in terms of our business Greenwells Farming Pty Ltd are below:

1. As a Primary Producer the increased traffic on the main single arterial road (Oxley Highway) to Tamworth will negatively impact the movement of our livestock and income.
a. The time taken to Westdale Abattoir (Woolworths) will increase, a direct correlation to increased shrinkage (weight loss) of my animals destined for slaughter, leading to a loss of income (we’re paid on weight and quality of meat as our animals are sold as Premium Grass Fed MSA graded animals)
b. The time taken to Bective Feedlot will increase, as noted above, increasing shrinkage, decreasing our income from less kilograms of cattle delivered (we are paid on a $/kg not $/hd)
c. As our trips to Tamworth are relatively short, we are charged on time, not km’s travelled. Increased travel time will increase what we are invoiced by transport company’s (we use local businesses Betts, Brian Smith Timber Transport and Walcha Carrying Company)

2. The natural resources required by the Proponents, such as WATER and GRAVEL have been severely underestimated in the EIS.
a. Being involved with construction (my husband runs a successful construction company (est 2012) and has been involved in the industry since graduating 2008), we determined closer to 675ML of water would be required (vs 150ML stated in EIS)
b. Sources of water locally insufficient. When Walcha recently went through a drought the community was on the highest levels of water restrictions, and that was without 675ML being pulled for a windfarm!
c. Gravel required for roads unavailable locally at quantities required. The Brooklyn quarry on Oxley Highway does not have sufficient product approved for extraction. If gravel was all taken from this site, these trucks would need to go THROUGH town to reach the proposed windfarm site.
 
3. Pests, disease and biosecurity risks with increase traffic movements.
a. Our district has known noxious weeds (Cardus Nutans – nodding thistle, blackberries), with new weeds (St Johns Wort and Toxic Soda Apple) rising new threats
b. Increased traffic movements will only increase the spread and movement of these weeds
c. To sufficiently wash down all plant and equipment between daily movements would only increase the required water for the project

4. Increased traffic and the damage to local roads and infrastructure.
a. The Proponent states they will make good all damage to roads they use as outlined in their EIS. From experience of others locally (Arding, NSW and the NE Solar Farm by Green Light Contracting on Big Ridge Road), plant and equipment used OTHER roads not stipulated in the EIS and as such the developers refused to pay for improvements and repairs. These costs unfairly fell back onto local tax payers and the Uralla Shire local government

5. Inability to carry out required aviation services in no-fly zones surrounding turbines
a. Several properties aerially spread synthetic fertilisers and spray for weeds using planes and helicopters. These potentially would be unable to be carried out with no-fly zones around the wind turbines
b. Aerial wild dog baiting of National Parks would be negatively impacted
c. Scenic joy flights around our National Parks, rivers, waterfalls and gorges would be negatively impacted, both visually with introduction of turbines, but also with flight paths closed
d. Aerial gorge fire control during bushfires, saving precious national parks, wildlife and surrounding agricultural lands negatively impacted.

The reasons above are just a few of those I feel will potentially impact our business if the proposed Winterbourne Wind Development was to go ahead.
Kind regards,
Philippa O’Brien

I OBJECT to the Winterbourne Wind Farm development.

I am a 4th generation Walcha grazier. My Great Great Grandfather Richard Pye and his brother Harry bought the property “Branga Plains” in 1929 and ran predominantly sheep. My Grandmother Shirley McMillan ran the property for several decades during which it became a mixed grazing business with sheep and cattle. My mother Suzanne Lord is the current custodian alongside my Stepfather Guy Lord. They run a very successful beef cattle business which I hope to one day become more involved in once both my children are at school.

My husband and I were in Sydney for 7 years before we recently bought our own property “Greenwells” in January 2021 (the previous family had owned the property since 1840). We run beef cattle while happily raising our two young children in true country form. Our children have an idyllic life, surrounded by friends, family, animals, pristine nature and a wonderful supporting community.

We chose to move back to the New England for my career (I studied Rural Science at UNE and post graduate Agribusiness through Marcus Oldham), my husband could work remotely and on rural projects with his construction company (head office is in Sydney) and our children could grow up as we both had, surrounded by animals, camping, swimming and bushwalking.

I OBJECT to the Winterbourne Wind Farm development because:

1. Wrong project in the wrong place.
a. Walcha is prime agricultural land. This type of land can’t be ‘made’ again. Once large turbines, concrete footings and access roads have been built, the prime grazing land will never be returned to how it currently is. No amount of money can reverse these changes.
b. Off-shore locations for turbines out from Newcastle and Illawarra as recently proposed in December 2022 are a far better solution to the energy crisis as the energy will be produced where it is needed, requiring less transmission lines and infrastructure on prime agricultural lands.

2. Proponent has no care for how this project is destroying relations in the community.
a. Families which have been friends and neighbours for generations (some even related) are no longer amicable due to this proposed development
b. Non-disclosure agreements mean people cannot legally speak openly to one another
c. Some members of the community are looking to gain financially from the project while others will be at a loss
 
3. Proponent and the development has potential to irreversibly damage prime agricultural land and surrounding national parks with introduction of pests, weeds and diseases.
a. St Johns Wort and Toxic Soda Apple are just two noxious weeds found widely in the Tamworth areas but not currently prolific in the New England. Mass traffic movements between ports, towns and individual farms threaten to increase the risk of their spread and introduction.

4. Negatively impact on the natural environment.
a. We moved from the city of Sydney to live in a rural community, looking out on uninterrupted skylines with minimal noise pollution other than the occasional ag bike, bellowing cows, tractors and screaming kids on ponies and push bikes. We did not move to live in an industrial landscape looking onto hundreds of turbines
b. Travelling to the pristine Riverside on the Apsley River, among many other local destinations frequented would not be the same with hundreds of wind turbines – will tourists come to camp sites and visit Walcha to look out on a sea of flashing red lights and towering turbines?

5. Community demographic would change.
a. FIFO workers would not benefit the local community quite like those that live here. I feel safe my children being in town at parks, the pool, local shows, as everyone in the community knows us and looks out for one another
b. A Transient work force of high-vis employees, none of whom will be able to live locally due to insufficient accommodation
c. IF FIFO workers were to stay locally, this would take limited accommodation options away from those most in need locally
d. FIFO workers unlikely to be part of local sporting clubs and societies which give back to those who live in the Walcha district. I appreciate that the Proponents would likely donate money to these clubs and societies, but you also need members and players!

6. Inadequate plan for decommissioning
a. Looking at landfill of decommissioned blades in USA is horrifying. I don’t want this to be what Walcha becomes, a dumping ground of masses of fiberglass and aluminium
b. Unclear outlines of who will be responsible for the cost of decommissioning turbines once they’re no longer being used

7. Rapidly outdated infrastructure
a. I am concerned that expensive wind turbines will be replaced by smaller, more efficient and economically produced micro-neuclear reactors, such as that announced by the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California (13th December 2022). These reactors would take up less space, cost less to build, wouldn’t require new transmission lines to be built long distances all of which are issues I see with the proposed Winterbourne Wind Farm development
b. As wind turbines become less profitable I’m concerned the operators of the turbines may end their use earlier than anticipated and leave landholders with null and void infrastructure left standing in the paddocks.

I could go on further with more reasons, but for now I believe those I have outlined above are proof of my objection to the Winterbourne Wind Farm development.


Regards,
Philippa O’Brien

This project is a huge burden to the community wellbeing, local biodiversity and visual amenity of the Walcha and Uralla region. NSW government is investing huge amounts to restore and protect Koala and bird habitats but is willing override this for this project, it is not acceptable. The negative impact on huge numbers of birds, Koalas and the general animal population will be devastating to the local biodiversity of the Walcha region. The concerns around waste management and traffic congestions have been brushed over and not adequately accounted for by this project. The transport issue of hundreds of large trucks will have a compounding impact all along the highway from Sydney, this has not been adequately address or though through.
The community consultation has been appalling, disregarding feedback and input for local Aboriginal people and elders as well as an overwhelming objection from the local community. The impact on community wellbeing has been horrendous, turning neighbors against each other due to secret deals and causing infighting within families. Surely this region should not have to pay this price, I strongly recommend that this project is reconsidered.

As a landholder that will be a direct neighbour of the project, we are in objection to this project on the grounds of the following:
Lack of consultation - During the consultation phase we were told that there was not going to be any towers within 5km of our residence, however 12 months after we were contacted by the developer to sign a neighbour agreement. It was only at this stage we were informed that extra towers had been added, 3 of which are within 3.1km of our home. There was no discussion with us about this or provision of information to us prior to this point. This project has life changing consequences for us and the operation of our business, and our thoughts and opinions were not considered or valued at all.
Water source. - The scale of water needed for this project is huge, and we do not have these types of supplies in our area. Ensuring that our water supply both above and below ground is not effected by this project is paramount, but can not be guaranteed and therefore is of huge concern to us. In agriculture water is everything, if our water supplies are effected our production can not continue.
Congestion on our roads - The Winterbourne road is a single lane road and in many section gravel. The amount traffic that will be on our roads, leading to delays and stoppages, will create a huge wear and tear on roads that simply have not been designed to cope with this amount of traffic nor this type of traffic. We live 30 minutes from town, the possibility of a trip to town being increased by another 20-30 minutes each way would create a huge disruption to our productivity as well as general quality of life.
Visual impact - The visual impact from our dwelling is large, we are rated in the EIS as having moderate visual impairment as a result of the towers, and in the EIS it states that the impact will be mitigated by screen planting. No one has spoken to us about this, or considered our perspective on this. Having such large structure so close to us, and then being told we will plant some trees and you will be fine is extremely condescending and disrespectful. The developers state in the EIS that they have consulted with neighbours but this has not been our experience.
Noise - there are varying reports on the noise impact of the turbines. The EIS noise and vibration assessment shows minimal impact to those residing close, however privately commissioned reports show a different outcome. This is of great concern to us, we have made the choice to live in an area that is far from roads and other noises, this is quality of life that we dearly value. If this changes as a result of the towers it will adversely effect our quality of life.
Impact on our community - The impact that this project has already had to nature of our community is horrendous. We are small community were relationship are everything. The impact upon friendships, neighbour relationship and generally community cohesiveness is already awful, and if the project is to continue I anticipate that the social dislocation that has already began will only enhance.
Land values - There is no clear indication of the effect upon land values as a result of the project. it is however clear that there will be some form of impact, if we did want to sell our property it is undeniable that the presence of the wind towers on neighbouring properties and within 3.1km of the home will adversely effect the pool of potential purchasers and therefore in turn effect a resale price. This is something which is being thrust upon us, which negatively effect the value of our prime asset.
Neighbour compensation - We have been offered a neighbour compensation package, but this has a disclaimer of forfeiting all legal rights thereafter in relation to asking for further visual mitigation measures, and objecting to actions undertaken by the developers. We have not chosen for this project to be happening on our doorstep and to have to our rights to have opinions or objections quashed in order to be compensated for the impact upon our quality life, land value and business operations seems extremely inappropriate.
The Winterbourne Wind project appears to be poorly planned and has lacked important processes of consultation to reduce social and environmental impacts. We object to the project.

I object to the Winterbourne Project for the following reasons.

I am concerned about the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in the turbine blades and the impact that this chemical will have on the environment and waterways during the course of the project, and how this will be disposed of at the end of the project.

I believe that the impact on the environment in terms of bird/bat and insect kills as well as the destruction of large areas of native habitat would be detrimental.

I do not feel that I have received enough information from Vestas and that more discussions with the community need to happen.

I also believe that the amount of traffic during the construction of the project will create too much disruption to the other activities of the town as well as access to Tamworth by emergency services being compromised.

The restrictions on planes flying around the project area creates a risk to fire fighting in the area and in the Oxley Wild Rivers National park which is right next to the wind farm to the east.

Vestas have not stated where water and gravel will be sourced from, and as such a large amount of traffic movements have not been factored into the already large amount of traffic movements.

I think that the developer needs to pay a bond for the decommissioning of the turbines at the start of the project to make sure that the landowners and community do not have to pay for this if the project is abandoned by future owners.

I strongly object to the Winterbourne Wind Project for the following reasons:

The proposed site for the Winterbourne Wind project has the potential to create a massive environmental disaster impacting this site as well as the adjoining heritage listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

The death & destruction of native fauna eg to birds & bats from injuries caused by colliding with the wind turbine blades

The death & destruction of native fauna from ingesting toxic chemicals from the wind turbine eg potential oil & other chemical spills, & ingesting micro particles eg the BPA shed from erosion of the blades over time.

The native flora may well be negatively affected by chemical contamination and by the interrupting the natural balance of the native fauna populations.

The New England area is renowned for being a pasture wonderland producing Prime Beef and Lamb for consumption domestically and internationally.

Australia has proportionally very little reliable agricultural land relative to the size of the continent.

Surely when the world population is growing so quickly food security should be of utmost importance. (It is a reason why many overseas countries seek to purchase high quality agricultural land, and the production sent back to their country for consumption).

The conversion of arable land to be rendered unproductive by the establishment of road infrastructure and turbine sites.

The restriction on Aviation in the windfarm area will inhibit the use of aerial spraying for weed control, the use of aerial spreading of fertiliser that is essential for productive farming in the New England. These restrictions would also limit the use of aerial firefighting.

Vehicle movements between properties presents a biosecurity risk potentially spreading weed seeds and adverse biological pathogens.

Traffic movements in relation to transport of materials required for the wind farm construction have the potential to severely disrupt the timely delivery of livestock to an abattoir, resulting in increased stress to the livestock and reduced quality of meat products to market.

The decommissioning of the wind turbine components has not been determined. I understand the responsibility is with the developer, however I believe it will ultimately be the responsibility of the landowner at the end of the project life. The components of the turbines are not recyclable and will be disposed off by burial in the ground.

I would like to make an objection for many reasons, some of them are as follows:
1. This project is going to affect the social fabric of our community. It has already created divisions within social groups which we have not seen before. I have lived in Walcha all of my life and the Walcha community has not been faced with anything like this development.
2. I am concerned about the noise this development will create and I am sure that I will be able to hear it. It appears that the Developer has underestimated the noise and there are significant issues with the noise report in the EIS.
3. The visual aspect is of grave concern to me and for many residences of Walcha. There will be flashing lights in the distance and I will see a great many of them. This will change the visual aspect of my view and it changes the Walcha landscape forever.
4.I have real concerns about the condition of the roads and the level of traffic that will be coming through the Walcha LGA and also our ability to travel to and from Walcha to major centres. I use these roads on a regular basis for shopping, appointments and leisure and the level of traffic proposed is frightening but there will be over 200 oversize and overmass vehicles that will create problems for drivers each day.
5. The biodiversity is going to be greatly affected by the Winterbourne Wind development. I have great concerns for the birds and bats. I also have concerns for livestock and what will be the impact of these turbines on these animals.

I am a third generation Walcha farmer operating our family grazing business. Wacha Shire is a highly productive farming district, well known for it's fine wool production, sheep and beef cattle being the main enterprises. Since Landcare Australia began, around 40 years ago, millions of trees have been planted by Walcha Landholders, sequesting significant amounts of carbon and with technology, better grazing management, improved utilization, higher production has been achieved. This has improved the health and sustainability of our grasslands--Walcha town and district is thriving!
The Winterbourne Project with nearly 120 turbines, 230 metres tall ( Sydney Tower is 310 metres by comparison) would be a scar on our treasured landscape. Each turbine requires access from our local roads, requiring huge amounts of quarried gravel to provide access over the life of the towers. The siting of most towers is on ridgelines; therefore, roads will be steep, leading to significant erosion. Walcha is very prone to thunderstorms with flash flooding.
Walcha is a closely settled, productive agricultural district. Wind turbines are more suited to a less populated region and less productive area, Australia is a big country with many sparsely populated areas with low production capacity.
Traffic issues are a major concern. Accessing Winterbourne from the New England Highway via the Oxley Highway and Walcha township will cause horrendous disruption. The Oxley highway from Bendemeer to Walcha (50Kms) contains many speed limited bends with many altitude changes, some very steep climbs and narrow bridges. the majority of Walcha people and businesses regularly travel to and from Tamworth for employment, education, health and specialist supplies of goods and services. Should the Winterbourne project be approved the development must have its's own access from the New England Highway to Winterbourne area. I would suggest a special road from perhaps Kyabra on the New England Highway bypassing Walcha Township, to the project site.
"Walcha Wind" indicate that there are further projects totaling 700 wind turbines, in the pipeline plus many hectares of solar panels. The Winterbourne Project EIS should be considered in conjunction with these proposals NOT in isolation!
In point form my other concerns are:
1. Is there sufficient guaranteed funds for decommissioning?
2. The significant carbon footprint for the manufacture of the turbines using dirty energy.
3.Is the ongoing contribution from the project for community benefit? Are the funds for road building and infrastructure sufficient and tied to the CPI, or Electricity spot price whichever is the greater?
4.Health effects created by sound, flicker, vibration. Many health experts suggest they will be very detrimental, especially considering the size of these turbines.
5.Availability of gravel, sand, water and cement.
6.There is plenty of suggestion that new technology is in the pipeline using wind, and already being used. Other modalities that are far less impacting on communities and be far more cost effective.
Conclusion:
Winterbourne Wind Project does not fit with Walcha. Please find somewhere else where these monster turbines would have less impact!

We strongly object to the development of the Winterbourne Wind Farm. The impact that such heavy vehicles will have on our already deteriorating roads and the cost to repair them will come from our own council funds. The length of time and number of heavy vehicles that will be on our roads is a major concern. The removal of trees to make way for road construction will create a further threat on the already strained koala population.
Considering the close proximity of the wind farm to the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park the effect it will have on habitat loss, especially bird life with the large scale of the wind turbine blades also needs to be taken into consideration.
The use of aviation services to improve primary production on our land (our livelihood) will become less, the wind turbines will obstruct the use of such services. The turbines will also impact significantly on the use of aerial fire control which is an extremely effective measure in rough terrain such as the national park. It is also concerning if these aerial services are impacted are these wind turbines going to have an impact on the use of Westpac Rescue Helicopter , an extremely important services for rural properties.
There are so many more reasons and concerns that need to be taken into account.

I register my objection to SSD-10471

Large scale industrial infrastructure such as the proposed Winterbourne Wind Farm should not be located so close to the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park - a component part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, which is on the World Heritage List established under the World Heritage Convention.

I understand that wind farms are an essential part of the transition to renewable energy but the future of large scale wind farms is offshore thereby making land based projects such as Winterbourne redundant. This project has already reached its use-by date, hence the application SSD-10471 should be rejected.

Winterbourne Wind Farm SSD – 10471
We thank you for the opportunity to object to the EIS for the proposed Winterbourne Wind Farm. Below we will address some of the reasons for our objection which have not been adequately addressed in the EIS.
As reasonably new residents to the Walcha Local Government Area, having purchased our small cattle and sheep farm in 2020, we would hate to see the construction of the Winterbourne Wind project on some of the most productive farming land in Australia. The massive turbines would interfere with the ability of all farmers to maintain their agricultural land. Eg: the inability to use aerial spraying and fertilizing and the diminished ability to deploy aerial support to fight fires. The Walcha area is very committed to using the farming land for farming and all the population of Australia relies on farmers for food.
The Ecological Impact to the area is overwhelming, large industrial constructions of any sort will destroy wildlife corridors and take away from the natural unique beauty of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, part of the World Heritage Gondwana Rain Forests which is a huge tourist attraction in the Walcha area.
The Health Impact to all residents and animals (both wildlife and farming) would be immeasurable as the affects from noise, vibration and red light flicker will be a continuing annoyance that not one of us has to put up with at this point in time. Dust will also be a problem during construction period leading to more health problems eg: allergies. We all love the peace, quiet and serenity of this beautiful region.
Interruption to everyday life because of extra traffic on the roads and stoppages to allow the large equipment through, eg heavy vehicles which will lead to the breakdown of the local roads and constant road works in the area as more repairs will be needed.
The Visual Impact on this pristine area is completely unacceptable to our community and the tourists that visit the region from far and wide, mostly coming to Walcha to experience the natural beauty of the area.
There are a multitude of other reasons for our objection including Community division, Inadequate planning for decommissioning, Biodiversity risks, significant water impact and extremely negative tourism impact.

May we suggest, as we have our own sustainable, renewable power supply on our farm and are not reliant on the power grid at all, that the government provide incentives to all households and business owners, large and small, to encourage everybody to be self-sufficient with their own private renewable power supply. There are so many buildings all over Australia that could be generating their own power supply through solar. Farming land is needed for farming and the unique natural environment needs to remain that way NATURAL.