Winterbourne Wind Farm

The size and the carbon footprint of these huge turbines are my main concern. When they are decommissioned at the end of their working lives, I'm not convinced that they can be effectively recycled. I believe there are newer technologies using smaller , more efficient turbines that could be used to do the same job.

I believe this is the wrong project and scale for Walcha and will adversely affect the environment, rural agriculture, and the community

Please find my attached submission

I give in principle support for the Winterbourne Wind Farm Project SSD-10471. The responsible and urgent need to reduce energy dependence on fossil fuels and their polluting impacts will require a dramatic shift to renewable energy.
Such new renewable infrastructure will clearly have certain environmental impacts, but this project would appear well positioned strategically within the New England REZ. It will make a significant contribution to the objectives of this REZ.
The eastern part of the project is in close proximity to World Heritage Areas and National Park. This requires careful consideration of impacts on threatened flora and fauna and habitat corridors. It is noted that no Biodiversity Management Plan has been included in the EIS.
If approved consent conditions should be strong in the protection of biodiversity values at all stages of access, construction and operation of the wind turbine project as its final design is developed.
It is also noted that this project is component stage of a larger project for the Walcha area that includes Dungowan pumped hydro. In no way should this subject component project be used to support an argument for a new Dungowan Dam which will have devastating ecological impacts within the Peel Valley.

If we are going to make the transition from fossil fuels to greener energy, projects like this are a must. Not only for the environmental benefits but the fact that we need to replace the what is currently being generated by fossil fuels in Australia. This needs to be done quickly to help reduce the pressures on the cost of electricity for everyone.

The other benefit of this project is the jobs it will create for the area and its surrounds. This then has a multiplier effect that helps the economy in a broader sense.

For the above reasons I support the project.

Letter of Objection to Winterbourne Wind Electricity Generating Works (EGW) – EIS
The basis of my objection is broadly a failure of ‘The Proponent’ to consult sufficiently to establish proper knowledge of the concerns and subsequent failure to adequately address the known concerns of the community, in any adequate form.
I will confine my comments to five main points of concern
1. the failure to adequately address the potential cumulative impact.
This project alone names gravel sources from a wide scoping area. Given the seasons of drought and flooding rains gravel supplies are already under pressure. No adequate reference is made as to how such demand across the whole REZ can be met. This project alone proposes to source supplies from across the NEREZ and fails to consider availability when put into the context of being in conjunction with all other proposals. What about accountability for cumulative impact on roads, cumulative impact on water supplies required by the proponent and the established business community- in particular the grazing industry.
2. Biodiversity being evaluated during drought conditions
The assessment of the biodiversity within the area covered by this proposal is given a treatment in the document but fails to allude to the fact that the environment has only just shown a recovery of the flora – only flowering and fruiting after rainfall this spring and summer. The possibility for regeneration of flora and subsequently the fauna that are dependent on the pollens, nectars, seeds and fruits of the landscape cannot respond in the short term, but only in succession to the recovery of their food source and shelters. To assess in these circumstances is irresponsible and inadequate.

3. Methodology for assessing the presence of fauna is rudimentary, failing to utilise the most
Acceptable, technologically available and suitable methods for detection of species such as koala. Detection by the human eye is no longer acceptable when sniffer dogs can increase sightings 4 fold and reportedly, heat sensing technology, increase sightings by up to tenfold in comparison with human eye detections.
4. Transportation :-I have lived through the transportation of wind farm components to supply both Sapphire
EGW and White Rock EGW. I know and understand the restrictions that must be applied to rural roads during this process. There has been a failure to explain adequately to the community how they will not be absolutely overwhelmed by not only the volume of traffic but also the size and subsequent travel ‘timetabling’ restrictions in addition to the damage to road surfaces and pavement that inhibits all future movement and impacts locally on transportation budgets.
5. Infrasound is a serious consequence for people living within the district of an EGW. The
Winterbourne Wind community has not had the consequence of infrasound considered, nor have they been asked, individually, to state their agreement to exposure to the electromagnetic field within the immediate area nor those in the areas designated for transmission -or not. They have not agreed to live with the consequences of infrasound.

I understand other individuals will address additional matters that arise from a most inadequate expression of “addressing the needs of the community through consultation.”
I look forward to the Department’s closer examination of these matters in relation to the Winterbourne Wind EIS.
(Mrs) Beth White

From an environmental, economic, and social position, this project is an essential investment for NSW.

From an environmental perspective, the urgent need to address the causes of climate change has been evident to us all, especially over the last few years. Energy generation from fossil fuels is one of the largest contributors to climate change and the transition to sustainable and renewable energy generation is a key component of ensuring safe and prosperous futures for ourselves and future generations.

We are far from achieving NSW’s goal of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This project represents a crucial contribution to this goal. Not only is wind energy better for the environment in terms of emissions and has minimal physical impact upon the land, but it is far cheaper than new fossil fuel generation. Additionally, our existing fossil fuel plants are ageing and being decommissioned faster than expected, so beginning the construction of new renewable sources of energy as soon as possible is even more critical.

This project will also provide economic and social benefits for regional NSW. Construction for the project will bring in increased jobs and workers into the area, providing additional economic benefit for businesses in a number of sectors. The design of this project has also carefully considered the need for ensuring the benefits of such a large project support the local community. The consistent funds to be put aside for the community will allow for investment in community initiatives and development projects.

I object to the Winterbourne Wind Farm and my objections and questions are detailed in the attached EIS Submission.

Director - Energy Assessments
Planning and Assessments
Department of Planning and Environment

I am a 64 year old farmer who is an involved landowner with a signed Option to Lease agreement for the proposed Winterbourne Wind Farm located in the Walcha Council (90%) and Uralla Council (10%) areas. I am also a Councilor for the Walcha Council, elected in the 2021 NSW Council elections.

My involvement with Winterbourne Wind began in 2002 with an approach to a group of land owners in the Wintebourne area of Walcha by Pacific Hydro to potentially host a wind farm. Pacific Hydro did not proceed with the proposed project and in 2004 Mark Waring from Mirrus Wind was introduced to the group. Over the next 4 years the group collectively and in collaboration with Missus Wind developed an Option to Lease, Lease, rent agreements and a Code of Conduct that not only protected and supported the developers interest but also protected and supported the landowners interests. The first Option to Lease was signed on the 8/8/2008 which expired on the 8/8/2018.

It was also recognized that the wider community and neighbours should also have the opportunity to receive financial benefits from the project. To achieve this Walcha Wind was established and given a 5% equity share in Winterbourne Wind Pty Ltd (the developer) at no cost to Walcha Wind with returns on the 5% Equity to establish a community benefit fund and a neighbour benefit fund.

In 2018 Mark Waring introduced Vestas to the Winterbourne host landowners and in May 2019 Walcha Wind approved the sale of Winterbourne Wind Pty Ltd (95%) to Vestas with the 5% equity being retained by Walcha Wind for the purposes stated as above. This concept was difficult to quantify in terms of what the financial return this would be and had associated risk, particularly in the early years of the project. For this reason Walcha Wind and Winterbourne Wind have agreed to exchange the 5% equity for an upfront payment of $1,000,000 on financial closure and an annual payment of $750,000 to a community benefit fund, CPI indexed up to a 600 MW build and a $1,000/MW for every MW above 600MW of installed capacity from commencement of operations. This fund is to be administered by the Walcha (90%) and Uralla (10%) Councils. Winterbourne Wind is negotiating neighbour agreements with close visually affected neighbours.

The original Option to Lease and lease contracts had expired (8/8/2018) before Vestas agreed to purchase Winterbourne Wind Pty Ltd in 2019. This gave the original Winterbourne Host landowners the opportunity to collaboratively with Vestas to review and update the contracts before being offered to all the Winterbourne host landholders. Each host landowner were given time to seek their own legal advice and make amendments to suit their individual circumstances, The first of the contracts were signed in mid 2020.

As a host of Winterbourne Wind infrastructure the income from the Wind Farm lease will make a significant contribution to my farm business. This income will enhance the sustainability and resilience of my farm business’s ability to manage impacts of natural disasters such as the 2018 wind storm and the devastating 2019 drought, and fluctuating commodity prices. The income will also increase my ability improve farm productivity (increase pasture production and quality), infrastructure (water and fencing), and to provide an opportunity for succession planning and retirement to continue as a family farm.

The footprint of the Wind Farm (5 WTG’s, hardstands and roads) will require approximately 1.2% of my land. Some of the roads include my existing access road and farm tracks. The roads will provide improved access for transport of farm commodities, to neighbouring properties and to the adjoining Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Walcha has an ageing and declining population (identified in Walcha Council’s 2022 financial sustainability review). While some businesses in Walcha are currently prosperous there are number of businesses in Walcha that are not thriving. Businesses surviving does not mean a BALANCED HEALTHY economy. It is only a short time ago Walcha’s community and economy saw the devastating affects wind storms, drought, bushfires, closure of the Oxley Highway and Covid restrictions that tested the sustainability and resilience of Walcha’s economy and Community. Current high agricultural commodity favourable weather conditions prices now does not guarantee Walcha’s prosperity into the future. The next natural disaster or fall in commodity prices will come sooner or later. While the construction period of the Winterbourne Wind Farm will cause some disruption and challenges (such as transport and accommodation) for the Walcha community and businesses the economic boost to Walcha’s economy during construction of the Winterbourne Wind Farm may be significant. The permanent operational and maintenance jobs will also contribute to Walcha’s economy and community.

The Winterbourne Wind Project is needed to provide new electricity generation to replace the loss of coal generation. It is quality, well planned project that had broad community support. However since the NSW government’s announcement of the New England REZ there has been the formation of several anti-wind farm groups, the current being Voice for Walcha. This group has undertaken a deliberate, planned and sustained campaign of misinformation though the community paper (The Apsley Advocate), social media (videos, post and comments), soliciting a biased, flawed survey and community forums to destroy the credibility and reputation of the project, the developer, the EIS, the consultants that prepared the EIS and host landowners and to fuel community resentment towards the project. The cumulative impact of this has unjustifiably caused anxiety and stress and impacted the emotional and mental health not only within the Walcha community, but also for the host landowners, developer and consultants that prepared the EIS. Examples attached.

On the 28th November 2018 Walcha Council Mayor wrote to Mark Waring (Mirrus Wind) and Simon Currie (Energy Estate) regarding the Walcha Energy Project (Winterbourne Wind Project) stating, "Council welcomes the Walcha Energy Project and gives its full support in principle. Council looks forward to working with the developers as the project unfolds."
On the 26th of October at the Ordinary Meeting of Walcha Council:
‘RESOLVED on the Motion of Councillors Noakes and Hicks that Walcha Council take a neutral position in relation to the Winterbourne Wind Project noting:
1. Walcha Council continues its dialogue with Winterbourne Wind in relation to
possible infrastructure agreements and community fund; and
2. Walcha Council lobbies State & Federal Governments to ensure should project
approval be achieved Walcha and its community benefit as much as possible from
State Government approval.’
On the same day Voice for Walcha made a presentation to Council to request that Council take an objection position. Instead of accepting Council's resolution they continued to lobby Council and Councillors to take objection position. In response to their criticisms of Council and Councillors I corrected the misinformation provided in their presentation to council. See attachment.

Gregory Schaefer

I am appalled at the company providing the submission, that has such a specious background and has no more than a con artist type of approach, of greed, in the guise of energy needs for a community.
It’s EIS, which had been found to be lacking on many levels, which has been already documented, is not being monitored by our government, to be heinous in the least.
The idea that country people are not intelligent enough to see through this con is an indictment of 'their' lack of intelligence.
And how can the wanton destruction of a heritage area , valuable farm land and anhelation of our sensitive biodiversity be overlooked by a government body, that constantly sprouts the preservation or our amazing country. It should be brought to task for allowing it to be duped by these money hungry outsiders, allowing them to put up out of date technology on our precious land .
I have read the contents, been to the meetings and agree with The Voice of Walcha Community reference material - all of which I have attached to support my submission.

Firstly we are not against progress or alternative renewable greener energies, however that said, there has to be sound logic and strategic management in the development and implementation of such. 40 years ago, had Windfarm and Solar Farm technologies been developed and deemed acceptable then this would have been a logical step forward. Alas, this is not the case - the technology is outdated and will reach the end of it's 'technological' life expectancy prematurely. One only has to look at other countries that are re-developing nuclear energy to power submarines (in circulation), motor vehicles ( in production) and commercial power stations (Europe). Today's new world order, throws us considerations eg Environmental, bio-diversity, climate change, personal infringements, flora and fauna security etc. Unfortunately, wind and solar farms are destined to become the new 'Stonehenge' monoliths. Australians deserve better than pushing a wheelbarrow with square wheels, per say.
We live on the edge of the Wild Rivers National Park, overlooking the magnificent Apsley Gorge. We have 360 lifestyle acres and since moving here we have never been approached by anyone proposing to make application to construct a wind farm.
We whole heartedly support the voice of Walcha Community in not wanting these soon to be 'Neanderthal man' Turbines.
Voice of Walcha have documented so many issues and concerns that have not been addressed satisfactorily (if at all) and as such it is not worth reinventing the wheel, therefore, I will attach their documentation for reference as part of my submission.
Personally, I have the following concerns: Who is going to compensate us if our property values decrease? ; How is the Valuer General going to assess the properties that have these turbines on site in relation to stamp duty when selling on? ; What does NPWS say about this matter as it is the National Park that will be significantly affected? ; Where are all the power lines going to run?; Lastly, If I decided to clear swathes of bushland and build towers on my land I would be dragged through the courts, be found guilty of something and made to rectify and compensate...how can an overseas company bulldoze whatever they need to with Government support without consequences?;
The relevant Government departments that support this development based on a wishy washy EIS report should be chastised and hang their heads in shame as the report is very unprofessional, to say the least. We, the people, rely on the government of the day to speak and act on our behalf - not go off on a tangent. If you do not listen to the will of the people and act accordingly, we have the voice and the power to remove the government of the day from power.

I object to the project Winterbourne Wind Farm as it is the wrong size, wrong location and using technology that will be obsolete by the time it is finished. I strongly believe the developer does not have the best interests of the majority of the community.
I do not believe that the Wind farm will benefit the community at all. It is the wrong location for a project of this size, it will severely ruin good grazing country as it is so invasive in terms of noise pollution, ability to access aerial aviation in terms of agriculture and public safety. Impact on major roads that are almost beyond repair without the increase of heavy transport from the construction of the wind farm.
I have lived at "The Glen" for the majority of my life. The house is located on a property in the Walcha district. The house will be visually impacted and the noise pollution is a major concern. The developer installed sound monitoring equipment and numerous photos which they failed to disclose the results of the sound monitoring and only produced one photo.
I am deeply concerned about the project in and the how it will impact businesses such as my brother's who relies heavily on agricultural aviation for his weed management and pasture improvement. 16 proposed turbines are within 650m to 3km of the boundary. Specifically 7 turbines impede the ability to utilise the Airstrip as they are in the direction of flight. I am also deeply concerned about the ability of the Westpac helicopters, Firefighting by Air as well as the Air and rescue to operate due to these towers. These issues directly impact our small rural community which is already suffering.
Roads around our district will also be impacted as well as increasing the cost of freight and livestock transportation.
Our tourism sector will suffer as some of the proposed turbines border on the National Parks, which is one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the world. I am also deeply worried about the impact on our wildlife specifically the birds especially the endangered Wedge Tail Eagle.
I strongly believe this proposed Wind Farm is not in the interests of the majority as it is using a soon to be obsolete technology with no benefit to the majority of the community.

My family own land very close to where the windfarms are being constructed. The land that we own is very unique and has been demonstrated have a wonderful biodiversity of plants and wildlife.
The wind farm is going to impact on that environment significantly and causes great concern to my family.
From my understanding the development of the windfarm will impact on the environment in a number of ways such as through a huge amount of clearing of land, transportation of structures that have been demonstrated to leech pollutants, and changing the environment for wildlife through noise and visual impacts. With the rapid developments in technology we are also concerned that Windfarms in this vicinity will not a viable, long term option for energy renewal. We have vast areas of land around Australia that could be better used for energy sources.

I object to this project for these reasons
* It will have a detrimental impact on our water resources.
* There is no waste management plans.
* There is no Historical Heritage management plans.
* There is no soil and storm water plan.
* The transport management plan is inadequate.

This project has already divided the community and will continue to do so in the future. While the owners of the land that are signing up to this project are only thinking about their back pocket instead of using the land in a more productive way to make an income. The wind towers have been proven to be very energy deficient this project seems point less to go ahead. Another reason this should not go ahead is the effect on out biodiversity system, we already have vast amounts of native animals that are on the edge of extinction.

I strongly object to the winterbourne wind farm project because.
1. Due to where I live it will have a detrimental effect on my self and my family from the visual and noise impact.
2. There are no plans in place for decommissioning and regeneration of the land.
3. There is no aboriginal heritage management plan which will impact the beautiful community of our First Nations people in Walcha.

I am strongly in support of the Winterbourne Wind farm. I have travelled through Australia, Europe and China seeing many wind-towers and can only think there are huge benefits for the Walcha district, shire and residents.
Besides an injection of funds for the community I also support the project for these other points :-
Advancement in technology
Renewable and Clean energy
Replace fossil fuels
Wind energy is an effective source of electricity
Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
Helping with Climate Change
Walcha Council is struggling financially to survive on its own and it would be a fabulous financial boost. An injection of money for the community would help fund organisations and the people of Walcha. There would be improvements to roads, internet, jobs created and apprenticeship opportunities. There would be a constant flow of money coming into the town particularly while construction is happening. Extra income for local businesses, particularly food and accomodation providers.
For us as land owners it will help us keep our property in the family and make succession planning easier with a financial backing.
I have lived in Walcha all my life and it is an amazing and wonderful community.
This development has brought the worst out in people; splits in family and friends. It is very sad to see and be involved in after we have been through a 3 year drought, bushfires, floods and very sad people losses.
I do believe Walcha needs this development and most people will move on when the decision is final. Winterbourne Wind Project will have a huge impact to help the town move forward with money to grow and prosper for the next generations to come.

I would like to voice my concerns re the Winterbourne Wind Farm proposed for the Walcha District.
This project is not the project for our district and the life span and dismantling of these turbines is a concern for not only the current population but for the future generations within the community and the land owners.
Many of the materials used in the construction of the turbines is known to be hazardous to the environment. For example BPA is a well known contaminant and it leeches into the soil causing a major pollution to water and soil.
The lifespan of the turbines may be quoted at 30 years but evidence shows that once the turbines are no longer efficient the "owners" of these structures discontinue their maintenance and upkeep leaving the turbines on the landholders property. They are then left for the landowner to dismantle at their own expense. Then the materials used, which are unable to be recycled have to be buried creating an ongoing contaminant problem for generations. For a renewable energy source the turbines themselves have been proved to be an ongoing material waste.
The major land clearance required to construct each turbine is excessive, it will be through prime agricultural land and directly on the edge of a world heritage national park.

The Winterbourne Wind Farm is not the project for our community.
The nature of this project with the number and height of turbines is disproportionate to the size of our community and the natural surroundings.
The site of the turbines on the edge of world heritage national park and valuable agricultural land is a major concern.
In the national park the main access for firefighting is aerial and the position of the turbines will be a major hinderance to planes and helicopters to fight any fires creating a major fire hazard for other properties in the area.
The use of aerial services for agriculture in the region is high and the danger of turbines at such a height will cause farmers to be unable to use aerial services to aid in their productivity.
The lights on top of these towers will add to the illumination of the night skies when there is considerable light pollution when astronomy and other nocturnal activities including those for wildlife is so critical.
The wildlife in this world heritage area is of high conservation value, particularly the flight patterns and habitat of the top end predator the Wedge Tail Eagle. Other endangered species are found in these forests and their habitats are of value and importance for future generations.
Please reconsider the placement of this project and the classification of Walcha in the New England REZ.

Consultation has been extremely poor.
The community has had to rally the locals to explain the challenges of gravel and water resources, accommodation during construction, and the traffic congestion. To which the informed locals are 80-90% against the project.
The project has a very high ecological impact because it is so close to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
The inability for aerial practices (be it weed management, firefighting or fertilising) will reduce the productivity of very valuable land.
The noise standards are out of date, as tower heights have increased up to 3 fold in the last decade
The visual impact is only attractive to the host farmers and a nightmare for everyone else.
The decommissioning has been largely ignored with empty promises. Without a thorough decommissioning plan, and a decommissioning bond before construction, these projects should not be allowed to go ahead. It appears these towers may only operate for 15 years, and then become uneconomical.
Wind Farms do not appear to be the " way of the future", more so a government sponsored money maker for foreign entities.