Winterbourne Wind Farm

The developers have engaged in a comprehensive assessment, employing advanced methodologies to evaluate potential noise levels and vibrations associated with wind turbine operations. This meticulous approach demonstrates a commitment to understanding and mitigating any effects on the surrounding community and environment.
The study's findings indicate that the anticipated noise levels will remain well within the acceptable limits set by regulatory standards, ensuring that the well-being of local residents is prioritized. Furthermore, the assessment includes mitigation strategies that will be implemented to address any concerns that may arise.
By prioritizing transparency and community engagement, the Winterbourne Wind Farm project not only aims to harness renewable energy but also to foster trust and collaboration with the local community. Supporting this initiative aligns with our collective goal of advancing sustainable energy solutions while ensuring the protection of our environment and quality of life.
I urge everyone to consider the positive impacts of this project, backed by a solid foundation of research and a commitment to responsible development. Together, we can support the transition to cleaner energy and a more sustainable future.

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I am writing to express my strong support for the Winterbourne Wind Farm project, particularly in light of its extensive efforts to address the concerns raised during the first public exhibition in 2022. The project's commitment to transparency and community involvement has been evident throughout the planning process, and it deserves recognition.
From the outset, the team behind Winterbourne Wind Farm actively sought feedback from the community, demonstrating a genuine willingness to listen to residents' concerns. Following the exhibition, they took proactive steps to engage with stakeholders, including providing detailed responses to questions, and sharing revised project design that reflect community input.
Key issues such as environmental impact, wildlife conservation, and local aesthetics were thoughtfully addressed. The project team implemented rigorous environmental assessments and committed to measures that protect local ecosystems, ensuring that the wind farm operates harmoniously within the natural landscape. Their dedication to minimizing any adverse effects on wildlife is commendable and highlights their respect for the local environment.
Moreover, the Winterbourne Wind Farm project has emphasized its role in promoting sustainable energy and combating climate change. By investing in renewable energy, this project not only supports local energy needs but also contributes to broader environmental goals that benefit us all.
The comprehensive approach taken by the Winterbourne Wind Farm team demonstrates their commitment to creating a project that aligns with community values while prioritizing environmental stewardship. I wholeheartedly support this initiative and look forward to its positive impact on our community and the environment.

The extensive ecological survey undertaken by Winterbourne Wind Farm team reflects a proactive approach to understanding and mitigating potential impacts on local wildlife and ecosystems. By carefully monitoring seasonal changes and the behaviors of various species, the survey ensures that the wind farm is designed and operated with the utmost respect for the natural environment.
This thorough investigation not only safeguards existing habitats but also allows for adaptive management practices that can be adjusted as new data emerges. It underscores a commitment to minimizing disruptions to wildlife and enhancing biodiversity in the area.
Furthermore, the renewable energy generated by Winterbourne Wind Farm plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. By investing in clean energy, we are paving the way for a more sustainable future, balancing the need for energy with the imperative to protect our planet.
In conclusion, the Winterbourne Wind Farm exemplifies how renewable energy projects can harmonize with ecological preservation. I wholeheartedly support this initiative and commend its dedication to conducting rigorous ecological assessments that prioritize both energy production and environmental health

Winterbourne Wind Farm has demonstrated a commitment to transparency that sets a remarkable standard. Their proactive communication strategy ensures that community members are consistently updated on project milestones, timelines, and any potential impacts. This level of engagement not only fosters trust but also empowers residents to voice their concerns and contribute to the conversation around renewable energy.
The team's dedication to timely updates—whether through community meetings, newsletters, or social media—shows a genuine respect for the community’s need to be informed. This approach not only alleviates uncertainty but also encourages local participation, allowing residents to feel like valued stakeholders in the project.
Moreover, Winterbourne Wind Farm’s efforts to provide clear and accessible information about the benefits of renewable energy highlight the positive impact this project will have on our environment and economy. By actively involving the community in the process, they are paving the way for a more sustainable future while ensuring that everyone feels heard and respected.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly support Winterbourne Wind Farm, particularly for its exemplary commitment to keeping the community updated. This project not only represents a step forward in renewable energy but also serves as a model for how to engage and uplift local communities throughout development processes.

I am writing to express my strong support for the Winterbourne Wind Farm project, which stands as a remarkable example of technical design and engineering innovation in renewable energy.
The careful planning and execution of the Winterbourne Wind Farm demonstrate a commitment to both environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. With advanced turbine technology, the project maximizes energy output while minimizing noise and visual impact on the surrounding landscape. Each turbine is strategically placed to optimize wind capture, ensuring that the farm operates at peak efficiency.
The project's design also emphasizes community engagement and environmental stewardship. Extensive studies have been conducted to assess the potential impacts on local wildlife and habitats, ensuring that the wind farm operates harmoniously within its environment.
In summary, the Winterbourne Wind Farm is a testament to what can be achieved when innovative technical design meets a commitment to sustainability. It promises to be a valuable asset to our energy landscape, driving us toward a cleaner, greener future. I wholeheartedly support this initiative and look forward to its successful implementation.

I support The Winterbourne Wind Project !!!!!!

The goal of 50% reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2030 is not going to happen if we allow the NIMBYs (Not In My BackYard)
to stop the progress on such projects as Winterbourne Wind.

I am a farmer in the local area and I am quite happy to have transmission lines to traverse my property for the sake of the progress of this amazing and essential project.

Australia is blessed with so much land where we can start to generate renewable energy with very little impact. On my travels around the world I saw wind turbines everywhere near large populations and even in the ocean.

From the time we were approached about the project till today it has taken 7 years. After all the environmental and cultural studies as well as many information meetings we are still waiting for a start date.
If all the state projects keep taking this long we will need to invest in home generators to keep the lights on.

We all must support The Winterbourne Wind Project so we can make a start NOW!!!!!

I strongly support the wind farm project because it will contribute a 3% reduction in NSW’s ( and Australia’s) emissions and help achieve our 2030 emission reduction target.

A generous community benefit fund, which will be great for the town.

I would fully support this project as wind power is a clean and renewable energy source, and it can help reduce our energy costs. In a long run, wind farms can benefit our community and help Australia to meet the Zero Net target.

I think it will be excellent. This will bring more jobs and money to this region.

I am deeply concerned with the proximity to the Oxley wild rivers national Park to the east. The impact on native aminals , inpaticularly the birds of prey will be enormous and I believe unacceptable .
The destruction of more animal corridors for the sake of private company greed is also unacceptable

I have many reasons for objecting to the Winterbourne Wind Farm project. It is very unsuitable for the New England town of Walcha which is known for its tourism attractions and the wind farm's location will be adjacent to the World Heritage area, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park and Wilderness areas, which impacts on alot of wildlife etc. The project is in the wrong spot! All accommodation will be impossible to find as the workman involved will be using everything they can find at inflated prices. This will cause a shortage of rentals as well. The closest turbine will be around 6 kms from the township and 10- Kms minimum is the proposed Planning Departments Draft Guidelines. The project is far too big, with a workforce of 390 people during construction period! The roads in district and beyond will be in total disrepair constantly and this could cause accidents for locals using them, including huge hold ups! I am totally against the Winterbourne Wind Project and will be horrified if it goes ahead! It is certainly splitting our beautiful community and is causing alot of negativity for many. This is a prime grazing area and should stay that way. I know also that many people suffer from ill health when living near the turbines and can even affect the health of the animals as well. Some would have to relocate to live in other areas if it went ahead.

In addition to generate clean energy, wind farms can help farmers make better use of their farming land and create more job opportunities to contribute to community economy. Thus I fully support this project.

I TOTALLY SUPPORT THE WINTERBOURNE WIND PROJECT.
I am a fifth generation grazier on the Salisbury Plains near Walcha. NSW.

In the 1960's the Electricity Commission of NSW constructed a 330kv power line through my property with no consultation.
We were told to feel privileged and honored to have this infrastructure on our land. No compensation was offered except for 15 pounds to burn pushed timber .

Since construction there have not been any problems.
Therefore we have no problem with hosting the connection point and part of the transmission lines from Winterbourne Wind on our property.

Compared to the 1960's approach Mr Doug Landfear and the Winterbourne Wind team have been totally engaging, honest and professional.
As a landholder hosting the connection point and part of the transmission line from Winterbourne every present and future aspect that we felt could be improved was promptly done so.

With the rapidly declining capacity of fossil fuels to produce power projects like Winterbourne Wind must be supported.
The long term economic benefits that this project will deliver surpasses any minor annoyances during construction phase.
Providing an injection of capital to agriculture in the wind farm area and beyond is very significant. This will ensure that emerging generations of farmers and graziers are sustainable and continue to seek out and adopt new technologies.
Renewable energy projects such as Winterbourne Wind deliver multiple benefits well beyond the local area.

The actions of a vocal few who spread emotive misinformation must not be allowed to halt this much needed future energy source.

I am writing to object to the current proposal of the Winterbourne wind farm
As I rate payer and road user of the New England Highway, I am concerned by the lack of traffic plan to manage the increase in vehicle movements along the highway and the disruption to local traffic around these areas. (Walcha, Uralla, Armidale, Guyra). This will be a major issue as there could be up to 10 separate renewable projects being built at the same time this will have a massive cumulative effect on these roads and existing infrastructure.
The developer has no accountability for the division caused within the Walcha community. Despite the local LGA survey suggesting 74% of local residents objecting to the project the developer continually claims they have community support.

My wife and I run a grazing business in Walcha. We are extremely concerned about the impact of the Winterbourne Wind project on our business, and we strongly object to its development due to several reasons.
We transport livestock to the Tamworth Sale yards on a weekly basis. The road between Tamworth and Walcha will be the main arterial route for all the traffic for the development of the wind project. The stock must be on the truck for the least amount of time possible and there is a deadline for which the stock must be at the sale yards. How can we guarantee our arrival time? There is no proposed guideline in the EIS for the movement of the vehicles along this route. The EIS does not address the time delays to traffic or whether the road will be closed for certain periods to allow heavy machinery or equipment to move along this road.
If the stock, do not reach the sale yards in time for sale, who is going to compensate us for our loss of income, loss of time, petrol and money? The sale yards do not accept livestock the day before, so we cannot change our routine to fit the movement of heavy machinery coming to and from Walcha.

With the huge increase in volume of heavy traffic along the road between Tamworth and Walcha, in the township of Walcha and the surrounding countryside, there will definitely be, a huge deterioration in the roads. The EIS has not addressed this issue. Who is responsible for the maintenance of these roads and who is going to bear the cost to repair them?
The deterioration of the roads will lead to an increase in maintenance to our vehicles, and there will be a corresponding increase in costs associated with this. Are we going to be compensated for this cost? or will this be just another negative effect of the development of the wind project that we will be expected to put up with.

With the huge increase in volume of traffic coming in and out of Walcha, we are very concerned about the cost of goods, both domestic and agricultural, that will occur as a result. This will be caused by time delays and increased fuel costs. Increased transport costs will be passed onto the consumers. Getting drenches for stock, fodder, parts for plant and vehicles and the running of the properties to Walcha in a timely manner, will be hugely affected. The costs of essential goods, medical supplies and medicines will be affected. The EIS does not address this issue at all. This is an example of the negative affect of the Winterbourne Wind Project, on our township.

We are also concerned about access to our own land, if construction of transmission lines occurs across our land. The EIS does not address where the transmission lines will be placed. How can we plan and develop our business ideas if we do not know what is happening? Will we be able to say no to the transmission lines being built on our land? If not, then will we be able to use and access the land during construction? If we can’t access the land, who is responsible for weed management during the construction and decommissioning fazes? Who is going to compensate us for the loss of production if we are not able to access our land during the development of something that we don’t want? The EIS does not address this issue at all.

As a result, my wife and I are very concerned about the overall negative impact on our business, both in the short and long term, that will occur as a result of the development of the Winterbourne Wind Project. We say NO to this development.

DH & AC Lisle

My name is Sam Lisle. I am a 40-year-old grazier. I was born in Walcha, and I am married with four wonderful children. I was always determined to live on the land. I love it. My parents continually encouraged me to get an education and to see the world, which I did for a few years before deciding to make Walcha my home permanently.
Walcha has always been amazing community, but I am very concerned for its future survival. The Winterbourne wind project has already seriously changed the dynamics of the Walcha community, with divisions, confronting behaviour and verbal abuse. This is not the Walcha I know, and this is not the Walcha I want my family to be involved in. I already know of several couples with young families who are thinking of leaving the area if the Winterbourne Wind Project goes ahead.

The EIS does not adequately address the numerous problems that will arise from the construction and decommissioning of the Winterbourne Wind Project. (I will not call it a ‘farm’ because it is basically a large area of industrial blocks).

The EIS does not adequately address the following problems: -
1) Increased traffic volume of large, oversized vehicles.
2) Traffic management during construction when widening roads
3) Waste management during construction and decommissioning
4) Cost of waste management
5) Where are the transmission lines being constructed?
6) Compensation to Walcha council for increased costs and pressure on their services
7) Access to suitable gravel
8) Water supply for dust suppression and construction purposes
9) Deterioration of roads and ongoing management of the road infrastructure
10) Cost of vehicle maintenance due to deterioration of roads
11) Health concerns from Bisphenol A
12) Health concerns from EMR from transmission lines
13) Ambulance travel in emergency situations and patient transfer guidelines
14) Impact on domesticated animals, agricultural animals and wildlife
15) Overloading of the local medical practice and health system
16) Flight concerns –ie- medical retrieval issues, spreading of superphosphate, aerial spraying
17) Aerial fire fighting
18) Cost of time delays to business caused by increased traffic and probable road closures
19) Increased cost of goods caused by time delays
20) Dust suppression in the Walcha township and surrounds
21) Safety of school children in Walcha and along the construction/bus routes.
22) Safety of preschool children as all traffic goes past the preschool
23) Access to our land during construction of transmission lines
24) Decrease in tourism due to altered visual aspects following construction of wind turbines
25) Cost of decommissioning- who is responsible?
26) Rehabilitation of the land following decommissioning
27) Weed management in areas of construction and the effect on neighbouring properties
28) Pedestrian safety in and around local showground and bus stop areas

With so many areas of concern (outlined above) which have not been adequately addressed by the EIS, it is clear, that the Winterbourne Wind project should not go ahead in Walcha. There are many other alternative avenues of renewable energy which the government should be considering.
Walcha’s logo is ‘Where the wild rivers run” and it should remain so. It must not be ‘where the wind turbines are’. So, I say no the wind turbines in our area.

Sam Lisle

My name is Kate Lisle. I have lived in Walcha for the past sixteen years, having moved to Walcha from Gloucester in 2007. I married a local Walcha grazier, and we now have four beautiful children.
I am a registered nurse and have worked at the local medical practice and now work full time at the hospital as a Family Health and Community nurse. I have a clear understanding of the medical needs, and demands placed on both of these health care facilities.
Both the Walcha medical practice and the Walcha hospital experience huge volumes of patients and clients needing care. The Walcha Hospital also has an aged care facility. Waiting times for both these services can sometimes be weeks. How are these facilities going to cope if there is a swell in the population in Walcha because of transient workers?
The Walcha Hospital is very short staffed and often staff work longer hours, and sometimes staff have to do, double shifts. How is the hospital going to cope with the increase in volume of patients, that will inevitably occur because of the increase in the numbers of people in our township.
There is a local pathology service in Walcha that takes blood on several days of the week. These blood samples must reach Tamworth in a timely manner, otherwise some tests on these bloods cannot be done. How can these blood samples reach the testing facilities in Tamworth in a timely manner on a regular basis? What are the time delays going to be because of the increase in heavy traffic, parts and machinery? What happens if the blood samples are destroyed because of time delays? The EIS does not address any of these issues. Who is going to be accountable and responsible for any delays in diagnosis and treatments of patients?
I am also very concerned about the safety of our community in an emergency. Walcha and the surrounding areas are a long way from any major hospitals. In the event of an emergency Walcha relies on medical retrievals being carried out by helicopter and light aircraft. Currently flight paths for helicopters can be as low as 100- 150 feet. During the lifespan of the wind turbines (including construction and decommissioning) flight paths must be at approximately 1000 feet (as stated in the EIS). This will make any medical retrieval impossible. The EIS states that they can turn the wind turbines off to allow for such medical retrievals to occur. But how will this happen? The EIS does not address how long it will take to turn off the wind turbines, how long it will take for the turbines to come to a stop and how long it would be before it was safe for a helicopter or plane to reach the retrieval site. Will this time delay cause the loss of a limb? Or worse? Will it cause the loss of a life?
In a medical emergency where an ambulance is required, will the ambulances have the ‘right of way’ over heavy vehicles and equipment? If an ambulance is delayed while trying to get a critically injured patient to hospital, who will be responsible or accountable in the event of an adverse patient outcome?
The wind turbines are made from 30% Bisphenol A or BPA. This is an endocrine disrupting toxin and it can have serious effects on the growth of young children. The nanoparticles of BPA, once airborne, can affect water, soil and air quality. I am very concerned for the development of my young children. The EIS does not address this issue. There is also research that suggest a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Mayo Clinic).
The negative health ramifications that could occur as a result of the development of the Winterbourne Wind Project is seriously alarming in all aspects. The EIS does not address any of these issues satisfactorily, and the dire consequences of an adverse patient outcome occurring, is too distressing to even contemplate.
There are many other reasons that I strongly object to the development of the Winterbourne Wind project but there are too many to list them all here.

Kate Lisle

I strongly object to the Winterbourne Wind project for the following reasons:
Why give approval to the developers when:
• 74% of Walcha Local Government Area OBJECTED to the original EIS.
• There has been disregard for rules set out by NSW DPIE eg in requesting extensions for the Response to Submissions, NOTHING was put in writing.
• Proximity of the closest turbine to Walcha township is WRONG – 6km in instead of 10km.
• Biodiversity impacts are at an unacceptable level, due to close proximity to wilderness areas.
• Vehicle access on the Walcha local road network eg at some intersections, OSOM vehicle access will not be safe as they don’t have the required sight distance.
• Already, lifelong friendships have been eroded.
When developers like this move "on" a community, lived-in environments change; it is a feeling of being dispossessed without leaving your home – an experience of loss.