Winterbourne Wind Farm

I live only 1km from a potential placement of one of the turbines and we will be surrounded by them as we are on the wind farm line of sight but not getting no benefits from it. We are terrified of the impact of these turbines on our life. The noise from them, our views from our house will be tainted, the death of our beautiful wedge tailed eagles which we have 4 breeding pairs in our immediate area. Not to mention when the project is being erected, the traffic on our road, the trucks, the dust, we have gravel roads out here, the stress on our cattle and sheep by the noise and movement. It’s being erected in the wrong place to start with there is so many better places to put this wind farm without upsetting our beautiful, quiet, little country town and out skirts. Please do not let this project go ahead. We moved here 20 years ago from an over crowded Newcastle to have a quiet blissful life in the countryside and to give our children a better life please don’t destroy that.

I support the project, particularly as in the revisedformat the concerns/ objections have been addressed and overcome resulting in a project that will provide a win win outcome for both the district and the wider community of NSW
Vestas have been honest and fair to deal with in our experience

For the reasons outlined in attachment.

This project has the potential to provide need for our company's services.
If this project was to proceed, we may have the opportunity to be part of the works and services required.
This would contribute to the employment security of four to ten employees directly and indirectly employed as sub contractor for the duration of the construction period.

I wish to support the proposed Winterbourne Wind Farm Project as the benefits of the proposed development have been demonstrated through the environmental assessment process to significantly outweigh any environmental impacts - either on the private landholdings on which the wind farm would be located, or to the community more broadly.

I particularly support the adoption of a transport route along Thunderbolts Way for heavy vehicle movements and the inclusion of an on-site quarry for sourcing of quarry materials required to support the construction of the project. The sourcing of quarry materials from within the footprint of the wind farm would significantly reduce the total haulage distance that heavy vehicles associated with the wind farm would need to travel on the local and regional road network if construction materials were to be sourced and transported from distant commercial quarries (most located greater than 120 km from the wind farm). An on-site quarry provides an excellent opportunity for haulage distances and has flow-on benefits to community amenity, improved road safety, reduction in road degradation and maintenance costs, and will improve the greenhouse gas footprint of the wind farm.

I live in Walcha and I support the project

As a business owner and resident of Walcha, I believe the Wind farms will bring good to the town. I 100% support

I believe this project will be excellent for the the community, creating many 100's of jobs and the incredible community benefits scheme! This funding will enable the council to improve so many resources and take on community projects they previously wouldn't have been able too!
I believe that wind farm energy is so important for renewables and this project will make such a difference to reducing the impacts of emissions!

The transition to renewable energy needs to happen fast if we are to make a real difference to climate outcomes, and it also needs to happen in a way that delivers genuine benefits to the communities that are hosting the large-scale projects Australia needs. The Winterbourne Wind Farm will provide a significant Community Benefit Fund to support the Walcha and Uralla communities, and will see hundreds of millions spent in regional NSW, creating new jobs and skills in regional areas. The estimated 400 jobs during construction, and 16 long-term local service and technician roles will reinvigorate the local economy and deliver opportunities for people to remain in the area. For the landowners who will host the turbines, the wind farm offers access to an alternative income stream so they can stay living and working on the land even through drought or other difficult times. This is one project which will not only help Australia reach our emissions reductions targets, but it also doing the right thing by the community it seeks to operate in - which is exactly what we need from the renewables transition.

The Winterbourne Wind Farm is an exciting project that promises lasting benefits for both the environment and local communities. One of the most compelling reasons to support it is the significant Community Benefit Fund it will provide: an upfront $1 million, plus at least $750,000 annually to support essential programs in Walcha and Uralla. This funding will strengthen community services, foster local initiatives, and enhance quality of life for residents.

The project will also have a substantial economic impact by creating nearly 400 jobs during construction and 16 long-term service roles. These opportunities will help develop skills and employment pathways in the region, ensuring that benefits extend well beyond the initial phase. Additionally, with a $1.9 billion capital investment, the project will inject hundreds of millions of dollars into regional NSW, further supporting jobs and local businesses.

Wind energy, as a clean and affordable power source, presents a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Unlike coal, it produces no air, water, or land pollution, helping to preserve the environment for future generations. Importantly, the Winterbourne Wind Farm will contribute approximately 3% of the NSW 2030 emissions reduction target, making it a vital step toward achieving our climate goals.

By supporting the Winterbourne Wind Farm, we are not only embracing sustainable energy but also investing in vibrant, thriving communities. This project exemplifies the balance between environmental responsibility and regional development.

I support the project as I feel that it will have beneficial outcomes for the Walcha community as a whole. It may be the deciding factor as to whether the local council will ultimately survive or not. Walcha currently has a declining and aging population, and without new industry or growth, will continue to decline. This project will stimulate the local economy with new opportunities, bring in and keep younger generations, skills, with new employment opportunities.
The project overall has a small footprint and is compatible with existing agriculture operations. This won’t derogate the existing operations, and with the additional income, most likely improve those agricultural operations.
It's renewable energy (zero emission). Climate change is currently on the increase, with emissions targets that need to be met. Coal power stations being shut down, electric transport is on the increase, so more energy is needed there as well, and presently energy prices are on the increase with the shortage of energy.
Other towns that I've been to with wind farms seem to have a little extra vibe to them compared to before the wind farm, as there seems to be more income to the town, extra resilience to droughts, diversification and additional workers and families etc.
I haven’t found wind turbines visually distracting or noisy when visiting other locations with them.
To me, the Winterbourne Wind project will provide economic benefits to the Walcha and greater communities in a multitude of ways, and with very little downsides.

I wish to support the construction of the Winterbourne Wind Farm.
The township of Walcha which has been in steady decline, will benefit greatly. considerable amounts of money will flow from the Windfarm to Walcha. The businesses will be supplying many of the needs for the construction as well as employment which at present is negligible for the young.

I wholeheartedly support the Development application for the Winterbourne Windfarm(ssd-10471) in the Walcha/Uralla Shire.
While the development stage may cause some slight inconvenience, the benefits to our community far outweigh the above. Walcha is losing its youth and viability due to lack of job and business opportunities. We need investment and we all have to share the electricity load.

I support the Winterbourne Wind project for several reasons but mainly the following:
The significant community benefit fund will change the face of Walcha and build to make it an attractive option for young people and for industry. Without this kind of funding being injected into the community, young people will continue to leave and realistically there is nothing to keep them here.
Nearly 400 jobs during construction, and 16 long-term local jobs creating new skills for a regional area in desperate need of a boost.
The project will see hundreds of millions spent in regional NSW with the capital investment.
Fossil fuel generation creates air, water, and land pollution - renewable wind energy will not.
This wind farm will help NSW reach its 2030 emissions targets.

I personally think it’s a great opportunity to further develop and revive the small town and make it an attractive place to live for young people as it brings new people and work to this isolated area

I support this proposal as an important tool to reduce emissions and address climate change. We need to increase renewable energy significantly to meet targets for emissions reduction. And soon.

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed Winterbourne Wind Farm. This project is not only a crucial step towards a sustainable future but also brings significant benefits to our local community. Here are the key reasons why the Winterbourne Wind Farm is essential:

Importance of Renewable Energy:
Environmental Impact: Wind energy is a clean, renewable source of power that produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. By investing in wind power, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and combat climate change.
Sustainable Future: Unlike fossil fuels, wind energy is inexhaustible. Harnessing wind power ensures a long-term, sustainable energy supply that will benefit future generations.
Local Community Benefits:
Economic Opportunities: The construction and maintenance of the wind farm will create numerous job opportunities for local residents. This includes roles in construction, engineering, and ongoing operational support.
Community Investment: The project includes plans for substantial community investment. This could mean funding for local schools, infrastructure improvements, and recreational facilities, directly enhancing the quality of life for our residents.
Energy Independence: By generating power locally, the Winterbourne Wind Farm will reduce our dependence on external energy sources. This not only enhances our energy security but also stabilizes energy costs for the community.
Health and Well-being:
Cleaner Air: Wind energy production does not emit pollutants, leading to improved air quality. This can have significant health benefits, reducing respiratory issues and other pollution-related health problems.
Noise and Visual Impact: Modern wind turbines are designed to minimize noise and visual impact, ensuring that the presence of the wind farm is harmonious with the local environment.
Educational and Technological Advancement:
Learning Opportunities: The wind farm can serve as an educational resource, providing learning opportunities for local schools and universities. This can inspire the next generation of engineers and environmental scientists.
Innovation Hub: Supporting the Winterbourne Wind Farm positions our community as a leader in renewable energy innovation. This can attract further investments and technological advancements to our area.
In conclusion, the Winterbourne Wind Farm is a visionary project that offers substantial environmental, economic, and social benefits. It is a vital step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future and will bring lasting positive impacts to our local community. I strongly urge you to approve this project and support our transition to renewable energy.

Thank you for considering my submission.

There are so many valuable reasons for this project to proceed. The need for renewable energy is at a dire level to ensure we sustain the environment for the future. This project will provide a cost effective solution and local jobs in the community. Wind farms will provide a clean and environmentally sustainable energy solution that will help Australia aim towards reducing their carbon emissions. The biggest problem is the lack of support for renewable energy that is being held up by people unable to understand the future need for sustainable energy sources.

I support the use of wind energy in regional communities, particularly marginal farming areas such as Walcha. It would be great if the people of Walcha realised that the rest of the state supports them through bushfire, drought, low commodity prices, postal service, healthcare, etc, and maybe they should recognise that it is time to contribute to the greater good of the state and society and do their bit.

Please see attached.