Winterbourne Wind Farm

I believe it’s time to get behind projects like this and make real progress towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

After reading and learning about this wind farm proposal and the local area in which it would be located, I am writing to express my support.

I am moved to do this because of the misinformation and fear mongering that has been driven by some locals pushing their own agendas and risking the success of this project, which is vital for the energy transition. The objection to any change and the NIMBYism that goes with it is frustrating and disappointing.

After researching this project, I appreciate that it has been carefully planned, with locations selected to maximise efficiency - these wind farms can’t just “go somewhere else” - and this project would play a crucial role in providing safer, cleaner energy for our communities.

We have to stop talking about the energy transition as a hypothetical problem to solve - projects like Winterbourne are the opportunity to take action and make real change. If the biased objectors can’t see the importance and benefits of this project for their communities and the environment, I hope the Planning department will make the right decision to manage the objections of some people now for the greater good of people and environment now and in the future. This is bigger than any individual objector - the stakes are too high. We must stop all the talking and going round in circles and have the courage to implement change like Winterbourne.

If we are at all serious about ensuring the future of Australia, including our people and our amazing environment, then areas like Walcha that are naturally blessed with the location that is perfect for a wind farm (or solar, or other renewable sources) must play their part. We all share a responsibility here, to do the right thing now to ensure the safety, security and economic future of all Australians.

Any further delays to the creation of renewable energy sources such as Winterbourne are risking the future for all of us - I hope the government can take a big picture view, acknowledge the importance of building projects like Winterbourne, and take an important step forward for our future.

I feel strongly about protecting the environment and creating a cleaner future for everyone. The Winterbourne Wind Farm is a great step towards using cleaner energy, and it’s exciting to see projects like this making a positive impact.

I support the ongoing development of renewable energy for climate activities and to support regional communities and farmers. Continued development of renewable will reduce wholesale power prices and minimise carbon entering the atmosphere.

This is a great opportunity for NSW to embrace renewable energy, which will benefit both the environment and the local community. We need projects like this for reducing carbon emissions and moving away from fossil fuels, which is the direction we need to be heading in—not tomorrow, not someday, but now.

It’s also encouraging to see that the project will bring real benefits to the local area, not just in terms of clean energy but also by supporting the local economy and providing job opportunities. The recent amendments to the project show thoughtful planning and a commitment to addressing both community concerns and environmental goals.

I have close ties to the farming community. Success of farming relies heavily on the environment. Throughout just the Walcha district we have seen bushfires, random wind storms and the most heartbreaking droughts. These are becoming more frequent and nothing changes when we do nothing. The pain, the impact on mental health, the devastation to animals and the outright heartbreak these events cause can't be measured and Walcha is not alone.
Renewable energy is a no brainer. A farming community such as Walcha does not just supply goods and services for Walcha alone. Same with energy. If this one community can power hundreds of thousands of homes and simultaneously change the face of power production in this country to reduce the impact of the fossil fuel industry on the environment, then Walcha wins, the environment wins and communities further afield win. Nothing changes when we do nothing and the time is now.
Although an outsiders perspective, there is very little to keep young people around town. I know I wouldn't move my family there are prospects for my children's future are few. It was interesting to note when the prospective counsellors were outlining what they wanted for the Walcha community, a common thread was opportunities for youth and for industry. The VPA that Winterbourne Wind proposes will support these ideals that the representatives of the Walcha people are striving for. Imagine having the means to support youth and support industry and to revive a town that struggles to keep both? What an opportunity.
Environment, mental health of farmers, survival of the farming industry, the future of the youth and industry in small towns. We must support renewable energy for our future generations, we've messed up the world enough for them - it's time to do something and Walcha has the opportunity to play a vital role in this and to do it now.

I am a Longterm Walcha resident and plan to continue to be so for quite some time.
I totally support this project and all the benefits it brings to the current and future generations of this town.
Enviromentally, economically and socially this community can only benefit from this new industry in our town.
thank you

I am a local resident, and support this project 100%.
This project and others like it are a lifeline to this community. Not only will it bring new life into this town, but it the bigger picture it allows us to assist in moving towards a greener future.
Rural communities not only feed this country, We clothe them, with wool, and now we will be powering them with green energy.

The behaviour of a small number of very vocal detractors has been disgusting. Unwilling to listen to reason, truth or science, and worst of all abusive and bullying behaviour to those who support this project.
Spoilt, and entitled they have absolutely no foresight, and very little support in this community

I am a resident in Walcha, and myself and my family fully support this project.
The benefits to our community that this project brings during construction and into the future cannot be underestimated.
we look forward to the approval and commencement of this project.

Winterbourne has a generous community benefit fund of $1,000,000 to the CBF before construction begins, as well as $750,000 every year for the life of the project based on a 600 MW development, with payments starting once the project commences commercial operation.
The project is expected to accelerate renewable energy transition and provide clean future to the next generation. It's disappointing to see key projects like Winterbourne being expedited for development approval.

Strongly support the proposed Winterbourne Wind Farm development. I believe this project will bring tremendous economic, environmental and social benefits. It is progressive step supporting the overall renewable targets and more than that it is a step in direction to preserve the resources for future generations. Additionally, it is going to support the local communities in form of community benefits, local jobs and strengthen the region's economy.

Winterbourne Wind Farm SSD-10471
I support the amended above EIS application for the following reasons:
* The project will reduce carbon emissions in NSW by 3% and so support govt emissions targets.
* Supply cleaner energy to 390,000 average homes
* This project is ready to commence as the Developer already has access to
existing transmission lines
* Has the support if at least 67% of the local community based on the recent local govt elections
* Host landowners will be able to diversify their income and so make their farms more sustainable during droughts and commodity downturns
* The project has one of the most generous Community Benefit Funds in Australia and these funds will assist our small regional town to become more sustainable and help arrest our declining population
* Benefits that flow on to Walcha Council will also assist in making our town more sustainable and continue the good work it has done for many years
* New roads constructed by the Developer will assist with improved access for fire fighting within the development and these roads will help create natural fire breaks
* The development will provide improved job opportunities for local residents, stimulate local businesses and tourism
Winterbourne Wind Farm is vital for a sustainable future for our town and for assisting to arrest the catastrophic impacts of climate change that are occurring and assist in maintaining the biodiversity of our environment considering the damage that occurred during the 2019 drought and bushfires

I'm still, patiently, really excited about this project going ahead. The Community Benefit Fund alone is groundbreaking in it's own right, and I know from being in the community how excited everyone is for these payments and onflow economic benefits. I support wind developments because they help families stay on the land through extreme weather hardships, create hundreds of regional jobs, and it's far cheaper than new fossil fuel generation, with none of the air, water, and land pollution associated. Time for NSW to prove that they are in support of more mutually beneficial action against climate change, we are watching. Hats off to Vestas for the perseverance.

Excellent project

I am supportive of this project due to its clean energy

Wind farms are a key part of the only viable way to reducing power bills for the Australian public. Renewables are now far cheaper than fossil fuel generation. The land impact is far smaller than digging up fossil fuels.
Encouraging major projects like this will help to reskill many workers, growing badly needed jobs in our regional centres. This in turn will give a major flow on effect to the local community, as with the injection of money comes the chance to lift many out of poverty and thus help close the gap on many of the societal issues in regional towns.

I support this proposed project and similar initiatives that are committed to working with the community and building strong long-term relationships for a sustainable future. The wind farm will bring great benefits to the Walcha and Uralla communities with a Community Benefit Fund of $1 million upfront and at least $750,000 each year. It’s set to create nearly 400 jobs during construction and 16 long-term local technician roles. With a $1.9 billion investment, the project will inject hundreds of millions into regional NSW, boosting local jobs and skills. Plus, wind energy is much cheaper than new fossil fuels and comes without the pollution from burning coal. This wind farm alone will help meet about 3% of NSW’s emissions reduction targets for 2030, making a real impact on our clean energy future.

Walcha needs to set an example, harness our natural resources and set an example to the region. I support this project, and the sooner it kicks off, the better! Renewables, whether The Voice of Walcha wants it or not, will play a huge part in the future of the Australian energy sector and our economy. We need to get on the front foot, get money into this town, and provide a secure and safe energy future for our society and our children.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit our support.

This is a great idea - I support the Wind Farm project. We need to get away from mining and onto renewables. It will be good for the town as well.

I am a long-term resident of Walcha, and I wholeheartedly support this project and its amendments. It will not only be great for the town's economy, but renewables are an essential part of the future. It is about time that Australia caught up with best practice in renewables, and set an example for our children and grandchildren.

Best