Winterbourne Wind Farm

I object to the Winterbourne Wind project for a number of reasons.
Firstly it is too big for the area, requiring too much traffic, too much gravel, cement, water, and continuing intrusion into a landscape and environment that sits beside the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
My main concern is the damage to the landscape and the biodiversity of the area.
I have been Chairman of the Lower Apsley River Landcare Group for many years. Our group was NSW Community Group of the year in 2007/8 for widespread native plantings and landscape renewal responding to a slow decline in native trees and vegetation.
I am appalled at the thought of the landscape destruction that this windfarm will assert on our landscape. Wind turbines are located on hilltops. Much of the remaining vegetation is on hilltops and these areas are so important for recharge zones and erosion prevention. Bulldozing roads and transmission line thoroughfares will trash the landscape.
More than this there is no commitment to revegetate and repair the landscape. The EIS identified $64million dollars as the damage inflicted on our landscape by this project on the biodiversity of the Winterbourne Wind Project area. This is too much damage to one small area.
This landscape needs trees and vegetation cover on its ridgelines. Once they are removed they can never be replaced like for like. No landscape should give away this much biodiversity damage for the perverse benefit of reducing climate change. Surely biodiversity is as important as climate change, certainly tree destruction is part of the cause of climate change.
Please don't allow more landscape and biodiversity destruction in the name of climate change.

The world is on the brink of an existential crisis. Scientists are convinced that we wont meet our target of a limit of 1.5 degrees of global warming. A tipping point is imminent. The deployment of renewable energy is one way of reducing our emissions borne through the burning of fossil fuels. Simultaneously, we are facing an energy price crisis. The Winterbourne Wind Farm will provide an important contribution to reducing fossil fuel burning and providing additional energy generation to the grid. In addition the Winterbourne Wind Farm will provide regional economics benefits to the local Walcha community through the employment of local skills, services and resources. In summary:
The project will provide a significant Community Benefit Fund: $1m upfront + at least $750,000 per year to support the Walcha and Uralla communities
The wind farm will create nearly 400 jobs during construction, and 16 long-term local service and technician roles
With $1.9 billion capital investment, the project will see hundreds of millions spent in regional NSW, creating new jobs and skills in regional areas.
Wind energy is far cheaper than new fossil fuel generation, with none of the air, water, and land pollution associated with burning coal
This wind farm will singlehandedly provide about 3% of the NSW 2030 emissions reduction targets (relative to 2019 levels)

Consequently we respectfully request that the Dept of Planning provide the Winterbourne Wind Farm with approval to proceed for the benefit of the local community, the State of NSW and the planet.

Yours sincerely

Dr Richard Finlay-Jones

I fully support the Winterbourne Wind Farm. This Project, and renewables projects in general are vital for several reasons:
- support the transition to a low-carbon economy
- contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reduction and commensurate benefits in minimising the impacts of climate change
- support and build resilience with local communities, rural landowners through financial contributions, development funding, employment and procurement opportunities
Vestas is a global leader in renewable energy technology and development. They have been recognised globally for their sustainable operations.

I support the development of the Winterbourne Wind Farm for the following reasons
1. It is an important step in the move to sustainable power generation which is critical in NSW and The Commonwealth
2. The turbines will be mostly away from population centres and thus more discreet
3. The Walcha community will gain significantly from the building and management of the farm, both in terms of cash and jobs
4. The farm is situated close to the major north south power lines.........which leads to greater efficiency
5. The developer is going to great lengths to minimise impact on local roads and other infrastructure
6. There will be lasting benefits in terms of quarries, roads etc

I fully support this project the short term inconvenience will be overshadowed by the long term benefits to the community more people in the area using amenities and businesses local jobs after construction hopefully helping the school with numbers and the general flow on effects to all also the voice for walcha do not speak for all

The response to submission by the developer does not in any way adequately address the concerns I raised in my initial submission against the proposal.
My initial submission was 9 pages long. In this submission I raised my concerns about the noise report of Sonus; I discussed the long-distance noise issues that I have previously experienced when living in a region with multiple wind farms and why the proposed development is likely to be much worse that what has ever been experienced elsewhere in the state. The developer’s response simply doesn’t mention anything of my submission except a quick summary of the nature of my objection in the Submissions Register.
I also note that in the response by Sonus to the criticism in its methodology by Les Huson (“Huson Review”). The response of Sonus simply doesn’t address any of the key points raised by Les Huson. In fact, it appears that Sonus is incapable of understanding what Huson is even referring to.
An example of how seriously Sonus can be taken is found on page 6 of the Sonus response. The infrasound level (quoted in dBG) is compared when measured around wind turbines and at a near by beach. Sonus leads us to believe that the infrasound level at the beach is worse than that emitted by wind turbines. Sonus fails to qualify that the main harmonics of wind turbine infrasound (less than 2Hz) is outside the range of the dBG noise filter. Sonus also fails to qualify that most people have a habit of not living on a beach side. Lastly Sonus failed to mention the qualitative differences between infrasound at a beach and that emitted by wind turbines. Wind turbines produce an impulsive thump and aerofoil noise – much like an aeroplane, whereas beach noise is sometimes used in relaxation music tracks.
In summary: the proponent’s response to my submission is absent, and the response to the review by Les Huson is poor and wanting to say the least. The proposal is likely to generate noise that far exceeds the noise guidelines at non-associated dwellings and should be rejected.

Wind Energy is part of Australias hope for a cleaner future. It is the best option we have.
Wind Energy is clean, efficient and reliable.
Wind Projects have the potential to bring significant financial beenefit to local communities through job creation and community benefit funds.

My wife and I are about to go into negotiations to bring back and do a major Historical project in Walcha and bring a allied health service into the area commiting to a large investment in the history health and tourism this going forward will make us think twice about such a investement in the areas future and the towns. Ask Sweden after 40 years they lernt the hard way its a bad idea for the community.

We live in a small country town, Walcha, that needs to embrace the the Winterbourne Wind Farm for the following reasons.
We need renewable energy that is clean and cheap.
Our community would benefit enormously from the Community Benefit Fund
Jobs would be created.
Our future and that of our children depends on reducing carbon emissions

I fully support the Winterbourne Wind Farm Project. It is imperative that replacement sources of energy be completed as quickly as possible to counteract the inevitable closure of coal fired Electricity generation in this country, which has been legislated at a federal level. The prospect of Nuclear Energy to form part of our future energy needs may be a possibility but it will be decades before it is viable if at all & my personal belief is that it would be difficult to get a majority consensus from the Australian population. Whilst there will no doubt be impacts to the local community during construction, these can be mitigated & will only be for a short period of months & the benefit to the community from developments like this & other proposed projects will be imperative to securing Walcha's future growth & prosperity. In addition to the Community Benefit Fund there will be considerable extra revenue for landholders & neighbouring properties who will be financially compensated. Walcha needs this project to succeed if it is to have any future as a community where people wish to live, work & play.

Happy to see the project is on public exhibition again after 2 year of making the amendments. I still see the need to replace coal fire plant with renewable energy especially at the place where the natural resources are guaranteed. Winterbourne is a great project due to its location, wind resource and also the project capacity. Happy to support this project to get its approval.

I, Brendan Hile strongly support the Winterbourne Wind Farm progressing through the approval process and forming part of our clean energy future.
This project will generate nearly 2.2 million MWh of renewable energy every year, equivalent to the annual energy use of around 390,000 NSW homes and will provide numerous lasting benefits to the wider community throughout its construction and operational lifetime including a significant community benefit fund of$1m upfront + at least $750,000 per year to support the Walcha and Uralla local communities.

Personally have been working on large scale renewable projects including numerous wind farms for over ten years and in that time i have seen the benefit these projects can bring to the local communities they are located in.

The project has undertaken a period of design and delivery refinement and has where possible sort to minimise impacts and concerns raised by the community and other stakeholders during the initial exhibition to provide what i believe to be is a responsible, balanced and constructible Wind Farm project.

Key amendments to the project during this time included a new transport route avoiding the utilisation of the Oxley highway for OSOM deliveries, new on-site quarry reducing heavy vehicle movements on the local public roads and revised turbine, civil and electrical layout which significantly reduces biodiversity impact whilst improving design and construction efficiency.

I reiterate that based on the above i strongly support the Winterbourne Wind Farm forming part of the path forward towards achieving our clean energy future.

To Whom It May Concern,
My husbands family has lived and worked in this region (Walcha) for generations, and I am deeply concerned about the potential impacts of the Winterbourne Wind Farm on our community. The project’s extension, its effects on local businesses, and its disregard for local concerns have raised significant worries about how this will affect the future of Walcha. It is also concerning how much the government is siding with large multinational companies in fights against projects – rather than protecting precious Australian communities like Walcha (and many others) – I find it quite alarming – the little respect and concern the government has for rural communities – and hope it speaks volumes at the next election. See my concerns below:
1. Extended Construction Period (52 Months)
The initial 30-month construction timeline has now been extended to 52 months. This additional time will amplify disruptions to local businesses, tourism, and the daily lives of our community. For four years, we will face increased noise, traffic, and environmental impacts. This extended timeline risks damaging the town’s infrastructure and spirit, with local businesses potentially struggling to cope with prolonged disruptions.
2. Impact on Local Businesses and Workforce
Winterbourne Wind has committed to employing 390 workers during the construction period, with an "aspirational target" of sourcing one-third from Walcha and Uralla. Even if this goal is met, two-thirds of the workforce will come from outside the area, putting additional pressure on local services and increasing demand for accommodation. This will likely drive up rental prices, displace local residents, and deprive local businesses of tradespeople and workforce resources that are already stretched thin.
3. Pressure on Tourism and Accommodation
The tourism industry in Walcha, which relies on short-term accommodation, will be significantly affected. With worker housing taking up much of the available accommodation, it will be harder for tourists to find places to stay. This could result in a decline in visitors, which will harm the small businesses that rely on tourism, further hurting our local economy.
4. Heavy Vehicle Traffic and Road Safety
The projected transportation of 1,655 oversized and over-mass (OSOM) vehicles through Thunderbolts Way over a 20-month period raises significant safety concerns. The road, not currently approved for such heavy use, will require constant maintenance, and its condition will degrade, jeopardizing the safety of schoolchildren and commuters. The movement of these vehicles through Walcha at peak traffic times also poses serious risks to road users, particularly on local streets like Derby and Jamieson Streets.
5. Concerns Over BPA Shedding from Wind Blades
Another critical concern is the potential shedding of Bisphenol A (BPA) from wind turbine blades due to leading-edge erosion. Wind turbine blades, often made from materials containing BPA, can release this chemical into the environment as they degrade over time. BPA is known to be an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body’s hormonal system. Scientific studies have linked BPA exposure to several health issues, including reproductive disorders, developmental problems in children, and an increased risk of certain cancers. This is particularly alarming in a rural area like Walcha, where livestock grazing near these turbines could ingest contaminated water or soil, further impacting the food chain and the health of our community.
6. Unknown Sources of Gravel and Water
Winterbourne Wind has not yet clarified where the 800 megaliters of water and large quantities of gravel needed for construction will be sourced. If these materials cannot be found locally, more heavy vehicles will need to transport them in, creating additional traffic and road wear. The potential for local water sources to be depleted is also a serious concern, especially for farmers and residents who rely on these shallow water tables for everyday use.
7. Cumulative Impact and Workforce Strain
The construction timeline has been delayed until 2026 and now extends for 52 months, potentially coinciding with several other major projects in the Armidale and Tamworth regions. This overlapping construction will strain roads, increase traffic, and stretch the availability of local workers even further, causing additional stress on our region's already limited infrastructure.
8. Limited Community Engagement
The developers of the Winterbourne Wind Farm have failed to effectively engage the community, despite a significant portion of the population opposing the original Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). There is still no decommissioning plan or bond in place, which means our community could be left with abandoned wind turbines once the project reaches the end of its life. The lack of transparency and accountability from Winterbourne Wind is deeply troubling.
9. Inappropriate Location of the Project
The closest turbine is planned to be just 6 kilometers from the Walcha township, a violation of the Planning Department’s guidelines recommending a 10-kilometer buffer. The project's proximity to sensitive biodiversity areas like Oxley Wild Rivers National Park and the World Heritage Area further raises concerns about environmental damage. In addition, the 31 intersections required for vehicle access to the site—10 of which do not meet safety standards—pose unacceptable risks to road users.
Walcha is a resilient community, but this project, with its extended timeline, increased heavy vehicle traffic, and potential environmental risks, threatens to undermine our way of life. I urge the NSW Planning Department to carefully consider the serious concerns raised by the Walcha community and ensure that the impacts of this project are fully mitigated before it moves forward.
Sincerely,
Kimberley Cameron.
Concerned Resident of the Walcha Community

I fully support the development of the Winterbourne Wind Farm near Walcha. This project represents a significant step toward a sustainable energy future for New South Wales, by generating over 2m MWh of clean energy per year, powering almost 400k homes. Beyond all the environmental benefits, the project brings substantial economic growth for the region by creating new jobs and through the significant Community Fund to directly benefit Walcha & Uralla communities.
From the big-picture perspective, wind energy is essential in combating climate change and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. They produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions, significantly improving air and water quality. By supporting projects like the Winterbourne Wind Farm, we're taking steps towards a cleaner world while protecting the environment for future generations.

With more and more coal fired generators retire, NSW needs more wind farms and solar farms to keep the lights on.
As listed out in the ISP published by AEMO, it is urgent to get more renewable projects to be approved, constructed and operated before 2030. Winterbourne is one of these projects which sits in the best part of the transmission line network and convenient to supply electricity to both NSW and QLD customers.
Thanks DPHI for the opportunity. I wish the project will be approved asap to supply cheaper electricity to the customers.

Based on the EIS package, specifically the EIS main report, the project is very well developed from several aspects, including but not limited to:
1. massive community benefit fund is proposed by the developer after extensive community engagement and stakeholder conversations. It is impressive to see the investors' dedication and efforts in working with the community.
2. The transport route and transmission line corridor are very well defined and secured from a technical design and land acquisition perspective. The transport route and upgrade plan and the Transmission Line design are very well completed.
3. The extensive fauna and flora studies are incomparable. All species have been fully studied and investigated. The mitigation plan and project footprint are sound.
It is a project which will benefit the community by offering job opportunities in the construction and operation stage of the project.

Winterbourne Wind Farm has abundant wind resource, available grid capacity, and close proximity to the load centre of QLD and NSW. The project is very well developed. The broad, professional and comprehensive studies and assessment organised by the developer is impressive and pursuasive. I haven't seen any other renewable projects offering such thorough and high-quality EIS report package.
The submission report addressed all questions/issues raised in the first Public Exhibition in details. The benefits of the project are significant to the local community and the broader electricity customers in NSW and Australia.
Thanks DPE for the opportunity of making submissions. I sincerely hope this project will be approved and constructed in a timely manner to generate clean energy in near future.

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my strong support for the development of the Winterbourne Wind Farm. This project represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to transition to renewable energy sources and combat climate change. I believe the Winterbourne Wind Farm will bring numerous benefits to the community and the broader region, and I would like to highlight several key reasons for my support.
1. Environmental Benefits:
The Winterbourne Wind Farm will play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by providing a clean and sustainable source of energy. Wind energy is one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources available, producing no air or water pollution and requiring no water for cooling. By harnessing the power of the wind, this project will help to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Notably, this wind farm will singlehandedly provide about 3% of the NSW 2030 emissions reduction targets (relative to 2019 levels).
2. Economic Growth and Job Creation:
The construction and operation of the Winterbourne Wind Farm will generate significant economic benefits for the local community. The project is expected to create nearly 400 jobs during the construction phase and 16 long-term local service and technician roles. This will provide employment opportunities for local residents and stimulate the local economy. Additionally, with a $1.9 billion capital investment, the project will see hundreds of millions spent in regional NSW, creating new jobs and skills in regional areas.
3. Community Benefits:
The Winterbourne Wind Farm project includes a significant Community Benefit Fund, providing $1 million upfront and at least $750,000 per year to support the Walcha and Uralla communities. These funds will directly benefit residents by improving local amenities and services. Furthermore, the project will support approximately 60 involved landowners, helping families stay on the land and maintain their livelihoods. The developers have committed to engaging with the community throughout the planning and development process, ensuring that local voices are heard and that the project aligns with community needs and values.
4. Energy Security and Independence:
By increasing the proportion of renewable energy in our energy mix, the Winterbourne Wind Farm will enhance energy security and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels. This increased energy independence is crucial for ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply, particularly in the face of global energy market fluctuations. The wind farm will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure for New South Wales.
5. Cost-Effectiveness:
Wind energy is far cheaper than new fossil fuel generation, with none of the air, water, and land pollution associated with burning coal. This cost-effectiveness, combined with the environmental benefits, makes wind energy an attractive and sustainable option for meeting our future energy needs.
6. Technological Innovation:
The development of the Winterbourne Wind Farm will showcase the latest advancements in wind energy technology. By adopting cutting-edge technologies and best practices, the project will serve as a model for future renewable energy projects in the region and beyond. This commitment to innovation will help to position New South Wales as a leader in renewable energy development and sustainability.
In conclusion, the Winterbourne Wind Farm represents a vital opportunity to advance our renewable energy goals, support economic growth, and enhance the well-being of our community. I strongly urge the NSW Department of Planning to approve this project and support its timely development. The benefits of the Winterbourne Wind Farm are clear, and its successful implementation will have lasting positive impacts for our environment, economy, and society.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Sincerely,
Glen Wilson

I support properly planned projects like Winterbourne Wind farm. Renewables are the cheapest source of electricity that benefits everyone and accelerates the retirement of fossil fuel generator. It would be nice to see the project approved soon to be built.

I support the Winterbourne Wind Farm, which will play an important role in helping Australia reach its decarbonisation targets.