Skip to main content

State Significant Development

Assessment

Yanco Battery Energy Storage System

Leeton Shire

Current Status: More Information Required

Interact with the stages for their names

  1. SEARs
  2. Prepare EIS
  3. Exhibition
  4. Collate Submissions
  5. Response to Submissions
  6. Assessment
  7. Recommendation
  8. Determination

Development of a 250 MW / 1100 MWh battery energy storage system and associated infrastructure and connection works

Attachments & Resources

Notice of Exhibition (1)

Request for SEARs (1)

SEARs (1)

EIS (17)

Response to Submissions (9)

Agency Advice (30)

Additional Information (1)

Submissions

Filters
Showing 41 - 60 of 66 submissions
Name Withheld
Object
COONABARABRAN , New South Wales
Message
BESS factories are destroying the landscapes and significantly devaluing residential, agricultural and commercial properties within rural communities. Nobody would want to live anywhere near this heap of fire-causing garbage.
Nuclear MUST be explored. I OBJECT to the BESS and ALL renewable projects that are proposed for Australia.
Name Withheld
Object
BINNAWAY , New South Wales
Message
Keep this garbage out of Yanco and rural NSW. We don't want them. BESS and renewable energy infrastructure will destroy our small communities, businesses, homes and ways of life. They are an absolute monstrosity on the landscapes and a major concern when they catch fire. Why destroy our land with BESS to support renewable energy infrastructure? They are intermittent, unreliable and totally useless.
Name Withheld
Object
BINNAWAY , New South Wales
Message
Projects like this are no good for rural communities in NSW and in this case, Yanco town. Keep renewable energy projects and infrastructure out of rural Australia and put them closer to the cities. We need to protect our landscapes, wildlife and lifestyles!
I object to the overall destruction this solar farm project will cause.
These BESS projects carry significant fire risks.
Name Withheld
Object
Mendooran , New South Wales
Message
This battery storage system is of a major fire risk and will put significant strain on local and rural firefighting services. These local firefighting services are not equipped with the resources or man-power to manage emergency fires for when they do break out at this site. Why should the community risk their lives and step up to fight fires for infrastructure that they never wanted there in the first place?
Name Withheld
Object
Mendooran , New South Wales
Message
NO!! I object to this project. Explore a reliable form of energy such as nuclear. Explore a cleaner form of energy such as nuclear. Battery Energy Storage Systems are too dangerous for the environment. BESS presents significant fire risks.
BESS infrastructure will negatively impact the safety, visual amenity of the Yanco community and landscapes.
Name Withheld
Object
MOLLYAN , New South Wales
Message
I object to the Yanco BESS project.
Why is our government forcing FIRE HAZARDOUS infrastructure and UNRELIABLE energy on our nation at the expense of rural Australia?!?
Save the land that produces food and fibre for Australia. Put these elsewhere!
These projects are destroying rural Australia!!
Name Withheld
Object
BALGOWLAH , New South Wales
Message
This infrastructure is too dangerous to the neighbouring properties and communities. BESS and solar panel factories are a significant fire risk. I object to this project.
Name Withheld
Object
MOLLYAN , New South Wales
Message
I would like to begin by acknowledging the farmers of the land within our great nation of Australia today. I pay my respects to Australia’s past, present and future farmers who have and will continue to battle setbacks such as renewable energy destruction, drought, floods, vermin plagues, diseases, and government policy, all so they can provide Australia with food and fibre. I acknowledge that these setbacks come at a high price of mental health, and many have taken their lives as a result due to such pressures. I extend this respect and am thankful for the sacrifices those within the agricultural industry make in order to provide Australia with the essentials; I acknowledge the agricultural industry as the backbone of our nation
We need to unite and fight these developers and the Australian government for forcing this upon us.

I object because these projects are too damaging to the communities, landscapes, environment and animals. what happens when they catch fire? Not only are they dangerous, they are an absolute eye-sore. Let's put these in Canberra or closer to the cities; so all the NIMBYs can marvel at what their vote has given them. Leave our landscapes alone and our government needs to do better.
Bob Wheeldon
Object
Wentworth , New South Wales
Message
I object to the proposal based upon the loss of agricultural land.
Yours sincerely
Bob Wheeldon
Name Withheld
Object
LAKE ALBERT , New South Wales
Message
Continued ->
*Fake Green, Weather Dependent, Intermittent Swindle Factories are Useless & BESS are Incapable JUNK!
As we have clearly seen proven at Broken Hill recently “Wind and Solar are worse than useless in a crisis like this, because it’s detrimental to having a consistent power supply,” Mayor Tom Kennedy said.
“I’d hate to see what happens in the capital cities in a similar crisis.”
https://joannenova.com.au/2024/10/650m-in-renewable-energy-didnt-save-broken-hill-from-days-of-blackouts-after-a-storm-islanded-it/

*Provide a thorough, independent analysis of GENUINE SOCIAL LICENCE including all Rural NSW - noting the Community Impact Survey: April-May 2024 – Property Rights Australia
https://propertyrightsaustralia.org.au/community-impact-survey-april-may-2024/
 
*Biodiversity Offsets are a damaging environmental scam - becoming a trading market with no successful outcomes.
We need real transparency & demonstrative environmental benefits. The proponent can not be allowed to self-refer at any Government level.
https://www.crikey.com.au/2023/05/18/biodiversity-offsets-scheme-crisis/
 Biodiversity offsets

*Address National Security Risks - Foreign Ownership of Critical Energy Infrastructure
https://www.senatorpaterson.com.au/news/chinas-spy-threat-to-energy-supplies

Beautifully Hackable - Irina Slav on Energy - 12/8/24
https://irinaslav.substack.com/p/beautifully-hackable?utm_campaign=email-post&utm_source=substack

China’s Energy Dream
https://www.thegwpf.org/content/uploads/2021/12/Adams-Chinas-Energy-Dream.pdf

*Provide Accurate Independent Analysis & Truthful Comparison of all Sources of Power for Reliability, Security, Affordability, Emissions, Toxic Waste Reduction & Minimal Environmental Footprint.

The 'Sunk Cost' Trickery That Makes Renewables Seem Cheaper Than They Are - 23rd July 2023.
https://www.fresheconomicthinking.com/p/the-sunk-cost-trickery-that-makes?utm_medium=web

Energy Transition Masquerade: The $360 Billion You Pay - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0NKDozvO58

Nuclear VS Renewables: What Will It Cost? | Zoe Hiltonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw_AX9WaJ08

Nuclear VS Renewables: What Will It Cost? | Zoe Hiltonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw_AX9WaJ08

The Real Cost of Net Zero
https://youtu.be/YbxpieEQ7bc

*Document the Proponent’s & Consultant’s Commitment to Integrity & Ethical Behaviour & their Knowledge of the Legal Consequences for any lies or deceit - ie. “confection ….. made up evidence - so lacking in integrity that no weight can be placed on it”

RenewaBULL JUNK doesn’t work most of the time & is now wrecking the Electricity Grid.
The Fake Green RenewaBULL Solar/Wind Energy Poverty Grift & Ponzi Scheme/Scam DOES NOT FOLLOW THE LAWS OF PHYSICS & THE PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING resulting in:-
BAD ELECTRICITY
BAD PLANNING
TERRIBLE OUTCOME
WE ARE PLANNING TO FAIL!
Adi Paterson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbvLlnhl9ac
Name Withheld
Object
LAKE ALBERT , New South Wales
Message
There is a plethora of seriously detrimental, ECOCIDAL reasons to object to this totally disingenuous, toxic contaminating & life threatening, explosive BESS Disaster - as presented by this dodgy Applicant - who has no intention of ever having the available funds or being accountable to clean up this toxic nightmare!
Let’s have some transparency & see what a thorough ASIC Search reveals about this Applicant & their Holding Company?

The Hazardous, extremely toxic Fire Risks have life-threatening consequences for the community & irreversible environmentally harmful impacts - including toxic PFAS Contamination.

The Public Health & Safety Risks to our health & life-sustaining land & water are huge, making it completely inappropriate to trust these irresponsible, greedy, subsidy suckers & the careless State/Federal Government ideologues - making it imperative to require Reputable, Peer Reviewed, Independent Expert Evidence for the whole Assessment process in considering all points raised - including:-

*Serious, Irreversible Public Health & Safety Risks
*Engineering Facts regarding Storage Capability, Capacity Factor.
*Scientific Facts including toxicity, whole of life emissions, immediate clean-up following sudden Fire/Storm events, recycling & full waste disposal
*Toxic Fire Risks
*Toxic Impacts to Water [Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in 2004]
*Threats to surrounding Food Production from Toxic Contaminating Fire/Smoke event (Paris Agreement)
*Noise & Lighting Disturbance
*Inaccurate Visual Assessment
*Inability for Neighbours to acquire Public Liability Insurance,
*Devaluation of Surrounding Properties
*No Decommissioning/Remediation Bond
*NO SOCIAL LICENCE

*Determination of all Public Health & Safety Risks & Impacts to Human Beings/Stock/Ecology/Biodiversity/Ecosystems including:-
Fire Risks - Thermal Runaway
Toxic Fumes
Residue from Filthy BESS - including PFAS Contamination.
Electrical Force & Electromagnetic Radiation
Noise Nuisance & Lighting Disturbance

*Toxic Contamination impacts - BESS PFAS which will infiltrate the water table and local river systems, jeopardizing both our quality of life and broader water infrastructure.

The recent Australian Drinking Water Guidelines Draft has updated & revised their Guideline values:-
‘NHMRC has drafted an update of the PFAS Fact Sheet within the Guidelines that includes revised and newly established health-based guideline values. The draft PFAS fact sheet is supported by a NHMRC Statement on PFAS in drinking water, which provides a summary of the findings that informed the update.  
The PFAS reviewed as part of this update include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA); perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS); perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS); perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid and its ammonium salt (GenX chemicals).’
Further information on the NHMRC Review of PFAS in Australian drinking water is available on the NHMRC website.

The World Health Organization now lists two PFAS as carcinogens or possible carcinogens: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as a Group 1 carcinogen and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as a Group 2B carcinogen.

A range of PFAS is also subject to the Stockholm Convention for the protection of human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (ie, PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA and potentially all long chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids). 

Some types have been found to be toxic to human health and the environment.
In its most definitive regulatory action taken to date, the Commonwealth has effectively banned the import, use and manufacture of some of the more prominent types of PFAS (PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS) from 1 July 2025. (21 Feb 2024)

Impact of PFAS on Human Health
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2024/46/more-funding-needed-to-investigate-impact-of-pfas-on-human-health/

Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems are also a PFAS Contaminant.
’Forever chemicals’ used in lithium ion batteries threaten environment, research finds | Lithium-ion batteries | The Guardian 14/7/24
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jul/14/forever-chemicals-

*Toxic Fire Risks - Including evidence from the local Volunteer Fire Fighters, all landowners in the area, Rural Fire Fighting Pilots & Medical Experts.

Safety of Grid Scale Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems
“The scale of Li-ion BESS energy storage envisioned at “mega scale” energy farms is unprecedented and requires urgent review. The explosion potential and the lack of engineering standards to prevent thermal runaway may put control of “battery fires” beyond the knowledge, experience and capabilities of local Fire and Rescue Services.
BESS present special hazards to fire-fighters….”
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352158070_Safety_of_Grid_Scale_Lithium-ion_Battery_Energy_Storage_Systems

Grid Scale Batteries & Fire Risk
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/656f411497ae14084ad8d03a/t/66fd2383b56dbc6906390297/1727865736681/Fannon-Batteries.pdf

Bouldercombe Battery🔥Fire sparks warning for residents in regional Queensland - 26/09/23
https://www.9news.com.au/national/bouldercombe-battery-fire-sparks-warning-for-residents-in-regional-queensland/b4b3058a-cb0b-4209-a02d-6b12d80c63ac

Gateway Energy Storage System🔥Fire: Otay Mesa, CA - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7UY4ioP4VQ

Add yet another Lithium Battery🔥FIRE - this one in Scotland - Lithium Battery Recycling Centre.
https://youtu.be/d-hvsz2tyhc?si=S16_g1LWETu1pj70.

*Clarify the Applicant’s Guarantee to Ensure Clean Drinking Water & No Environmental Contamination as “We have a human right to clean drinking water and an environment free of toxic load,” Dr Stops said. “Dr Orellana reminded us that Australia has ratified the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in 2004

*Confirm the Developer's Adherence to Amended Condition C8 PRIOR to Construction
Prior to Commencement of Any Works - Storm Water Management Plan.
On Site & Discharge From the Site.
Testing Points & Regular Water Samples, Suitably Qualified Person.
Written Response Procedures if CONTAMINATION is Found - required PRIOR to CONSTRUCTION.
Availability of Results.

*Provide Details of Upfront Decommissioning/Remediation Bond & Clean-Up Bond - required to cover full costs (updated in real time)of independently calculated amount with full explanation & identification of where it will be securely held.
Engineer certified, full explanation of all practical actions required to guarantee immediate clean-up after Fires, Storm Damage, Degradation, etc. & return of the site to its uncontaminated, inherent natural state, ready access to recycling & toxic waste capability & capacity - apart from local Council.

*An Accurate Analysis of The Full Life-Cycle Embedded Energy & all Emissions is required to be factually documented - from mining materials, processing, manufacturing, transportation, road works, construction, operation, recycling & waste disposal including all components used for all parts of the BESS plan & associated infrastructure.

*Accurately Document the Most Potent Greenhouse Gas of all - SF6 Emissions from the full life-cycle of Industrialised Solar, BESS, Switch Gear, Circuit Breakers, etc.
Climate change: Electrical industry's 'dirty secret' boosts warming - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-49567197

*Transparently confirm the plan to Indemnify Neighbours - due to inability of neighbours to acquire adequate Public Liability Insurance because of Hazardous ‘Renewable’ Industry

*Adhere to Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act so NO Components - including Cobalt for BESS are sourced from cruelly torturous Slave Labour Supply Chains where children as young as 6 years old are being forced to mine with their bare hands in toxic conditions & falling into mine pits.

*Factually Addressing & Assessing the Serious Health Impacts of Noise & Lighting Nuisance for people & animals.
This includes sleep deprivation, and other physiological impacts as reported by some individuals globally - increasing the risk of significant and legally consequential human health impacts.

*Noise Nuisance - Acousticians Pledge
Ensure SLR acousticians are members of the Australian Acoustical Society fulfilling their pledge to ensure that the “welfare, health and safety of the community at all times takes precedence over sectional, professional and private interests”.

*Factually outline the Engineering Facts of how this BESS plan meets all Aspects Equally of the National Electricity Law Objective:-
The objective of the National Electricity Law is to promote efficient investment in, & efficient operation and use of, electricity services for the long term interests of consumers with respect to:-
(a) price, quality, safety, reliability and security of supply of electricity;
and
(b) the reliability, safety and security of the national electricity system;
and
(c) the achievement of targets set by a participating jurisdiction
(i) for reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions; or
(ii)that are likely to contribute to reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.

AEMO, and everyone in 'authority', place primacy on the emissions target rather than the other requirements of the NEL.
The emissions requirement was only added to the NEL in Sep 2023, with States tardy to legislate any targets, so on what basis did any Gov act prior to that to impose all this on us? Yet they all did, and still emphasise emissions over other objectives.
NEL is made in the SA Parliament, and in the 2nd reading, the minister there also reiterated that ALL OBJECTIVES ARE EQUAL.

Continued ->
Name Withheld
Object
GRIFFITH , New South Wales
Message
This disastrous plan will never provide any reliable, affordable power at all.
It relies on the vagaries of the weather & is an incapable BESS.

When the powers that be realise that we are living in the Nuclear age & wish to remain an advanced country, most of what is planned for NSW will become obsolete.
The state will be stuck with the environmental vandalism & extensive contamination caused by Government (taxpayer’s) heavily subsidised ‘renewable’ energy installations.
What a disgrace!
Name Withheld
Object
Lancefield , Victoria
Message
I Object for these reasons:-
• It is destructive to native flora and fauna;
• Construction will leave a legacy of land destruction that is unlikely to be rectified by the builder;
• It is an abomination on the natural landscape of a massive scale.
• It is part of a system that costs billions, does not work reliably and attempts to solve a problem that does not exist, in other words useless and irresponsible use of public funds;
• All such infrastructures should be built at developer’s expense, NOT on public funds, we are told wind and solar are the cheapest, well prove it, remove all subsidises do not build this system on public funds;
• The TOTAL cost has not been verified by independent experts;
• There is NO verified scientific basis for reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere so this project is a total waste of public money, along with all other such projects.  There is in fact reliable verifiable scientific proof that CO2 is beneficial to plant life and by extension to human life on earth.
Name Withheld
Object
Redbank Plains , Queensland
Message
The fact is that so called ‘renewables’ will not bring enough energy to supply ordinary Australians. They have not been proven to deliver continuous supply.

I am very unhappy that there is no opportunity for open debate on this destructive energy depriving venture that will change the life of all Australians.

The fact is energy costs will keep on rising for ordinary, already struggling householders.

Australians are being unjustly deprived, mistreated & harmed by these terrible plans!
Name Withheld
Object
Springfield , Queensland
Message
This obnoxious plan shows extreme disrespect for the environment, the local community, future generations & Australia’s welfare as it has horrendous, toxic impacts & is being imposed by intimidating bullies without factual research, proper consultation or consent.
Our voices are ignored while we are forced to endure a dangerous, untested system!
Name Withheld
Object
Springfield , New South Wales
Message
The environmental & economic ruination caused by this reckless, unreliable & unaffordable ‘renewable’ stupidity is causing great distress, austerity & hardship throughout Australia - hurting families & putting immense strain on businesses/ industry & the economy.
More jobs will be axed & vulnerable people will die as these terrible plans cause extensive blackouts & national weakness - with no energy security, food security or national security - thanks to incompetent, dictatorial megalomaniacs selling our electricity grid out to our most hostile enemies!
Save Our Surroundings Murrumbidgee
Object
Griffith , New South Wales
Message
This is an unproven, unreliable experiment using inferior, environmentally destructive, toxic contaminating JUNK THAT NOBODY WANTS & WON’T EVEN WORK MOST OF THE TIME!
The empty promises of clean, reliable, sustainable are all absolute baloney as this deplorable, electrified nightmare is nothing but a great big scam making the carpetbaggers bucket loads of Fake Green cash ripping off the energy deprived, long suffering, unjustly treated public.
Name Withheld
Object
Kepnock , Queensland
Message
This inferior, damaging plan will cause inadequate Grid Reliability - breaking down the stability of the electricity grid, leaving Australians without an Essential Electricity Service that we are paying for to be available on demand.
There will disgracefully be BLACKOUTS & unreliable power during critical times, such as during extreme weather events or high demand.
PUT THE COAL BACK IN THE COALITION & ADD A NUCLEAR POWER FUTURE!
Name Withheld
Object
Harefield , New South Wales
Message
Energy Poverty will result from this Swindle Factory BESS plan that will burden Australians with exorbitant energy costs, driving many individuals & businesses to the wall.
We will continue to see prices unjustly skyrocket beyond what everyday Australians can afford, while also exacerbating the national cost-of-living crisis - all because of these pathetic, weather dependent plans that are so destructive & don’t work most of the time.
Name Withheld
Object
KOORINGAL , New South Wales
Message
Irreversible Environmental Damage will be caused by this non-sensical plan, with harmful substances ruining our essential, productive land & water systems forever - never to be cleaned up by these vandalising developers & gullible hosts - leaving lasting damage to our environment.
This is a legacy of destruction that cannot be undone!

Pagination

Project Details

Application Number
SSD-67478479
Assessment Type
State Significant Development
Development Type
Electricity supply
Local Government Areas
Leeton Shire

Contact Planner

Name
Megan Ramsdale