I have reviewed the material available on the NSW Planning Portal and I do not support this project proceeding.
The proposal is for a battery energy storage facility with up to 150 MW of power output and 300 MWh of total storage capacity (2-hour duration), to be located in the Sutherland Shire. While I recognise the role energy storage plays in the transition to renewable energy, a project of this scale carries risks that have not, in my view, been adequately addressed for a site so close to residential homes and sensitive bushland. My objection is based on the following grounds.
1. Fire and Public Safety Risk
Large-scale lithium-ion BESS facilities carry a well-documented risk of thermal runaway fires. These fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish, can reignite after being brought under control, and release toxic gases including hydrogen fluoride. I am concerned that:
● The proximity of the proposed facility to residential dwellings places nearby families, including my own household, at risk in the event of a battery fire or explosion.
● Local emergency services in Sutherland Shire may not have the specialised training, equipment, or resourcing required to safely respond to a BESS fire, and evacuation planning for surrounding streets has not been made clear to the community.
● The exhibited documents do not provide sufficient detail on containment design, fire suppression systems, thermal management, and setback distances to demonstrate that risks to nearby residents have been reduced as far as reasonably practicable.
● Smoke and toxic gas plumes from a battery fire could travel well beyond the site boundary, affecting a much wider area than the immediate footprint of the facility.
2. Environmental and Ecological Impacts
I am also concerned about the potential impacts of the development on the local environment, including:
● Loss or disturbance of native vegetation and habitat during site clearing and construction, in an area that supports local flora and fauna within the Sutherland Shire.
● The risk of contamination to soil and nearby waterways from firefighting runoff or chemical leaks in the event of a battery failure, given that suppression of lithium-ion fires often requires large volumes of water or specialised agents.
● Cumulative impacts on local wildlife corridors and bushland connectivity, which have not, in my view, been adequately assessed in the Environmental Impact Statement.
● Long-term land use and rehabilitation obligations at decommissioning, and what guarantees exist that the site will be restored to its prior environmental condition.

To whom it may concern,

I wish to lodge a formal objection to the proposed Kamay Bay Energy Storage System.

As a local resident, I am concerned about the potential impacts this development could have on my family, my property, and the surrounding community. While I recognise the importance of improving energy security and supporting the transition to renewable energy, I do not believe there is sufficient certainty that the impacts of this project have been fully assessed or adequately addressed.

The Kamay area is valued for its natural environment and residential amenity. Before a development of this scale proceeds, I believe the proponent should be required to demonstrate, through independent evidence, that all potential impacts on nearby residents have been thoroughly assessed and that appropriate mitigation measures are in place.

My key concerns are outlined below.

Potential impacts on my family and property

I am concerned about the potential long-term impacts this development may have on the enjoyment of my home, the safety and wellbeing of my family, and the value of my property. Once a development of this scale is approved and constructed, these impacts may be irreversible.

I request that the Department carefully consider the potential social and economic impacts on surrounding residents, including any effect the development may have on residential amenity and community confidence.

Fire risk

I remain concerned about the fire risks associated with large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). While I acknowledge that modern battery facilities incorporate numerous safety systems, there have been significant battery fire incidents in Australia, including the Victorian Big Battery (Moorabool) fire in 2021 and the Bouldercombe Battery Energy Storage System fire in Queensland during commissioning in 2023. These incidents demonstrate that although uncommon, battery fires can occur even with modern technology and extensive safety measures in place.

Given these incidents, I request that the Department require the proponent to provide:

- A detailed quantitative fire risk assessment prepared by an independent expert.
- Air quality and smoke dispersion modelling demonstrating the potential impacts on nearby residents should a worst-case battery fire occur.
- Clear information regarding the likely effects on local residents, including exposure to smoke and combustion by-products, should such an incident occur.
- Emergency response and evacuation procedures for nearby residents.
- Evidence that local emergency services have the resources, equipment and training necessary to respond effectively to a battery fire at this facility.

Without this information, the community cannot properly understand the potential consequences of a significant battery fire or determine whether the proposed mitigation measures are adequate.

Noise pollution

I am concerned about noise impacts during both the construction and operational phases of the project.

Construction activities, including heavy vehicle movements, earthworks, cranes, machinery and other plant, have the potential to significantly affect nearby residents over an extended period.

Once operational, battery energy storage systems rely on cooling equipment, transformers, inverters and associated electrical infrastructure that may generate continuous background noise, particularly during periods of high demand or elevated temperatures.

I request that the Department require the proponent to provide:

- Detailed operational and construction noise modelling prepared by an independent acoustic consultant.
- Predicted noise levels at all nearby residential properties during both daytime and night-time operation.
- An assessment of cumulative noise impacts in combination with existing background noise sources.
- A detailed Noise Management Plan outlining how operational and construction noise will be monitored and mitigated.
- Ongoing post-commissioning noise monitoring to verify compliance with the predicted modelling, with mandatory corrective action if noise limits are exceeded.

As a nearby resident, I believe this information is essential so the community can fully understand the likely noise impacts before any approval is granted.

Unknown health risks

While I acknowledge that battery energy storage technology continues to evolve, I remain concerned that the long-term health implications of living near a facility of this scale are not yet fully understood.

Given the size of the proposed facility and its proximity to residential areas, I request that the Department require the proponent to provide independent evidence regarding any potential long-term health impacts associated with the normal operation of the facility, as well as the possible health effects should a significant battery fire occur.

Until there is greater certainty regarding these matters, I believe a precautionary approach should be adopted.

Conclusion

For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request that the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure refuse this proposal or require substantially more independent assessment before any approval is granted.

At a minimum, I request that the Department require independent expert assessment of:

- Fire risk and emergency response.
- Air quality and smoke dispersion in the event of a battery fire.
- Potential health impacts on nearby residents.
- Construction and operational noise modelling.
- Visual impacts.
- Effects on surrounding residential amenity.
- Appropriate mitigation measures for all identified risks.

The community deserves a full understanding of the potential impacts before a project of this scale is approved. I ask that the Department ensure the assessment process is transparent, evidence-based and places the safety and wellbeing of nearby residents at the forefront of its decision-making.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours faithfully,

Refer attached submission.

Please refer to the attached Building Impact Statement submitted on behalf of the Owners Corporation.