Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
OBERON
,
New South Wales
Message
My concerns against the pumped hydro is that it going to ruin our lake, this will not only affect the recreational part of the lake but the natural habitat for the local wild life. I have a young family and I would like to enjoy the lake for it is know for its beautiful serenity, water skiing fishing and other water activities.
This project will impact the local area with surrounding roads being destroyed by large machinery using road that are not designed for them. The impact to the surrounding homes that will be impacted by the noise disruptions along with lose of value to homes due to the eye sore that will be planted on the top of the mountain!
This project will impact the local area with surrounding roads being destroyed by large machinery using road that are not designed for them. The impact to the surrounding homes that will be impacted by the noise disruptions along with lose of value to homes due to the eye sore that will be planted on the top of the mountain!
Seclusions
Object
Seclusions
Object
RYDAL
,
New South Wales
Message
Objection to Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Energy Storage, Application Number SSI-77018220
We are Russell & Malynda, owners & operators of Seclusions (Seclusions/Highlands House is referred to by reference VP9 & SR 2004 throughout the EIS). We operate Seclusions through our company, Blue Mountains Wedding Collective Pty Ltd. Our submission in relation to the EIS in respect of the Lake Lyell Hydro project is set out below.
Prior to the commencement of the Lake Lyell Hydro project, Seclusions was a highly successful wedding venue and adults only retreat located at 209 Martins Rd Rydal NSW 2790. The property sits directly opposite the proposed upper reservoir.
The impact of the project on Seclusions is minimised through the EIS, including through the visual impact study which uses inaccurate imagery and by the absence of financial information which Energy Australia has been provided with which demonstrates the negative financial impact this project has already caused. The project team are fully aware of the situation as communicated to them during multiple onsite meetings.
For these reasons, and the reasons set out below, we do not consider that the proponent has adequately considered the economic impact on Seclusions or appropriately consulted with us when preparing the EIS.
Appendix N B.18
In the Visual Impact Assessment, screening options as shown from the viewpoint selected to consider the visual impact on Seclusions (VP9) are depicted from ground level in the bottom paddock and do not accurately reflect the elevated position or alignment of Highlands House, the wedding venue or the adults only cabins at the Seclusions site. It also lists the distance to the closest visible structure being 5900m which is incorrect. Six maps has the distance to the proposed construction camp at 3100m & distance with a direct frontal view to the upper reservoir at 5500m.
The image included in the EIS as VP9 is highly misleading and irrelevant, as this was taken from outside the property and in a way that ensures the area of the upper reservoir appears further in the distance than it actually is. The statement contained in the report at Appendix N that “access to private property was not available” is incorrect for two reasons. One: the request made for access to the property to take further imagery was granted. Two: someone on behalf of the proponent had already undertaken imagery at our location some 2yrs earlier (all be it that the resulting images minimised the perception of depth) which was provided to us to show prospective couples. Please see images attached of the photos of what the site actually looks like from various viewpoints.
Appendix A Representative viewpoint assessment.
Visual impact discussion statement (below) shows the proponent’s lack of proper consideration of the visual impacts.
“Visual impact discussion
This viewpoint is indicative of visual impacts at more distant locations. Nearly 6 km south of the upper reservoir, the project infrastructure is expected to be visible but it’s visibility will vary with the time of day and sun angle. This view has a magnitude of change rating of moderate due to the extent of the visible changes in the context of the view. Vegetation clearing for the project may increase visual impact until tree cover is re-established, however this would not significantly effect the visual impact rating. This effect would be temporary until vegetation is re-established. Sensitivity ratings for this viewpoint are for tourists visiting Seclusions Blue Mountains tourist venue. As a tourist destination in an undulating rural landscape with views of distant ranges and limited views of Lake Lyell, this location has a moderate viewer sensitivity and a moderate scenic quality rating. The overall visual impact rating for this viewpoint is moderate.”
In contrast to these comments as contained in the report, we understand that vegetation is unlikely to grow on the face of the upper reservoir due to construction materials being used and trees will not be permitted on or near the wall of the reservoir due to the potential for structural damage.
Two online polls conducted by Seclusions indicate the publics views are contrary to those of the project.
Poll 1 Sept 2023 asked past couples to select the reason they choose Seclusions for their wedding.
68% of respondents confirmed they selected our venue due to the scenic outlook (view & country setting).
Poll 2 2026 asked past couples & guests to rate the scenic quality from Seclusions (VP 9)
96% of respondents rated the scenic quality as very high
3% of respondents rated the scenic quality as high
1% of respondents rated the scenic quality as moderate
0 % of respondents rated the scenic quality as low
Annex O pg114 Table 7.27 Potential for loss of income to tourism businesses
The report states the unmitigated risk of loss of income as LOW, which is factually incorrect as Seclusions is already experiencing critical levels of income loss.
The EIS fails to include or acknowledge the devastating implications to Seclusions, already seeing a 100% decline in weddings, with our last wedding occurring on the 18th April 2026 (based on original advice from the project team which estimated a construction start date for May 2026). There is an estimated financial loss of wedding income of over $800,000 for 2026, currently at over $1M for each year from 2027 & beyond. These facts and figures have been provided to the project team and have been for over 12mths now.
The loss of confidence from couples in holding their wedding with us can be directly attribute to the information provided to us by Energy Australia to be specifically shared with potential couples (over 500). Contained within this information, it states that Energy Australia expects there to be a material visual impact for Seclusions. The original timeline provided for construction commencement was May 2026, which was then deferred in May 2025 until mid 2027 with the latest correspondence now indicating 2028. However, information contained within the EIS (Annex O page101) states construction commencement as Q4 2026. This causes further uncertainty and economic impacts to our business.
Additionally the EIS excludes the contribution our business makes to the local economy via the 5000+ a year wedding guests who are brought to the local area, with an additional 1000+ as stand alone cabin guests annually. Again, this is well known by the project team. The financial benefit to the local economy is estimated at between $1.5-2.5 million dollars annually and this figure excludes the money couples spend on their wedding with local vendors which can exceed an additional $50,000 per wedding.
We offer an open invitation for the Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister for planning or his delegate to view the project in person from VP 9, or the more appropriately selected view points. We are also happy to provide any further documents.
Regards
Seclusions
We are Russell & Malynda, owners & operators of Seclusions (Seclusions/Highlands House is referred to by reference VP9 & SR 2004 throughout the EIS). We operate Seclusions through our company, Blue Mountains Wedding Collective Pty Ltd. Our submission in relation to the EIS in respect of the Lake Lyell Hydro project is set out below.
Prior to the commencement of the Lake Lyell Hydro project, Seclusions was a highly successful wedding venue and adults only retreat located at 209 Martins Rd Rydal NSW 2790. The property sits directly opposite the proposed upper reservoir.
The impact of the project on Seclusions is minimised through the EIS, including through the visual impact study which uses inaccurate imagery and by the absence of financial information which Energy Australia has been provided with which demonstrates the negative financial impact this project has already caused. The project team are fully aware of the situation as communicated to them during multiple onsite meetings.
For these reasons, and the reasons set out below, we do not consider that the proponent has adequately considered the economic impact on Seclusions or appropriately consulted with us when preparing the EIS.
Appendix N B.18
In the Visual Impact Assessment, screening options as shown from the viewpoint selected to consider the visual impact on Seclusions (VP9) are depicted from ground level in the bottom paddock and do not accurately reflect the elevated position or alignment of Highlands House, the wedding venue or the adults only cabins at the Seclusions site. It also lists the distance to the closest visible structure being 5900m which is incorrect. Six maps has the distance to the proposed construction camp at 3100m & distance with a direct frontal view to the upper reservoir at 5500m.
The image included in the EIS as VP9 is highly misleading and irrelevant, as this was taken from outside the property and in a way that ensures the area of the upper reservoir appears further in the distance than it actually is. The statement contained in the report at Appendix N that “access to private property was not available” is incorrect for two reasons. One: the request made for access to the property to take further imagery was granted. Two: someone on behalf of the proponent had already undertaken imagery at our location some 2yrs earlier (all be it that the resulting images minimised the perception of depth) which was provided to us to show prospective couples. Please see images attached of the photos of what the site actually looks like from various viewpoints.
Appendix A Representative viewpoint assessment.
Visual impact discussion statement (below) shows the proponent’s lack of proper consideration of the visual impacts.
“Visual impact discussion
This viewpoint is indicative of visual impacts at more distant locations. Nearly 6 km south of the upper reservoir, the project infrastructure is expected to be visible but it’s visibility will vary with the time of day and sun angle. This view has a magnitude of change rating of moderate due to the extent of the visible changes in the context of the view. Vegetation clearing for the project may increase visual impact until tree cover is re-established, however this would not significantly effect the visual impact rating. This effect would be temporary until vegetation is re-established. Sensitivity ratings for this viewpoint are for tourists visiting Seclusions Blue Mountains tourist venue. As a tourist destination in an undulating rural landscape with views of distant ranges and limited views of Lake Lyell, this location has a moderate viewer sensitivity and a moderate scenic quality rating. The overall visual impact rating for this viewpoint is moderate.”
In contrast to these comments as contained in the report, we understand that vegetation is unlikely to grow on the face of the upper reservoir due to construction materials being used and trees will not be permitted on or near the wall of the reservoir due to the potential for structural damage.
Two online polls conducted by Seclusions indicate the publics views are contrary to those of the project.
Poll 1 Sept 2023 asked past couples to select the reason they choose Seclusions for their wedding.
68% of respondents confirmed they selected our venue due to the scenic outlook (view & country setting).
Poll 2 2026 asked past couples & guests to rate the scenic quality from Seclusions (VP 9)
96% of respondents rated the scenic quality as very high
3% of respondents rated the scenic quality as high
1% of respondents rated the scenic quality as moderate
0 % of respondents rated the scenic quality as low
Annex O pg114 Table 7.27 Potential for loss of income to tourism businesses
The report states the unmitigated risk of loss of income as LOW, which is factually incorrect as Seclusions is already experiencing critical levels of income loss.
The EIS fails to include or acknowledge the devastating implications to Seclusions, already seeing a 100% decline in weddings, with our last wedding occurring on the 18th April 2026 (based on original advice from the project team which estimated a construction start date for May 2026). There is an estimated financial loss of wedding income of over $800,000 for 2026, currently at over $1M for each year from 2027 & beyond. These facts and figures have been provided to the project team and have been for over 12mths now.
The loss of confidence from couples in holding their wedding with us can be directly attribute to the information provided to us by Energy Australia to be specifically shared with potential couples (over 500). Contained within this information, it states that Energy Australia expects there to be a material visual impact for Seclusions. The original timeline provided for construction commencement was May 2026, which was then deferred in May 2025 until mid 2027 with the latest correspondence now indicating 2028. However, information contained within the EIS (Annex O page101) states construction commencement as Q4 2026. This causes further uncertainty and economic impacts to our business.
Additionally the EIS excludes the contribution our business makes to the local economy via the 5000+ a year wedding guests who are brought to the local area, with an additional 1000+ as stand alone cabin guests annually. Again, this is well known by the project team. The financial benefit to the local economy is estimated at between $1.5-2.5 million dollars annually and this figure excludes the money couples spend on their wedding with local vendors which can exceed an additional $50,000 per wedding.
We offer an open invitation for the Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister for planning or his delegate to view the project in person from VP 9, or the more appropriately selected view points. We are also happy to provide any further documents.
Regards
Seclusions