Zoe Walsh
Object
Zoe Walsh
Object
SOUTH BOWENFELS
,
New South Wales
Message
Yiradhu marang, yindu Zoe Walsh ninna Wiradjuri migay. Good day, my name is Zoe Walsh and I am a proud Wiradjuri woman.
I am a proud member of this Aboriginal (I am an Aboriginal person, not First Nations or Indigenous) community. I take part in walkabouts, Aboriginal dancing, truth-telling and storytelling sessions with local Traditional Owners and Elders. These local Traditional Owners and their group have not been consulted by the organisations working on this Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project (it is written in Energy Australia's documents that they have consulted local Traditional Owners but this is a lie); why would these organisations invite non-local Aboriginal peoples/people who are not local Traditional Owners in to try and identify the site when there are locals who know the truth and are happy to share especially if it will bring something positive to this town.
I morally do not agree with this Pumped Hydro Project at Lake Lyell for the lake is not big enough, it will disrupt/destroy a sacred site (a songline path, wedge tail eagle Dreaming Site and more) and is the tallest mountain in this area. Mount Walker was known to be used as a look out site-pre and post colonisation. Why destroy a local Sacred site? This site does not just hold significant meaning for Aboriginal peoples it is a local go-to recreation site for all. Many people have journeyed to the top seeing the 360 degree views. Heritage and stories are already being lost and misplaced by Energy Australia's (EA) "discovery" (as EA called it on Facebook) of 1344 artefacts from Mt Walker. EA took these pieces to Sydney to be examined and are "now secured in a temporary keeping place". I have attached this post, the captioned post has a big title of "Artefacts returned to Country". They should never have left Lithgow let alone for Aboriginal peoples to find out from Facebook that this has happened. This is all completely distressing as a local Aboriginal person who is not able to access this site and now these artefacts. They do have plans to create a 'Cultural Center' I believe this will also be done with the previously consulted non-local Traditional Owners/Aboriginal peoples producing a Center no one in the community feels welcome/safe/at peace to look at these 1344 artefacts. I know at least one person who has asked for these artefacts to be brought into their class to show the students and not one employee from EA is able to help out this local resident. I also work in a local school, it would be so positive for students to see what is in our backyard. If EA has found 1344 in one area image if they looked at the entire area, how can they destroy a sacred site? Especially for an energy source that will not suffice and is just destroying the area.
Farmers Creek and Lake Lyell have platypus activity. They are a thriving species, with the water levels never affecting their habitats. The Pumped Hydro Project with fluctuating water levels will critically affect many Indigenous animals and recreation activities the lake is known for (fishing, tubing, camping, day trips).
I object to the Pumped Hydro project for the long lasting effects on the local environment here with little benefits and no long term benefits. If our Lake would withstand this project without damage I would support it but it does not and EA has not taken care of the Country on which they tread. Sir Thomas Mitchell Drive is falling away (I have attached a few photos of this), it is not a safe road for the cars that commute daily let alone if there were trucks constantly going back and forth. My street neighbors are all distressed from all the hardship EA is causing. One neighbour has seen Farmers Creek run white after EA had done some drilling, this has not been documented anywhere by Energy Australia (EA). In EA's home visits along this road they have had some people get really emotional from the unknown and what they do know is not positive about this project, the workers from EA have never provided comfort for these people. These are the people that will be directly affected by this project. Our street is known to be full of wildlife, serenity and beauty. If this project goes ahead our street will be filled with sorrow, noise pollution (trucks, drilling, construction), air pollution and disruption. This is not fair to Mother Earth, this Country on which I am sitting writing this, ancestor spirits, stories that are held in this rich soil, fish in Lake Lyell, birds who dwell at Mt Walker, and to the people of Lithgow- Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.
Yindyamarra is a Wiradjuri Lore word, it means to be respectful, be gentle, be polite, be honorable and do slowly. We ask this of visitors and residents on this part of Country. We should treat all animals, land, water, sky and peoples with Yindyamarra. Energy Australia is disrespecting, dishonouring and ruining this ancestral land by trying to create this Pumped Hydro on Mt Walker.
Please take your time to reflect on the objections to this project. Also, see the truth in the lies that have been published by the people trying to force the go ahead for the Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project. I am trying to stand up for my culture, our Country and this town.
I am a proud member of this Aboriginal (I am an Aboriginal person, not First Nations or Indigenous) community. I take part in walkabouts, Aboriginal dancing, truth-telling and storytelling sessions with local Traditional Owners and Elders. These local Traditional Owners and their group have not been consulted by the organisations working on this Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project (it is written in Energy Australia's documents that they have consulted local Traditional Owners but this is a lie); why would these organisations invite non-local Aboriginal peoples/people who are not local Traditional Owners in to try and identify the site when there are locals who know the truth and are happy to share especially if it will bring something positive to this town.
I morally do not agree with this Pumped Hydro Project at Lake Lyell for the lake is not big enough, it will disrupt/destroy a sacred site (a songline path, wedge tail eagle Dreaming Site and more) and is the tallest mountain in this area. Mount Walker was known to be used as a look out site-pre and post colonisation. Why destroy a local Sacred site? This site does not just hold significant meaning for Aboriginal peoples it is a local go-to recreation site for all. Many people have journeyed to the top seeing the 360 degree views. Heritage and stories are already being lost and misplaced by Energy Australia's (EA) "discovery" (as EA called it on Facebook) of 1344 artefacts from Mt Walker. EA took these pieces to Sydney to be examined and are "now secured in a temporary keeping place". I have attached this post, the captioned post has a big title of "Artefacts returned to Country". They should never have left Lithgow let alone for Aboriginal peoples to find out from Facebook that this has happened. This is all completely distressing as a local Aboriginal person who is not able to access this site and now these artefacts. They do have plans to create a 'Cultural Center' I believe this will also be done with the previously consulted non-local Traditional Owners/Aboriginal peoples producing a Center no one in the community feels welcome/safe/at peace to look at these 1344 artefacts. I know at least one person who has asked for these artefacts to be brought into their class to show the students and not one employee from EA is able to help out this local resident. I also work in a local school, it would be so positive for students to see what is in our backyard. If EA has found 1344 in one area image if they looked at the entire area, how can they destroy a sacred site? Especially for an energy source that will not suffice and is just destroying the area.
Farmers Creek and Lake Lyell have platypus activity. They are a thriving species, with the water levels never affecting their habitats. The Pumped Hydro Project with fluctuating water levels will critically affect many Indigenous animals and recreation activities the lake is known for (fishing, tubing, camping, day trips).
I object to the Pumped Hydro project for the long lasting effects on the local environment here with little benefits and no long term benefits. If our Lake would withstand this project without damage I would support it but it does not and EA has not taken care of the Country on which they tread. Sir Thomas Mitchell Drive is falling away (I have attached a few photos of this), it is not a safe road for the cars that commute daily let alone if there were trucks constantly going back and forth. My street neighbors are all distressed from all the hardship EA is causing. One neighbour has seen Farmers Creek run white after EA had done some drilling, this has not been documented anywhere by Energy Australia (EA). In EA's home visits along this road they have had some people get really emotional from the unknown and what they do know is not positive about this project, the workers from EA have never provided comfort for these people. These are the people that will be directly affected by this project. Our street is known to be full of wildlife, serenity and beauty. If this project goes ahead our street will be filled with sorrow, noise pollution (trucks, drilling, construction), air pollution and disruption. This is not fair to Mother Earth, this Country on which I am sitting writing this, ancestor spirits, stories that are held in this rich soil, fish in Lake Lyell, birds who dwell at Mt Walker, and to the people of Lithgow- Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.
Yindyamarra is a Wiradjuri Lore word, it means to be respectful, be gentle, be polite, be honorable and do slowly. We ask this of visitors and residents on this part of Country. We should treat all animals, land, water, sky and peoples with Yindyamarra. Energy Australia is disrespecting, dishonouring and ruining this ancestral land by trying to create this Pumped Hydro on Mt Walker.
Please take your time to reflect on the objections to this project. Also, see the truth in the lies that have been published by the people trying to force the go ahead for the Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project. I am trying to stand up for my culture, our Country and this town.
Attachments
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