Locating the worker accommodation within the Pottery Estate for the proposed pumped hydro development at Lake Lyell is a sensible approach that delivers stronger outcomes for both the project and the community.

An in-town camp ensures that project spending flows directly into local businesses, supporting existing operators and creating opportunities for growth. Increased demand for goods and services will help sustain employment and provide a meaningful boost to the local economy during the construction phase.

There are clear benefits for the workforce as well. Living within the town provides access to established facilities, services, and social opportunities that are not available in an isolated camp. This promotes better wellbeing, reduces fatigue and isolation, and supports a more reliable and engaged workforce.

Bringing workers into the town also encourages positive interaction with the community and makes better use of existing infrastructure. Any upgrades to services or facilities will have lasting value, contributing to the long term strength and resilience of the area.

Overall, accommodating workers within the Pottery Estate is a practical and community minded solution that enhances economic outcomes, supports worker wellbeing, and leaves a positive legacy.

We write in strong support of locating the workers’ camp within the Pottery Estate for the proposed pumped hydro project at Lake Lyell, particularly from the perspective of a local Airbnb accommodation provider.

As a small, locally operated business, our viability depends on a steady flow of visitors and consistent occupancy. An in-town workers’ camp would directly support this by increasing demand for short-term accommodation. Not all workers will be housed within a single facility at all times, and there is often a need for flexible, higher-quality, or short-stay options. This creates an immediate opportunity for local providers like us to contribute to the accommodation mix while benefiting economically.

Beyond the direct impact during construction, there is also a longer-term tourism opportunity. Large-scale renewable energy projects are increasingly attracting interest from visitors, industry professionals, and educational groups. The pumped hydro development has the potential to become a point of interest in its own right, drawing people to the region to learn about and view the infrastructure. This creates an additional tourism stream that would support ongoing demand for accommodation well beyond the construction phase.

Having workers based in town strengthens the local economy in a way that flows through to businesses like ours. Increased activity in cafés, restaurants, and local attractions makes the town more appealing to visitors and improves the overall guest experience. A more vibrant and active town encourages longer stays, repeat visits, and positive word-of-mouth.

In contrast, a remote workers’ camp limits these benefits by isolating a large portion of economic activity away from the community. Keeping the workforce within the town ensures that spending, engagement, and opportunity are shared locally.

This project presents a valuable chance not only to support renewable energy development but also to revitalise the town’s small business sector. For Airbnb hosts and other accommodation providers, an in-town workers’ camp offers both immediate economic support and the potential to grow tourism into the future.

For these reasons, we strongly support the in-town accommodation option.

A worker’s camp located within the Pottery Estate for the proposed pumped hydro project at Lake Lyell presents a clear opportunity to maximise local benefit while supporting workforce wellbeing and project success.

Housing workers in town will directly stimulate the local economy. Local businesses, including supermarkets, cafes, trades and service providers, will see increased and consistent patronage, helping sustain jobs and encouraging new investment. This approach ensures the economic benefits of the project are shared with the community rather than being isolated in a remote, self-contained camp.

There are also strong social and wellbeing advantages. Workers living within an established town have better access to existing amenities, healthcare, and recreational facilities. This supports both physical and mental health, reduces isolation, and contributes to a more stable and productive workforce. A connected workforce is more likely to engage positively with the community and maintain higher standards of behaviour and safety.

Importantly, integrating the workforce into the town helps future proof the region. Temporary population growth can drive improvements in infrastructure, services, and housing that leave a lasting legacy well beyond the life of the project.

For these reasons, locating the worker’s camp within the Pottery Estate is a practical and forward thinking decision that delivers economic, social, and long term regional benefits.

I am a 51 year old Male have been a resident of Wallerawang my entire life
i have been a strong supporter of Energy Australia & applaud what they have done for our local community with jobs for local kids leaving school and with their continued donations to support local community events & charities
I believe this project is not the right project for our area & does not align with what Energy Australia has been doing for our local community since its inception
Lake Lyell has been part of my recreational life for 35 years with water sports in my younger days to Fishing at least 30 times a year in my present days
I believe this project will have a massive impact on these recreational activities for the local & broader community & tourism as it is a haven for families & tourist all year round
I have concerns for what impacts the project will have with the daily water movements & will certainly come into consideration with my own activities as i believe will happen with many other recreational fishermen & water skiers i personally know
I know this is a big project & the users of the lake are only a minority but lake Lyell is very important to the local community & the tourist that use it regularly to relax & unwind
I also personally believe the destruction of MT Walker to construct the upper storage lake will be there for all to see long after this project has been & gone
I urge Energy Australia to look at other storage solutions that wont effect the Community & environment like the Lake Lyell Pumped hydro project will

Please see attached Lithgow Environment Group feedback comments.

Best Regards
Julie Favell

This project will destroy a beautiful camping ground that has swimming and boating facilities and provides a sanctuary for endangered species such as platypus and birdlife. I visit with my family and grandchildren and enjoy the company of many other campers. We visit restaurants, shops and museums in Lithgow while camping.
There are many alternatives to this solution with respect to technology and location.

I oppose this project because it will negatively affect the environment, destroying the nearby mountain and the wildlife living by and in the lake. The project will destroy a popular recreational area, important to many Sydney residents. It is unnecessary to do as alternative ways to make/store/supply electricity are readily available.