I would like to show my support for the Merino solar/battery farm project.

The project will generate income and business for the local community during construction phase and also roll into full time employment roles and no doubt local contract engagement as the project transitions from construction phase to maintenance/service phase.

I believe the project in whole will be a massive step towards reliably supplying the grid with renewable energy. Having the battery storage capability means there is the opportunity for not only storing the solar generated power that is excess to the grids requirements to be stored but to also store energy from local wind farms that are supplying the grid with excess power at low demand times that can be released back into the grid at higher demand periods taking strain off of non renewable generation stations.

Thankyou.

Yes, I support the project on the basis that we urgently need to step up the pace of renewables in order to support our energy requirements on the main grid - I think Merino EDP have conducted themselves throughout the consultation period as responsible citizens and provided they continue in that manner, they are welcome in our region. I note that they offer the minimum recommended community development provision, and more is always welcome but the minimum will suffice for my me in this breakthrough attempt.
I do however object to an opaque voluntary planning agreement with our local council, Goulburn Mulwaree, particularly as they have ruled prematurely, prior to listening to the community as a whole on the topic, in favour of a few vocal and potentially influential dissenters. For the same reason, I object to a private arrangement for neighbourhood benefits scheme on the basis that these arrangements are more likely to cause neighbourhood damage when unable to be discussed openly and things bubble along without real facts.

The project demonstrates extensive planning and site selection. By locating the farm at the end of the Goulburn Airport runway, the project makes efficient use of land adjacent to existing infrastructure while carefully avoiding areas designated for future town expansion. This ensures that the growth of Goulburn is not hindered, but rather supported by sustainable investment.
From an economic and social perspective, the benefits are clear:
• Economic Impact: The project represents a $1.2 billion investment in the Goulburn region that supports the creation of over 500 local jobs during construction and 10–12 permanent roles.
• Integrated Farming Operations: The commitment to "Agrivoltaics", allowing five generations of sheep farming to continue under the panels. This approach ensures the land remains highly productive and demonstrates that host landowners and their livelihoods are a primary consideration.
• Community Benefits: The annual community benefit payments of $382,500 (plus CPI) represent a significant, 35-year commitment to the prosperity of the region.
I full-heartedly endorse this project for approval.

The Merino Project is going to be a big boost for the region, both economically and socially. It could create plenty of jobs—direct and indirect—while it’s being built and later when it’s up and running. That means work for local companies, service providers, logistics, and basically the whole supply chain. In short, it’ll help people make a living and strengthen the local job market.
On top of that, the investment behind the project is huge, and that money will spread through the local economy: more demand for local products and services, more business for small companies, and long-term growth for the area.
The project will be run by a globally respected renewable‑energy company with a solid track record of building sustainable, high‑quality infrastructure around the world. EDP is well known for supporting local communities and protecting nature—plants, animals, everything. With its strong focus on the environment, social responsibility, and clean energy, the Merino Project is a responsible development that can genuinely support local prosperity and long‑term sustainability.

I object to the Merino Solar Farm

Fully supportive of the project to drive sustainability for our future generations!

Attached is my Objection Submission for R5 EIS scoping report 124 Gretta Rd Goulburn

Please find my submission attached.