This project ensures that new jobs are created for the area, and that my colleagues continue to work.

The Merino Project is a major opportunity for the region, with the potential to create more than 500 direct and indirect jobs across construction, operations, local contractors, services, logistics and the wider supply chain. This means real employment opportunities for local people and a stronger local jobs market. The project’s investment is expected to flow through the local economy, increasing demand for local goods and services, supporting small businesses, and helping drive longer-term regional growth. The project is being developed by a well-established global renewable energy owner with a strong track record of delivering high-quality projects around the world. They place a strong emphasis on working respectfully with local communities and protecting the local environment, including flora and fauna. With its focus on clean energy, environmental care and community outcomes, the Merino Project is a practical, forward-looking development that will deliver lasting benefits for the region.

Merino Solar Farm is one of the Corporation's major projects in Australia, to drive energy transition. The goal to swift to clean and renewable energy remains the priority of the Corporation, and I as employee shared the same vision for a better tomorrow. I hope more renewable energy farms can be developed and contribute to a better and cleaner world.

The Merino Project represents a major economic and social opportunity for the region, with the potential to generate more than 500 direct and indirect jobs across construction, operations, local contracting, services, logistics, and supply chains, thereby supporting livelihoods and strengthening the local employment ecosystem. Its substantial capital investment will trigger significant trickle‑down benefits, boosting demand for local goods and services, stimulating small businesses, and enhancing long‑term regional development through multiplier effects. The project is promoted by a globally respected owner of renewable energy assets with a proven track record of delivering sustainable, high‑quality infrastructure around the world, and who takes pride in developing projects that respect local communities, flora, and fauna. With its strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and clean‑energy advancement, the Merino Project stands as a responsible, future‑focused development that will meaningfully contribute to local prosperity and long‑term sustainability.

I do not support this project for the following reasons;
*close proximity to CBD in Goulburn
* prime agricultural land
*lack of community consultation
*visible pollution
*End of life remediation has not been secured/considered
*hail damaged panels adjacent to proposed site.
*far from an ideal location with regards to solar radiation/production (go north)

I am writing to express my strong support for the Merino Solar Farm project currently on public exhibition. The project has been thoughtfully designed and demonstrates clear long‑term benefits for the Goulburn region.
The chosen location—positioned at the end of the Goulburn Airport runway—ensures the project remains a compatible neighbour without affecting planned town expansion. Importantly, the project team has engaged meaningfully with nearby residents, removing 8 hectares of solar panels to avoid direct impacts and offering neighbouring households participation in a benefit‑sharing program.
The project represents a significant economic boost, with over $1 billion in regional investment, more than 500 construction jobs, and ongoing operational roles. It also ensures the continuation of long‑established farming operations, including multigenerational sheep farming under the solar panels—an approach that boosts yields and improves wool quality.
I am also encouraged by the project’s responsible long‑term land management, including committed funding for end‑of‑life clean‑up and land restoration. Furthermore, the annual community benefit payments of $382,500 (plus CPI) over the 35‑year project life will provide lasting value to the region.
For these reasons, I support the Merino Solar Farm project and the positive outcomes it will bring to the Goulburn community.

* destruction of valuable farming land
* what happens to the solar farm in 30years when it's no longer viable, it just sits on prime farm land too expensive to be dismantled and removed - While solar panels are made of valuable materials like aluminium, glass, silicon, silver, and copper, which can be recovered and recycled, the current methods of recycling are costly and inefficient. Recycling costs range from $500 to $1,000 per tonne, which includes transportation and the processing of materials. However, recycling is often more expensive than simply landfilling the panels—at about $2 per panel compared to $10 to $20 per panel for recycling. This disparity in cost means that many consumers and businesses opt for landfilling, as it is the cheaper option. (energy council)
* devaluing surrounding properties, the Australian landscape is one of bush and natural beauty not solar panels
* in an area with limited sun days
* Higher chance of grass fires due to often dry seasons
* Dangerous and pollutant run off into surrounding dams and farmlands
* Impacts of natural habitats floral and fauna
Why can't you put them on a roof in every building in the cities - put them on car park roofs at every shopping centre. There are better ways to generate solar that ruining Australian farming land. The Government is simply ticking boxes saying they are trying to be "green" when in fact it causes nothing but strain, stress and mental anguish on everyone who is surrounded by these farms (except of course the property owner who is pocketing the $$$) The Australian government expects farmers to continue to remain as primary producers feeding the country and the world but also expects them to give up their farms and way of life to accept solar farms.
* BE BETTER - FIND BETTER SOLUTIONS stop targeting small country towns

I think the project will bring great economic benefit and jobs to the neighbouring region and look forward to this development.

See attached correspondence