Strongly object

Subject: Objection to the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System – SSD-77527735.

Because of the Very high risk of toxic fumes from lithium-ion battery fire at the proposed Mangoplah BESS project affecting the surrounding soil resulting in damage to farming crops.

I am writing to formally express my objection to the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project proposed by Samsung C & T Renewable Energy Australia (SREA) Pty. Ltd., to be located within the property on 4178 Holbrook Road, Mangoplah. Because of the Very high risk of toxic fumes from lithium-ion battery fire at the proposed Mangoplah BESS project affecting the surrounding soil resulting in damage to farming crops.

The site is within close vicinity to the village of Mangoplah and is surrounded by agricultural and grazing land – to me it is not a place to build such a project, as the area around Mangoplah is an integral part of NSW’s agricultural industry, and is part of Australia’s 394 million hectares of agricultural businesses, and 341 million hectares of grazing land. The area is, known as a safe, tightly held farming region it is responsible for a large portion of NSW’s food production, with ideal growing conditions evenly distributed rainfall combined with suitable soils, excellent land capability, which is particularly important for broadacre cropping, beef, sheep and wool production (Department of Primary Industries’ Agriculture Industry).

A large-scale lithium-ion battery thermal runaway can severely impact nearby farmland through the release of toxic gases (like hydrogen fluoride and phosphorus oxyfluoride), particulate matter, and molten metal, which contaminate the air, soil, and water, leading to the destruction of crops and posing risks to livestock. The contamination of soil and water can affect agricultural produce, potentially making it unsafe for consumption and leading to farmers destroying their crops and rendering farmland unusable for planting. Thermal runaway from large-scale lithium-ion battery fires contaminates soil with toxic heavy metals, fluoride-containing gases, and organic compounds from the electrolyte and battery materials, which can cause soil acidification and pose threats to ecosystems and agriculture. Contaminated soil can affect agricultural productivity by making plants inedible or unhealthy, and it poses a risk to livestock that might graze on contaminated land.

In the event of a fire occurring in one or more of the lithium-ion batteries, the toxic gases, such as hydrogen fluoride and carbon dioxide can be released during thermal runaway, these fumes are extremely dangerous not only to human life but also to livestock, pasture grasses, crops, and waterways. Moreover, these toxic chemicals from large-scale lithium-ion battery fires can get into the soil, contaminating it with heavy metals, such as fluorinated compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from debris and combustion byproducts. Moreover, according to the NSW Government, “Contaminated land is land on which a substance occurs at concentrations above background levels which causes, or is likely to cause, a risk of harm to human health or the environment” (p.4, Contaminated Land Planning Guidelines, n.d.). Moreover, during the thermal runaway phenomenon, according to Bordes et al., 2024, “that systems containing Li-ion batteries produce emissions or effluents which can range anywhere within the full spectrum of physical states, e.g., liquids (electrolyte leak or ejection), gases or vapors or solid aerosols, which adds complexity to both non-flaming and flaming conditions. These emissions may in turn interact with the environment and lead to pollution” (Assessment of Run-off Waters Resulting from Lithium-ion Battery Fire-fighting Operations), contaminating both land and aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, the toxic gases such as Hydrogen Fluoride and Carbon Monoxide, will increase in the state of change, and the toxicity of these gases increases after is in contact with the Lithium-ion battery, such as rain or water suppression spray (Zhang et al., cited in Nilsson, et al., 2022, Flammable and Toxic Gases from Batteries in Thermal Runaway: Consequences and mitigation). Additionally, this “fire water ecotoxicity had concluded that subsequent fire water run-off had a negligeable impact on the environment” (Bordes, et al., 2024, Assessment of Run-off Waters Resulting from Lithium-ion Battery Fire-Fighting Operations).

The toxic gases can severely damage or kill farming crops by altering soil pH and leaving toxic residues, as a result these persistent chemicals can be taken up by plants enter the food chain, and pose long-term health and environmental risks, not only to animal health, human health, but also the health of the environment around the village of Mangoplah and the surrounding landholders. As stated by the NSW Government that “Contamination can have significant environmental, social and economic consequences including:
• the degradation of soil and water
• the uptake of contaminants by plants and animals
• increased risk of harm to human health and
• restrictions on the development of land” (p.4, Contaminated Land Planning Guidelines, n.d.).

Furthermore, Meat and Livestock Australia (2001) say that these toxic fumes will seriously reduce pasture productivity and in some instances, some species will no longer grow, moreover, this contamination can lead to the long-term degradation of soil quality, making it unsuitable for farming. This can therefore be devastating and costly for the farmers in the area surrounding the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site.

It is of major concern in the event of an explosion of a lithium-ion battery and fire occurring within the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site, which can be life changing for everyone in the village of Mangoplah, especially the farmers in the surrounding area with the toxic fumes from a lithium-ion battery fire affecting their soil, crops, and pasture grasses, resulting in loss of income for farmers. These fires also have the potential threat of thermal runaway and release of toxic chemicals into the air affecting the village of Mangoplah, the surrounding farmland, crops and livestock but also leaking into the local waterways and creeks. Moreover, are the effects of water used to fight the fires can become contaminated with toxic battery emissions, leaching into the soil and groundwater, creating a hazardous environment for the surrounding landholders.

It deeply affects and concerns me that a rural community like Mangoplah, one in which my husband and his parents and brothers have been farming in the district for generations and still are, along with many other landholders, being exposed to this degree of risk and being impacted so heavily. Please consider the fire risk and the added pressure posed to the local Rural Fire Service members and the broader community. In addition, changing the land use from farming to industrial will negatively impact Mangoplah’s rural setting and lifestyle. Please consider the cost to the Mangoplah community – their environment, their safety, their homes and many farming families who have been here for generations will all be at increased risk if the proposed Mangoplah BESS project goes ahead.

Subject: Objection to the Mangoplah Barrery Energy Storage System – SSD-77527735.

Because of the Increased noise from heavy machinery during construction of the proposed Mangoplah BESS project.

I am writing to formally express my objection to the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project proposed by Samsung C & T Renewable Energy Australia (SREA) Pty. Ltd., to be located within the property on 4178 Holbrook Road, Mangoplah. Because of the Increased noise from heavy machinery during construction of the proposed Mangoplah BESS project.
The site is within close vicinity to the village of Mangoplah and is surrounded by agricultural and grazing land – to me it is not a place to build such a project.

Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia Pty. Ltd. state in the Scope Report that “the construction phase…is expected to take approximately 12-18 months” (p.26). They go onto state that “machinery during the construction phase would be the most relevant in contributing to noise and vibration impacts” (p.48). Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia Pty. Ltd. further stated that the following equipment would be used throughout the construction of the project, excavators, mobile cranes, graders, telehandlers, forklifts, drum/padfoot rollers, wheeled loader, dump truck, trencher, water truck and hand tools, all of which when used constantly throughout the day can cause considerable noise. According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communications Disorders (NIDCD), a sound at 85 dBA can be harmful to hearing if experienced repeatedly or for extended periods of time. Furthermore, the equipment and machinery that will be used during construction of the Substation, adjacent to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project has a rating between 85 dBA and 95 dBA (Appendix F, Construction Noise and Vibration Standard, Sydney Metro, 2020), these higher levels of dBA according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communications Disorders (NIDCD), have the potential to cause hearing damage.

This excessive noise would be further intensified due to the construction of the proposed Mangoplah BESS project occurring at the same time. So, it would be questionable if the noise levels would exceed the safety levels required during construction of both the Substation and the proposed Mangoplah BESS project. Moreover, the increased noise in the vicinity of the Substation will impact on the ecological environment, including vulnerable species such as the Southern Myotis, endangered mammals, such as the Squirrel Glider and critically endangered birdlife, including the Swift parrot, noted by Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia Pty. Ltd. to be located within the vicinity of the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site, unfortunately the noise will change the daily migration and breading habits of these vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered species.

The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999, states that the objectives of the Act include:
…(e) (i) to protect native species (and in particular prevent the extinction…of threatened species)…and ensure the conservation of migratory species”.

It deeply affects and concerns me that a rural community like Mangoplah and the surrounding landholders will be exposed to the constant noise during construction of the Substation, being constructed at the same time as the proposed Mangoplah BESS project. This change in the land use from farming to industrial I feel will negatively impact Mangoplah’s rural setting and lifestyle. I take it upon you to consider the health costs to the Mangoplah community and how this project will affect them in the future, as many of the local community members have been in the district for generations and do not want the proposed Mangoplah BESS project to go ahead.

Subject: Objection to the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System – SSD-77527735.

Because of the Changes to water flow with construction of the new access roadway to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project.

I am writing to formally express my objection to the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project proposed by Samsung C & T Renewable Energy Australia (SREA) Pty. Ltd., to be located within the property on 4178 Holbrook Road, Mangoplah. Because of the Changes to water flow with construction of the new access roadway to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project.

The site is within close vicinity to the village of Mangoplah and is surrounded by agricultural and grazing land – to me it is not a place to build such a project.

Water is a vital commodity in and around the area of Mangoplah, not only for the local village community but more importantly for the farmers in the area. It is of major concern that during construction of the new access roadway, to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site and the Substation site that there will be changes to the natural flow of the current waterways into the surrounding creeks within the roadway and project areas, with the Paper Forest Creek, which is classified as a 5th order stream flows directly through the access roadway to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site. These natural waterflows which include a variety of Strahler Steam Order waterflows from 1st order through to >5th order streams, as per the Mangoplah BESS Scope Report, play a vital role in water runoff into the dams on neighbouring farming properties but also into the main creek lines of Paper Forest Creek and Burkes Creek, which flow into the Murrumbidgee River.

Furthermore, the new access roadway to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site will involve the installation of culverts along the roadway, changing the natural water course by constricting flow, altering velocity, and creating potential for erosion and sediment buildup upstream and downstream, particularly along Paper Forest Creek. Moreover, these culverts have the potential to cause debris blockage or erosion, washing away road material, which can worsen flooding, not only in the surrounding paddocks.

It was noted in the Draft Traffic Impact Assessment submitted by Amber Traffic & Transportation Direction to NGH Pty. Ltd, that the current “track consists of both formed and unformed sections” and “the remaining 1.5km remains an unformed boundary track lacking structured drainage and surface reinforcement” (p. 1, Appendix B, 2025). The report states that “four culverts are present along the formed sections…installed by the landholder to manage water flow during wet periods” (p.1, Appendix B, 2025). The report goes onto further state that two of the four culverts “appear to have flow directions opposite to natural drainage patterns” (p.1, Appendix B, 2025), this would account for the amount of water flowing from the waterways and in particular Paper Forest Creek flooding onto the Holbrook Road and Paper Forest Road during heavy rain events.

Additionally, it is noted in the Mangoplah Environmental Impact Assessment (p. 163,2025), that “The access road corridor intersects several watercourses, namely Paper Forest Creek, a 5th order steam (of the Strahler Stream Order). Due to the presence of waterway traversing the access road corridor, the design and construction of a watercourse crossing would be as per the Controlled activities – Guidelines for watercourse crossings on waterfront land (NSW DPE, 2022)”.

This is further acknowledged in the Jindera EIS report stating that “The construction of infrastructure, such as roads and electrical infrastructure, poses risks to water quality and hydrology. Potential impacts include altered drainage patterns, increased sediment loads downstream, and temporary disruption to surface water flows” (p.153, 2025).

In addition, “crossings have the potential to disrupt the hydrologic, hydraulic, and geomorphic functions of a watercourse affecting flows, bed and bank stability and the ecological values and functions of the riparian corridor”(p.1, NSW Government, Department of Planning and Environment, n.d.). The Department of Planning and Environment go onto state that “The design and construction of works or activities within a watercourse or adjoining waterfront land should protect and enhance water flow, water quality, stream ecology and existing riparian vegetation. Impacts on the hydrologic, hydraulic and geomorphic functions of a watercourse should also be minimised” (p.1, n.d.).

It deeply affects and concerns me that a rural community like Mangoplah, which I have had a long association with as a child and continue to have family in the area, is being exposed to this degree of risk of having the proposed Mangoplah BESS project built within close proximity to the village of Mangoplah but also very close to productive farming and grazing land. Additionally, the change of land use from farming to industrial will negatively impact Mangoplah’s rural setting and lifestyle. Please consider the environment, the cost to the Mangoplah community and surrounding farming families many of whom have been here for generations, like my parents and brothers working hard to keep the area going, do not want the proposed Mangoplah BESS project to go ahead.

Subject: Objection to the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System – SSD-77527735.

Because of The risk of injury to local Rural Fire Service members in the event of an explosion of a lithium-ion battery at the proposed Mangoplah BESS project.

I am writing to formally express my objection to the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project proposed by Samsung C & T Renewable Energy Australia (SREA) Pty. Ltd., to be located within the property on 4178 Holbrook Road, Mangoplah. Because of The risk of injury to local Rural Fire Service members in the event of an explosion of a lithium-ion battery at the proposed Mangoplah BESS project.

The site is within close vicinity to the village of Mangoplah and is surrounded by agricultural and grazing land – to me it is not a place to build such a project.

Large-scale lithium-ion battery fires pose significant injury risks to firefighters due to explosions, toxic gas release, and intense heat. These fires can result in explosions from thermal runaway, releasing toxic gases like hydrogen fluoride and potentially leading to severe burns and poisoning. The NSW Rural Fire Service state that “to mitigate this risk, firefighters wear protective clothing”, this can be extremely difficult in the event of a lithium-ion battery fire, due to the lack of appropriate protective clothing, including self-contained breathing apparatuses and structural firefighting gear, required to fight such a fire, this equipment is only at the disposal of appropriately qualified members and experienced to fight such a fire, according to the NSW Fire & Rescue. Furthermore, lithium-ion battery fires pose a significant thermal hazard, with fires reaching extreme temperatures ranging from 700-1000 degrees Celsius, additionally lithium-ion battery fires can produce toxic gases and potentially lead to explosions, further increasing the danger facing the local Rural Fire Service members.

Moreover, are the community concerns regarding limitations to firefighting operations, which are often dismissed due to the Rural Fire Service not raising any objections to Renewable Energy projects and in particular Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects during the planning process. Not only are there issues with access to the BESS sites, such as the proposed Mangoplah BESS project, but more concerning is that NSWFR state “that large-scale LiBESS pose a unique challenge to firefighters when responding to and managing an incident”, the NSWFR goes on to say that “large-scale LiBESS as a hazardous electrical, chemical and fire risk with the risk of community consequence that necessitates special consideration”. In addition, Superintendent James O’Carroll, stated “that BESS facilities present special problems of fighting fire…” (NSW Fire & Rescue, 2025). This is of major concern to the local Rural Fire Service members, because they only have the knowledge, experience and equipment to fight bushfire, not fires of this nature, but then in the Deniliquin EIS Report it states that “Following commissioning of the BESS, the preparedness of local RFS and Fire and Rescue brigades would be enhanced through site orientation and information events and the facilitation of training in the management of LFP battery fires” (p.132, 2025).

The very idea of being asked or told that the local Rural Fire Service members are to be involved in fighting a fire that may occur near or within the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site is outrageous, our local Rural Fire Service members are volunteers who are not directly paid for their time, and are not volunteers to sacrifice their lives to protect the proposed Mangoplah BESS project in the event of a fire occurring near or within the area of the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site infrastructure but another whole range due to lithium-ion batteries and potential toxicity (Bowman, 2025).

More concerning to the local Rural Fire Service members is the high risk to their health, not only from the extreme heat and receiving radiation burns, and heat stroke, but also the effects from the release of the toxic chemicals from the lithium-ion batteries, including respiratory conditions such as upper airway obstruction leading to pulmonary oedema, as well as heart conditions, including abnormal heart rhythms such as dysrhythmias, hypotention, to thermal burns of the hands and the eyes, leading to permanent clouding of the cornea (Vamosi, n.d.)

Fire Risk and Safety to the local Rural Fire Service members of getting heat radiation, radiation burns, and injury is of major concern in the event of an explosion of a lithium-ion battery and fire occurring within the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site, which can be life changing for the local Rural Fire Service members who are aging volunteers. These fires also have the potential threat of thermal runaway and release of toxic chemicals into the air affecting the village of Mangoplah, the surrounding farmland, crops and livestock but also leaking into the local waterways and creeks.

It deeply affects and concerns me, especially being a local Rural Fire Brigade member, that a rural community like Mangoplah is being exposed to this degree of risk and being impacted so heavily. Please consider the fire risk and the added pressure posed to the local Rural Fire Service members and the broader community. In addition, changing the land use from farming to industrial will negatively impact Mangoplah’s rural setting and lifestyle. Please consider the cost to the Mangoplah community – their environment, their safety, their homes and many farming families, like my family, who have been here for generations will all be at increased risk if the proposed Mangoplah BESS project goes ahead.

Subject: Objection to the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System – SSD-77527735.

Because of the Increased volume of heavy vehicles up to two weeks before and after Henty Machinery Field Days carrying farm machinery adding congestion with vehicles associated with the Mangoplah BESS project.

I am writing to formally express my objection to the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project proposed by Samsung C & T Renewable Energy Australia (SREA) Pty. Ltd., to be located within the property on 4178 Holbrook Road, Mangoplah. Because of the Increased volume of heavy vehicles up to two weeks before and after Henty Machinery Field Days carrying farm machinery adding congestion with vehicles associated with the Mangoplah BESS project.

The site is within close vicinity to the village of Mangoplah and is surrounded by agricultural and grazing land – to me it is not a place to build such a project.

The amount of additional traffic travelling through the village of Mangoplah and along the Holbrook Road during the construction of both the proposed Mangoplah BESS project and the Substation will be substantial, heavy B-Double vehicles carrying heavy construction materials, according to the Mangoplah BESS Environmental Impact Statement there will be 64 heavy haulage vehicles per day (p. 45, 2025), travelling through Mangoplah and along the Holbrook Road to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site. The Holbrook Road is classified as a Regional Road, with a narrow bridge on the northern side of the village of Mangoplah, and two narrow bridges to the south. This amount of heavy vehicle traffic would be extremely dangerous and hazardous especially in the two weeks before and after the Henty Machinery Field days with the additional movement of heavy trucks carrying machinery for display at the Henty Machinery Field days.

The NSW Government in their Guide to Transport Impact Assessment, 2024, state the “Local councils and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) are responsible for the safe and efficient management of transport networks” (p. 1-2). They go onto say that “Land use developments generate trips that may impact the surrounding transport network, its users, and the surrounding community” (p.1-2). Additionally, the NSW Government sate that “Developments involving the use of heavy vehicles should take note of the requirements stipulated in” (p.2-4, Guide to Transport Impact Assessment, 2024), The Heavy Vehicle National Law, “in relation to transport related matters such as managing the impact of heavy vehicles on road infrastructure…” (p.2-4, Guide to Transport Impact Assessment, 2024).

Furthermore, there has been no consideration for “A thorough understanding of the existing…condition allows for the robust transport impact assessment of a proposed development” (p.3-8, NSW Government, Guide to Transport Impact Assessment, 2024), especially during this very busy period of additional traffic associated with the Henty Machinery Field Day period.
I fell this increased volume of traffic will add to the increased risks and safety concerns for not only the residents within Mangoplah but also for the usual traffic that travels along Holbrook Road and through Mangoplah on a daily basis, as according to Google maps is the best way to travel from Wagga Wagga to Albury is along the Holbrook Road, stating it is approximately 129km and will take 1hr 32min, moreover, according to a Trans Traffic Survey of the Holbrook Road, reported that over 1,000 vehicles travelled along the road, on a daily basis, with these vehicles notoriously travelling with speeds between 100 km and 109 km per hour along the section of road in the vicinity of the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site (cited in Traffic Impact Assessment, Amber, Traffic & Transportation Direction, 2025). Moreover, there have been numerous traffic incidents along the Holbrook Road over the years from minor to serious, resulting in deaths.

It deeply concerns and affects me that a rural community like Mangoplah is being put at risk and danger because of this increase in traffic in the area, during construction of the access road to the project and the BESS project itself. This change in the land use from farming to industrial I feel will negatively impact Mangoplah’s rural setting and lifestyle. I take it upon you to consider the cost to the Mangoplah community and how this project will affect them in the future, as many of the local community members have been in the district for generations and do not want the proposed Mangoplah BESS project to go ahead.

Subject: Objection against the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System – SSD-77527735.

Because of the Increased traffic of workers associated with the construction of the Substation going though Mangoplah, leading to increased vehicle exhaust emissions.

I am writing to formally express my objection against the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project proposed by Samsung C & T Renewable Energy Australia (SREA) Pty. Ltd., to be located within the property on 4178 Holbrook Road, Mangoplah. Because of the Increased traffic of workers associated with the construction of the Substation going though Mangoplah, leading to increased vehicle exhaust emissions.

The site is within close vicinity to the village of Mangoplah and is surrounded by agricultural and grazing land – to me it is not a place to build such a project.

There will be an unacceptable increase volume in traffic and congestion going through Mangoplah and along the Holbrook Road to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site, according to Amber Traffic & Transportation Report state that “the construction traffic volumes for the Project”… “It is anticipated that during peak construction of the Project would generate up to 120 light vehicles and 64 heavy vehicle trips per day” (p.23, Traffic Impact Assessment, 2025), going through the village of Mangoplah, to the Substation, adjacent to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site, is of major concern, to the air pollution around the village of Mangoplah due to the increased volume of traffic, as “vehicle exhaust emissions typically include a range of noxious chemicals including…carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane and particulate matter” (cited, p. 216, Umwelt, Australia Pty. Ltd, Neoen Territory Battery, EIS, 2024), which have been “associated with a wide range of adverse health effects including exacerbation of respiratory issues, reduced lung function and increased risk of cardiovascular disease” (cited, p.216, Umwelt, Australia Pty. Ltd., Neoen Territory Battery, EIS, 2024). Furthermore, these increased vehicle movements during the construction of the Substation, at the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site would lead to “localised increase greenhouse gas emissions. In turn, this would contribute to climate change” (cited, p. 216, Umwelt, Australia Pty. Ltd., Neoen Territory Battery, EIS, 2024)

Moreover, the local roads are already in poor condition, requiring constant repair. The NSW Government in their Guide to Transport Impact Assessment, 2024, they state that “Local councils and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) are responsible for the safe and efficient management of transport networks” (p. 1-2). They go onto say that “Land use developments generate trips that may impact the surrounding transport network, its users, and the surrounding community” (p. 1-2). With the additional heavy volume of traffic from workers required during construction of both the Substation and the proposed Mangoplah BESS project, I fell will add to the increased risks and safety concerns for not only the residents within Mangoplah but also for the normal traffic that travels along Holbrook Road and through Mangoplah on a daily basis, as according to Google maps is the best way to travel from Wagga Wagga to Albury is along the Holbrook Road, stating it is approximately 129km and will take 1hr 32min, moreover, according to a Trans Traffic Survey of the Holbrook Road, reported that over 1,000 vehicles travelled along the road, on a daily basis, with these vehicles notoriously travelling with speeds between 100 km and 109 km per hour along the section of road in the vicinity of the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site (cited in Traffic Impact Assessment, Amber, Traffic & Transportation Direction, 2025). Moreover, there have been numerous traffic incidents along the Holbrook Road over the years from minor to serious, resulting in deaths. there have been numerous traffic incidents along the Holbrook Road over the years from minor to serious, resulting in deaths.

Furthermore, there has been no consideration for “A thorough understanding of the existing…condition allows for the robust transport impact assessment of a proposed development” (p. 3-8, NSW Government, Guide to Transport Impact Assessment, 2024), especially during busy farming periods, such as harvesting, when surrounding farmers are travelling along the Holbrook Road in tractors, trucks and headers, with very little room to pull over safely to allow oncoming traffic past due to how narrow and how busy the Holbrook Road can be. The community of Mangoplah and surrounding landholders are concerned about the roads in the area of influence, with the current movement, place function and the current access, to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site, will impact greatly upon the farmers during these busy farming periods as a result of the development.

It deeply concerns and affects me that a rural community like Mangoplah is being put at risk and danger because of this increase in traffic in the area, during construction of the access road to the project and the BESS project itself. This change in the land use from farming to industrial I feel will negatively impact Mangoplah’s rural setting and lifestyle. I take it upon you to consider the cost to the Mangoplah community and how this project will affect them in the future, as many of the local community members have been in the district for generations and do not want the proposed Mangoplah BESS project to go ahead.

I have serious concerns surrounding the Mangoplah Energy battery storage system and oppose its installation for several valid reasons involving review of recent literature including scientific research. These include the following;
The Bess is too high risk for placement in an agricultural area in terms of increased fire risk.
The placement of a unit in an area that is already volatile for fires in summer months makes the risk assessment for potential fires extreme .
There is also the requirement for a BESS response unit adequately educated with necessary PPE, as there have been documented cases of first responders being hospitalised from explosion of BESS units . So not only is there human welfare at risk but in terms of response times if there is an incident it is geographically compromised being placed at Mangoplah
The Agricultural status for this highly productive area will be adversely affected when there is a significant incident involving the Bess unit , as chemicals , gas and toxins leach into the air, soil and water. The land will become worthless and unable to be used for production. This not only affects livelihoods in terms of business and employment but also ceases the area at large contributing to the Riverina food bowl. There is also the flora and fauna to consider with many species at risk if there was a contamination fall out .
Overall the literature correlates the increase usage of Bess with an increase in Fires and Explosion from the Bess units . I appreciate your time in reading the above and noting that a genuine risk assessment incorporating the current research concludes that a Bess unit is not to be placed in Mangoplah as it is a danger to human and environmental welfare.

Subject: Objection against the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System – SSD-77527735.

Because of the Increased heavy haulage traffic associated with the construction of the Substation going through Mangoplah, contributing to the heavy vehicle emissions in the area.

I am writing to formally express my objection against the Mangoplah Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project proposed by Samsung C & T Renewable Energy Australia (SREA) Pty. Ltd., to be located within the property on 4178 Holbrook Road, Mangoplah. Because of the Increased heavy haulage traffic associated with the construction of the Substation going through Mangoplah, contributing to the heavy vehicle emissions in the area.

The site is within close vicinity to the village of Mangoplah and is surrounded by agricultural and grazing land – to me it is not a place to build such a project.

There will be an unacceptable increase in the volume of heavy haulage vehicles travelling along the Holbrook Road and through Mangoplah, to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site, and the Substation being constructed at the same time. According to Amber Traffic & Transportation Report state that “the construction traffic volumes for the Project”… “It is anticipated that during peak construction of the Project would generate up to…64 heavy vehicle trips per day” (p.23, Traffic Impact Assessment, 2025), going through the village of Mangoplah, to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site, the amount of heavy vehicle movements that will be required to navigate through the village of Mangoplah, and to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site on the Holbrook Road, and with the Substation at the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site, being constructed at the same time, this amount of heavy vehicles per day would double, is of major concern, to the air pollution around the village of Mangoplah due to the increased volume of heavy vehicle traffic, as “vehicle exhaust emissions typically include a range of noxious chemicals including…carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane and particulate matter” (cited, p.216, Umwelt, Australia Pty. Ltd., Territory Battery, EIS, 2024), which have been “associated with a wide range of adverse health effects including exacerbation of respiratory issues, reduced lung function and increased risk of cardiovascular disease” (cited, p. 216, Umwelt, Australia Pty. Ltd., Territory Battery, EIS, 2024). Furthermore, these increased vehicle movements during construction of the Substation, adjacent to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site would lead to “localised increases in greenhouse gas emissions. In turn, this would contribute to climate change” (cited, p.216, Umwelt, Australia Pty. Ltd., Territory Battery, EIS, 2024). In addition, this is further exacerbated by “heavy vehicles used for moving materials such as spoil and concrete and for transporting and installing the heavy equipment (e.g. battery packs, inverter stations and transformers). Moreover, the local roads are already in poor condition, requiring constant repair and with the additional heavy haulage vehicles travelling through Mangoplah will only exacerbate the roads even more.

Moreover, is the added noise associated with this increase in heavy haulage vehicles be required to navigate through the village of Mangoplah and along the Holbrook Road to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site. “Noise is defined as unwanted or excessive sound. Sound becomes unwanted when it interferes with normal activities…People react to noise differently, based on many emotional and physical factors, such as hearing sensitivity, the degree to which someone is accustomed to noise…” (Centre for Environmental Excellence). Furthermore, exposure to noise from transport has a negative effect on health (Health impacts of exposure to noise from transport in Europe, 2025), loud noise can create physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication and concentration. “Road traffic noise is the most prevalent source of environmental noise and a main contributor to the overall effects of noise on health” (Health impacts of exposure to noise from transport in Europe, 2025).

In the Umwelt, Neoen Territory Battery, Environmental Impact Statement, 2024, it states that “the noise levels for residential noise sensitive receivers are…60 dBA” (p.174). The noise levels from these heavy haulage vehicles that the residents of Mangoplah would have to endure, would be in the vicinity of 88 dBA, with their estimated speed of 35km per hour, according to Transport for NSW, and Understanding Residential Noise Restrictions in NSW: A Comprehensive Guide, as these heavy haulage vehicles travel through the village of Mangoplah. Additionally, according to the Centre for Environmental Excellence by AASHTO, “noise levels constantly vary with the number, type, and speed of the vehicles that produce the noise”. Moreover, “the loudness of traffic noise is increased by heavier traffic volumes, higher vehicle speeds, and greater number of trucks. Vehicle noise is a combination of the noise produced by the engine, exhaust, and tires”, as well as “compression braking and the use of air brakes” (cited, p. 187, Umwelt, Neoen Territory Battery, EIS, 2024). This level of noise from the likely amount of heavy haulage vehicles going through the village of Mangoplah on a daily basis is of major concern. I feel this increased level of noise will affect the health of the residents within the village of Mangoplah, as many of the residents are elderly or have retired to Mangoplah for the serenity and peacefulness of the surrounding area.

The NSW Government in their Guide to Transport Impact Assessment, 2024, they state that “Local councils and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) are responsible for the safe and efficient management of transport networks” (p. 1-2). They go onto say that “Land use developments generate trips that may impact the surrounding transport network, its users, and the surrounding community” (p. 1-2). Additionally, the NSW Government state that “Developments involving the use of heavy vehicles should take note of the requirements stipulated in” (p.2-4, Guide to Transport Impact Assessment, 2024), The Heavy Vehicle National Law, “in relation to transport related matters such as managing the impact of heavy vehicles on road infrastructure…” (p. 2-4, Guide to Transport Impact Assessment, 2024).

Furthermore, there has been no consideration for “A thorough understanding of the existing…condition allows for the robust transport impact assessment of a proposed development” (p. 3-8, NSW Government, Guide to Transport Impact Assessment, 2024), especially during busy farming periods, such as harvesting, when surrounding farmers are travelling along the Holbrook Road in tractors, trucks and headers, with very little room to pull over safely to allow oncoming traffic past due to how narrow and how busy the Holbrook Road can be. The community of Mangoplah and surrounding landholders are concerned about the roads in the area of influence, with the current movement, place function and the current access, to the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site, will impact greatly upon the farmers during these busy farming periods as a result of the development.

I feel this increase in heavy haulage vehicles will add to the increased risks and safety concerns for not only the residents within Mangoplah, but also for the normal traffic that travels along the Holbrook Road and through Mangoplah on a daily basis, as according to Google maps is the best way to travel from Wagga Wagga to Albury is along the Holbrook Road, stating it is approximately 129km and will take 1hr 32min, moreover, according to a Trans Traffic Survey of the Holbrook Road, reported that over 1,000 vehicles travelled along the road, on a daily basis, with these vehicles notoriously travelling with speeds between 100 km and 109 km per hour along the section of road in the vicinity of the proposed Mangoplah BESS project site (cited in Traffic Impact Assessment, Amber, Traffic & Transportation Direction, 2025). Moreover, there have been numerous traffic incidents along the Holbrook Road over the years from minor to serious, resulting in deaths. There have been numerous traffic incidents along the Holbrook Road over the years from minor to serious, resulting in death, this volume of traffic is of major concern as the local roads are already in poor condition, requiring constant repair.

It deeply concerns and affects me that a rural community like Mangoplah is being put at risk and danger because of this increase in traffic in the area, during construction of the access road to the project and the BESS project itself. This change in the land use from farming to industrial I feel will negatively impact Mangoplah’s rural setting and lifestyle. I take it upon you to consider the cost to the Mangoplah community and how this project will affect them in the future, as many of the local community members have been in the district for generations and do not want the proposed Mangoplah BESS project to go ahead.