Policy for Biophysical Strategic Agricultural Land NSW agriculture policies and local council zoning likely protect Class 1‑3 land The project may conflict with state policies that aim to minimise conversion of prime farmland There may be legal inconsistencies or conflicts the project. What specific state or local policy prohibits conversion of Class 3 land for a BESS facility and how will this project comply or be exempted explicitly

Stormwater infiltration reduced by hard surfaces roads foundations will reduce groundwater recharge Chemical spills leaks runoff from battery infrastructure may pollute shallow groundwater Supplies for bores stock and irrigation may be affected What groundwater monitoring plan independent of the proponent is in place to ensure no contamination or reduction in aquifer recharge over the life of the project including decommissioning

Climate models show heavier rainfall extremes and more frequent droughts Soil erosion increased under both More intense rainfall causes greater runoff and erosion. The assessment appears to assume historical weather patterns not future climate vulnerability
What climate projection scenarios were used in the environmental assessment what worst case scenarios for rainfall drought and temperature extremes were modelled and how resilient is the project design under each

Landowner may be paid rental but neighbour farms affected by noise water loss fire or contamination receive nothing Ecosystem services loss pollinators soil carbon clean water are not compensated Community burdens are uneven
What compensation scheme is proposed that includes all impacted neighbours ecosystem services lost and ongoing monitoring and how is it guaranteed and funded

Rural landscapes are valued for their scenic vistas iconic views sense of place Industrial battery infrastructure hard stands fencing lighting disrupt these views Light spill at night will be visible reducing dark sky character
What visual impact assessment with viewpoint modelling day and night was completed what mitigation (screening landscaping setbacks) is guaranteed and enforceable

Landowner may be paid rental but neighbour farms affected by noise water loss fire or contamination receive nothing Ecosystem services loss pollinators soil carbon clean water are not compensated Community burdens are uneven
What compensation scheme is proposed that includes all impacted neighbours ecosystem services lost and ongoing monitoring and how is it guaranteed and funded

Construction brings heavy machinery compacting soil roads tracks causing compaction disturbance erosion dust noise undisrupted drainage Soil biology may be severely disturbed topsoil lost or relocated Recovery is slow and uncertain
What monitoring program with baseline soil biology fauna and topsoil depth has been established before construction and what binding liabilities are there if construction causes irreversible damage

Concerns:
- Fire and explosion risks plus re-ignition
- Pollution and contamination of surrounding land and water sources should a fire occur.
- Health risks due to toxic smoke should a fire occur.
- No benefit to the community. Economic or social. Benefits only big business.
- Environmental impact at the site, surrounding the site and in other countries that manufacture the equipment.
- BESS manufacture supports slave & child labour in developing nations.
- Visual impact to rural area. The introduction of large industrial scale BESS will change the character of the area.
- Carbon footprint- while BESS can help integrate renewable energy, its own production and operation contributes to carbon emissions.
- Lack of community consultation.
BESS are the asbestos of the future. There is nothing green, renewable
or cheap about it. Without subsidies from the Australian tax payer, these projects would have been scrapped years ago. The real cost to the environment and the health of the nation will reveal itself in the years to come.
The use of slave labour in countries such as China is well documented yet still the supply of Solar panels and Battery Energy Storage Systems are imported from these regions. It needs to stop.

Rural landscapes are valued for their scenic vistas iconic views sense of place Industrial battery infrastructure hard stands fencing lighting disrupt these views Light spill at night will be visible reducing dark sky character
What visual impact assessment with viewpoint modelling day and night was completed what mitigation (screening landscaping setbacks) is guaranteed and enforceable

Battery technology evolves fast Components may become obsolete earlier than expected Battery facility may be decommissioned or underutilised leaving industrial remains waste pollution
What decommissioning plan has been prepared what financial security is held what inspections and component replacements are guaranteed