The project appears to be a solid investment in sustainable energy that will provide benefits to the local community in the form of jobs and benefit sharing, have little if any negative ecological impact on the local environment, and generate a substantial amount of clean energy. The project has been open for community discussion and engagement and from what I have seen, negative feedback has been predominantly centred around the degradation of aesthetic value of the Goulburn area, and concerns about the waste of land otherwise available for livestock and agriculture. The merits of aesthetic value of the landscape as an argument against renewable energy aside, the land does not seem to be prime agricultural space and is not used as such at the moment. Additionally, livestock will be able to graze under the proposed site once built anyway. I think this is project is a great opportunity for people to stand by their values for a Yes in my backyard approach to renewable energy generation. Hopefully the project is not just an environmental tickbox for a massive corporation, but a genuine attempt to improve the world we live in.

I object to the Merino Solar Farm.
Please see my attached submission document.

please see attached

I strongly object to this proposal on Prime agricultural land in this area
I am concerned that this land will be lost to critical food production both during proposed construction and the life of the project. Further, I understand that land used for large scale solar panels can NOT be successfully returned to previous agricultural condition due to contamination from chemicals leached from panels and also the high probability of contamination from broken panels due to hailstorms which are becoming more frequent.
This potential contamination from toxic chemicals and broken glass also risks Sydney's drinking water as the proposed site falls in The Sydney Catchment Area.
I think much of the proposed site is also protected by SEPP legislation and should be rejected on that basis.
The amount of Prime Agricultural Land in the GMC area and across the State being taken up or proposed to taken up by 'Renewables' puts our Food Security and Export markets at extreme risk

Merino Solar Farm - Letter of Support

To whom it may concern,
The Energy Democracy Central West NSW Co-operative is pleased to express its support for the
Merino Solar Farm project. As a co-operative committed to advancing renewable energy that is
thoughtfully developed and delivers shared local benefits, we believe this project strongly aligns with
our aims and values.
The project demonstrates a high standard of planning and site selection. Its location at the end of the
Goulburn Airport runway makes effective use of land adjacent to existing infrastructure, while
avoiding areas identified for future town expansion. This thoughtful siting minimises land-use conflict
and supports long-term regional planning outcomes. The project also connects to an existing
transmission line that bisects the site, utilising existing transmission network infrastructure.
From an economic perspective, the Merino Solar Farm represents a substantial investment in the
Goulburn region, supporting hundreds of jobs during construction and providing ongoing
employment during operation.
Importantly, the project demonstrates how renewable energy development can work alongside
existing land uses. Commitments to maintain current farming operations under the solar panels
allow long-established sheep grazing to continue, with added benefits such as shade for livestock
that can support productivity and animal welfare. This approach aligns with our belief that clean
energy and agriculture can be mutually reinforcing. In addition, the commitment to ongoing
community benefit payments over the project’s lifespan represents a meaningful and lasting
contribution to the local area.
For these reasons, we support the Merino Solar Farm project and believe it represents a positive
example of large-scale renewable energy development that benefits communities, continues farming
activities and supports Australia’s clean energy future.

Yours sincerely,
Granton Smith
Chair of the Energy Democracy Central West NSW Co-Operative

FORMAL PLANNING OBJECTION
State Significant Development – Solar Energy System
State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021
NSW Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline (March 2023)
________________________________________
1. Basis of Objection
I object to this development.
This objection is made pursuant to:
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021,
Clause 2.42 – Solar Energy Systems, and
• NSW Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline (Department of Planning and Environment, March 2023)
Clause 2.42 requires the consent authority to consider whether a solar energy system:
• Avoids or minimises land-use conflict
• Is compatible with surrounding land uses
• Minimises impacts on residential amenity, agricultural land, scenic quality and community wellbeing
• Is appropriately located having regard to regional cities and future growth
The NSW Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline reinforces these requirements, stating that solar development must be appropriately sited, context-sensitive, and avoid unacceptable impacts on nearby residences and communities.
This proposal fails to satisfy these mandatory considerations and should be refused.
Please find attached detailed submission.

As a resident directly impacted by the proposal, I strongly object to the project.

Please find below the attached submission.