For Mother Earth, for our kids, for the world they’ll inherit. One more project, one more step toward a safer world for the next generation

This poisonous plan will ensure the elimination of Agricultural production forever on this vast area of productive RU1 Ag Land from toxic heavy-metal contamination and PFOS contaminating components.

PFOS and related chemicals remain in production internationally, including in China - where all the unethical, slave labour supply chain solar panels are being sourced from as the CONtrolling CCP dominates Solar and BESS manufacturing.

Updated NHMRC drinking water guidelines confirm the seriousness of PFAS health risks.

No binding certification has been presented proving that all modules, coatings, wiring, inverters and the BESS proposed for this project are PFAS-free.

The potential for toxic contamination of productive soil, livestock, water catchments and the public from Merino Solar + BESS being unjustly Approved is inevitable and irreversible.

It provides jobs and money to the local council and gives the sheep some shade

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to convey the following concerns that I also echo, as well as experiences shared with our office by residents living in close proximity to the proposed Merino Solar Farm project.

Across the community, there is broad recognition of the importance of renewable energy and the national transition currently underway. Many residents support the shift toward clean energy generation and understand the need for new infrastructure to meet Australia’s future energy requirements. However, those who live adjacent to the proposed development have raised serious concerns about the suitability of this particular site and the potential impacts on an established rural residential community.
Residents have highlighted several key issues, including:

• The appropriateness of industrial scale infrastructure within a rural residential area, and the proximity of large renewable energy facilities to existing homes.
• Impacts on amenity, including visual changes, noise, and broader landscape alterations that may affect their way of life.
• Potential effects on property values, rural character, and environmental features, especially biodiversity and vegetation.
• A lack of genuine, meaningful community consultation, with many residents feeling that their lived experience and local knowledge have not been sufficiently considered.

Residents have consistently emphasised that their concerns are not about renewable energy itself. Rather, they are seeking confidence that renewable projects will be delivered in appropriate locations and with proper regard to the communities most directly affected.

This mirrors the broader principles increasingly recognised across Australia’s energy transition. That maintaining social licence is essential, that early and ongoing engagement is critical, and that communities must be respected and involved in planning processes from the outset.
Considering the concerns raised by residents, we respectfully ask that the assessment process for the Merino Solar Farm:

• Carefully consider the views of the residents most directly impacted.
• Ensure that all community feedback is thoroughly evaluated; and
• Prioritise clear, transparent, and ongoing engagement throughout the project’s progression.

Supporting communities through the renewable energy transition is essential. The residents who have contacted our office are seeking to be heard and acknowledged.
Thank you for your consideration of these matters on behalf of the affected community.

Kind regards,
Kristy

There are dire consequences for the Australian people now and in the future due to the reprehensible lack of essential
Regulation and Legislation regarding Fake Green RenewaBull Solar/Wind/BESS infrastructure.

The regulatory vacuum for imported, ruin-a-bull junk from China has been exposed by the Australian Border Force - confirming that banned PFAS chemicals, including PFOA, are not prohibited at the Australian border and that enforcement depends on evolving legislative adoption.

This is totally unacceptable - creating a regulatory gap in which high-risk chemicals will enter supply chains without prohibition.

The Commonwealth is still “exploring legislative options,” effectively allowing industry to operate during an unlimited, transitional compliance window.

Approving large-scale infrastructure containing such materials like Merino Solar + BESS will - under these conditions - is gross negligence.

I think it is a great and critical piece of infrastructure that would drive NSW closer towards achieving the energy transition away from fossil fuels to renewables. Such a power plant could decarbonise several thousands of households' worth of electricity consumption per year which is commendable.

Please see our 6 page attachment.
Thank you.

I think that the Merino Solar Farm project is a fabulous idea because I support utility scale renewable energy projects and the energy transition in Australia. This project will greatly aid in the energy transition and also create local jobs and provide economic benefits for a regional community.
The Solar Farm will be as I understand it, a Hybrid Battery Storage and renewable energy project which will assist with energy security and long-term, reliable power supply for the region. It will contribute to emissions reduction and Australia's climate goals and commitments.
Australia needs to move away from its reliance on fossil fuels and a dispatchable renewable energy project is a great start. The Merino Solar Farm will support this transition while creating jobs in the local community.

Merino Solar+ BESS is unconscionable, irreversible, Toxic Contaminating Industrialisation of RU1 Land!

The project permanently industrialises more than 767 hectares of Zoned RU1 Primary Production land with toxic classed, PFOS coated, photovoltaic modules, inverters with PFOS and highly hazardous battery systems known to contain heavy metals and lethal fluorinated compounds.

Peer-reviewed research demonstrates that photovoltaic modules can leach toxic elements over long-term degradation, particularly where microfractures or weak spots occur.

No comprehensive, independent, site-specific assessment has modelled cumulative soil and groundwater contamination over the life of the project and beyond decommissioning.
This is inconsistent with the precautionary principle and intergenerational equity.