Bendemeer Solar Farm

I object to Bendemeer Solar Electricity Generating Works & Battery Energy Storage System for the following reasons:-

*Caring for our healthy soil & water supplies responsibly is essential for our lives.
Good agricultural, pastoral land should not be covered in solar panels for decades to come, as this land is limited & must be prioritised for growing life sustaining food supplies.

*This Solar Works has the potential to contaminate the Solar site, surrounding land & water sources - especially when the solar panels degrade, if they are damaged by hail storms - which is common in this area, or if they are burnt in a toxic fire event & as they age.

*Solar Electricity Generating Works are an increased fire risk & toxic smoke hazard - which has not even been researched yet by NSW Fire & Rescue.
It therefore, is completely inappropriate to locate this fire hazard in this uncontaminated rural food producing area where it would pose a serious danger to all forms of life.

*It is very important for the local community, that the liveability of the pretty area is enhanced for all future generations & our visual amenity does not include ugly eyesores - such as this Solar Electricity Generating Works & filthy lumps of BESS!

*There is nothing about Bendemeer Solar Electricity Generating Works that is helpful or beneficial to the environment, to the local community or to Australia at all. It is actually very damaging, so please do not ruin this area or Australia further with these ugly, contaminating, intrusive, industrialised Solar Electricity Generating Works & Big Toxic Battery burdens.

Bendemeer Solar Electricity Generating Works + BESS - SSD-36651552 Objection

I object strongly to this project on the unassailable solid engineering
based ground that solar and wind generation cannot under any circumstances provide steady reliable power to a power grid. The inherent capacity factor averages around 30% and there is no known or potential generation technology anywhere in the world that can provide adequate fill-in generation for solar and wind systems, except coal, gas or nuclear based systems. Accordingly these system should not be built at huge expense to the public purse followed by vast ecological
destruction during building and subsequently when these systems fail and hardware has to be disposed of.

Secondly I object strongly to these systems based upon the fact that they rely on mining by child slave labour in under-developed countries.
Australia should NOT support such reprehensible actions.

John McBratney B.Tech (Electronic Engineering)
Telecommunications Engineer (Rtd)

Western neighbour to the north solar array has not been included in the visual and noise assessments. Although this property does not have a residential dwelling on it, it has sheds and is approved for a residential dwelling. Therefore the owners are likely wanting to put a dwelling on this property and being impacted by solar farm via visual and noise would significantly impact the value of this property and potential to build a dwelling on it. There is not even any vegetation planting planned for this western and south western boundaries which seems very unfair and counteractive of the vegetation screening mitigation measures detailed in the EIS to reduce impact of property devaluation.

Species assessed were only those endangered, what about the existing species on the property such as the echidnas, native birds, lizards, koalas etc that are currently living in the habitat. They are not going to utilise the wildlife corridor if traffic, lights, noise and fencing impacts their movements.

The system of Biodiversity offsetting is absurd. The species that are actually living at the site where the habitat will be destroyed have an established population. They are just expected to die and payment made to another location that may not even have these species populations present, just the same habitat?

Traffic-62 additional truck movements daily will incur significant wear to the roads-how will this be managed? Traffic Management Plan referenced but without reading this how can the public be confident that this will be done. Who is responsible for actioning these plans and dealing with issues that arise? What about for the Waste Management Plan?



How will bushfire risk from Oxley highway be managed? Fire trucks cannot access the solar footprints easily so what will be used to put out any fires? What kind of air pollutants will be present if the solar panels burn?

Housing all these construction workers needs to be addressed. The region is already facing a housing crisis.

No mention of how the impact of construction noise will be managed for nearby residents-they will live next to a construction zone for 18months that will operate 6 days a week and are expected to just put up with that? I am a shift worker, this will have a huge impact on my sleep.

No mention of infrasound effects to humans and animals during the operation once constructed. Have you taken into consideration the noise increases when it’s a very still day, or the wind blows in a certain direction.

SWMP and ESCP referenced throughout, how can the public comment on a plan that has not even been developed? The soil survey states that the risk of erosion is high on this property and it is evident that erosion issues are existing from viewing off the Highway. It is imperative to explain in detail how erosion will be managed during and post-construction as this is a huge issue given the soil disturbance required and extensive road network proposed to be built.

Traffic-62 additional truck movements daily will incur significant wear to the roads-how will this be managed? Traffic Management Plan referenced but without reading this how can the public be confident that this will be done. Who is responsible for actioning these plans and dealing with issues that arise? Same comment on the Waste Management Plan, weed management plan and vegetation management plan. All these plans have been referenced but if the public are unable to read them how can they be sure these plans will be sufficient, implemented and regularly updated? Also what are the consequences if these plans are not adhered to?

References to routine vegetation maintenance and management are made, however how can this be undertaken under solar panels? The property currently has a visually evident establishment of Lovegrass which is invasive, difficult to eradicate and prone to low fertile soils which the soil survey indicated are evident across the project site. How will this be managed given the fire hazard of this tussocky grass, poor palatability and nutrition value.

Water usage utilising existing water licences along the Macdonald river which is currently in poor health and has had significant fluctuations in water levels and flows within the last 5 years, let alone a 25 year period. The river was dry in long stretches for over a 6month period during the 2018-2020 drought. This river system is not capable of supplying regular significant water sources to industrial developments and it is concerning to think no assessment of river health or water flow has been undertaken within this EIS. What is the impact of removing this water from the river? Bendemeer is not the correct placement of a solar and wind farm! How can this be approved to be developed in such close proximity to the bendemeer town, it would not be approved so close to Tamworth or Armidale! Do the smaller Communities not matter!

Bendemeer is a small community that has always been proud to say we are a close community. Since this wind and solar farm has begun it has devided our town.
How can you say that you are about helping the community when you are already destroying it.
We are not against renewable energy but Bendemeer is not the area for it.
Our beautiful McDonald river is running directly through the wind and solar farm. How can you guarantee that the river and water ways will not be polluted from this development. It is the main drinking source for the town of Bendemeer. Can you guarantee that in 30 years time the younger generation of Bendemeer will not end up with cancers caused from the sepage into the soil which runs into the river. What about if the solar panels crack and leaks into the water ways. Will the town people and animals that live in and drink from the river end up with some for of poisoning?
Our soil is sand and granite, this is a soil that everything seeps through. You can not guarantee pollutants will end up in the waterways.
The drought is going to be happening in the near future again and having these solar panels that need washing every day, you will dry up the river before the drought has begun. What does this mean for others down stream from the solar farm.
Our beautiful McDonald river is full of platypus, cod, trout, bell’s turtle and more. You are just about to destroy these habitats.
The clearing will take away the habitat for our beautiful koalas, wedge tail eagles, possums, echidnas, gliders and more. And yes these are in the riverside area, we have seen them in the last 6 months. The bells turtle has been spotted in the McDonald river and has recently been up listed from vulnerable to endangered. We should be conserving the habitat for them not destroying it.
The government has programs out to save the koalas and bells turtles, and you are just about to destroy their habitat in this area.
We own directly across the road from riverside and worked hard to buy it. These solar panels will cause not only a visual impact but a noise impact on our family and animals. Your only concern is the visual
Impact from our house, what about from the rest of our farm in which we spend our time outside.
You have said that the value of our land will increase but according to studies and realestate agents they have already seen a decrease in value of properties in and around wind and solar farms.
Under normal conditions, solar panels are sealed not to expose the materials to the surrounding environment. Research Articles have stated that occasionally panels which have been improperly sealed or otherwise contaminated with toxic chemicals during manufacturing. It could leak substances into the ground that go unnoticed for long periods, in turn this all runs into the creeks and McDonald river.
The moonbi fires back in 2019 took days to gain control of, these wind and solar panels will be in this area that has been burnt. This caused our area to be classed as a high fire zone, how can this be aloud to be constructed in a high fire zone? What happens when a fire occurs? The panels are not able to be turned off and so will continue to burn. What pollution will leak into the air and waterways? Will the town of Bendemeer and surrounds need to be evacuated? How can our small fire station be called on for a fire in and around this solar farm when it is struggling to man it on its call outs now!
What compensation will we get when the construction of these farms disturb the underground water source for our spring fed dams which never dried up in the last drought. This aloud us to continue to water our stock when others had to cart water in.
Bendemeer is not the correct area for this solar farm to be built!

I fully support this project.

As a lifelong resident of the New England North West region, and a Tamworth Regional Council ratepayer, I support the opportunities the New England Renewable Energy Zone provides to our region in our state's transition to renewable energy. This support, however, is tempered by the need to ensure that renewable projects built across the state need to benefit the local community and environment.

The Bendemeer Solar Project is a good example of a proponent doing their due diligence to ensure the project provides social, economic, environmental and community benefits for the Bendemeer township and the wider region.

The extended community consultation and engagement with the Bendeemer community, commitment to a community contribution fund and engagement with Registered Aboriginal Parties are good indicators that the project developers are taking the project social license seriously.

The proposed project site has had alterations to minimise potential biodiversity impacts, is designed to promote engagement in mixed agriculture practices, and a transmission line is already running through the property. These factors are evidence of the overall positive benefits of the project.

The transition to renewable energy is one of the best economic opportunities for our region, given our abundance of renewable energy potential. We are uniquely positioned to reap the benefits of becoming a renewable energy superpower in a rapidly decarbonising world. This project has the capacity to generate enough electricity to power 74000 homes in our state and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 420000 tonnes annually.

I understand that there is some opposition to the project, but firmly believe the benefits outweigh the risks. The Bendemeer Solar project is responsible, viable and necessary for the future of the region.

**Dead chickens and decomposing bodies: Inside South Africa’s power blackout ‘pandemic’ - Egypt Independent
https://egyptindependent.com/dead-chickens-and-decomposing-bodies-inside-south-africas-power-blackout-pandemic/

**Every step in the production of Solar PV power systems requires an input of fossil fuels - as the carbon reductants needed for smelting silicon from ore, to provide manufacturing process heat and power, for the intercontinental transport of materials, and for on-site deployment.
https://www.azbackroads.com/around-the-west/rangefire-massive-amounts-of-coal-and-wood-must-be-burned-to-create-solar-panels/

**Solar Panels Are Three Times More Carbon-Intensive Than IPCC Claims | ZeroHedge
https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/solar-panels-are-three-times-more-carbon-intensive-ipcc-claims

**Greenwashing - 200 Million Tonnes of Toxic Solar Panels Destined For Landfills Near You – STOP THESE THINGS
https://stopthesethings.com/2023/07/19/200-million-tonnes-of-toxic-solar-panels-destined-for-landfills-near-you/

**Oxley Bridge Rd Uranquinty Solar Determination 24th Nov 2022
TWO NEW PRECEDENTS HAVE BEEN SET
NEW MODERN SLAVERY CONDITION & AMENDED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN (re CONTAMINATION.)

Hail Storm Photos & Industrialised Solar Contamination Risk to Our Reliably Productive Food Resource Land at Bomen, Wagga Wagga Photo are included via this link also - the Hail Stones & some of the Fractured Solar Panels from the damaging 31st Oct 2020 event that left masses of broken Solar panels in situ for a shocking 10 - 11 months without Due Care - with some panels still remaining fractured & leaching contaminating heavy metals years later!

* TWO NEW PRECEDENTS HAVE BEEN SET by Oxley Bridge Rd Uranquinty NSW Solar Determination 24th Nov 2022:-
https://apps.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/DocMgmt/v1/PublicDocuments/DATA-WORKATTACH-FILE%20PEC-DPE-EP-WORK%20PPSSTH-149!20221124T045856.774%20GMT
(*Including Audio of Professor Ian Plimer’s Presentation on Solar Contamination.)

1. NEW MODERN SLAVERY CONDITION- requiring proof prior to construction that NO Slave Labour supply chain components be used in construction.
**New Condition Inserted C4A - Dealing With Modern Slavery.
Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018

*NSW Local Council Act 1993
428 Annual Report
438 ZE Duty to Ensure Goods & Services Are Not Procured From Modern Slavery.

This applies to all NSW Government Bodies - including Councils - for those who Host, Procure or have a Power Purchase Agreement with Solar/Wind Energy Generation/BESS whose construction has used Modern Slavery Supply Chain Sourced Components
eg. City of Sydney, the Opera House, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour Councils & Westpac, etc. have an unethical PPA with Spark Infrastructure’s Xinjiang Jinko Solar based Bomen Solar - unethically Hosted by Wagga City Council.
REROC has an unethical PPA with Iberdrola - with Xinjiang JA Solar based Avonlie Solar - unethically Hosted by Narrandera Shire.

2. AMENDED STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN CONDITION re-CONTAMINATION – QUALIFIED TESTING/REPORTING, CONTAMINATION RESPONSE PROCEDURE, etc.

**Amended Condition C8.
Prior to Commencement of Any Works - Storm Water Management Plan.
On Site & Discharge From the Site.
Testing Points & Regular Water Samples, Suitably Qualified Person.
Written Response Procedures if CONTAMINATION is Found - required PRIOR to CONSTRUCTION.
Availability of Results.
……………………………..

Dr James Cockayne
NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner
M: +61 0455 255 453
[email protected]

Carolyn Kitto ‘Be Slavery Free’
Ph: 0438 040 959
[email protected]

Ramila Chanisheff
Australian Uyghur Tangritagh Women's Association - AUTWA
University of S.A
Ph: 0461 402 531 706
[email protected]
--------------------------------

**Solar's Slave Labour Supply Chains
The graphs indicating companies & solar panels connected to Xinjiang are in the following 2 links:-
https://desdemonadespair.net/2021/05/forced-labor-from-chinas-uighur-muslims-behind-global-supply-of-solar-panels.html

**Xinjiang Solar Panels - Uyghur Slave Labour/Concentration Camps/Genocide - 'In Broad Daylight' - Professor Laura Murphy
https://www.shu.ac.uk/-/media/home/research/helena-kennedy-centre/projects/pdfs/evidence-base/in-broad-daylight.pdf

**The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner For Human Rights
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/countries/2022-08-31/22-08-31-final-assesment.pdf

**Australia ratifies International Forced Labour Protocol | Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Women Marise Payne
https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/marise-payne/media-release/australia-ratifies-international-forced-labour-protocol

**Implementation of the Magnitsky Act is another avenue to ensure this shamefully unethical industry is not exploited in Australia.

**(1) Massive Riots, Renewable Resentments - Robert Bryce
https://robertbryce.substack.com/p/massive-riots-renewable-resentments?r=tywwy&utm_medium=web

**Inside the Carbon Cult - Competitive Enterprise Institute
https://cei.org/studies/inside-the-carbon-cult/

**Broken society and broken politics. We are heading for the cliff – Freedom and Heritage Society
https://freedomandheritage.org.au/broken-society-and-broken-politics-we-are-heading-for-the-cliff/
















I absolutely OBJECT to Athena Energy’s obnoxious 210 MW Industrialised Bendemeer Solar ‘Dump’ of 430,000 Toxic Solar panels & Big Lumps of 200MW/400MWh Incapable, Filthy, Toxic Lithium Batteries on 606.4 ha of RU1 Primary Production - Food Resource Land that has been highly productive with a substantial livestock carrying capacity for top class merinos & well bred cattle.

This Contaminating Visual Amenity Nightmare of glaring panels would unjustly subject rural people to an ugly, irritating eyesore - totally contrary to the pretty rural landscape & would be a Public Health & Safety Risk for our life sustaining Food supply & vital water sources - including the Macdonald River to the south & the
series of dams & 1st & 2nd order ephemeral creeks across the site.

The Bendemeer Solar plan is an Unethical Slave Labour based, risky Moral Hazard for Tamworth Regional Council.

I Object on the following grounds:-
*Loss of Ag Land Threatens Food Security *Increased, Seriously Toxic - Carcinogenic & Teratogenic Fire/Smoke Hazard Risk
*Solar Panels Leach Numerous, Toxic Contaminating Heavy Metals including Lead - as they age, degrade on site, if inferior, broken, fractured by hail, burnt, etc.
*Batteries are Filthy, Toxic Fire Inferno Risks, Incapable & Limited - only lasting 7-10 yrs
*Personal Discomfort caused by Electrical Force (classed as Criminal Assault)& EMR.
*Unreliable, Inferior, Intermittent, Weather Dependent, Part Time Power.
*Uyghur Slave Labour sourced Solar Panels & Unethical Cobalt for Batteries from the Congo, etc. with children as young as 6 yrs old forced to mine this toxic material in terrible conditions with their bare hands!
*Creates a Massive Pile of Unplanned for Toxic Waste
*Glaring Visual Amenity Nightmare
*Extremely Costly Subsidised Energy Poverty that is Recking Australia’s Economic Prosperity.
*Ruination of Our Children’s Intergenerational Equity
* Against Australian’s Best Interests - Puts Our Sovereignty at Extreme Risk as 24/7 Independent, Australian Power is Essential for Australia’s National Security NOT this CCP Reliant, Fake Green, RenewaBULL Solar/Wind Grift & Ponzi Scheme/Scam.
*Environmental & Ecological Destruction of Nature.
There will be significant direct impacts on Threatened Ecological Communities & Fauna Species.
The Threatened Endangered Koala is likely present. Also, the vulnerable Grey-Headed Flying Fox, vulnerable Narrow Leaved Peppermint & Migratory Satin Flycatcher.
Additionally, there are:-
**5 EPBC listed potential Threatened Flora species:- Velvet Wattle, Granite Boronia, Bluegrass, McKie’s Stringybark, Austral Toadflax.
**6 EPBC listed potential Threatened Fauna species:- Regent Honey Eater, Glossy Black Cockatoo, White Throated Needletail (Migratory,) Spotted-tailed Quoll, Border Thick-tailed Gecko, Bells Turtle.

Australia’s Limited, Irreplaceable Food Producing Land is our Rich Soil Heritage & must be preserved for future generations in equal if not better condition than we received it - NOT contaminated by selfish, greedy, subsidy suckers with their totally disingenuous & detrimental, unreliable, Stone Age, weather dependent, part-time power, toxic Solar panel + BESS nightmare - which has a hopeless capacity factor less than 30%.

Bendemeer Solar is the antithesis of Caring for Country, defies ALL the Principles of Ecological Sustainable Development, will NEVER protect the land for future Primary Production, has totally ignored the NSW Parliament Modern Slavery Act 2021, the New Modern Slavery Condition & Amended Storm Water Management Plan - failing to recognise the obvious onsite contamination risks to our life sustaining FOOD resource land & vital water sources(Reference: Oxley Bridge Rd Solar Uranquinty Determination.)

This plan DOES NOT align with regional and local land use plans & objectives.
NONE of Athena Energy’s claims are true!
2.2.1. Tamworth Regional Local Environmental Plan 2010 (Tamworth LEP)
The subject land is zoned RU1 Primary Production
“To encourage sustainable primary industry production by maintaining and enhancing the natural resource base ….
and the commitment to maintain soil capability after decommissioning…. the natural resource base is likely to be enhanced.”
“The solar farm would be highly reversible with no adverse impact on land capability and therefore primary industry enterprises, after it is decommissioned.
…..After decommissioning, most above ground infrastructure would be removed and the site returned to its existing land capability, for continued agricultural or alternative appropriate uses.”

**WHERE IS THE ESSENTIAL RESEARCH & THE SCIENTIFIC DETERMINATION TO PROVE THIS?
WHAT ABOUT THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE - re- Likely Serious/Irreversible Environmental Risks/Harm from Solar’s heavy metal leachate during its OPERATIONAL LIFE as Solar panels age, degrade, if inferior, broken, fractured by hail, compromised due to foundational fractures, if burnt - with residue causing irreversible harm.
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS are a ticking time bomb.
If they catch fire they cannot be put out and release hexafluoride - a very toxic gas which can kill animals if inhaled.
In England a 15 km exclusion zone is set up - but if one catches fire in Australia there is none!
THIS IS A HUGE PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY RISK THAT NSW & FEDERAL POLICY MAKERS, PLANNERS & APPROVING BODIES ARE INTENTIONALLY & UNJUSTLY IGNORING!
**See Coleambally BESS SOS OBJECTION for further detrimental impacts.
Coleambally Battery Energy Storage System | Planning Portal - Department of Planning and Environment (nsw.gov.au)

**WHAT ABOUT STERILISATION OF THE SOIL & DRY-LAND SALINITY - caused by decades long entombment of Ag Land?

**WHERE IS THE UPFRONT DECOMMISSIONING/REMEDIATION - STORM/FIRE DAMAGE CLEAN-UP BOND PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION? As is required for the Coal industry.

**THIS PLAN TOTALLY FAILS THE CLIMATE CHANGE BILLS & RENEWABULL TARGETS eg. Skyrocketing prices & energy poverty due to weather dependent, unreliable RE, Deceptive Sunk Costs (Reference: Sunk Cost Trickery - Debunked CSIRO Gencost Report,) Embedded CO2 in Solar Panels (Reference: Solar’s Embedded CO2) & BESS, Loss of Economic Prosperity (Reference: Alan Moran - The $10 Billion Cabal & Energy Drowning in Subsidies,) Jobs, Industry/Manufacturing - due to the Loss of our Affordable, Australian Power Advantage, NO PRODUCTIVITY, National Security Nightmare (Reference: Patricia Adam’s - China’s Energy Dream, Does China’s Rapid Rise …) Environmental Destruction/Vandalism caused by Industrialised Solar at Bomen, Wagga - NOT Clean, Green, Sustainable or part of a Circular Economy at all (Reference: Solar’s Environmental Destruction at Bomen Photos & Court Case - Created a Nuisance.)
Bendemeer Solar DEFIES ALL THE PRINCIPLES OF ESD - ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT!!
(Reference: Dead Chickens & Decomposing Bodies.)

**WHY HAVE THEY INTENTIONALLY LEFT OUT & IGNORED THE NSW PARLIAMENT MODERN SLAVERY ACT 2021, THE NEW MODERN SLAVERY CONDITION & THE AMENDED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN CONDITION?

Bendemeer Solar Totally Defies All of the following claims:-
**2.1.2. Climate Change Bill 2022
*focused on creating jobs, cutting power bills and reducing emissions by boosting renewable energy (Reference: Solar’s Embedded CO2 Emissions.)

2.1.6. NSW Electricity Strategy
The three objectives of the NSW Government for the state’s electricity system, as stated in the NSW Electricity Strategy are ALL DEFIED BY THIS RUBBISH PLAN:-
1. Reliability
2. Affordability
3. Sustainability.
The NSW Government’s Electricity Strategy IS NOT & WILL NOT EVER ACHIEVE:-
• Improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the NSW electricity market by reducing risk, cost,
* Energy Security Target
*minimises costs to consumers and taxpayers and does not give rise to moral hazard risk.
• achieve the objectives for the electricity system which include reliability, affordability and economic growth and sustainability. The contribution of the Project to local employment and economy

AUSTRALIANS DESERVE FAR SUPERIOR, RELIABLE, EFFICIENT, SECURE AUSTRALIAN COAL, GAS & A CLEAN, SAFE NUCLEAR POWER FUTURE NOT THIS INDUSTRIALISED, TOXIC ELECTRONIC GARBAGE - BENDEMEER SOLAR PLAN!

References:
**The 'Sunk Cost' Trickery That Makes Renewables Seem Cheaper Than They Are - 23rd July 2023.
https://www.fresheconomicthinking.com/p/the-sunk-cost-trickery-that-makes?utm_medium=web
AIDAN MORRISON (Entrepreneurial data scientist based in Sydney. Physics background, interests in military technology, economics and energy.)
How CSIRO justifies the exclusions: “Sunk Cost”
“But wait, this deception is so brazen and transparent…….
All of these tens of billions of dollars of projects are explicitly excluded from the cost of integrating renewables.”

**The $10 billion cabal of renewable subsidies killing coal - Alan Moran - 24th July 2023
https://www.regulationeconomics.com/_files/ugd/b6987c_a76d14823d6342a298b70841f

**Energy Drowning in Subsidies
Australians are Unjustly Forced to Subsidise Unethical, Contaminating, anti-Australian Electronic Junk!
https://www.regulationeconomics.com/_files/ugd/b6987c_91012ad6a64b401e8e915a45c79911b4.

 **China's Dream - Patricia Adams
https://www.thegwpf.org/content/uploads/2021/12/Adams-Chinas-Energy-Dream.pdf

**Does China’s rapid rise in the Australian car market pose a security risk? | The Strategist
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/does-chinas-rapid-rise-in-the-australian-car-market-pose-a-security-risk/

** Sediment Run-Off Contaminating Land/Water - Court Case -
“Created, Operated, and Maintained a Nuisance”
Solar farm runoff pollutes property, couple awarded $135 million - CFACT
https://www.cfact.org/2023/06/06/solar-farm-runoff-pollutes-property-couple-awarded-135-million/
By Bonner Cohen, Ph. D. |June 6th, 2023

The wind farm will negatively impact those who live near the proposed project. The value of their properties will be significantly affected. This will have damaging effects on the community

As a lifelong resident of Tamworth I’m excited at the opportunities our proximity to the New England Renewable Energy Zone provides to our region in our state's transition to renewable energy. I do also believe however, that renewable projects built across the state need to comply with a just transition in regards to community and environment. This Bendemeer Solar Project I believe, based on the information I have reviewed, is a good example of a project doing their due diligence to meet the requirements of a just transition on both of these crucial fronts.

The extended community consultation and engagement with the Bendeemer community, commitment to a community contribution fund and engagement with Registered Aboriginal Parties I believe are good indicators that the project developers are taking the project social license seriously. Furthermore I believe the project has enormous potential for economic opportunities within Bendeemer and surrounding townships.

The project site I think is also well situated for this project. I’m glad to see that the proposed project site has had alterations to minimise potential biodiversity impacts. I also am heartened to see that the landholder will be able to engage in mixed agriculture practices, and that a transmission line is already running through the property.

Furthermore I believe the transition to renewable energy is one of the best opportunities Australia has ever had given our abundance of renewable energy potential. I believe that we should be taking strides to transition our grid to green energy for two reasons. Firstly because it’s imperative for the environmental health and stability of our planet. But also because Australia is uniquely positioned to reap the benefits of becoming a renewable energy superpower in a rapidly decarbonising world. This project has the capacity to generate enough electricity to power 74000 homes in our state and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 420000 tonnes annually. I hope that this project can be a significant step towards this region, my home, prospering for years to come as a significant part of our state's renewable energy transition.

Aesthetic Impact: Solar farms consist of large arrays of solar panels spread across vast areas of land. Some residents might argue that these solar panels could disrupt the natural landscape and scenic beauty of the Bendemeer area, affecting its visual appeal and potentially impacting tourism.

Land Use Conflict: Bendemeer might be valued for its agricultural or recreational use. Opponents of the solar farm might argue that converting productive agricultural land into a solar farm could result in a loss of local food production capacity or recreational spaces.

Wildlife Disruption: The construction and operation of a solar farm could potentially disrupt the local wildlife habitat. This could involve clearing vegetation, which may lead to displacement of local fauna and changes in their migration patterns.

Community and Property Value Concerns: Some residents might be worried about the potential impact of a solar farm on property values. They may fear that the presence of a large-scale industrial facility could lead to decreased property values in the area.

Construction Impact: The process of constructing a solar farm, including transportation of materials, heavy machinery, and potential noise and dust pollution, could cause inconvenience and disruption to the local community during the construction phase.

Loss of Agricultural Productivity: If agricultural land is converted into a solar farm, it could result in a decrease in local food production. This might be a concern for those who value food security and locally-sourced produce.

Glare and Reflection: Solar panels can reflect sunlight, creating glare that might impact nearby residents, drivers, or even nearby air traffic, if applicable. This glare could potentially be seen as a safety hazard.

Energy Grid and Infrastructure: Opponents might argue that the money invested in the solar farm could be better used to improve the local energy grid or develop other renewable energy sources that could offer a more reliable and diverse energy supply.

Maintenance and Long-Term Concerns: Concerns could be raised about the maintenance of the solar panels and the decommissioning process at the end of their lifespan. Questions about responsible disposal of solar panel components and potential environmental impacts could arise.

Possible Health Concerns: While solar farms are generally considered safe, opponents might voice concerns about potential health impacts of living in close proximity to a large array of solar panels, such as electromagnetic fields or other factors.

Just not suitable for this area.

I raise the following concerns;
- The vast number of medium to large scale solar farms within NSW is concerning.
- The consideration that many of these "farms"or manufacturing plants are intended to operate for in excess of 20-25+ years with little to no detailed information / studies as to the long term effects of our environment, landscape, native fauna is concerning.
- The way that technology is evolving it would be reasonable to an uneducated person to suspect that these large scale manufacturing plants will be become obsolete.
- The emotional and social effect on regional communities & families are already proving to be damaging with no consideration as to the long term effects, especially over a period of 30 years, quite possible a third of a persons lifetime.
- These large scale manufacturing plants are an obstruction on a person's quality of life, given they have decided to live regionally, away from metropolitan areas, where is it well known for the better health services & infrastructure. A decision made because they have chosen a community of a regional/agricultural nature. Not an industrial site.
- The granting of compensation is simple a way of "paying off" the little guy. Playing on peoples inability or knowledge to fight back, those with a lack of confidence, man power, or the backing of influential organisations to be able to stop the "State Significant Development". When did regional centres become INSIGNIFICANT.
- Why is the environmental impact study only required in the planning stages, and then "managed" as part of the approval. Why is there no ongoing environmental testing, including once the plant becomes operational. Why is there not discussion for this. Why can it not be considered to be an instrumental component for the project to continue to move forward, even after the first turn of soil. These kinds of ongoing testing & assessments can swiftly determine any negative effects on the environment.
- We are not growing any more agricultural land, the population is expanding, how are we to continue to produce our food and sustain our natural products when productive land is being covered in solar panels.
- Why is not more important and a state benefit to actually utilize less productive land mass, where the carrying capacity (DSE) should be used as a bench mark for when solar manufacturing plants can be considered. Yes, the cost to get these into grid is greater, but why is the bottom line of the Proponent more important than the community it will effect and the Proponent can walk away and not be impacted by their development where they live.
- Consideration and requirements must be given to the ownership structure of these Proponents. Where will their profits end up. Yes, they will create jobs during construction and a hand full of jobs once in production, but how does a handful of jobs in the long run provide a significant benefit to the community it has effected? Having an ACN is simply not the tick box required. A full ownership and corporate structure anaylsis should be seriously considered to maintain Australian investment and development. How many Australian's do they employ on a long term basis? Should an Economic Impact of the Proponents overall dealings (outside of the community) not be a serious consideration? Especially when there is significant foreign ownership or Non Australian. Citizen's Board membership or key organisational Executive management.
- Consideration must be given to the Carbon Credits that the manufacturing plant generates and how these are used or sold, and where the profits go.

- Did you know that at the time of submitting this (farms equals to or greater than 50MW)** are.
* None of this size in NT
* None of this size in ACT, TAS
* 1 in WA with 4 under construction (none over 200MW)
* 2 in SA with 6 under construction (4 over 200MW)
* 18 in QLD with 8 under construction (7 over 200MW)
* 7 in VIC with 10 under construction (3 over 200MW)
* 14 in NSW with 7 under construction (6 over 200MW)
** Source Canstar A Guide to Solar Farms in Australia. Posted by Kelseigh Wrigley 21/06/2023
Considering 1MW solar farm will typically occupy 2 (source www.energymatters.com.au)
Based on the figures above, there is a total of:
- 12,987MW
Based on 1MW needing 5000 panels (at 200watts per panel), that is a total of;
- 64,935,000 panels

There is also no consideration given to the ongoing development applications currently being submitted and/or being actively pursued. As a State and Country, our Government must be investigated, evaluated and set boundaries/quotas or limits, to ensure the long term effects across all are not detrimental.

I welcome your feedback & reply.
Kerrie & Steve Bruce
Community Member &/or Land Owner of Bendemeer & Winton/Tamworth

Looking at this project seems as though it would add a lot of economic value short term during the construction period which would help stimulate the economy.

It also looks as though the environmental impact would be minimal and well managed.

I think this sort of project and infrastructure is vital to support with climate change and the ever changing economic landscape - looking at alternative sources of power, especially in regional areas that are further from existing infrastructure is so important to helping keep things accessible and offering more value to people who live further away from urban hubs.

I object to this project because it is now very obvious to anyone with a basic understanding of economics that the ongoing government obsession with so called renewable energy projects is becoming a serious disaster for all Australians. They do not supply reliable power. They are not able to be recycled. Only about 6% of Australia is arable land, why cover it in solar panels ?
We need cheap reliable base load power to be competitive in the global economy.

I believe that the land and being used for this project will suffer especially the wild life as they will need to clear land. As well as cauing noise pollution to the residents and wildlife around them. I oppose this job.

The Tamworth region prides itself on family and community as well as hard work. Families in the region particularly Bendemeer rely on the land for produce, livestock and many other necessities or livelihoods. This solar farm proposal takes away from the local community, it takes a the picturesque nature of bendemeer and lowers it to being just another forgotten town on the map. while the solar panels themselves may be low risk in radiation the equipment provides a risk of exposure to radiation that could cause harm to people, pets and livestock. The impact of the solar farm also extends to disrupting the natural ecosystem that cultivates produce and live stock. The unknown potential consequences on the environment, and the eye sore and the potential for property decrease in value leads me to object to the project.

I support the project!

Submission AGAINST SSD-36651552
ID Number 202/09444

OBJECTION TO BENDEMEER SOLAR FARM (FACTORY)
I'm writing to oppose the imposition of the Bendemeer Solar Farm (Factory) on the local community which amounts to environmental vandalism. To have over 450,000 solar panels surrounding a small regional township within just over 1km from the town boundary is abhorrent. Imagine this same imposition on suburbs in Sydney! How could anyone think that this is responsible planning! Coupled with the scale of the proposed wind farm, the cumulative impact on this community is totally unacceptable.

How does a solar factory like Bendemeer Solar even get to this level of planning when it doesn’t conform to the NSW Govt Large Scale Solar Guidelines. Why were these written if they are not going to be abided by? Which government department is responsible for allowing this development to reach this level of planning?

The companies behind these renewable (yet they ARE NOT renewable, are they?) energy projects are raping the country and making millions while they are doing it. When is the current government going to force these companies to move their projects into less habitable, and less productive locations. Yes, it will be more costly to them, but they are in the enviable position to be able to afford it.

The use of the word ‘renewable’ to encompass all these companies and projects is laughable. What has to be mined, produced, transported, built, and then not being able to be recycled, hardly qualifies to be called ‘renewable’ energy. The cost is enormous, and now the personal cost to the poor people who are being inundated with these imposing projects, is being recorded. It will be a black mark on our history and one that our children and grandchildren will be left asking “Why did they allow this to happen?”

I am writing a letter of support for the Bendemeer Solar Farm Project. This Project will bring significant benefits to the New England region, namely:
• diversification of the local and regional economy
• improve the flow-on social, economic and environment benefits
• increase the local and regional population and bring additional services to the region
• provide energy generation with less greenhouse gas emissions
It was also pleasing to see that the Project provides for the continuation of use for agricultural productivity, ensuring the ongoing agricultural prosperity of the region.