Bendemeer Solar Farm

As a concerned citizen who values sustainable and renewable energy solutions, I believe that this project holds immense promise in contributing to a cleaner and more resilient energy future for our country and beyond.

The urgency of addressing climate change and reducing our carbon footprint cannot be overstated. The development of solar energy projects, such as the Bendemeer Solar Farm, plays a pivotal role in diversifying our energy sources away from fossil fuels, which are not only finite but also detrimental to our environment.

The development of the Bendemeer Solar Farm will create job opportunities during its construction and operation phases. This influx of employment can stimulate the local economy and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

By investing in solar energy, we can decrease our dependence on imported energy resources, thereby enhancing our energy security and resilience. This project will contribute to a more stable and self-sufficient energy supply for the region.

The project aligns with the best interests of the community. I request to consider my voice alongside those of fellow community members who share these sentiments, and I stand in full support of the Bendemeer Solar Farm development.

I am in strong support for the development of this project as I believe it not only aligns with our collective environmental goals but also presents a valuable opportunity for the sustainable growth and development of our country.

This project will contribute significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions, air pollution, and our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the development of this project will have several positive economic impacts. During the construction phase, it will generate a substantial number of jobs, providing employment opportunities for local contractors, engineers, and other skilled workers. The project will also boost local businesses, as materials and services will be sourced locally wherever possible. This injection of economic activity can help stimulate growth and prosperity in our community.

In the long term, it will continue to benefit the region through property tax revenues, lease payments to landowners, and ongoing employment opportunities for maintenance and operations. This revenue can be reinvested in local infrastructure, education, and public services, further enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in the area.

I urge to consider the numerous positive impacts this project can bring to the region. By embracing renewable energy initiatives, we not only contribute to the global fight against climate change but also position our country as a forward-thinking and environmentally responsible.

It will negatively affect my future farming land in terms of productivity and land value. My farming land uses the same river that will be connected to the Bendemeer solar farm as it is predicted to add pollutants to this river system in terms of contaminants which will negatively affect my livestock value and also the town water supply will be negatively affected.

Being a nearby neighbour to the proposed solar farm at Bendemeer, I fully support the development as it will provide ongoing economic and social benefits to our small community and the greater region. In supporting Australia's move towards cleaner and greener (renewable) energy targets into the future, Bendemeer is well placed to significantly contribute to these nationwide targets. With a limited impact on high value agricultural practices on the development site, the reintroduction of livestock after construction as per the EIS, agriculture and renewable energy in conjunction can together pave the way forward towards a brighter, more viable and environmentally sustainable future for everyone.

I am a local resident and business owner in the New England region and I support the proposal for the Bendemeer Solar Farm (SSD-36651552). My reasons for supporting the Bendemeer Solar Farm are provided in the attached.

I am based in Tamworth and support the Bendemeer Solar Project as I feel it aligns with the Government and Energy Co's plans for Renewable Energy in NSW. I feel that the project team has thoroughly assessed all environmental, heritage, noise and visual impacts to the best of their abilities. I have been aware of the project team consulting on a regular basis within the community, as well as committing to an annual contribution to the community for the lifespan of the projects. I also think that it is fantastic that the agricultural land will not be lost under the solar panels, and that sheep are planned to graze underneath them going forward.

Power should be generated where it is to be used. Undertaking renewable projects on agricultural land is not only threatening Australia's food and fibre production but ruining rural communities through division. Why must rural and regional Australia suffer to keep the lights on in metropolitan areas when they are not contributing?

I am based in Tamworth and strongly support the road to Renewables in NSW.
I have been following the Bendemeer Solar project carefully and have followed up by reading the EIS summary.
I feel that those involved in the project have done so in the most transparent way possible, involving the community in weekly information sessions as well as monthly pop-ups too. This level of transparency has addressed major concerns and mitigated these as best as possible. With the closure of the coal mines and the vision towards lower carbon emissions, I feel that this project once approved, will strongly aid in supporting the vision for NSW.
I really approve of the additional Community Benefit Fund as I think it will aid in maintaining the beauty of Bendemeer.

I support this project for quite a few reasons
1 - We have a need for new power sources in Australia. Our coal plants are aging and demand is increasing. This project adds to the need and does so in an environmentally responsible manner.
2 - The government has set targets for net zero carbon emissions and this project works towards it while still providing essential energy.
3 - This project provides great advantages for our region, by way of jobs, infrastructure funding and input into the local community through a contribution fund. It will be a huge benefit to such a small local community such as Bendemeer that would see little boost from tourism or local spending ordinarily. Metis has already shown commitment to the town through sponsoring local events and showing active interest in supporting the people.
4 - This project has an on-flow effect to boost other local business. The engineering company is located in Tamworth with local employees, and makes use of local businesses for all manner of aspects from legal, to advertising, to accounting, to catering - whatever is needed, is providing more work and income for actual local businesses which is a huge benefit, as opposed to a remote city-based business who does not use any local contractors.
5 - Many local jobs will be created, not just during construction but also further into the future for the running and maintenance of the site.
6 - The land can still be used for agriculture (such as pasturing sheep) which is excellent because the land does not become unusable or detract from the landowners and their farming. The conspiracy theories around animals going crazy or being overheated are just not true, this is a perfect way to create a new energy resource without detracting from the farmer or their property size.
7 - The EIS is comprehensive and I think demonstrates that Metis take their environmental responsibility seriously, making any changes as necessary to ensure compliance and consideration for any locals or the local environment that would be impacted.

Concerns of water quality in river with run off. Concern for town with water in drought times. Dividing the town. The money will only cause rift in the town. Removal of trees for the location of Solar farm. Visual impact from solar panels. Lowering off property values. Noise through construction and after. This Solar farm and Wind farm will not be enough to replace the power from the closed down power stations now or in the future. It will also not reduce electricity cost. It will drive away the tourist which come to the village.

I am a third generation Aboriginal man who grew up in Bendemeer. Swimming, fishing and walking the McDonald river. I am raising my children to appreciate this beautiful land and they are the next generation who we don’t want to have pressures to fix the past mistakes made If the solar goes ahead and then contaminates the river what a loss the township will lose. Fresh drinking water for all residents and natural habitats for all animals including the protected Bells turtles, platypus, Murray cod and other wild life.
Coming into drought, we we have only just recovered from the last major drought. Where will you then source water not only for the panels but for the rest of the town?
I don’t want to leave this beautiful town, however if it comes to it of having no water and and eye sore of solar panels and a divided town and many friendships lost I will be devastated.

I strongly object to this project because:
1.Environmental Impacts - The proposed site which is currently productive grazing land will be destroyed and the adverse impacts on the native flora and fauna will be devastating. The loss of habitats and food sources for these animals. The clearing of the site will produce erosion in this granite soil, changing already existing natural water courses. The impact of toxins coming from the site will leach into the water way being the McDonald River which supplies the town water. The impacts on our farming animals and pets.
2. Increase in Traffic and Noise - The impact of additional traffic on our roads will destroy the quality of our roads and the noise created by the additional traffic. The increase in traffic will slow down and congest our roads. The noise impact will be substantial during construction and if established constant noise will be heard from my property. I live in the country to enjoy the quiet, peaceful lifestyle and beautiful scenery. This proposal will destroy both the scenery and also the quiet lifestyle.
3. Community Impacts - This has had direct impacts on a tight knit community. It has and will continue to divide the community. Small communities rely on working together and supporting each other. The community hold many events and rely on the contribution of community members. Due to this proposal community organisations have already seen adverse affects of this due to members disagreeing and leaving these organisations.
4. Visual Impact - The visual impact from the road will cause danger for motorists. The visual impact for neighboring properties will cause increase stress to residents. The glare will impact the local residents and their farm usage with not being able to use it to its full potential due to glare.
5. Pest Management - The current site contains many pests that haven't been managed and these pests will be pushed onto my property causing additional work and stress on me to managed.
6. Pollution - The pollution on the environment to transport the materials to the site, the panels are not environmentally friendly and afterwards will contribute to increased land pollution.
I strongly OBJECT to this proposal and any proposals put forward for BENDEMEER.

I object to the project because
We are semi retired we have moved here for peace and quiet we live on the river which will be affected by the solar farm it is our water supply, kill the wildlife , too close to town , ruin the roads, increase the population which we dont want, ruins the environment the affect it has on the wildlife visual impact from the road, increased traffic wont be able to drive anywhere, pollution & noise .
Only lasts 20 years then it will be a solar graveyard.
Mental stress it is causing for the local residents including ourselves
DO NOT WANT

The project will lead to pollution of the mc donald river system. Will impact traffic in the local area causing delays and road damage. The proximity to the town of Bendemeer is of major concern. Their are plenty of other places this project could go, far away from established communities.

I don't believe it is any good for the environment, the town and the water supply. It is too close to the town. More unwanted traffic in the town.

It’s running along the McDonald River which is the main water source. Concerned about chemicals leaking into the river system. We are also coming to face another drought. Where will all the water come from to clean the panels. What will Bendemeer residents, local farmers and all their animals drink when all the water has been pumped out? Will it be safe to swim in?

Bush fire or fire in general. Are the panels separated enough to get a fire truck in to put the fires out??

The river has beautiful wild life including many birds, fish such as Murray cod, rainbow and brown trout, bells turtles ( protected species), platypus, craybobs, frogs and many more.
They are currently beautifying and fixing the river making it larger and removing trees to make the river to flow, if it come polluted with chemicals it will be a wasted

I currently travel the Oxley highway for work. This will have a huge impact on my travelling . Will I have to leave early morning/ late night so I’m not waiting on road work during construction stage? Will I be compensated for hours I lose? It will be an eye sore for travellers and what the glare off the panels will this cause accidents
Our family fish along this beautiful river and catch many beautiful healthy Murray cod. In your submission it states that no fish were cited. Did you even throw in a fishing line?

It is a noisy, eyesore and the solar doesn't work to its full capacity.

I strongly object to the project because:
- My property is located within sight of the wind farm and no compensation has been offered in order to compensate for the loss of property value due to the 'eye sore' the wind farms will result in.
- No compensation has been offered to compensation for the construction noise and interference cause during the construction process.
- The energy produced by wind farms is intermittent and unreliable, the energy input into wind farms can never be extracted from the life span operation of a wind farm.
- The environmental damage caused by wind farms after its lifespan has elapsed is devastating; the wind farms cannot be recycled and are put into land fills.
- The solar farm is 1.2 km away from the Bendemeer township and no other solar farms are this close to a town
- There is a 10km buffer zone in several larger towns for wind & solar but no buffer zone for our small town
- The solar farm is being built on good grazing land that will be ruined forever
- The landscape will be cleared from trees and vegetation that the wildlife depend on

Andrew Sudiro
Resident
BENDEMEER, New South Wales

I do not wish to have a wind and solar farm here. They are not economically viable and they are a dent on the landscape.

We have a beautiful quiet little town here. It’s divided the community and we do not want it here.