Beryl Solar Farm

Beryl Solar, Beryl Road, Beryl, NSW
Mid West Regional Council
Application Number: SSD 8183

I am the landholder of 513 and 176 Spring Ridge Road which neighbours the proposed Beryl Solar property. Perserverance Lane and Spring Ridge Road is all that separates our properties. Our land is used for cattle, sheep farming as well as growing crops. My livelihood and the livelihood of my family depends on the success of all.

I understand there is a current proposal for the Beryl Solar Farm which intends to be functioning and completed by the end of 2017.

I am objecting to the proposal and would like to raise the following concerns that I believe will adversely affect the success and value of my own land, should the project go ahead.

- The value of my property will inevitably decrease.
- There is minimal distance between our properties and I have cause to be concerned that the operation of the Solar Farm is highly likely to effect the surrounding environment and climate;
International research indicates changes in the soil and land use is to be expected as a result of the operation of Solar and Wind Farms.
It has also been documented that there have been increased reports of bird deaths near Solar Farms due to the heat emitted from the mirror panels. This causes concern not only for plant growth, but the welfare and health of cattle and sheep on my land.

- Climate is a known and powerful factor in changing the nature of soil the relationship it has with plants which concerns me due to our reliance upon the growth of crops (ie, Sorghum, Oates, Clovers and Lucerne)
It seems as though insufficient research has been done to guarantee our farmland won't be effected adversely by the proposed use of land at Beryl Solar.

"Solar Farms pose real environmental challenges, including habitat degradation and harm to wildlife"
Bearing this fact in mind, should my objection be ignored, I would make the following suggestions and respectfully request the following changes to the development not only be considered but be implemented to better protect my land:

- An established (minimum of 2.5 meters) tree line be planted on the Beryl Solar Farm to form a border around the solar panels. The reason for this is to minimize glare and possible heat emission from the solar panels. This is also requested so that the view of the solar panels is blocked which in turn is less likely to negatively effect the value of my land. This is not to include the existing trees along Perserverance Lane and Spring Ridge Roads.
- Assurance that the Beryl Solar property is managed and maintained to a suitable standard, with particular attention to be paid to the control of noxious weeds to avoid transference onto my land.

As the largest landholder alongside the proposed Solar Farm, i hope my concerns and recommendations will be valued as I am most likely to be the most effected by this project.

I object to the proposed Beryl solar farm on the grounds of its likely adverse impact on NSW electricity prices and electricity security for NSW.

I have previously brought to the attention of the Department and the PAC the way in which intermittent electricity generators subsidised under the LRET make on-demand baseload thermal plants uneconomic and drive them out of the electricity system creating electricity insecurity (since by definition intermittent power generators such as this proposal do not produce power 24/7) and forcing up electricity prices damaging the whole NSW economy, destroying jobs, destroying assets and harming millions of NSW citizens, particularly the least affluent.

You have the information in my previous submissions on a number of wind farm proposals, though diligence in the planning task would require that the Department sourced the information independently.

I bring to your attention the recent articles by Robert Gottliebsen in The Australian (April 20th and 21st) in which, after consulting power engineers, he forecasts `If we have a "normal" summer in 2017-18 in our two largest cities it is absolutely certain we will have blackouts covering 10 to 15 days'.

The Department is already culpable in producing this situation. Approving more intermittent power generators will cause even greater long term harm to the NSW. It will also impose additional costs on NSW taxpayers when the NSW Government is forced to pay compensation upon rescinding such approvals.

This proposal needs to be entirely rejected as nothing more than vandalism against the State of NSW and its citizens.

I live on a residential farm directly to the north in close proximity to the proposed site, and strongly do not want this project to go forward. This that worry me include,
-the value of my residential property value being decreased
-no compensation being offered
-I will have a 160degree view from my front door, of rural outlook ruined. Why have zoning? To get changed for commercial needs.
-lifestyle ruined, recreational assets, public infrastructure roads
-79 decibels of continuous noise, cooling fans, road usage
-shift workers trying to sleep
-radiation
-brown field
-fragmenting habits
-long term health effects
-glare (not refection)
-privacy
-magnetic fields
-water hydrology
-the towns historic character, impacted
-conflicts of interest
-lack of cancellation
- the maps sent out are wrong
-Max temp in area 43 degrees Celsius, I don't think so

I am begging for there to be a way that this solar farm can be relocated from proposed area.
This beautiful area is were me and my family have grown up and four generations before me
We have put so much blood,sweat, and tears into our farm which now will have a a view of nearly a million solar panels out our front door demolishing the family memories we all have playing and riding horses and developing live stock,
Now will be taken from me and my children and their families.
Our special town and surrounding area is most known to withhold its historical look savouring those memories for all in this region
A solar farm within 5-30km of this protected town is an absolute disgrace for all that live here and visit, it does not fit with what we all have fought for and protected against.
This is causing large scale distress and heartache for all the neighbors around this area.
I have finally made my farm worth more than just a house and all that will devalue immensely from the noise and the sight of this solar farm.
My grandfather was a veteran and lost his life to protecting his home I cannot fathom his thoughts on this,
His heroism and his life will be in vain that would be the lowest act from his own government from his own country.
Just discussing.

Devalue our current land

Additional noise during night hours

Take away from current rural view

Prime rural and wasted, should be on non productive land

Additional road use

In regards to solar power plant for Beryl a few kilometers from Gulgong
Being new australians from Finland we dont have much relatives but we do have friends,good friends in Gulgong that we have made in 45 years in australia that is why we are in Gulgong. the last time we were in gulgong there was going to be a coal mine and there was talk about a clean coal power plant
now we have learnt that all that has been cancelled and all those millions of tax payers dollars have been wasted and that the needed power is to be replaced with solar power but we dont understand why the totally new location has been chosen for that purpose because the government owned land is a long way from houses and is already owned by the government and has newly installed power lines to the area wouldnt that be common sense to use the area that is already nominated for this purpose and therefore all the millions of taxpayers dollars would not be wasted
trust common sense will find its place and our politicians will do the right thing.

I am opposed to the Beryl solar farm for a number of reasons my wife and I purchased a rural residence 117 Holleys lane for the purpose of retiring in a quiet rural setting where it is in close
proximity to a lovely historic town with most medical services,shops,clubs etc.
I had had recent treatment for cancer (surgery,chemotherapy and hyperbaric treatment) and felt that i needed to be in an environment such as Holleys Lane
We have horses and this locality is (or was) perfect for a relaxing horse ride.
We then purchased another property 85 Holleys lane 120 acres where we intend to reside in the future this property looks directly down onto the proposed solar farm and will completely lose its beautiful rural vista of gently rolling hills etc.
the noise levels are certain to increase as will increased traffic the value of both our properties will certainly decrease.our retirement lifestyle will be totally thrown out the door.
this project is too close to HISTORIC Gulgong a major tourist attraction all traffic heading south to Gulgong will have uninterupted views of solar panels and nothing else
the majority of people living in close proximity have all voiced
their concerns to me and most will be conciderably worse effected than us as they are mostly young families wanting to raisetheir children in a rural environment and not an INDUSTRIAL complex.
I feel projects such as solar farms should never be erected on good rural farmland whilst there is acres and acres of unproductive land that could be utilised.
Sandy Lane,has been closed off why and by whom?which most of us living along Beryl Rd and Holleys Lane enjoy our horse riding and Sandy Lane was the only through road safe access to Gulgong without riding along the busy Castlereagh highway
I hope that this proposed solar farm is not given the go ahead certainly not at this location as so many people will be inconvenienced mentally,physically and last of all financially.
the nsw state government should give some consideration to land that it already has at the failed Cobbora coal mine project instead of allowing the solar farm on good rural residential land and causing hurt to so many people.

Solar technology - yes great the world needs it , there's so much land around put it somewhere where people won't see or hear it not smack up against boundary lines to adjoining properties .

My name is Vicki Walsh I came to live in a nice quiet rural,picturesque,historic town.so when I discovered that a huge slice of good arable farming land was to be made into a solar farm I was to say the least very upset.IS THIS TO BE THE NEXT WHITE ELEPHANT FOR THE TAXPAYERS TO FUND? have looked into the basics of the fact that the solar farm needs clear days to generate energy so why in a place of 247.8 cloudy days per year on average (B.O.M.)average over 40 years.I feel that the sound testing was NOT properly conducted.We already have a loud buzz from the sub station what will the sound be when the sub station is upgraded.This will be a major eyesore for us and the poor neighbours to look at ugly panels instead of rolling hills.This project has been VERY poorly advertised.
Use some useless land that is not on the doorstep of a historic tourist destination.

My property is located in the area classed as `foreground' due to its proximity being within ½ km from the proposed site. I purchased this property due to a number of factors which will be directly affected by the construction of the proposed solar farm. My key issues are below:

Visual: Expansive views of the area. My home is located on a ridge overlooking the area where the site is proposed to be built. The front of the house and property face the site. I am concerned that the construction of power poles, overhead power lines and towers, and the array itself will negatively affect the visual amenity which I hold in high regard and was a major contributing factor to my purchase of the property. The suggested "screening" is not a solution ie sparse plantings to break up the view is unacceptable. Due to seasonal effects and soil quality in the region, vegetation screens are an unreliable method for screening. Any night-lighting is also of concern, as currently there is no lighting in the area due to the rural nature of the site. I disagree with the finding that the scenic quality has been deemed to have only `medium impact'. My family and I did not purchase this property to have the beauty of the region adversely affected by this construction.

Noise: Quiet rural residential area. A major contributing factor to the purchase of my property was the low level of noise compared to living in a town or a city. During construction of the site, the increase in noise will be substantial. Heavy and oversized vehicles have a noticeable impact which residents along Beryl road already experience due to the nearby quarry. An increase of those types of vehicles over the construction period and possibly ongoing, is unacceptable for my family and I. I did not purchase a property in a rural area to be affected by this noise, nor do I wish to be subjected to noise from the substation. There is already a hum from the electrical substation on Beryl Road, so any noise from the solar farm would cause an accumulative effect and increase the level of noise across the area. In times of increased power usage, the level of sound increases from the substation and this is already a concern for my family and I.

Biodiversity: Native fauna. The Preliminary Environmental Assessment in the Scoping Report identified 6 threatened ecological communities, 29 threatened species and 8 migratory species of fauna living in this local area. I do not wish for these to be adversely affected. The local fauna is an integral part of the countryside. It is imperative a positive outcome is received from the Biodiversity Assessment Report otherwise in my opinion, the cost to the local native fauna is too high and would suggest a different site for construction is necessary.

Electro Magnetic Field (EMF): I am concerned with the lack of data on public exposure to and any adverse effects from EMFs. I would expect as part of an EIS that this data would be made available. Any adverse effects to human adults, let alone children who reside in the area, are of utmost importance.

Air quality: The choice to live in this rural area and enjoy the fresh country air is a factor in my choice to live here. We already endure dust and debris which comes from Beryl Road, with the current amount of traffic. How would the impact on air quality be mitigated during construction? The suggestion of `visual cues' to assess the level of dust or debris is not a reliable method. Often the dust can't be seen but it finds its way into the home and into water troughs and dams, affecting the quality of water. Will residents need to cover their animal's water troughs and dams to ensure water quality with the increased traffic and dust from construction?

Roads and traffic: I have already outlined concerns about the heavy vehicles, but what construction and upgrades to nearby roads will be needed as suggested. I would require estimates be provided of the increased traffic on Beryl Road and the Castlereagh Highway during construction and ongoing. The speed limit is currently 100km/h and often the road is dangerous for residents exiting and entering their driveways, for stock crossing and for the school bus picking up and dropping off children. The proposal suggests 12 months of heavy and oversized vehicles on Beryl road and compacted unsealed gravel roads on the site. These factors will have a negative impact on residents and I am concerned for the children and animals who may be close to or on the road. I have had my rescue dog hit and killed by a truck travelling at speed along the road from the quarry. The road is already dangerous at times and an increase of this type of traffic will be hazardous and pose undue and unnecessary risk to myself and my family, as well as other local residents and their children.

I recognise that this project has been deemed "State Significant" however in my opinion the residents of this area will be negatively affected by the construction of the solar farm at this site and I would hope the consultation with residents will prove that this site is not the best place for it. Personally I do not wish for such a site to be constructed so near to my property. I purchased this property for my family and I to enjoy due to the factors above and many more. It is of great concern to me and would hope that the farm be moved to an area where there are no residents in such close proximity. Gaining the social license to operate is paramount and I do not believe this can be achieved in Beryl.

I strongly oppose the development of this land so close to where I live.

I believe that on studying the proposal that I will be affected by increased continual noise which may lead to health problems and that this development will be detrimental to the future sale of any property close to it. It will cause a considerable loss to our property value, and may even make our property undesirable to any other future buyer.

I OPPOSE THIS CONSTRUCTION GOING AHEAD THIS CLOSE TO OUR RESIDENTIAL FAMILY HOME.
WE ARE FARMERS AND THE CONSTANT NOISE, TRAFFIC AND CHANGE IN OUR LIFESTYLE WILL BE INTOLERABLE.
THIS WILL RUIN OUR RURAL EXISTENCE.

I AM AGAINST THE NEW SOLAR PANEL FARM GOING IN NEAR WHERE WE LIVE ON THE BERYLROAD IT WILL INTERFERE WITH OUR LIFESTYLE WITH THE EXCESSIVE NOISE AND TRAFFIC USING OUR ROAD AND INTERUPT OUR LIFESTYLE. I AM A RETIRED WIFE HOME ALL THE TIME AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT UP WITH THE GOINGS ON.

TOTAL DISAGREE WITH THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT AS THE SOLAR PANELS ONLY LAST 25 YEARS SO WHY WASTE THIS AMOUNT ON PRIME PRIMARY PRODUCTION LAND, WHEN 2 KMS AWAY THE HILLS ARE USELESS NON VIABLE LAND FOR PRIMARY PRODUCTION OR ANYTHING ELSE, CHOOSE A BETTER LOCATION AWAY FROM SMALL RURAL HOMES

TOTAL DISAGREE WITH THIS IN THIS AREA, IF THIS GOES AHEAD WE SHOULD ALL BE BOUGHT OUT AS A BUFFER ZONE THE ADDITIONAL NOSE WE DRIVE EVERYONE MAD, THE INCREASE DECIBELS WILL BE LIKE A MOTORBIKE REVVING 24 HOURS A DAY OR NIGHT.
NO SMALL FARM HOUSE SHOULD BE SUBJECTED TO THIS VIOLATION OF THE FAMILY HOME

After speaking with a representative from First Solar and our neighbours, I believe that living so close to this proposed development has made our decision to sell our property the right course of action. I will add this is not the only factor in our decision making process. But I can see the aesthetics of our property being diminished greatly by what has been described in this EIS document as" the environmental impacts associated with the development and operation of
the proposal. These include construction noise, traffic and dust, visual impacts and a reduction in
agricultural production at the site for the lifetime of the solar farm." I might also add that the combined gross income of our one small property "was" in the vicinity of AUD$180,000 pa. Agreed, on a global scale not big! But, in a small community such as Gulgong it would have to be considered significant.
I thank you for the opportunity and your consideration in this matter.

Being someone who goes out to Gulgong during the Christmas holidays I enjoy going down to the crusher fishing and camping. This would be an absolute eye sore for any local or tourist that enjoys the scenery of this nice little historic town. The noise on the other hand would drive me away from any kind of camping or even staying down there for a quiet day. I believe this is the worst thing that Gulgong can even bring to a small struggling community.

I am objecting to where the Beryl Solar Farm is going to be placed as this is a residential area.
My daughter lives directly across the road from proposed site and this will devalue the property greatly.
Have spoken to local four local businesses in Gulgong on the weekend and they were unaware of this project even happening.
They stated no-one informed them about this and were very angry at the time I spoke with them
I believe having this so close to residents to be unhealthy with 24/7 light, noise, children in the area while work being done.
Solar farms are actually power plants and do not belong in residential areas,solar energy is generated by nuclear fusion within the sun. This process operates on the very same basic laws of nuclear physics used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs And what is the source of this energy? It is hydrogen, a highly explosive gas (remember the Hindenberg?) Hydrogen is also the active material in H-bombs and why do solar Farms have Danger signs on all of there fences, you have to ask yourself!
Keep this farm away from residents please.

Just to add to my previous submission
We have looked at the noise assessment
And we were informed it was only 78 decibels from
Origin but assessment says 88 decibels
So living between 150 and 500 meters from point
Of origin will be over the maximum for human health.

I am writing this as I am appalled that such a proposal would be considered in Beryl so close to homes and families. These are only small farms which means it would have health effects on people in the future along with noise 24/7 and devalue properties.
This kind of infrastructure if necessary would be better suited further away from a town on an area where thousands of acres are owned by people and far enough away that nobody can see, hear or be anywhere near its transmission effects.
I hope you can reconsider options and not ruin lives of us farmers on small 25 acre lots.
Look forward to hearing back from you.