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State Significant Development

Determination

Bowmans Creek Wind Farm

Singleton Shire

Current Status: Determination

Interact with the stages for their names

  1. SEARs
  2. Prepare EIS
  3. Exhibition
  4. Collate Submissions
  5. Response to Submissions
  6. Assessment
  7. Recommendation
  8. Determination

Construction and operation of a wind farm with up to 60 wind turbines and associated infrastructure.

Attachments & Resources

Notice of Exhibition (1)

Request for SEARs (2)

SEARs (2)

EIS (11)

Response to Submissions (7)

Amendments (11)

Additional Information (28)

Recommendation (4)

Determination (2)

Approved Documents

There are no post approval documents available

Note: Only documents approved by the Department after November 2019 will be published above. Any documents approved before this time can be viewed on the Applicant's website.

Complaints

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Enforcements

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Inspections

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Note: Only enforcements and inspections undertaken by the Department from March 2020 will be shown above.

Submissions

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Showing 121 - 140 of 168 submissions
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Comment
Scone , New South Wales
Message
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the development application and accompanying environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm project (SSD-10315).

Upper Hunter Shire Council (UHSC) is generally supportive of renewable energy projects and acknowledges that the project represents the potential for a significant investment into the region.

Council has reviewed the EIS and provides the following comments for the department’s consideration:

Community Enhancement Fund

The EIS indicates the intention to establish a Community Enhancement Fund (CEF) to which the project owner/operator will provide funding towards local environmental, social and community initiatives led by local residents residing within 20km of the project.

The proposed contribution of $3,000 per turbine per year towards a CEF is consistent with the contributions paid by other recently approved wind farms including the Liverpool Range Wind Farm which established a precedent of $3,000 per turbine per annum. Council would accept a minimum contribution of $3,000 per turbine per annum calculated as follows:

Flat rate of $535.72/turbine/MW/annum indexed with CPI.

This method of calculation would ensure that the contribution is linked to the turbine capacity and therefore minimise the impact of any future reduction in the number of proposed turbines and associated increase in turbine capacity on the total contribution payable towards a CEF.

It is unclear if the proposed separate payment to each of the three Councils would deliver the best outcome for the community. It may be preferable for the proponent to enter into a joint VPA with Upper Hunter Shire Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council and Singleton Shire Council to enable the payment of development contributions by the proponent towards a CEF which is administered by the Councils and a CEF committee. The CEF committee should operate within an appropriate legal and governance framework such as that provided for under Section 355 of the Local Government Act 1993 to ensure full accountability, transparency and financial probity.

Traffic and Transport

It is noted that the proposed development does not intend to utilise any local roads within the Upper Hunter Shire Local Government Area (LGA) during construction or operation of the project. In this regard, should the application be approved, it is recommended that a condition of consent be imposed restricting the use of roads for the purposes of the project to those assessed in the EIS.

Visual Impacts

Wind turbines are very large structures and will be visible in the landscape. The visual impact assessment gives consideration in relation to: visual magnitude, landscape and scenic integrity, key feature disruption, multiple wind turbine effects and ancillary electrical infrastructure. Three WTGs will be located in the Upper Hunter Shire (Nos 12, 17 and 16). WTG No. 15 will be located almost on the LGA boundary (with Muswellbrook Shire). The EIS identifies four key viewpoints within the Upper Hunter (VP 13, VP 14, VP 15 and VP 16). No photomontages have been provided from these viewpoints and Epuron advises that the WTGs will not be visible from these locations due to the distance (greater than 4km). There are 6 rural dwellings within 2-4km from which some of the WTGs will be visible. It is recommended that the proponent be required to provide additional photomontages for at least one of the dwellings within the 2-4km range.
Shadow Flicker
The EIS identifies a particular phenomenon associated with wind farm development known as shadow flicker. This occurs at a particular location when the sun’s rays pass through the swept path of the moving blades. It is dependent on the time of day, geographical location, meteorological conditions of the site and local vegetation. The EIS in the same section then refers to “blade glint” without explanation. Presumably this is the sunlight reflecting off the moving blades. The assessment provides the results of shadow flicker on residences identified as G15-3, G17-1, P22-1 and S17-2. It is not clear from the EIS whether blade glint is commensurate with shadow flicker. Blade glint may be an issue for residences particularly to the north. This issue needs greater clarification.
Noise Impacts

The Noise Impact Assessment set the project level noise criteria at 35dB(A) or the background noise (LA90, 10 minute) by more than 5 dB(A), whichever is the greater. The NIA is based on sampling from four representative residential receivers (identified as G15-3, G17-1, P22-1 and S17-2). It is noted that no monitoring was undertaken in relation to the cluster of 8 WTGs that border or are within the Upper Hunter Shire. It is not clear why only four sites were used for monitoring – presumably they were considered to be sufficiently representative. Notwithstanding greater explanation needs to be provided about the selection of monitoring sites and how they are deemed to be representative.
Based on the noise assessment the noise criteria is met at all non-associated residences within the 4km Project Area limit with the exception of one residence (identified as P22-1) outside of the Upper Hunter Shire. It is recommended that a condition of consent is included that provides an opportunity for potentially affected residents to request an independent review where they perceive noise impacts.
Biodiversity Impacts

The Project involves the “long-term” removal of 133ha of woody vegetation. The EIS advises that the Project is linear in nature and involves relatively narrow clearance corridors rather than large consolidated areas of clearing.

Lake Glenbawn is approximately 8km north/north-west of the site and Lake Liddell is approximately 18km south-east. There is the potential for waterbirds moving to and from these water bodies flying towards the turbines at night (when most waterbirds move around). There are concerns about the adequacy of coverage given to the impact of the WTGs on water bird species which could be in their flight path.

We trust the above comments will be given due consideration by the Department in its assessment of the proposed development.
Attachments
Patrick Faras
Object
HEBDEN , New South Wales
Message
To whom it may concern,
I Patrick Faras of 259 scrumlo rd hebden (DP 1232095) am writing to strongly object to the planning and development of the bowman's creek wind farm.
Like many young working Australians I always had a dream of buying my own house and land. Fortunately I have worked hard for the last 12 years since leaving school an finally came up with a deposit to step in an buy 259 scrumlo rd 16 months ago with my partner. When we where searching for possible properties we looked at hebden. We drove through mine country rehab an thought where are we going till we turned on to scrumlo rd and made our way up in to what I thought was like gods country the back drop of cider creek (the proposed site of the wind farm and construction zone ) was amazing and we fell in love. We bought here for a quiet place to start a family I didn’t expect that the industrial industry down the valley could make it up the valley but this seems what is happing with this proposal.

I am so worried about the flora and fauna up in cider creek especially the newly found colonies of kolas founded by the university of Newcastle. They where devastated in the fires in 2019 and I think the more we can help them the better. With a no fly zone in place an building these fire starters up there what hope do these little guys have.

The construction process is going to be hell with the amount of traffic on our little road not to mention how dangerous for the town ship of hebden I see children ridding bikes and horses most afternoons on our quiet road an it is normally around 5 right on knock off when I hate to think how many cars trucks will be flying home after a days work.

The visual aspect and the low frequency wind towers will impact everyone up here an I strongly object to the proposed Bowmans creek wind farms and I hope you will to.
Kind regards
Patrick Faras
Name Withheld
Object
MIDDLE BROOK , New South Wales
Message
To close to residents. The wind towers don't repay the carbon credits it cost to build them.
At the end of their life they are not recyclable and remain an eyesore on the landscape.
Nicole Lyon
Object
HEBDEN , New South Wales
Message
To whom it may concern,
As a resident of 259 Scrumlo Road, Hebden (DP 1232095) the impacts of the Bowmans Creek wind farms as proposed by Epuron, will severely impact me and I am completely against the proposal.
I am deeply concerned of the impacts the wind farms will have on my property, surrounding properties, land values, aviation safety, bushfire risk and endangered fauna and flora in the area.
It has been proven that properties decline in value in the area of wind farms. Not to mention the eyesore of the huge turbines along the ridge line that we will see from our front door. Another concern is the noise and bushfire risk.
We purchased this property in November 2019 to fulfil our dream of raising a family on small acreage with great community and rural background. If it goes ahead our quiet road will be more like a highway with all the traffic as the construction of the wind turbines takes place.
I hope you will consider my objection to the project and decline the proposed wind farm at Bowmans Creek.
Regards
Nicole Lyon
Name Withheld
Object
HEBDEN , New South Wales
Message
I object to the project because:
1. It will increase dust and air pollution particularly during the construction stage. This will have health risks for residents of the area.
2. Clearing of land will leave it unable to be rehabilitated even after the project has been decommissioned. This land will never be able to be used for its agricultural purpose.
3. Implementing 80km of access track to the project will destroy residents properties and available farmland, which will affect their income.
4. The scenic value of the region will be decreased by the view of the wind turbines.
5. The noise impact may have health ramifications for residents.
6. Most dwellings that have been surveyed are located within 3km of a turbine. This increases the likelihood that residents will experience impacts such as surrounding noise, shadow flicker and close visual impacts, as well as the other consequences such as destruction of farmland and reduced quality of life.
Name Withheld
Object
Wentworth Point , New South Wales
Message
I object to the project because:
1. It will increase dust and air pollution particularly during the construction stage. This will have health risks for residents of the area.
2. Clearing of land will leave it unable to be rehabilitated even after the project has been decommissioned. This land will never be able to be used for its agricultural purpose.
3. Implementing 80km of access track to the project will destroy residents properties and available farmland. This will affect their income.
4. The scenic value of the region will be impacted by the visual of the wind turbines.
5. Most dwellings are located within 3km of a turbine. This increases the likelihood that residents will experience impacts such as surrounding noise, shadow flicker and close visual impacts, as well as destruction of farmland and reduced quality of life.
Noel Andrews
Object
BRIDGMAN , New South Wales
Message
Noel Andrews
“Carnegie”
149 Goorangoola Road
BRIDGMAN NSW 2330
9TH May 2021

Bowmans Creek Wind Farm SSD-10315
RE: OBJECTION TO PROPOSED STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT (SSD) NO. 10315
BOWMANS CREEK WIND FARM – CONSTRUCTION OF UP TO 60 WIND TURBINES 220M HEIGHT.

I would like to object to the proposed Application NO. SSD – 10315 NSW Government, Major Projects, Department of Planning and Environment. This project is controlled action under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 EPBC 2020/8631. Singleton Shire, Muswellbrook Shire and Upper Hunter Shire councils are within the proposed SSD Boundary.

I own a Property Lot 1-2 DP 618535 234.6 hectares “Rockleigh” Davis Creek Road, Rouchel NSW 2336.
I strongly object to the SSD-10315 Bowmans Creek Wind Farm for the following reasons:
• Reduction of property value. This is a cost to me.
• Future building of dwellings will be compromised.
• Bushfire Risk, ignition of turbines.
• Aerial fertilizer spreading will be impacted at a cost to me.
• High population Wedge Tail Eagles in the area.
• Increased traffic when travelling to my property at Davis Creek, safety issues these roads have not been built to cater for the large numbers of traffic.
• Pristine Cattle country turned into an ugly eyesore.
• Noise from the turbines echoing through our beautiful quiet countryside.
Thank you
Noel Andrews
[email protected]
Phillip Logue
Object
Muswellbrook , New South Wales
Message
I have lived at Muscle Creek just outside of Muswellbrook for the last 40 years, a quiet tranquil valley and home to a small community and totally against the Windfarm that is being proposed as Bowmans Creek Windfarm.

The wind test tower that is on the skyline is 110 meters high and in sight of my home. The proposed wind tower generators are supposed to be more then twice that height (220 meters high) of the wind test tower . When looking from my home comparing the distance from the floor of the valley to the top of the skyline at the base of the test tower, that same distance equals the same height as the wind power generator that will protrude into the sky. These towers that will line the horizon will cause light flicker when the sun rises each morning until the sun clears the top of the spinning blades. The worry of the above description creates me with anxiety of losing a quiet lifestyle that I worked for all my life to spend my retirement. The property will be greatly devalued if I decided to sell to get away from the sight of these monstrous towers. At my age I could not start again.

Our country was alight with bushfires not so long ago and a huge area of eastern seaboard of Australia went up in ashes, with blades of towers spinning and reaching 220m into the air, how could an aircraft water bomb help quell a bushfire within the windfarm area, the terrain of the area doesn't allow for vehicles to relocate quickly and to access all areas of the windfarm. There will be massive access roads constructed to service these towers but bushfires don't follow roads. They burn where fuel is. The damage to large numbers of wildlife would be a catastrophic result.

The water that is going to be needed to construct this proposed development is going to be on a large scale.
There has been nothing said on where they intend to get all the water that will be needed.

The wind farm is underneath flight paths used by commercial and light planes that service Scone Airport. The illumination of lights on spinning blades at the height of 220m will be clearly visable for miles.


There will be noise pollution and continually spinning towers in full sight of my place and the towers will be in full view and clearly seen from a large part of the town of Muswellbrook. Very little attention has been shown by our local council, although it is rumoured that our Mayor of the town of Muswellbrook is involved with land which is a host to a proposed tower generator. The last public meeting for the Windfarm provided by Epuron only went to Bowmans Creek and McCullys Gap. Muscle Creek community was left out and not given any opportunity to ask questions of Epuron proposed development matters that have now arisen and come to light of the proposed development that will effect us all.

Living within 5kms and in full sight of the towers that are to be constructed on the rim of the skyline and beyond will destroy a lifestyle that I have prepared for the last 52 years. Not being able to talk to anyone that will give answers to my inquiries is nothing short of frustrating and anger of being ignored.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit my concerns and objection to this proposed development.
Regards Phillip Logue
Peter York
Object
MCCULLYS GAP , New South Wales
Message
I object to the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm.

See detailed objection attached.
Attachments
Peter York
Object
MCCULLYS GAP , New South Wales
Message
As the Landholder of 1758 Sandy Creek Rd, I object to the Bowmans Creek Windfarm.
Name Withheld
Object
GLENDALE , New South Wales
Message
I strongly object to this project because of the detrimental effect it will have on the landscape and local wildlife.
I am also concerned about the unnatural noise this project will generate in such a currently peaceful location.
My family and I have spent many years visiting Bowmans Creek for its natural beauty and serenity and I feel most strongly that these attributes will be negatively affected by the proposed windfarm project.
Brooke York
Object
MCCULLYS GAP , New South Wales
Message
Please see my objection attached.
Attachments
Name Withheld
Object
MUSCLE CREEK , New South Wales
Message
I would like to start by stating I OBJECT to the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm and believe it should NOT go ahead.

I have lived most of my life in Muscle Creek and have developed a fond appreciation of the beautiful landscape this peaceful area brings. I was horrified when I learned about the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm and how it was going to change Muscle Creek as I know it. I am very familiar with the area and have no trouble determining where the proposed turbines will be situated. The proposed 220m high turbines on the tops of the surrounding Ridgelines of Muscle Creek will be prominent, obvious and impossible to ignore. This along with the constant noise these turbines are well known for will transform our home forever.

Throughout my life in Muscle Creek I have ridden horseback through this area and I am aware of its rich and diverse wildlife. The proposed area for this wind farm is NOT just cattle farming county but also full of dense vegetated areas with pockets of Sub Tropical Rainforest. These areas support variety of Australian Flora and Fauna which have existed due to their isolation. The effects from Blade Strike on this abundant Bird life will be devastating. I also have concerns for the amount of vegetation and animal habit needed to be cleared for the turbine sites and access roads. These roads will have to be major based on the size of the 70m turbine blades alone and the habitat clearing will be significant.

The clearing needed for this proposed Wind Farm Site also threatens Koala Colonies known to exist within the area. One known Colony is found East of Beggary Creek on a host’s property which was referred to by the “Hunter River Times”. Last year during the 2019-20 “Black Summer” Bushfires we as a Nation mourned over countless images of burnt Koalas. How can Bowman Creek Wind Farm be allowed to affect the survival of this Iconic Australian Animal???

Bushfires have been a seasonal threat for as long as I can remember and we can all remember the devastation caused by the 2019-20 Bushfires. The fact that Bowmans Creek Wind Farm is allowed to be placed in communities where it affects the potential Bushfire aerial support and increases possible loss of lives is unacceptable.

I have noticed in the last 10 years that as more properties were sub divided and as more families moved into Muscle Creek water availability has become limited. The Creek stops flowing earlier and earlier each summer and starts flowing later and later each winter. Epuron state in the EIS that water required during the construction of the Wind Farm will be drawn from Host’s Dams under the relevant harvestable rights order. If these dams are in the catchment area of Muscle Creek then this already stressed waterway will suffer and so will the residents of the Muscle Creek area.

The visual impact, turbine noise, sun flicker and increase risk of bushfires will definitely decline the value of properties in this area. This will financially destroy the people within this effected community who have saved all their lives to secure their piece of paradise.

I would like to make clear that I am not against renewable energy just the placement of this particular one on top of these rural communities. Placing this wind farm in this location based on Wind Availability or Power Station Grid convenience are NOT good enough reasons to do so. We are NOT an insignificant group of communities worth sacrificing for the better of all.
Kim Radcliffe
Object
MCCULLYS GAP , New South Wales
Message
I do not want the wind farm to go ahead as I will see them from my place!!
Sue Sylvester
Object
Bowmans Creek , New South Wales
Message
SUBMISSION to BOWMANS CREEK WIND FARM

The Secretary
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
12 Darcy Street,
PARRAMATTA

RE BOWMANS CREEK WIND FARM – SSD-10315

We object to this development application.

We own the property ‘Old Scrumlo’ comprising over 4,000 hectares at Upper Rouchel which is located in the middle of the proposed development.

For all the reasons set out below, we urge that this application be refused because we are so badly impacted by the proposal.

Proximity

The proposed development surrounds our property on 3 sides. Our property is within 3 kilometres of more than 50 % of the proposed turbines and within 5 kilometres of virtually all of the proposed turbines in the development. Our Residence Q17-3 has 260 degrees visibility which is the highest of any non-associated residence with in the proposal There are therefore many other items of associated infrastructure which will be located in positions which will have significant impacts on us and our agricultural operations (things such as substations, powerlines, roads, rock crushers, batching plants, construction compounds etc etc).

We also note that there are 4 residences located on the property (of which the current EIS only nominates 3, (Q17 -1.-2,-3) and we could have approvals for others.

Impacts on Our Operations

We run a significant cattle business. The following impacts will be caused by the development to our operations.

1. Direct Impacts to Livestock We bring trade cattle in and out of our property on a frequent basis. Cattle need time and peace to acclimatise and settle in a new environment. We have always prided ourselves on our high production of pasture fed, beef of which we have a reputation for undisturbed animals all which lead to premiums in meat quality. Disturbance to that process will affect the animals behaviours, weight gain, meat quality and other impacts which will result in damage being caused to our infrastructure (fencing etc). We move cattle along and across the roads which are shown as the main access roads to and through the wind farm. All vehicle movements and long term noise and visual strangeness will have impacts on those operations. In particular, unfamiliar drivers will experience and create dangers in dealing with our livestock. In some areas, the roads are not fenced out of our property.

2. Bio security Weeds We have a strict Bio Security programme and ensure our property is as close to weed free as possible. We have quarantine programmes for all incoming livestock to maintain our production numbers and quality. Bringing large numbers of vehicles into the areas adjacent to our property (including onto neighbours’ properties and roads) will bring weeds with them. We have spent many many years getting significant weed infestations under control to the point now where our property is productive and relatively clean of weeds. The introduction of large numbers of vehicle movements will threaten all that.

3. Aviation We use aircraft for fertiliser applications and this is likely to be restricted in our area if this development were to proceed because we are located in the middle of the whole development (surrounded on 3 sides). Irrespective of guidelines, operators will just refuse to fly in the whole of or in large parts of our property.



Impacts on Lifestyle / Amenity

We currently live in a peaceful rural outlook. We are located some distance (1 hour on average) from townships and amenities and that is the price we pay for the serenity we enjoy so much.

This serenity will be lost with a major industrial development surrounding us on 3 sides.

We expect significant visual, noise, traffic, dust and other tangible impacts. We don’t think that we should have to endure!

We also expect the suffer a loss of the sense of place which currently have. This is extremely important to our family which has had connection with this land for over 70 years.

Impacts on Saleability/Land Values

We expect that being surrounded on 3 sides by a major industrial development will significantly impair our land value and whether we are able to sell our property at all if we choose to do so.

Zoning – Compatibility of Land Uses

This land is all zoned for extensive agriculture. On the basis of that being its own use, we developed our business at great expense and risk. The compatibility of our existing operation with other extensive agricultural operations is critical to the success of our operation. The inverse is also true; namely that the agricultural use will be incompatable with the proposed surrounding industrial use.

Distributive Inequity

This development impacts (harms) the landowners nearest (with the impacts mentioned above) but benefits only the much broader community. We suffer whilst others further afield benefit. We pay the cost, whilst others derive the benefits.

The immediate local benefits of this development to our local Rouchel, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook and Singleton communities is not even assessed/measured in the EIS, presumably because the benefits do not accrue to the local area in any great significance.

In our case, there is no benefit from this development to us; only costs, damage to our lifestyle and operations and asset values.

Decommissioning

We are significantly concerned about the risks related to decommissioning of the wind farm.

When coal mines commence, they are required to lodge a security deposit / cash or bank guarantee bonding their performance of their obligations to decommission and rehabilitate the land. There is no proposal to do that in this development yet the risk of unrehabilitated wind farms can be just as great and just as problematic to the environment as an unrehabilitated mine site.

We are told that a wind farm cannot afford a bond and that is why they are not proposed. It would be extraordinary (and contrary to the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act) if any development were to be relieved of the obligation to carry out a measure which was required in order to protect the environment simply because it made the development financially unviable or less attractive. All wind farms should be bonded and if the consent authority proposes otherwise then it should seek legislative assurance of the performance of the decommissioning and rehabilitation obligations of the wind farmer from the NSW government.

Bushfires

The country in which this development is proposed is highly risky for bushfires. The risks of bushfires to our property have not been properly understood or assessed in the EIS and this is another reason why this development in its current format should be reconsidered.


Conclusion

Old Scrumlo cattle station has been carefully improved and developed over many years by the Sylvester family when it was first bought in (1952) at that time the property was run down unproductive and erosion was very evident .

Now that has all changed !! High performance pastures and magnificent waters providing for our cattle business. Old Scrumlo is a beef powerhouse providing highest quality grassfed beef to hundreds of thousands of people every year irrespective of drought. Millions of kilograms of beef every year, our production will be significantly impacted which will obviously impact significantly on our contracts to supply grass fed beef we have been deemed by the Federal and State Governments as an essential service being a food & protein provider during the worst pandemic due to covid-19 Australia has seen. For my family to change our unique business practices would come at a massive cost to myself and my family

This unusual wind farm development which surrounds us on 3 sides has too much impact on us to be approvable. It is inconsistent and incompatible with our lifestyles and existing cattle operations and should not be approved for the reasons set out above which all relate to unfair and inappropriate impacts on us and our property. We urge refusal of this application.
Adelaide Sylvester
Object
BOWMANS CREEK , New South Wales
Message
SUBMISSION to BOWMANS CREEK WIND FARM

The Secretary
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
12 Darcy Street,
PARRAMATTA

RE BOWMANS CREEK WIND FARM – SSD-10315

I object to this development application.

I have lived in this Valley all of my young life and have enjoyed the wonderful aspects of growing up a long way from town and reaping rewards from the land.

My family have always taught us to treat the land with respect and that we have a short time on this earth to look after what we have been fortunate enough to live on, and to ensure that the ongoing members of our family can continue to enjoy the same well into the future.

I am grateful that my forebears have looked after the land and the property I grew up on known as Old Scrumlo. It has produced quality beef for over 70 years in a wholistic manner. I have grown up looking after animals ensuring they are always calm and settled, to ensure they are always putting on weight in a low stress environment.

I would like to continue this legacy in the future; however, I believe the proposed windfarm will stop all of that. We are surrounded on 3 sides of the proposal and have up to 42 adjustments to our grids and fences proposed to create a main access road. This huge industrial takeover to our pristine environment it will not only ruin our ability to create low stress beef production, but it will also be extremely expensive for us to continue the operation as we know it.

We bring cattle onto the property from all over Australia, and many different mobs are put together that takes a lot of time and management. To effectively settle and continue these animals on a rising plane of nutrition and subsequently put weight on is imperative. We promote the stress-free treatment of our livestock and the pasture fed environment they live. As a result, we obtain a premium price for the hard work we have done over many years to achieve this.

I am currently studying to ensure this operation continues and feel I have the most to lose from this proposal going ahead. I hope to be on Old Scrumlo for many years in the future and bring up my family in this Valley. The idea that such a pristine valley could become an industrial hub for a short 25-year phase is hard to fathom and certainly does not seem in keeping with looking to the future.

I have included two pictures below, 1.1 of our premium beef product in the pristine pasture side that consumers want and ask for. The second 1.2 is the industrial size of steel & cement that they wish to bring to this valley. The second picture 1.2 is of Baywater power station emission stacks in relation to the size of 1 wind turbine.(virtually the same) This proposal plans to build 60 “Baywater power station Emission Stacks” for an estimated 25 year timeframe but with NO real decommissioning proposal. We have looked after the land so that it will last for hundreds of years and take particular care to do so. Why can such a proposal be allowed to come in and take away all of that.

Why does this proposal only have to look at building something without a long or even medium term view? When coal mines commence, they are required to lodge a security deposit / cash or bank guarantee bonding their performance of their obligations to decommission and rehabilitate the land. There is no proposal to do that in this development yet the risk of unrehabilitated wind farms can be just as great and just as problematic to the environment as an unrehabilitated mine site.

For 4 generations our family has provided food for thousands of people and we should be allowed to continue this for all the generations to come, and not allow a short-term industrial waste land to be left for we as future food producers of Australia to try and undo!


On top of our beef production impact, I note that our homes have the highest visual impact of all the residents within the project. Green Been Design has produced a 360-degree visual rose of all effected dwellings we are the ONLY dwelling to have 240 degrees of turbine visibility. Based on the 9.8.84 Viewpoint for Q17-3 Multiple Wind Turbine Tool diagram we have full visibility of 21 turbines being 35% of the proposal and an additional 8.3% or 5 turbines that we will see the blade visibility. This indicates that we will have nearly 50% view of the turbines with no economic benefit and in fact significant economics costs. I strongly object to the visual impact this proposal has on both our residence and property.


This unusual wind farm development surrounding us on 3 sides has too much impact on us to be approvable. It is inconsistent and incompatible with our lifestyles and existing cattle operations and should not be approved for the reasons set out above which all relate to unfair and inappropriate impacts on us and our property.
Attachments
heather mclean
Object
MOUNT ROYAL , New South Wales
Message
I object to large scale industrialisation of the landscape.

I am concerned that the sustained impact of radical change to windflow is not being recognised. The concentration of 70 turbines on the ridgetops between the existing power distribution infrastructure of Liddell Power Station and the Barrington Massif to the east is likely to impact on ecosystem functions that are not immediately apparent, for instance, low level atmospheric pollen plumes and migratory insect species.

I am concerned that the impact on biodiversity has not been adequately assessed. I note on page 161 of Appendix L, Biodiversity : "Assessments of visual, odour, noise, vibration, air quality, amenity impacts and cultural heritage of the Project are outside of the scope of this BDAR, however these matters are addressed in the specialist documents prepared for the EIS. However, as the subject land does not adjoin Mount Royal NP or other areas of National Estate, these impacts are likely to be absent to negligible."

The impact from the proposed activity of a windfarm certainly does not turn on being adjacent to the location.
Name Withheld
Object
MUSCLE CREEK , New South Wales
Message
I am writing in objection to the Bowman Creek Wind Farm. I have lived in the Muscle Creek area for 11 years and found it to be a sanctuary from the anxieties and stresses of day to day life. I love the stunning views and adore the abundant flora and fauna that this special place provides. The thought of the Bowman Creek Wind Farm and how it will affect the visual aspect has horrified me and made me realise that my sanctuary will be no more.

I am a sensitive person and I suffer from migraines often. So the constant noise pollution generated from these Wind Turbines will definitely take its toll on me. The added visual reminder of these 220m Turbines on the Ridgelines of Muscle Creek will be something I will never be able come to terms with.

I am a person that appreciates Australian wildlife and noticed that the area of Muscle Creek supports a variety of Australian Birds and Animals. Epuron should not be allowed to place a Wind Farm in a position where it will drastically impact Animal and Bird species populations.

This whole “Bowman Creek Wind Farm” consultation process has left me feeling small and insignificant. I feel my beloved Muscle Creek will be destroyed and my opinion doesn’t matter enough to save it. This Wind Farm is morally wrong and should not be allowed to go ahead IN THIS AREA as it will affect so many lives. I hope my objection helps highlight that this project does not suit this area and relocation needs to be considered.
Hamish Sylvester
Object
BOWMANS CREEK , New South Wales
Message
SUBMISSION to BOWMANS CREEK WIND FARM

The Secretary
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
12 Darcy Street,
PARRAMATTA

RE BOWMANS CREEK WIND FARM – SSD-10315

I object to this development application.

I have lived in this Valley all of my young life and have enjoyed the wonderful aspects of growing up a long way from town and reaping rewards from the land.

My family have always taught us to treat the land with respect and that we have a short time on this earth to look after what we have been fortunate enough to live on, and to ensure that the ongoing members of our family can continue to enjoy the same well into the future.

I am grateful that my forebears have looked after the land and the property I grew up on known as Old Scrumlo. It has produced quality beef for over 70 years in a wholistic manner. I have grown up looking after animals ensuring they are always calm and settled, to ensure they are always putting on weight in a low stress environment.

I would like to continue this legacy in the future; however, I believe the proposed windfarm will stop all of that. We are surrounded on 3 sides of the proposal and have up to 42 adjustments to our grids and fences proposed to create a main access road. This huge industrial takeover to our pristine environment it will not only ruin our ability to create low stress beef production, but it will also be extremely expensive for us to continue the operation as we know it.

We bring cattle onto the property from all over Australia, and many different mobs are put together that takes a lot of time and management. To effectively settle and continue these animals on a rising plane of nutrition and subsequently put weight on is imperative. We promote the stress-free treatment of our livestock and the pasture fed environment they live. As a result, we obtain a premium price for the hard work we have done over many years to achieve this.

I am currently studying to ensure this operation continues and feel I have the most to lose from this proposal going ahead. I hope to be on Old Scrumlo for many years in the future and bring up my family in this Valley. The idea that such a pristine valley could become an industrial hub for a short 25-year phase is hard to fathom and certainly does not seem in keeping with looking to the future.

Why does this proposal only have to look at building something without a long or even medium term view? When coal mines commence, they are required to lodge a security deposit / cash or bank guarantee bonding their performance of their obligations to decommission and rehabilitate the land. There is no proposal to do that in this development yet the risk of unrehabilitated wind farms can be just as great and just as problematic to the environment as an unrehabilitated mine site.

For 4 generations our family has provided food for thousands of people and we should be allowed to continue this for all the generations to come, and not allow a short-term industrial waste land to be left for we as future food producers of Australia to try and undo!


On top of our beef production impact, I note that our homes have the highest visual impact of all the residents within the project. Green Been Design has produced a 360-degree visual rose of all effected dwellings we are the ONLY dwelling to have 240 degrees of turbine visibility. Based on the 9.8.84 Viewpoint for Q17-3 Multiple Wind Turbine Tool diagram we have full visibility of 21 turbines being 35% of the proposal and an additional 8.3% or 5 turbines that we will see the blade visibility. This indicates that we will have nearly 50% view of the turbines with no economic benefit and in fact significant economics costs. I strongly object to the visual impact this proposal has on both our residence and property.

In conclusion I would like to appose the planned windfarm proposal in the present form. With it being on all 3 sides of our property, we seem to have the most impact for no gain, which is very unfair. The benefits to the community are minimal and the economic costs to our family operation is extensive.
Name Withheld
Object
MUSCLE CREEK , New South Wales
Message
WE STRONGLY OBJECT THIS PROPOSAL

SE-19218521 Redacted submission attached
Attachments

Pagination

Project Details

Application Number
SSD-10315
EPBC ID Number
EPBC 2020/8631
Assessment Type
State Significant Development
Development Type
Electricity Generation - Wind
Local Government Areas
Singleton Shire
Decision
Approved
Determination Date
Decider
IPC-N

Contact Planner

Name
Elisha Dunn