Skip to main content

State Significant Development

Response to Submissions

Burrendong Wind Farm

Dubbo Regional

Current Status: Response to Submissions

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

Development of a wind farm, with up to 70 wind turbines and associated infrastructure

EPBC

This project is a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and will be assessed under the bilateral agreement between the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, or an accredited assessment process. For more information, refer to the Australian Government's website.

Attachments & Resources

Notice of Exhibition (1)

Request for SEARs (3)

SEARs (17)

EIS (29)

Response to Submissions (1)

Agency Advice (13)

Submissions

Filters
Showing 141 - 160 of 243 submissions
Name Withheld
Object
Long Jetty , New South Wales
Message
I am against the proposed Burrendong Wind Farm.
It is imperative that the proposal be examined by an independent panel.
I implore all involved in this proposal to ‘walk a mile in the shoes’ of the occupants of this land - flora, fauna and human.
The impact of a wind farm in this location, for all occupants, is destructive and devastating.
This impact has many facets, some of which are controversial due to lack of scientific, evidence-based support. This has generated much discussion since the inception of wind farms.
I believe an independent panel is essential to examine the proposal of a wind farm at Burrendong.
I am appalled to learn that a South Korean multinational company sends profits offshore and demonstrates no regard for our bushland, wildlife and their habitat, the welfare of local families or the value of property and community.
Over 600 hectares of bushland bulldozed - the impact is devasting!
On a personal note, I have enjoyed the idyllic surrounds at the property built by the Pedersen family. 167 Rockford Lane, Yarrabin.
For 40 years, this property has always been a stress-free, rejuvenating haven-a return to nature for family, extended family and friends.
I fear the landscape, along with the serenity of the property, will be destroyed. No longer will the expansive views of sunsets and Burrendong Dam be uninterrupted. The everyday, joyful experiences of the Pederson family and visitors will be forever negatively impacted.
My final point involves an incalcuable stressor for all property owners in the tight knit community - that is, the devaluing of property if the proposal is successful.
I have personally witnessed the stress of all members of the Pedersen family but particularly that of the owners now in their mid 70s. They purpose built the property to take full advantage of all its location has to offer. A lifetime of toil. They deserve better.
In conclusion, it is imperative that the proposal for the Burrendong Wind Farm be examined and evaluated by an independent panel.
Thank you for your consideration
Paul Gregg
Object
TWELVE MILE , New South Wales
Message
To whom it may concern.
I would like to object to this project on several grounds.
My number one concern from a personal point of view is the use of Yarrabin Road.
I am a farmer on Yarrabin Rd .....3263.
My family has owned Loch Lomond since 1977.
The EIS on display lacks any detail on what is proposed for Yarrabin Rd in terms on the transportation of turbines, heavy vehicles and lighter vehicles for employees on the windfarm.
Is the road going to partially sealed, fully sealed or just upgaded with gravel? What is the plan for dust which will affect our olive grove which will won't provide the same crop year in year out if dust isn't deal with. The dust will coat the leaves near the road and the leaves/trees won't be able to photosynthesis as well.
Most importantly - there isn't enough clarity on which parts of the road are going to straightened or changed. Will there be compulsory aquestition? What is Council's role in all this. At the moment we have about six cars a day using our part of Yarrabin Rd. If this goes ahead will are likley to have 100s a week. Heavy to light vehicles.
How do we now run our stock on these road paddocks which have never used to fenced along the road and we use this paddocks to access water and stock yards.
SECONDLY - aside from the road the height of these turbines is totally out of proportion with the landscape and the environment around Burrendong. The height of these will dwarf the hills around us and the dams.
THIRD - I am very concerned for area in terms of tourism. We and Mudgee have worked so hard to attract the tourist dollar now the influx of workers will make it very difficult as the workers and tourists will be competing for pub meals, local attractions and possibly accomondation.
FOURTH - where is the water coming from to dampen the road and mix concrete for the towers construction. It can't come out of the river nor ground water. That is very precious on how do we know it won't affect commercial trees famers like myself. We have two bores to service our grove. Water is a massive issue.
FIFTH - as a member of the Yarrabin RFS the height of these turbines will make it very difficult to fight fires from aircraft is required.
SIXTH - there is evidence emerging that these wind turbines can create rain shadows and influence weather patterns. Burrendong is one of several prosposed windfarms in our area,
SEVEN - the native bird life will get caught up in these blades. There is no doubt about that and there is plenty of evidence to support this.
THANK-YOU and I reserve the right to add to this in the future.
Stephen Lowe
Object
YARRABIN , New South Wales
Message
I have been monitoring this and other Windfarms now for over a decade. This project, and so many like it, are white elephants. The science and the costings do NOT add up. These projects are only possible due to the enormous subsidies provided by the Government, which in other words means me, my family the Australian people.
Why will the government not stop and look at the figures? ALL of the components for these projects require fossil fuels to make!
With specific regards to the Burrendong Wind Farm, the proponent has continually deflected and ignored the many many concerns raised by landholders in and around the project who will be directly and adversely impacted. There will be damage to the environment, negative health affects to nearby residents by way of noise, visual effects and shadow flicker just to name a few problems. I once attended a meeting with the proponents via zoom or teams meeting. This project is supposed to be about saving the environment, yet the Wind Farm openly admitted that their primary reason for being involved was to make a profit!
This project is no good for our local community, nor for the people of NSW who will be further burdened with the even increasing costs of energy, and this doesn't even factor in the enormous and looming costs to develop the REZ needed to carry this proposed energy to a grid where it can be used.
Please record this as my objection.
Zoe Boyce
Object
DUNEDOO , New South Wales
Message
I visit friends at 167 Rockford Lane Yarribin and extremely object to this plan. The Worlds End Ridge line is a high quality scenic feature and the wind turbines are a complete disaster of a plan. I am highly concerned about the destruction of native vegetation and wildlife habitats, the detrimental effect to human health the turbines pose and the ridiculously ugly impact it will have. Please do not allow this to go ahead!
Name Withheld
Object
Elanora Heights , New South Wales
Message
RE: Urgent Appeal Against Wind Turbine Installation at World's End Ridgeline, Burrendong Wind Farm, Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional

To Whom It May Concern,

I trust this letter finds you well.
I am writing as a concerned visitor and advocate for the preservation of the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our cherished bush environments, specifically with regard to the proposed wind turbine installation, Burrendong Wind Farm, near the World's End Ridgeline.

The World’s End Ridgeline stands as a high-quality scenic feature. Because of its beauty and serenity, it has become a haven for our friends and my family, notably during our stays at 167 Rockford Lane, Yarrabin.
Our love for this location is deeply rooted in the tight-knit community, the tranquillity, and the unspoiled natural landscape that defines the area.

Our family friend’s property at 167 Rockford Lane has been purposefully designed to embrace the high-quality scenic landscape, providing an uninterrupted view of the expansive World’s End Ridgeline. This unique setting has been a source of inspiration for our visits, allowing us to connect with nature, tune out from the hustle of daily life, and revel in the absence of phone reception and electromagnetic fields (EMF).
The ability to savour the solitude and witness the beauty without visual obstructions is what makes this locale truly exceptional.

It is with great concern that we have learned of ARK Energy's proposal to install wind turbines along the World’s End Ridgeline.
The potential repercussions of such a project extend beyond the visual impact and pose serious threats to our health, community cohesion, and the very essence of what makes this area special.
We implore ARK Energy to heed the feedback from our community and reconsider the installation of turbines along the World’s End Ridgeline.

Places like the Sunset Bar, where we go to watch the sunsets, being the highest point in the property, where you can also enjoy expansive views of the Burrendong Dam.
To the Eagle’s Nest, where we can camp at another high point on the property, would be adversely affected, diminishing the very experiences that draw us to this location.

While the health concerns associated with infrasound, EMF and BPA’s are concerning enough. The intrusive nature of towering turbines with flashing lights and constant movement will irrevocably disrupt the peace and well-being of our home away from home.

The emotional stress this has caused our family and families such as the Pedersens is also troubling, not only for the significant decrease in property values but with the potential division created within our tight-knit community

The proposed wind turbine installation, spearheaded by a multinational company, threatens to compromise the essence of our lifestyle properties and sends profits offshore without due consideration for our bush, families, and communities.

The environmental consequences are equally troubling, with the risk of landscape degradation, habitat destruction. The prospect of bulldozing over 600 hectares of bushland, impacting wildlife such as:
Wedge-Tailed eagles
Glossy Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos
Koalas – specifically bulldozing Burrendong Koala habitat
Micro Bats

In conclusion, I urge the government to carefully reconsider the approval of the proposed wind turbine installation of Burrendong Wind Farm, taking into account the profound impact on our community, health, and environment.
Our bush and its unique landscapes deserve preservation, and I trust that your office will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the essence of this pristine environment for current and future generations.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sophie Homan
Object
Elanora Heights , New South Wales
Message
RE: Opposition to Wind Turbine Installation at Burrendong Wind Farm, Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional

Hi,

My name is Sophie and I am 7 years old. I am writing to you today about a special place I like to visit.
My family visits our family friends’ property 167 Rockford Lane, Yarrabin. We really, really love it!

It's a magical place with beautiful views and nature.
Our friend's house is made so we can see all the amazing views of the World's End Ridgeline.
We like to go there because its is very beautiful and there is no TV or internet, so our parents get to teach us about nature.
We have gone swimming in the waterhole, and fishing for yabbies in the pond.
We go swimming in the river and Dad teaches about currents and flooding.
We like to go to the top or the mountain and see the sunset and then we cook dinner on the campfire and run around til dark.
We dig holes, find rocks and Dad teaches us about trees and plants.
Our friend’s Dad has taught us about gold-panning and the history of the gold rush in Mudgee, we even saw the really old houses used by the gold diggers.
We also get to stay up late and see the stars, which are not as cool in Sydney.

Mum and Dad, says that a company is going to come and bulldoze a lot of bushland to make way for giant turbines.
This makes me sad as our parents have taught us about all the native animals that live there. Like Wedge-Tailed Eagles, Koalas, Micro Bats and Glossy Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos.
We want to keep our special place just the way it is and keep the bush for the animals.

I would like the government to find a better place for these turbines.
Our special place deserves to be safe, and I hope they will help us keep it that way for a long time

Thanks
Sophie Homan
Caroline Homan
Object
Elanora Heights , New South Wales
Message
RE: Opposition to Wind Turbine Installation in Pristine Bush Environment, Burrendong Wind Farm, Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my deep concerns and opposition to the proposed installation of wind turbines in the pristine bush environment, specifically Burrendong Wind Farm in NSW.

It is with great concern that we have learned of ARK Energy's proposal to install wind turbines along the World’s End Ridgeline.
While I understand the importance of renewable energy sources for a sustainable future, I believe it is crucial to balance such initiatives with the preservation of our invaluable natural landscapes.

We visit the area multiple times a year and stay with family friends at their property at 167 Rockford Lane, Yarrabin

The disturbance caused by the construction and operation of wind turbines will result in irreversible damage to the World’s End Ridgeline, disrupting habitats and threatening the survival of native species.
Such as:
Wedge-Tailed eagles
Glossy Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos
Koalas – specifically bulldozing Burrendong Koala habitat
Micro Bats

Moreover, the visual impact of large-scale wind turbines on the natural landscape cannot be understated. The installation of these structures would mar the untouched beauty of the bush, detracting from its aesthetic value and diminishing the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.

We visit our family friend’s property multiple times a year and enjoy spending time with our families without the interruption of phones, tvs and the internet. We enjoy camping, bushwalking, hiking and teaching or children about rivers, animals and the Australian bush.

With the introduction of a Wind Farm, it will spoil the amazing views and serenity, it will destroy natural untouched habitat of many Australian species, it will dimmish the value of the property and surrounding areas, it will disrupt the peace and quiet with flashing lights and constant movement.

By allowing this project to go ahead, we are allowing a South Korean Multi National Company to come into our Australian Bush and destroy what it is all about. 600+ hectares of bushland and wildlife bulldozed. All their profits going overseas, no thoughts about the bush or local families and communities.

There are undoubtedly more suitable areas where the benefits of renewable energy can be harnessed without compromising the delicate balance of ecosystems or sacrificing the natural beauty of our landscapes.

I kindly request that you take these concerns into account during the decision-making process and advocate for the protection of our invaluable natural heritage.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I trust that you will give due consideration to the importance of preserving the pristine bush environment in
Yarrabin.

Sincerely,
Caroline Homan
Name Withheld
Object
DRUMMOYNE , New South Wales
Message
I object to the project we have been flooded with wind farm proposals in the Mudgee region. My main issues relate to
- Lack of consultation. Photo Montague not provided to several landowners.
- The justification for development is this truly a sustainable development across financial , social and ecological measures.
- Massive impact on our visual amenity.
- Constant noise and vibration impact.
- Changes to the landscape and land use
- Health impact on the people and livestock - the World Health Organisation (WHO) has produced numerous scientific reports on the human health due to noise and visual pollution from industrial wind turbine farms.
- This area is a safe haven for Australian native animals and native flora and fauna
Name Withheld
Object
MAITLAND BAR , New South Wales
Message
I object to this unsustainable wind farm that will be a complete diaster to the locl wildlife and local community. I personally have visited the property at 167 rockford lane Yarrabin where the wind farm would tower over meaning the serenity, the humming, the buzzing, the fuel powered motors would be a huge disturbance.
It would mean emotional stress of our young families coming together here to enjoy the peacefulness of the meroo river. The birds that fly through the ridges would be confused and not survive or stay in the area due to the disruption of the blades turning and humming sound.
This area is home to many koalas amd so bulldozing the area will destroy their habitats. They are already in danger of being endangered. We must do everything we can to protect koalas wild habitats.
Wind turbines are not renewable as they are coal powered. This is not for a greener future at all. Plus the power generated isn't even for the local community.

Warm wishes
Name Withheld
Object
DRUMMOYNE , New South Wales
Message
I object to the project I find the lack of honest declaration is both astounding and alarming. My main issues relate to the lack of consultation. Rural communities, including ours, continually battle the challenges which threaten their livelihoods by matters which are typically outside of their control, climate (bush fire, flooding and drought). More recently highlighted through significant mental health issues which are widespread in the agricultural sector. This development and similar ones have deeply divided the community and neighbours alike. Instead of the proponent seeking input for all residences in the area at the earliest planning stage, they managed to secure a few hosts (by providing substantial financial incentive to act as hosts) and move the proposal along strategically in silence. Once we made it clear we were not supportive of the proposal, contact and any form of consultation ceased. The absence of consultation by Ark Energy is extraordinary given the enormous potential effects on our and or ourselves, our operation as cattle breeders, our environment, wildlife, visual amenity and land value. The proponents of this project appear to be prioritising financial returns over the local environment, prime agricultural land and people. Their actions will lead to the upending of the beautiful district into an industrial zone of giant towers, iron and wires. The exact location of each wind turbine is difficult to determine and do not offer clear and specific turbine positioning and provide no clarity on how the turbines will look from ground level. Some landowners have not received detailed photo montages displaying the actual visual impact of these turbines. Difficult access in the proposed wind warm and surrounding areas makes ground firefighting highly dangerous. The proposed turbines can therefore restrict access for aerial control for all aircraft types, which will mean that property, wildlife and livestock will be at higher risk of damage and loss. More importantly, the loss of life would also clearly be an increased risk. We maintain a wildlife corridor encouraging wildlife protection and diversity. The potential turbine locations which will likely subject native fauna to infrasound, shadow flicker, as will and bird and bat deaths from blade strike. The extent to which various species will be affected is not clear. Loss of visual amenity and land devaluation is a major concern also.
Vanessa Parish
Object
NARRABRI , New South Wales
Message
My family visits and stays at 167 Rockford Lane, Yarrabin regularly. It is a beautiful place to stay with a serene environment and peaceful gorgeous views both from the mountains and of the mountains and to also be off-grid and amongst our world's natural nature.
Turbines will ruin the landscape and lifestyle of the land owners who don't farm there.
It could destroy the close community that supports each other and guests.
I worry about the bulldozing of the land and the damage it will do to the natural habitat. We enjoy seeing the wild animals in their natural habitat, undisturbed by our cruel society living their best life. It brings us back to our roots and gives us the reset needed to go back to our everyday lives.
It is also a magical place to take the children so they can explore the great outdoors away from any large infrastructure and teach them what life is like away from technology.
We are also worried about the great deal of stress this is causing the locals, especially the Pederson family who welcome us every year to enjoy this uniquely beautiful part of our country. Since when was it okay to install ungodly sights that tower over people's properties with annoying flashing lights, ruining landscapes and serene views?
Brendan Greenbank
Object
BOOTAWA , New South Wales
Message
I have been a regular visitor of our friends property at 167 Rockford lane Yarrabin for over twenty years. I was shocked to hear of the proposed "wind farm" on the ridge opposite. This area is escape for so many to destress from the harsh city life. The turbines would be ruin the valleys natural beauty and absolutely ruin the natural environment that's is habitat to many species from Wedgetail Eagles to Koalas and Platypus to name a few. This is an absolute disgrace !! Staying at our friends property some weekends could be up to around 50 people. That's a lot of disappointed people that would have to look at an environmental disaster from the house and even worse from the top of the mountain where we frequent when walking or camping.

Further to the environmental issues are the the unacceptable emf radiation, run off of various chemicals and sediment into the creek during construction, then the chemicals and oil leaking during operation, the likely damage from turbines catching on fire and then when they reach their used by date who will remove them and will it be done responsibly.

The roads in to service the project can not handle these works.

Before this has even started it has caused major stress in our friends family through the generations, through our friends and through the close community in the valley.

Nature is at risk and the mental health of many people is already at tipping point. We are pleading don't kill us!!
Name Withheld
Object
BEXLEY , New South Wales
Message
I object to the project, my main issues relate to the project location, scale and type were decided at the outset without broad community consultation. Ownership, whilst the project is being purported to being in the interests of the community, NSW and the nation overall, it appears to be nothing more than an elaborate tax avoidance scheme and potential laundering venture set to use both private and government subsidies for offshore unscrupulous investors. Lack of local investments / benefits, the provision of local labour and therefore benefits is negligible. The turbines themselves will be manufactured and pre-assembled overseas and assembled by specialist crews on a "fly-in fly-out" basis. Land values will decrease, it is evident land values will drop significantly in the district as a result of the development. This is a massive social and economic impact on the community and district overall. Reduction of land values places even greater stress on the wellbeing and mental health of the community. Independant land valuations should be completed, and a model compensation be proposed should the development be approved. Support should be for greater innovation and, if anything, for solar energy where there is significantly less impact on people's amenity and where the energy generation is more predictable and constant. Studies have proven that a small increase in electricity prices have had a far more effective impact in reducing the need for electricity, and therefore reducing carbon emissions than investing in unreliable renewable energy, such as wind turbines. Carbon saving/reduction is not correctly quantified. The life cycle assessments (LCA's) conducted to ascertain the pay-back period alone proves the development fails to prove its stated objective. More carbon is used in the manufacture, transport and construction of the turbines. Consideration needs to be taken into account for the mining of all raw materials, overseas manufacturing of steel towers, reinforcement steel, concrete, road construction, all transport need, ongoing maintenance requirements and dismantling/reinstatement at the end of the project's life. Specifically, one of the most significant impacts on our amenity will be visual, and the corresponding conversion of the tranquil rural landscape to essentially an industrial estate. The proposed high turbines located across our ridge lines erode the most idyllic setting that is provides our family, neighbours and visitors alike. Ear key issue - noise and vibration - the World Health Organisation (WHO) has produced numerous scientific reports on the impacts on human health due to noise (audible and in-audible) and visual pollution from industrial wind turbine farms. The reports by WHO and other independent major international organisations are commissioned with no vested interest, and accordingly countries around the world who have embraced wind power are now facing mounting community outrage due to noise levels and the consequential health impacts. The recent research has indicated that anyone within a 10kms radii of a wind farm is likely to suffer health related problems due to the noise and vibration impact of the turbines. The reality is that modelling of predicted noise levels cannot be proved until the wind farm is operational, by which it becomes a costly exercise to either turn off or remove the offending turbines which is extremely unlikely. We live in constant fear and threat. We vehemently object to the proposed development due to the nature, location, scale and impact on ourselves, the surrounding community.
Name Withheld
Object
MUDGEE , New South Wales
Message
I object to the Burrendong Dam wind farm. I have friends that have a property on Rockford Lane, and I visit frequently. Their house has views of the Worlds End Ridgeline. I have concerns about the negative impact the turbines have on the Landscape, wildlife, and noise to residents. The Worlds End Ridgeline is a unique place and should be left in its natural state.
Name Withheld
Object
Dederang , Victoria
Message
I object to the unreliability of wind farms to supply our energy needs. We will never have enough battery storage to last when the wind is not blowing. Our energy grid will be unreliable.
Name Withheld
Object
MUDGEE , New South Wales
Message
I object to the Burrendong Wind farm initiative bordering the property of 169 Rockford Lane Mudgee. I believe it would be harmful to the natural environment of the land and detract from its beauty. I have visited this property and see it as peaceful and tranquil, with a raw beauty. I believe the wind turbines will disturb the wildlife that inhabit the area and thereby, impacting the environment.
Jill Baggett
Object
Mudgee , New South Wales
Message
I wish to strongly object to the Burrendong Wind Farm project.
I have lived in this area for many years and the thought of the landscape and serenity of the area being destroyed by the monstrosities of wind turbines is deeply distressing.
How anyone can claim these nightmare constructions are environmentally safe is beyond me.
The distress they will cause to both the human and wildlife population is unconscionable.
Sincerely
Jill Baggett
CWO REZist Inc.
Object
COOLAH , New South Wales
Message
CWO REZist Inc. objects to the Burrendong Wind Industrial project.
Please see attached objection.
Attachments
Name Withheld
Object
KILLARNEY VALE , New South Wales
Message
Views from my property will be destroyed.
We purchased this property for its views, its natural habitat and distance from man made structures.
Light pollution is another worry as enthusiastic amateur astronomers we want to show younger generations the sky we see now.
The serenity will be gone, with sound echoing through the valley it will change the surroundings
Our property value will decrease massively!!
Wildlife will be put at risk, council and government initiatives to maintain natures balance will be pointless.
Sally-Anne Kearns
Object
CULLENBONE , New South Wales
Message
These projects are taking advantage of the vulnerable position of a big governance area with a small population. This will completely cripple the benefit of the region with absolutely NO benefit that is sustainable. These are absolutely NOT renewable energy as simply the time and effort to bring in the components of these insanely monstrous devices is not sustainable unless via air flight.

I strongly Object to this ugly, unreliable, weather dependent plan that is a toxic disaster for Australia's environment & a Public Health & Safety Risk.

Australia is one of the only countries attempting to have no coal mines into the future and yet its economic infrastructure totally relies on it. These wind farms not only destroy the peace, natural landscape, fresh air and unobstructed views of how this region became the number 1 tourism destination. They also have NON detailed affects of infrared, EMF, lights flashing, constant movement, echo studies long term on the health of the nearby plants, animals or HUMANS.

The company is owned OFF shore by a south korean multi national who does not give a care to the damage they create to thelandscape. Not only that, where do these horrendous devices get recylced after their lifecycle? surely they do not last forever in the heat of the area? and who pays for this? taxpayers into the future? unsuspecting landowners? are the parts recyclable into the future?

This is 600 hundred plus hectares of bushland and wildlife bulldozed, destroying birds, wedge tailed eagles, glossy red tailed black cockatooes. It has been demonstrated that micro bats lungs implode with changes in the barrametric pressure.

PUT THESE NOT ON RIDGELINES, but on flat desert that we have an amply supply of in the middle of AUSTRALIA!
Long term affects for insect life has been created.

The BPA from the turbines disintegrating and becoming part of our drinking catchment which is known to make humans and animal life infertile.
These project proposals are a big tick for politicians looking to 'be active' however for the community they are not realistic and do not add value to the community where most property owners are 'off the grid' and self sufficient anyway.
Attachments

Pagination

Project Details

Application Number
SSD-8950984
EPBC ID Number
2022/09268
Assessment Type
State Significant Development
Development Type
Electricity Generation - Wind
Local Government Areas
Dubbo Regional

Contact Planner

Name
Ellena Tsanidis