Hills of Gold Wind Farm

I am objecting to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm Application (SSD – 9679).
The new submission still appears to have no concern applied to the impact on local fauna that this project will bring. Clearing of vegetation has continued without planning approval. Native animals will be affected during construction, then also whilst the turbines are in operation. Yes, they do make noise as they operate. I have visited locations in Europe, Canada and Alaska where wind farms operate. The common theme is that local fauna decreases when wind farms are built.
We have native fauna that live on the ridge lines who will leave the area because their natural habitat will disappear and be replaced by noisy turbines and their blades.
The EIS states thirteen threatened terrestrial fauna species will be impacted. Why is the project planned to go ahead? Our unique fauna requires protection before it is too late and they become extinct.
The proposed development land is mature growth flora. Why clear this land when there are other locations just as suitable for a wind farm previously cleared for farming? No additional damage to the native flora required.
Take the time to review the debacle created from wind farms in North Queensland.
The aesthetic appeal of the valleys and ridge lines will be destroyed by the addition of the wind farm in the proposed location. Please have some consideration for the people who currently live in and adjacent to the proposed development. They live where they live for a reason.
Also, for those of us that regularly visit the region, we do not wish to see a wind farm instead of natural surroundings.
Don't let the mad rush to have renewable power sources influence the decision on this important location. There is better options for locations available. Wind farms do have a purpose, but only in appropriate locations.

Growing up in Nundle you learn to accept you live 60 kilometres from ‘Town’ (Tamworth). Teenagers take a three-hour round trip to high school. I did it for six years. It was a long slog but when we’d arrive home with the sun setting and see the outline of the ridge from the school bus, it felt like home. In Year Ten, Mum worried about the long commute and suggested we move to Tamworth. My sister and I were horrified. As kids, we didn’t want to live anywhere else. It’s a special place that taught me the meaning of community.

It’s not a case of NIMBYism (‘not in my backyard') as developers might claim. As a society, we desperately need more wind and solar power. But that doesn’t mean developers have a right to build them wherever they wish or that communities have no rights over how they’re affected.

Nundle is nestled in a valley and surrounded by the Hills of Gold. The town’s very existence is built on the unique history and untouched beauty of the countryside. Over the Easter long weekend, Nundle’s ‘Go For Gold’ festival brings more 18,000 visitors to a village of 300 people. This festival is just one of eight iconic events on the Nundle calendar. The area has rare flora and fauna, including endangered species thought to be extinct.

Issues raised by community members nearly five years ago at public meetings in March 2018, remain Unresolvable Impacts today.
The project still has no social licence. Vehicle movements through residential areas and proposed modifications to roads and intersections in the village as outlined the Amended Development Application threaten to disrupt the way of life for citizens in the village.

There is no acceptable transport route to the project area in the vicinity of Nundle, Hanging Rock, Crawney or Timor. Tamworth Regional Council has stated that it does not support significant modifications to Morrisons Gap Rd and Barry Rd and potential for “disruptive and dangerous catastrophic pavement failures” and does not give consent under Section 138 Permit of the Roads Act 1993.

It is unacceptable to disturb 447 hectares of vegetation for a renewables development. Biodiversity Offsets and Biodiversity Stewardship are not acceptable and do not prevent reduced biodiversity. It is unacceptable to propose clearing 46.2 ha of koala habitat that is critical to the species survival. The project also threatens aerial fire-fighting.

in a region as large as New England, in a country as big as Australia, are there no other locations with dependable wind flow where a developer could turn a profit without compromising the livelihoods of unique villages? Are there no places where landholders would happily sell without the passionate objections of surrounding residents? This proposal seems an easy route for a big corporation at the expense of an established and historic community.

I am objecting to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm Application (SSD – 9679).

I acknowledge and accept the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s disclaimer and declaration.

I am objecting to the application on the following grounds as in the EIS, the January 2022 Amendment Report and in this November Amendment Report 2022 – is the overarching approval they seek to be able to relocate any and all turbines up to a 100 metre radius.
If the HOG Wind Farm application is approved the turbines can be moved closer together, closer to boundaries of National Parks, closer to threatened ecosystems – they will be moved to the betterment of Engie’s interest NOT that of the environment - and no one will be able to do anything about it or monitor this activity happening.

There are many reasons why a wind farm would be detrimental to the land at Hanging Rock. In order to construct these wind farms you need a considerable amount of land since you have to dig deep enough to pour the concrete base for a wind turbine. The forests and fields at Hanging Rock are too precious to be violated by constructing a wind farm. Groundwater will be in jeopardy if they have to dig too deep for a wind turbine. Wind farms also generate too much noise which would disturb the peace and quiet in the area let alone affecting animals too in a negative way. There is too much to lose and very little to gain by this wind farm project and I am definitely against it.

My great great grandparents settled in Nundle in 1852 and we have had many relatives that grew up in this unique area.
My late husband’s parents bought property at the top of Nundle Creek Road around 1970 and were very active in the community.
Amongst their community activities was the planting and maintenance of some of the beautiful trees that Nundle is known for.
My son and his partner have the last 50 acres of the family property, which sits 1.3 km from the proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm project.
We are strongly opposed to this project and the proposed amendments for many reasons, including:
- Lack of transparency (including blatant lies by the developer's representatives);
- Loss of trees and fauna;
- Danger to birds and animals;
- Disruption to the lifestyle we have enjoyed in this unique area;
- Division of the community;
- Noise and sunflicker from the closest turbines;
- Red lights on top of turbines;
- Disruption on local roads during the proposed building period;
- Erosion; and
- Devaluation of family properties.

Re attached submission on bushfires

As a resident and local business owner in Nundle I object to this project.
The scale of the project is immense and I am amazed at the complete lack of information available to local residents. At least some input from the proponent should have been a priority to ensure every resident, not just in Nundle and Hanging Rock but all affected areas, were fully informed.
Aerial firefighting was crucial to controlling the recent bushfires, my business was directly affected by these fires and to hear that any future aerial firefighting will be compromised due to the size and placement of the turbines is unacceptable.
The potential increase in vehicle movements will also negatively impact my business, not to mention further damage roads and infrastructure that is already showing signs of wear due to recent weather.
As a property owner in Nundle I would like to hope that property prices remain consistent but this project has the potential to devalue houses and land.
This area is not suited to an industrial wind farm.

I find this project doesn't reach the standards required by the objects of the EPA Act - it was always the product of a poor site selection - In particular
1.Thed loss of visual amenity from many aspects in and around Nundle
2. The challenges it presents to road traffic and transport - not only to the hazards of the site but also through the township of Nundle and the New England more generally .
3. The challenges to threaten species -flora and fauna
4. The conflict with Indigenous land rights

I still object to the siting of wind turbines on the Nundle Hills of Gold .
The reduction of the number of turbines, change of route to Hanging Rock, destruction of the vegetation and then attempt to regenerate it has no affect on my opinion of the unsuitability of the site for a wind farm.

I write to object to the amended wind turbine proposal on the Beautiful Hills of Gold. I am concerned about the visual impact of the turbines on those Hills. During the day to look at turbines instead of the beautiful unspoilt hills and at night to look at red obstacle lights illuminating the ridge line would be a tragedy.
Nundle /Hanging Rock is known for its tranquility, peacefulness and beauty. All of which would be destroyed if turbines were approved to be built on the Hills of Gold.This is what attracts tourists to holiday and visit Nundle/Hanging Rock.
This is why people have moved to this area from the city.
THIS IS WHERE PEOPLE LIVE!
NO wind turbines for the ‘Hills of Gold’

Please find submission objecting to the Assessment attached

Attachment provided

I am objecting to this project again.
None of the concerns raised by objectors last time were appropriately considered.
The visual impact of 64 turbines on the elevated range.
There will no local people employed, the estimates for jobs and employment have dropped substantially from outset of the project.
The environmental damage outweighs any benefits for so called "green energy".
The proposed increase in traffic will destroy the roads in and around the area.
This area is not suited to and industrial wind farm.

Please refer to the attached additional objection submission

I object to this project again as none of the concerns we addressed in our last objections were ever dealt with.
The environmental damage this project will cause is unacceptable.
Koala habitat destruction. approximately 500 hectares to be cleared of vegetation, the removal of trees in Nundle village and the proximity to Ben Hall's Gap Nature Reserve all all reasons for this project to not go ahead.
The lack of community consultation by the proponent to all residents.
The proposed road works and huge amount of extra traffic will cause extensive damage to our already worn-out roads.
This area is not the right place for an industrial wind farm and never will be.

I continue to object, see attached letter.

I am objecting to this project again as none of the concerns brought to attention last time were dealt with by the proponent.
The huge scale of road works needed to carry the projected daily truck movements will change the outlook of the village completely.
Traffic delays due to the construction. This will affect the local primary and high school bus journeys, putting many children at risk with over 150 daily truck movements planned for the duration of construction. Commuters and visitors to the area will also be affected by large volumes of truck movements per day.
The roads are already in an appalling state and are not fit to carry extra heavy traffic.
Proposed new roads will negatively affect neighbouring houses and businesses.
The planned extensive tree removal in the main street to allow room for the oversize vehicles to travel directly through the village is no acceptable.
No efforts have been made to reduce the visual impact of the whole project, not just the turbines but all the planned outbuildings, substations, transmission lines, new roads and quarry expansion.
Aerial firefighting will be seriously compromised in the event of bushfires. The fires in 2019/2020 required the use of helicopters and VLAT aircraft to contain the fires.
Aerial spraying and baiting will be unable to be performed impacting more local businesses.
Tamworth Regional Council objects to the proposal.
The red lights to be mounted on top of turbines will ruin our night sky.
The area is so completely unsuited to large scale development due to the steep and very vulnerable topography.
The amount of clearing of native animal habitat will cause extensive damage to the environment, putting the area at risk of potential flash flooding.
Local water sources, to supply water for the project, cannot sustain the amount needed and still provide a reliable source for the region.
The majority of people living in the area do not support the project and would like to see an end to it all. There has been so much community division, nasty and bitter behaviour by some supporters of the project. We would like our villages back.

Wrong place to put an industrial wind farm

I object to this project and the reasons for are identified in the attached letter.
I believe a major concern is the lack of transparency around the facts and the ultimate decisions based on these facts. These should be presented to all (particularly the residents in the area) to provide confidence that all issues have been considered.
I am absolutely for renewable energy and wind farms in general, however, the cost (primarily environmental costs) benefit analysis still needs to be completed with rigour. In my opinion this has not been completed yet for this project.

See Attachment