Hills of Gold Wind Farm

I standby what i submitted earlier which is stated below however i would like to also add the following lyrics to a song which i had the honour in cowriting which certainly paints the picture of my love for this beautiful town just the way it is.
Crawney Road Brendan Nawrocki/Brad Butcher Copywrite Control

It's more than just a sunrise, over Crawney Road
The morning light beckons a new day
And the rolling hills of gold, like a passage back in time
Blows a wind no man can contain

Theres a rustic old farmhouse, just below the pass
it dont work no more , it's still loved the same
I cant help but wonder as the seasons change
Will it always remain

Crawney Road the valley of ideas
Escape the ordinary, inhibitions disappear
It's everything , and all I know
And comes together in a beautiful way Crawney Road

You can listen to the magpie on the wire
Or the gravel under footstep if you care to walk a mile
From Patchwork to the old exchange
Nundle and the Great Dividing Range Crawney Road

You can paint it if you want you
You can sing under its sky
I don't want to change it
We are just a stitch in time

Crawney Road the valley of ideas
Escape the ordinary, inhibitions disappear
It's everything , and all I know
And comes together in a beautiful way Crawney Road Crawney Road

This State significant project should not be built on or adjacent to the tourist town of Nundle. The majority of the community oppose the development for many reasons including the disruption of daily life and traffic during the construction period, the destruction of flora fauna and wildlife on the construction site (as it already has been see google earth) and also the fact that the foundations of the turbines will destroy and have a heavy impact on the underground water table which is the main feed for the water supply of Tamworth. I truly believe that a project of this magnitude being placed so close to Ben Halls Nature Reserve and other adjacent fragile areas should not be approved by the Wind commissioner and a more suitable site be chosen whereupon the community is comfortable with the project and is in the best interest of the environment not the pockets of the landholders set to benefit from the project. I am a business owner in Nundle and have witnessed first hand the division the Hills of Gold wind farm has had within a once humble and welcoming community and must say and many will agree that this has not been a pleasant experience. In closing I urge you strongly consider the disapproval of this project and thank you for taking the time to read my submission.

Kind regards
Brendan Nawrocki
Nundle Guitars
62 Jenkins Street
Nundle NSW 2340

I object due to significant environmental concerns over the planned native vegetation clearing, impact on nearby karst systems, and bird and bat strike risks.

I would like to strongly object to the Hills of Gold wind turbine project, it is both a massive waste of time money and destruction to a beautiful natural area of the Upper Hunter. The unique town of Nundle will become a thoroughfare of large machinery dust and noise and surrounding farmland heavily impacted. I strongly object .

To whom it may concern,
I strogly object the proposed Hills of Gold Windfarm for many deeply concerning reasons. I would like to mention some of the concerns briefly, before I go more in-depth into one of my biggest corcern:
▪︎ Destruction of more than 46ha of Koala habitat (endangered species!!!)
▪︎ more than 447 ha of land/vegetation clearance, this does not include land clearance for access roads etc !
▪︎ Cut & fill roads, carved into the prestige, vulnerable Ridgeline, with up to 10m high vertical batters proposed for ridgeline!
▪︎ No Evidence of Constructability on steep, vulnerable land, risk of landslides!
▪︎ increased run-off and risk of Flash flooding
▪︎ serious thread to Biodiversity and natural habitats i e. Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve!
▪︎ Many Non Associated Dwellings surround the proposed project area
▪︎ Aerial firefighting is seriously copromised
▪︎ Near 56 Red Obstacle Lights would illumiate the Ridgeline at night!

Now, let's consider Nundle as a village and community. Nundle with it's beautiful street trees, that are well established, decades old and have survived some of the harshest droughts in history.
(I have tried but unfortunately have been unsuccessful to suply photos!)

The proposed Nundle Bypass, Nundle Loop, Barry Rd and Crawney Rd transport options identify that street trees and roadside vegetation will need to be removed for Oversize Overmass vehicles.

This will not only change the character of the entrance to Nundle but potentially the whole of Nundle, particularly the main streets of Nundle village, as well as rural roadsides.

Both the Nundle and Hanging Rock communities are particularly proud of street trees planted by previous generations. They are a source of great beauty, much needed shade and cooling and are an icon of the historic towns.
The trees shade most of the parking in the main street of Nundle.
It is not acceptable to industrialise the two villages when there are more accessible renewables locations elsewhere, without the need for Oversized Overmass trucks to travel through small village streets.
As it stands, all of the Oversize Overmass vehicle movement are proposed to go through Nundle's residential (!!!) streets.

What is most disturbing and concerning is that the areal image supplied in the amended DA for the Hills of Gold Windfarm shows a very modified version of the street scape:
The big, lush, healthy and beautiful trees do not show!!!
It looks like the photo was modified to promote the proposed route through the township of Nundle and to misslead the public and the department of planning. I have tried unsuccessfully tp attach an areal shot of the area, (readily available on the internet).

Nundle is a very unique and most beautiful, vibrant little country town: Businesses still thrive, clubs and facilities are strong and plentiful (swim club, bowling-, golf club, tennis ground, play ground, pony club/campdraft grounds/arena, fitness club, library, etc).
The thriving and long-standing businesses supply a great number of jobs.

Those businesses thrive because Nundle is a long standing tourism destination.
Nundle, a former gold mining town, is nested into the Great Dividing Range and surrounded by the Hills of Gold.
Much gold was found in those hills in its days, but this is not the only reason of the name: the 'hills of gold' get a familiar and well known golden glow at sunset, - a sight to behold!!! Travellers return to Nundle many times, because it is such a special place!

It is suggested to do major Road and Intersection modification within the Nundle Village.
It is even proposed to demolish some houses in the village, because they are located too close to intersections and would be in the way of the monster blades coming through town, on route to the turbine location.

Additionally it is suggested that No Parking Zones will be introduced in Jenkins Street and Oakeville Street (the main streets of Nundle!). This will hinder locals and visitors greatly, particularly older and handicapped residets and visitors and hurt businesses.

It is proposed to have 156 truck movements through Nundle/Hanging Rock per day. That is pretty much a constant flow of oversized, slow moving noisy trucks through the villages!!!
The traffic jams and traffic congestions would be unacceptable and unbearable, as well as dangerous if residents or visitors need to be transported to the hospital in Tamworth for urgent, lifesaving treatment!

Due to all the reasons mentioned above and more, I declare that I strongly object the proposed Hills of Gold Windfarm!

With Kind Regards,

Anika Heintze

Re: HILLS OF GOLD WIND FARM AMENDMENT REPORT No. SSD9679

Please see my submission attached to the above mentioned development application during Public Exhibition of Amendment Report, November 2022
I hereby declare that I object to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm proposal ID No. SSD.9679
I would like my personal detail withheld
I have not made any reportable political donations in the previous 2 years
I acknowledge and accept the Department disclaimer and declaration.

I strongly object to this development which is being incorrectly sold as a 'green energy' project. There is in fact, very little that is green about it, other than the term which has been over-used and mostly mis-understood by the wider public. Initially, I was one of these. Despite having a degree in Enviornmental Science and dedicating the past 20 years of my adult life in minimising my personal ecological footprint, I too had been brainwashed into thinking that renewable energy equated to 'green' or 'clean' energy. I believed this project was a major step in the right direction, particularly in moving away from the greenhouse gas emission-heavy coal industry. Fortunately, I was humbly reminded when showing a documentary to my TAFE students, by the king of conservation Sir David Attenborough, that the answer to our climate crisis is in the restoration of biodiversity. This was not a foreign concept to me as I have long been part of the Landcare movement which centres around planting trees and native vegetation to restore habitat. I had sadly forgotten this simple fact, due to the politically driven green-washing that has been occurring en-masse by our major political parties and the one remaining party that I had faith in, the Greens. Sadly, I think that like the many politicians who make decisions about our natural and rural areas from air-conditioned offices, I had spent too much time in the city and had lost touch with reality. I moved to Nundle in 2015 to escape the artificial, concrete world where the human ego has exploded to the point where we believe it our duty to "fix" the planet, using human-centric methods. Since returning to the area in which I grew up, I have re-kindled my very intimate relationship with nature. It is not the role of humans to dominate nature, we are but a very small part of it. We just happen to have evolved with opposable thumbs, which are now busy on phones and screens, making demands and arguing with each other about how best to "save" the planet.

I oppose this project because I believe I have no right to "save" anything. My goal as a passionate conservationist, scientist, regenerative farmer and herbalist, is to live as closely and harmoniously with nature as I possibly can. I acknowledge that my actions as a sometimes selfish, fast-living human have contributed to the climate crisis that we are facing. Every day, I attempt to minimise my personal impact and show greater reverence and a modest stewardship of the natural world that surrounds me. Maybe in doing this, I am helping to reverse my personal environmental impact. But I ask, who has consulted the native plants, animal, fungi, bacteria which will be rendered homeless following the destruction of 450 plus hectares of native habitat? Who has consulted our Aboriginal forefathers who carefully and respectfully tended this land before we cleared it, artificially fracturing habitat with fences and roads, altered waterways, built dams and now a proposed mega wind farm? Are the needs of modern humans so much more important that we disregard all other living creatures in these rare mountain ecosystems, to pursue a project which is all about mopping up the mess we as humans created?

I have previously made 2 submissions, earlier in this development process. These were lengthy, science-based, a critical analysis of the potential ecological, social, economic and cultural impacts. I spent many hours researching and writing these submissions. No reference was made by the proponent to any of my points raised. In fact, I believe the proponent has largely ignored the needs and concerns of the community and the natural environment itself. Also, the needs of our future generations. Sadly, I hold little hope in our current government in making a decision which holds the best interests of our "entire" planet at heart. Our government continues to prove itself as a business, driven by profit, 'targets' and votes. I even wonder, given the Government's recent response to COVID whether they/you are making any decisions yourselves at all. Or if this is being left up to pharmaceutical companies, big tech and even the 'media'? Are you listening to the people on the ground who are bending over backwards to help preserve biodiversity and these sensitive and increasingly rare natural areas? We are doing your job for you for free. Many of us are spending our own money and time to plant trees, to expand habitat, to build wildlife corridors, to stabilise waterways and improve our soils. This project is doing the polar opposite to all of these measures, and so much more.

We have chosen to live here to exist quietly, peacefully and mindfully within the natural world and our communities. This project has absolutely fractured this dream for many. To be perfectly honest (unlike the bulk of the information we have been given by the proponent), I am not disgusted by wind turbines. I find them to be quite magnificent creatures. Perhaps they wouldn't look quite so majestic spinning offshore from Bondi Beach or the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. But what is the difference between there and here? We all love where we live and want to see it preserved. We just so happen to live close to a range that is one of the highest in Australia and is home to several ecologically significant vegetation communities and species (see my earlier submission for detail on this). We also happen to live close to an area that is proving to be a logistical nightmare to access. Interesting that nature has these kinds of areas. I guess they are inaccessible for a reason; their ecological sensitivity means that they depend on minimal disturbance. For myself and many of us who live here, these mountains hold a certain spiritual magic that we can feel but can't put into acceptably scientific terminology or quantitative measurement.
So what is my 'alternative' solution? How about we start with conservation. Then move onto to restoration. There have been estimates that if we each planted 600 trees, this would significantly reduce atmospheric carbon. And if we are hell-bent on reducing greenhouse emissions, why not use the existing infrastructure, which we all live in/under by installing solar panels on every building? Why not foster and support people in growing their own food, eating local, reducing energy costs associated with transport and manufacturing? Why are there endless rules and laws and restrictions that make these simple solutions unviable and in some cases, illegal? Am I over-simplifying this? One thing I can be 100% sure of. The intention behind any action is as important as the action itself. If I had to choose between actions that were motivated by individuals or localised groups with a genuine desire to live a more community-minded, environmentally conscious existence and an action (or proposal) by a foreign company, driven by profit and prestige, I know I would go with the former. I look to mother nature for answers and this project seems to be ignoring the basic needs of the natural world and laughing in the face of innocent and ignorant humans who should, but don't know any better. I've said my piece. I have a garden to plant and animals to tend. I hope soon we can all get back to living our lives with meaning and purpose in this rich, wild and diverse landscape.

Once again the wind farm has lied again. My family are landowners in the area. They have not spoken or discussed with us any relevant information about the wind farm. They have stated that they have consulted and they have not. NOT AT ALL.
Legislation states that you cannot build within 3 kms of a dwelling or any where, that could have a potential DA approved dwelling. This is not the case. So they are trying to break the law (legislation) and pushing this to go ahead illegally.

• Object to the clearing of roadside vegetation, or 447 hectares of land clearing for renewable development
• The permanent threat to newly listed Critically Endangered (EPBC Act) Ben Halls Gap Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest from increased sedimentation, weeds and pathogen
• Compromised aerial bushfire fighting for the life of the project.
• Risk to local threatened bird and bat species
• Permanent change of character of Crawney Rd at the western end of the proposal including cutting Western Connector Rd, operations and maintenance building, substation, battery, concrete batching plant into the mountainside.
• Impact to The DAG Sheep Station, which is a popular wedding and country music venue, attracting visitors to Nundle .
• High visual impact unacceptable for a town with a pre-existing tourism industry based on natural landscape, slow living culture.
• Doesn’t recognise the impact of 2 x 28 steady red obstacle lights in the night sky.
• Heritage assessment does not include the areas surrounding heritage listed properties other than The Peel Inn.
• The proposed Nundle Bypass raised road would spoil the natural landscape at the entry to Nundle
• There is no outline of plans for continuing blade access for the life of the project.
• The car park location is not identified.
• Nundle Loop Road is not possible because it doesn’t have landholder permissions.
• Object to the removal of street trees within Nundle village and entrance.
• Both the Nundle Bypass and Nundle Loop options would cause major disruption to Nundle residents accessing essential services.
• Majority of locals oppose the project
• The proposal is causing division in the community - in what was previously a cohesive strong community with a collective “can do” attitude

I object to the proponents latest submission regarding the Nundle Wind Farm on the basis of the following reasons:
• Disastrous environmental impacts
• Severe town disruption
• Damage to local memorial trees
• Huge amounts of land clearing of vulnerable and protected areas
• Run off from soil disruption into creeks and river catchment areas
• Lack of landholders’ permissions plus the suggested use of Crown Land has no validity as there’s no permission for this and the land is subject to Native Title Claim and Aboriginal Land Claim
• Destruction of habitat of native animals (koalas, wedge-tailed eagles, wallabies etc.)
• Negative impacts on tourism due to the destruction of the natural and untouched beauty of the area
• Extremely high numbers of trucks coming through Nundle causing huge traffic and parking disruptions down the busiest area of the town
• Adverse effects on pristine star gazing zones
• Negative effects of aerial firefighting, wild dog baiting and aerial property maintenance techniques

The whole project has been poorly planned and is not economical or socially viable within the community. The amount of disruption to traffic and parking, destruction of land and local animal habitats and social damage to the community completely outweighs many times over any positives that the proponents are suggesting.

To whom it may concern, I strongly object to the Hills of Gold Wind Farm.
My main concern among others is the biodiversity of the wild life and the environment and ecosystems surrounding the them.
I have loved Nundle and the nature all around it since I was young. I have enjoyed exploring on my granddad's farm (Wombramurra) by 4WD or riding our horses and going spotlighting at night. When we visit our friends on their farms and we always see a lot of wildlife. I love wildlife and am extremely concerned about the abundance of Koalas up in the hills where the windfarm is supposed to be built. Over 46ha of their habitat will be destroyed, if the windfarm is to be approved.
The animals are endangered, and as they have already endured events such as fires, drought and recently heavy rainfall and flooding, there should not be any more disruption to their natural habitats especially if it is man made and artificial to their ecosystem and environment. More than 447 ha of vegetation will be destroyed, of which 190 is native vegetation. It is almost untouched and completely natural in the hills and on the ridge, and it is is unacceptable that it should all be damaged and destroyed, if the windfarm is approved!

These are the animals that live in the area of the proposed wind farm:
▪︎ Barking Owl, Powerful Owl, Sooty Owl, Masked Owl
▪︎ Squirrel Glider, Greater Glider
▪︎ Booroolong Frog
▪︎ Boarder Thick-tailed Gecco
▪︎ Eastern Cave Bat, Large Eared Pied Bat
▪︎ Eastern Pygmy Possum
▪︎ Spotted Taile Quoll
▪︎ Southern Myotis

The windfarm would also destroy 35ha of threatened species of plants such as:
▪︎ Ribbon Gum ▪︎ Snow Gum ▪︎ Mountain Gum of the Grassy Forrest Woodland of the New England Tableland Bioregion.
▪︎ White Box ▪︎ Yellow Box ▪︎Blakeley's Red Gum Woodland ▪︎ derived native grassland

I have already begun to see illegal clearing damaging ecosystems, as hundreds of trees are dying leaving wildlife affected.
I strongly object to the windfarm!
Josie Howarth

1 - The site is unacceptable - its location threatens the connectivity corridor for threatened species, the development will be above steep slopes on the southern side with a high risk of erosion, will have a severe impact on several ecological communities, including state and nationally listed critically endangered communities, the area is the source of 14 primary water courses (impact on them could be disastrous for the local communities)
2- The size of the development in this ecologically sensitive area is growing - Report 2 states 447 ha

• Object to the clearing of roadside vegetation, or 447 hectares of land clearing for renewable development
• Permanent threat to newly listed Critically Endangered (EPBC Act) Ben Halls Gap Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest from increased sedimentation, weeds and pathogens, and compromised aerial bushfire fighting for the life of the project.
• Risk to local threatened bird and bat species
• Permanent change of character for Crawney Rd at the western end of the proposal including cutting Western Connector Rd, operations and maintenance building, substation, battery, concrete batching plant into the mountainside.
• Impact to The DAG Sheep Station, which is a popular wedding and country music venue.
• High visual impact unacceptable for a town with a pre-existing tourism industry based on natural landscape, slow living culture.
• Doesn’t recognise the impact of 2 x 28 steady red obstacle lights in the night sky.
• Heritage assessment does not include the areas surrounding heritage listed properties other than The Peel Inn.
• The proposed Nundle Bypass raised road would spoil the natural landscape at the entry to Nunle.
• There is no outline of plans for continuing blade access for the life of the project.
• The car park location is not identified.
• Nundle Loop Road is not possible because it doesn’t have landholder permissions.
• Object to the removal of street trees within Nundle village and entrance.
• Both the Nundle Bypass and Nundle Loop options would cause major disruption to Nundle residents accessing essential services. For me it would impede my commute to work in Tamworth.
• Majority of locals oppose the project
• The proposal is causing serious division in the community - in what was previously a cohesive strong community with a collective “can do” attitude

I object to the Hills of Gold amended proposal for the following reasons
There is no satisfactory transport route for the construction of the project therefore there is no project.
The project has no social license as 70% of Local residents oppose the project, the Tamworth Regional Council do not support the project and the Aboriginal Lands Council do not support the project.
The environmental destruction and illegal land clearing that has already occurred to make this project attractive to the developer should never have been allowed to occur.
There are a large number of inaccuracies and incorrect information included in the amended proposal which misleads the public and the local Nundle and Hanging Rock Residents
The proposed transport route through Nundle will destroy the character and attractiveness of the Nundle Village and this will never be retrievable.
Aerial firefighting and use of aircraft for agricultural work have not been correctly assessed leaving Nundle and surrounding rural properties far more susceptible to extensive damage due to bush fires.
Water use and storage for the project has been inadequately addressed and will impact the townships of Nundle and Hanging Rock and Potentially Tamworth due to reduced inflow into Chaffey Dam.
The Quarries planned in the state Forrest will result in more local damage and potential erosion.
The visual impact and noise have been totally underestimated at our property and dwelling and the proponent has been unwilling to recognise our home as the most visually impacted have 3 sector exposure and beween 29 and 64 turbines visible.
The red lighting on turbine will be a very disturbing addition to the night sky.
The majority of my concerns raised in the original submission January 2021 remain unanswered

The Upper Peel Landcare Group objects to this project based on the following:
Upper Peel Landcare Group supports the conservation and preservation of natural habitat and biodiversity. The proposed clearance of 447 hectares of vegetation, and 46.2ha of koala habitat for this project, is at odds with the core values of this group. UPLG’s broad aim is to create and enhance existing wildlife corridors connecting the Nundle village with surrounding natural areas, including native forest at the proposed windfarm site. UPLG has a history of tree-planting projects around the village. This includes along the Nundle Riverside Walkway which will be directly impacted with tree-removal at the Innes Street end to make way for the proposed ‘Private Rd By-pass’ transport route. Extensive removal of village trees, such as those on Jenkins street not only reduces the ecological integrity of Nundle village, it undermines the significant cultural and heritage value due to volunteer beautification projects. The trees on Jenkins Street on the road verge/island outside the Nundle pool, were planted by community members and are at least 50 years old. Sustainability expert and advisor to the Upper Peel Landcare Group, Michael Mobbs emphasises the importance of street trees in the urban environment. The canopy of street trees, alongside increased evapotranspiration rates, is essential in reducing reflective heat, cooling urban areas by up to 10 degrees Celsius.
Upper Peel Landcare are also in strong opposition to the disturbance and clearing of land (not included in the afore mentioned 447ha) for project infrastructure and access tracks and clearing for transmission line easements. The group also has serious concerns about the biodiversity values of Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve which will be directly impacted by the project.
Upper Peel Landcare Group highly values the Indigenous heritage of this area and aims to work with traditional landowners wherever possible. We object to the failure of the proponent to provide an Indigenous Land Use Agreement regarding undetermined Gomeroi land claim on Crown Land that would provide access from Crawney Rd to the Project Area.
Upper Peel Landcare Group values community input and participation in environmental projects with transparency and consultation throughout the entire process. As a group, we have concerns about the integrity of this project which has caused a great deal of division in our community. We believe the community has not been adequately consulted and in many instances, deliberately mis-lead in the information provided or omitted. The initial promise of large employment opportunities for locals, reduced down to just 5 ongoing jobs, is one such example. We also cannot help but be suspicious of a foreign multi-national company with no former ties to the region, making important decisions which will greatly impact the social fabric and environmental integrity of this ecologically significant region.
As a group, we believe that the financial incentives, mitigation, rehabilitation, and offsets proposed, do not compensate for lost local biodiversity. We therefore vehemently object to this project.

Selena Sylvester
BVSc PostGradCertRurSci IVAS
Wombramurra Station
504 Head of Peel Road
Nundle NSW 2340
[email protected]
Ph 0427468125

11th December 2022

The Secretary
NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
12 Darcy Street,
PARRAMATTA
Dear Sir/Madam,
HILLS OF GOLD WIND FARM – SSD 18_9679
I wish to express my objection to the Amended DA for the Hills of Gold Wind Farm. The majority of my concerns expressed in my submission to the original DA exhibition dated 27th January 2021 have not been addressed and my dealing with the proponent over the past 6 months have been unrewarding and personally distressing. I attended the Engie information Hub in Nundle at the Nundle Café in June 2022 and after enquiring regarding the use of Head of Peel Road was told by Aref there was a new transport route Engie were assessing, and they were not planning to tell the community until a later date however thought perhaps he should mention it as I had enquired. This is totally conflicting to the information presented in the amended DA regarding community consultation. I was then sent an email sometime later stating Head of Peel Road would only be used for emergency access and lacking detail as to what this meant. Attached to this email were documents describing the upgrades required to Head of Peel Road and the blade overhangs. Confused on why these documents had been attached and having previous experience where the proponent has not been transparent and or truthful, I attended the Engie office in Nundle and spoke with Jamie Chivers who was unhelpful and told me if the email had said Head of Peel was not being used why was I making further enquiries. The discussions become very uncomfortable, I was treated very poorly and as I felt unsafe in that environment requested that the other Engie Staff present take note of the fact we have NEVER said we would not work with the company it was a case of the documents and offers presented to us constantly changed and our solicitor’s advice was there was insufficient detail to allow us to sign. This is an example of the Proponents ongoing community consultation and many Nundle residents have had similar experiences. As the project is constantly changing many land holders who have signed Neighbourhood agreements are looking for ways to get out of them as they did not understand the implications of what they had signed or the changes to the project that would mean they are more affected by noise, visual, transport or other factors. One landholder signed an original document as he had been insistently harassed by Aref and other Wind Energy Partner employees. He was supposed to receive payment within 21 days which did not and still has not occurred and was then sent another up dated document to sign and return which he did not do. He is still listed as an associated dwelling and is not in favour of the Project now he understands the project and the affect it will have Nundle and surrounding locations.
We did not receive any communication from Engie regarding the alternate location for the BESS and batching plant which will be located very close to one of our property boundaries. This property has an existing building entitlement and will certainly limit the location of the dwelling we plan to build. As this is a separate title it will also impact the value of this property if we were to sell it. The proponent has also not recognised the preliminary DA we have in place on other sections of our property ( these details and locations have previously been sent to Anthony Ko DPE) the proponent has told us on numerous occasions they only need to recognise DA that have Council approval.
I also object to the new proposed transport route both the construction of a Private Road behind The Peel Inn which will change the character of the Nundle township and the use of Crawney Road for project construction and transport of oversize overmass vehicles. There is no detail of the proposed upgrades to Crawney Road and the bridges that will need to be replaced there is no detail on the weight and size of these OSOM vehicles. There is also no detail on the engineering and construction of the western connector road within the project which will transverse what is locally referred to as the wetshelf (for obvious reasons). I think the destruction to such a sensitive environment by the connector road, increase in the easement width for the transmission lines and increase in laydown areas etc has been totally underestimated as the proponent has numerous options which makes it very difficult to have a clear picture of the project. This project can not be approved with so much uncertainty especially given the proponents track record in the past four years.
Your Sincerely
Selena Sylvester

I continue to be very concerned the effect that the project will have on the local fauna, especially koalas.
I am also concerned about substantial erosion from the wind turbines, especially as this is quite steep country.

Rory John Dempsey
PO Box 8070
Nundle NSW 2340
Hills of Gold Wind Farm
Application SSD-9679
I live and work on my family Property Koobah Nundle. I object to The Hills of Gold Amended application as the designated transport routes surround our property. The use of Crawney Road and Nundle/Tamworth Roads as the major access routes for the project will cause disruption to our business and delays to travelling to Nundle and Tamworth along with increased safety issues due to the large increase in vehicle and trucks traversing these roads. The roads are already in disrepair and as the Tamworth City Council does not support this development I am concerned as to who will maintain and upgrade the roads along with the fact there is little to no information on engineering and construction of bridges, the western connector road and clearing and earthworks required to control runoff and erosion associated with the project.
I am also concerned for the affect this project will have on Ben Halls Nature reserve and Crawney National Park as the construction of Turbine so close to critically endangered species such as Ben Halls Gap Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperature Rainforest. There are many inaccuracies and misleading information presented in the amended application and I feel the proposal should not be approved.

Robert Dempsey
2-20 Blake Street
Nundle NSW 2340
Hills of Gold Wind Farm
Application Number SSD-9679
I am a resident of Nundle and wish to object to the amended State Significant Development Application Hills of Gold Wind Farm Nundle.
The amended transport routes will affect my daily life and access to the shops, Post office and other facilities I regularly use in Nundle. My home is close to the Nundle Tamworth Road, and I will be impacted by the increased traffic and associated noise due to the large increase in traffic movements. I have not been contacted by the proponent to discuss my concerns. Nundle is a unique beautiful village, and the proposed industrial development will change its character for ever. The project lacks detail on important aspects such as engineering of roads and bridges, construction of erosion control measures and the changes in hydrology it will cause to the ridgeline where it is proposed to be constructed. The proposed development has also caused division in the community which for a small village such as Nundle is very difficult. I feel Nundle / Hanging Rock is an unsuitable location for this type of Industrial Development.

I strongly object to the proposal due to the damage and destruction that the clearing will cause to the environment and natural resources habitat, of a generally undisturbed area.

Koala and other animal Habitat - It is ridiculous to assume that the clearing of land will not cause untold damage to these habitats. The provision of fauna pathways seem like box ticking exercises and not adequate studies. Bushfires killing thousands and thousands of animals is one thing but a wind farm doing the same is unjustifiable!

Water - this area was one of the hardest hit in the recent drought - for around three years! The development will impact water courses in the area and the lifeblood of this community! The development uses countless kilolitres of water and there is not enough detail on how this will be harvested or re-used, without impacting the community and their existing requirements.

Constructability - The constructability of the site including footings and transmission lines are not appropriately described. To me it seems as though Engie do not know which type of wind turbine they will be using and are unsure of construction methodology or geotechnical studies. Surely by now this should be known.

Transport Routes - the transport routes for heavy vehicles must be appropriately addressed. The roads in the area are not capable of taking such heavy vehicles and I understand these are subject to aboriginal land claims that are not determined. This is not acceptable.

More adequate consultation with aboriginal groups and aboriginal land councils is also required to adequately determine the impacts of the proposal on any aboriginal heritage areas present.

Nerrub Pty Ltd
Koobah
Nundle NSW 2340
ABN 58 000 631 345
Hills of Gold Wind Farm
Application SSD-9679
Dear Sir/ Madam
We wish to object to the amended State Significant Development application Hills of Gold Wind Farm. We live on and operate the rural property Koobah which adjoins both the Tamworth/ Nundle and Crawney roads. We object to the use of the Crawney Road as the transport route for oversize overmass vehicles and the massive increase in traffic movement and trucks that would occur if the project was to go ahead. We also have concerns on the development of the quarry in the state forest and the resulting potential for erosion and changes to water flows into the Peel River and ultimately Chaffey Dam, the main water supply for Tamworth.
We also feel there is lack of detail on many of the plans the Proponent is proposing from details on road and bridge construction to prevention of erosion and water flows and hydrology of the mountain range where the infrastructure will be built. Hills of Gold is a highly sensitive environmentally valuable area and should not be disturbed by this type of industrial project.
Phillip and Vicki Dempsey