Limondale Solar Farm

I support this project because I believe that solar panels are a good use of steel (and other alloys). Something which may surprise the solar industry is that steel is made from coal and I think that more collaboration between the two industries should be promoted to support all NSW industry. Additionally, this project should look at investment in research trials on how to run stock in between the solar rows so that coexistence with solar and agriculture is more robust.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Council at its meeting on the 16th May 2017 resolved to raise the following issue:
1 Accommodation during construction.
The project will place increased demands on accommodation during construction as identified in the EIS. This impact could be further built upon depending on the timing of the minerals ands mines and the Sunrasia Solar farm construction. The EIS does not adequately address cumulative impacts.
2 Community Contributions'
The EIS is silent on this matter, however there will be increased demand on community services and infrastructure such as RFS for fire protection.
3 Decommissioning
Again the EIS is silent on this issue, yet the local community could be left with a footprint of up to 1000 hectares of infrastructure at the end of productive life. Council urges the Department to consider bonding or imposition of a strong condition that requires the landowner to undertake decommissioning. so the community is not left with a ugly legacy.

Please see my attached submission

comments per the attachment

See attached submission letter

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The NSW Rural Fire Service advises that it wishes to amend it response dated 4 May 2017 with respect to the above SSD application by way of replacing the words `no recommendations' with the following wording. The NSW RFS amendment is based the fact that while the subject site is not mapped bush fire prone by Balranald Shire Council, the subject land has a significant potential to carry grass fires. Further NSW RFS is the primary response agency for fighting structural fires within the site.

The NSW RFS recommends the following conditions be attached to any consent granted:

1. A Fire Management Plan (FMP) shall be prepared in consultation with NSW RFS Lower Western Fire Control Centre. The FMP shall include:
- 24/7 contact details including alternative telephone contact;
- Site infrastructure plan;
- Fire fighting water supply plan;
- Site access and internal road plan;
- Construction of asset protection zones and their continued maintenance;
- Location of hazards (Physical, Chemical and Electrical) that will impact on fire fighting operations and procedures to manage identified hazards during fire fighting operations;
- Such additional matters as required by the NSW RFS District Office (Plan review and update).

2. The entire solar array development footprint to be managed as an Asset Protection Zone as outlined within section 4.1.3 and Appendix 5 of 'Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2006' and the NSW Rural Fire Service's document 'Standards for asset protection zones'.

3. A 20,000 litre water supply (tank) fitted with a 65mm storz fitting shall be located adjoining the internal property access road within the required APZ.

4. To allow for emergency service personnel to undertake property protection activities, a 20 metre defendable space (APZ), that permits unobstructed vehicle access is to be provided around the perimeter of the solar array development site.