Middlebrook Solar Farm

I would thing all the logical reasons for this project not to come to fruition have been submitted many times already.
It’s the illogical ideas that those people in government and businesses in partnership think that they can disrupt the lives of so many with a so called green power project that I feel has little merit compared to alternatives.
My biggest gripe is that the government approves the sale of coal overseas like there is no tomorrow yet refuse to implement the modern processes to use it here. Stop the export sales and reserve it for our use well into the future providing cheap power that would make us a powerhouse in the world of industry and the envy of all.
No more feel good solar farms, do a factual comparison of alternatives.

As the nearest neighbor not involved in the project I have a number of concerns. Top of that list is the impact on the production and value of my farm. The hydrology report outlines mitigation of runoff of rainfall for erosion purposes and says that it will have minimal impact difference to current runnoff. This is simply false and they (NGH or Total Eron) have not provided any detail of the mitigation techniques or location. My farm is downhill (north east) from the proposed solar farm and I have a number of dams that rely on that runoff. I have 3 concerns:
1) Siltation of dams. During the construction phase , vegetation will be cleared, this will leave the soil exposed to a high potential of erosion. This will also immensely increase the velocity of water and cause a much larger movement of soil than they have indicated. This has the potential to fill my dams up, reducing the availability and quality of water for stock and reducing my production.
2) Poluted runnoff. There are always waste products like screws, small bits of metal etc as well as any liquid spills or packaging that components come in. Polluted runoff during the construction phase is one concern. Spring creek is a permanent creek that has native fish. I found no sampling of the aquatic biodiversity was done and this solar farm will have runnof that will impact that biodiversity. We have native catfish and gudgeons in the creek. All the runoff from the solar farm will traverse through my property and have the potential to pollute the aquatic ecosystem.
Another is the class action I have been made aware of that involves farming neighbours against a solar farm because of leaching chemicals into the soil that have transferred to neighbouring properties, i would obviously be heavily impacted if this was to be the case for this solar farm.
3) Biosecurity. The solar farm proposes that 400 people will be on site on any given construction day. This is 400 sets of shoes that could walk in any weed or disease. I found no consideration for the potential of disease biocontamination. There is only a brief mention of weeds. The recent spotlight on biosecurity with foot and mouth should be enough for Total Eron to take this risk seriously and suggest a way to mitigate the risk.
I do not agree with the land capability assessment. Over the last 40 year, the property that is in the north west corner of the project has always been under crop or highly productive pasture, by definition, would this not put that land in class 3?
It is apparent that the farmers involved are getting some of the financial reward as a result of the $100 million dollars being invested, but near neighbours, while bearing the brunt of all the negative effects, are seeing NO positive benefits. There is a token voluntary fund that is proposed for near neighbours, but no details about amounts. Will that amount reflect the compenstation for negative effects of the solar farm on us?
In terms of local industry, there are not enough workers in Tamworth to fill the job vacancies already. The project will cause an employment drain and not help but hinder the local industry. Just ask local engineering companies how difficult it has been to find workers. Where are the steel structures for holding the panels being made and built? Not in Tamworth. The claim that the project will help the local area with investment and employment is simply untrue. Tamworth stands to lose a lot from this project and gain very little. What local engineering companies have been engaged for the project? I have seen not detail on how this project will benefit the Tamworth area under the current economic climate.
In terms of waste materials being offered to schools, I am also a highschool teacher, Total Eron know this and not once have they mentioned helping my school in any way in all of my dealings with them. This seems to reflect the whole report, big on statements, little on detail.
I am worried that my family, way of life, ability to maintain production and value of my assets will all be negatively impacted by this project and there is no way of being adequately compensated by Total Eron if and when this occurs.

I support the Middlebrook solar farm. The income from the solar panels on our farm will help us survive through droughts when we don’t have any income. We will still be able to run sheep on our farm under the panels. Also the benefits of renewable energy far outweigh the supposed visual pollution.

In brief I make comment on basic factors that make the proposal unacceptable.

Middlebrook solar farm proposal inadequately addresses the immediate impact on the local community in underestimating the inconvenience to local transportation given the load size and the numbers of vehicles utilising local roads and time constraints proposed.
The proposal fails to adequately consider the freight movements of not only the the whole NE REZ but also the multiple movements of infrastructure out of the Port of Newcastle and the unsung difficulty of moving many massive components along the main trunk route and the branch highways and roads.

The project fails in its provision for pre-testing of soils and waterways to benchmark existing conditions for the capacity to monitor and test to identify the need to respond to spillage and for methods of re-mediation of soils and water in that event. Projects high in the catchments need greater scrutiny due to their capacity to impact cumulatively downstream, not just human consumption but also environmental impact.
'Small water cycle' as a portion contributing to the greater cyclical weather systems, will be impacted by the 'heat island' effect of the solar panel layout in this landscape to the detriment of productive capacity and the accumulating unacceptability of this project.

Mineral extraction and manufacturing processes required for panel production malign the proclaimed benefits of a solar array. Furthermore the extraction and construction of imported components breach the term of The Modern Slavery Act 2018 and thereby make the proposed Electricity Generating Works (EGW) unacceptable. In addition the breakdown of components and failure to have a plan for the cost effective recycling of the broken & expired waste components impacts local communities and is environmentally hazardous. As well this the initial phase produces unexpected waste in packing which proves to be contaminated and even wrapping and crates, items we assume to be recyclable fail but for which there is no provision.

Other factors abound but those are addressed by others. Note in particular the overwhelming financial difficulty of Local Government under the NSW government cost shifting, rating constraints and their willingness to comment on problematic scenarios but not object in the hope of being able to negotiate their way through, to accept possible funding benefits, to ease their financial pain short term and hope for a decent outcome because of the Australian Government's Climate Club commitments.

Constructing a large solar farm on rural, peaceful, and rich agricultural land will cause many disruptions and impact greatly on neighboring properties and the local area. This includes, but not limited to, major issues arising with people’s health, livestock survival and crop growth. Not to mention the extensive impact on our enjoyable visits to the family farm to escape the city and have a peaceful, scenic break in clean air.
I strongly oppose the development of the Middlebrook solar farm at Loomberah for not only the above reasons, but also because of major impacts including:
• Disruption of Rural Landscape: The installation of a large solar farm will impact and drastically alter the serene and picturesque landscape. It will suffer a loss of tranquility, which is one thing that is enjoyable for us when visiting the family farm and will negatively impact on this.
• Ecological Impact: Not only can the installation process disturb and displace natural habitat, but it can also result in soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. Post installation the ongoing issue of soil compaction and change in microclimate under the solar panels will have a long-lasting effect on soil productivity let alone the health hazards to surrounding residents with herbicides used to control weeds around the panels.
• Heat increase: The Heat Island Effect. A vast expanse of solar cells will absorb a lot of energy and emit it back into the atmosphere as heat. Affecting the climate and increasing the heat in the surrounding area. Some days at Loomberah can reach temperatures of up to 40-45 degrees Celsius in summer which therefore internal cell temperatures of solar panels cold increase 10-20 degrees hotter than that. This not only decreases efficiency of the panels but can affect the microclimate and lead hotter potential 50-degree days in the area causing discomfort, decreased ability to work out on the land and exacerbate health issues for residents.
• Water Resources: The above-mentioned heat island effect can exacerbate water scarcity in the region by increasing evaporation rates. As this area is often prone to drought this can put additional stress on local water resources, leading to further challenges for a community already facing water shortages.
• Air Quality Reduction: During construction, which will be a lengthy time, residents and visitors will be adversely affected by dirt road dust, noise and traffic movement from large trucks and work vehicles. A once peaceful and serene landscape will become busy, dirty, noisy, and unpleasant. The air quality will significantly reduce. Poor air quality can have adverse effects on human health, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. As some of us family who enjoy visiting the farm have respiratory conditions, it is a welcome break from the city smog, but will not be if the solar farm proceeds.
• Toxic runoff and health risks: Transportation and set up of a solar farm produces toxic materials that pollute water. During the construction phase of a solar farm, there may be potential for runoff of sediment, construction debris, and even certain chemicals used in construction activities. This runoff can carry pollutants into nearby water bodies, leading to sedimentation and contamination. After construction settled dust over time can wash off panels and into water sources leading to microparticle contamination. As water is a scarcity over most of the year in the area, contaminated water would be a life sentence and greatly impact the health and wellbeing of the livestock, crops, and residents.
• Agricultural Land Loss: Converting productive farmland into a solar farm can result in the loss of fertile land for agricultural purposes. With growing concerns about food security and sustainable farming practices, it is essential to preserve arable land for the cultivation of crops. As rural communities rely heavily on agriculture for their economic stability this land loss would also lead to negative impact on local economy.

I understand the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy, but we need to carefully consider where these developments are placed and follow designated zones set by elected governments. These zones should be in low-population areas and unsuitable for other production to minimize negative impacts on residents. The proposed Middlebrook Solar Farm is outside the designated Renewable Energy Zone and surrounded by valuable farmland. Placing it on sloping land in a small landholding area will make it highly visible to neighbors and the current road network cannot handle the increased traffic from construction. This makes it an unsuitable location for an industrial solar farm. Additionally, there is no benefit sharing arrangement offered by the proponent and developments outside designated zones may have less stringent requirements and harm communities without providing benefits. There is also a lack of strategic planning in the Loomberah area, as shown by the failure to consider the joint impacts of the proposed solar farm and the nearby Acacia development in the early planning stages.
The impact of increased traffic on local roads is not properly addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Middlebrook Road and Marsden Park Road frequently have potholes, especially after rain or heavy vehicle use. Assuming all traffic will use Middlebrook Road is impractical, as Marsden Park Road will likely also experience more traffic, especially from vehicles coming from the east or eastern suburbs of Tamworth. These dirt roads are often used for recreation by local residents, including children, and the increase in traffic raises safety concerns.
The increased traffic on the New England Highway is also concerning, as it is important for the region and for through-traffic heading south or north to Armidale and Brisbane. The Traffic Impact Assessment does not adequately address the increased hazards, such as large vehicles and turning vehicles. The lack of a proposal for a left turn lane despite the expected increase in traffic during construction is worrisome. The suggestion of implementing speed limits instead of a left turn lane is not favored by the local community, as it inconveniences residents for the sake of developer profits.
There are also concerns about the dust generated during construction. To address these concerns, the developer should be required to at least pave the surrounding roads (Middlebrook Road and Marsden Park Road), and deploy appropriate dust mitigation strategies on the internal network of tracks on the development site.
I disagree with the VIA's assessment that the visual quality of the Middlebrook Road/Marsden Park area is low. The area is actually quite picturesque with its beautiful combination of grazing land and hills. However, I do understand that the proposed industrial development, which includes solar panels, a carpark, and a substation, does not fit in with the rural character of the area. This development would detract from the area's rural charm and peaceful atmosphere, replacing the current scenic views with industrial structures. Additionally, the Visual Impact Statement does not fully address the impact of the substation and carpark, making it difficult to gauge the true effect on the countryside. Adjusting the positioning of certain elements of the development could potentially reduce the visual impact, such as placing the substation further back from the road and partially hidden by a hill. These alternative methods should be more carefully considered.
I am deeply worried and have strong reservations regarding the depletion of valuable primary production land which is of utmost importance. The valley, renowned for its meticulously cultivated and bountiful farmland, is unmistakably unsuitable for an industrial project of this magnitude.
I am unsure that any conditions can adequately address these significant objections. However, the Department should conduct further investigations and, at the very least, impose the following conditions before deciding whether to approve the development:
- Carry out an independent traffic study to verify the assumptions made in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and determine if a left turn lane is necessary on the New England Highway.
- Conduct an independent assessment of the visual impact, taking into account the quality of existing views and the effects of the carpark, substation, and solar panels.
- Require Total Eren to asphalt and maintain both Marsden Park Road and Middlebrook Road throughout the lifespan of the solar farm.
- Thoroughly study and consider the combined effects of this development and the nearby Acacia Solar Farm on local landholders, traffic, roads, visual impact, dust, etc., before implementing any approvals or conditions.
- Evaluate the impact of the increased population on access to healthcare in Tamworth, including the cumulative effects of this development and others proposed in the region (such as the Acacia Solar Farm and Tangaratta Stockfeeds Feedmill).

The project needs to the moved off prime agricultural land. Surely there is a better place to put a solar farm then in the middle of land with fertile soils that provide feed for grazing and cropping.

This project should not be approved as it will create negative safety, environmental and financial impacts on the local community.

As a land owner that is going to be involved in the Middlebrook solar project, I think it makes sense with its location being so close to the transmission lines. It also has minimal impact on neighbouring properties. And it should be good for the local economy and also create jobs for local people.

The Annexure D3 Traffic Impact Assessment grossly underestimates the quantum of traffic that will be generated by the project, and therefore does not accurately consider or sufficiently address the impacts the actual increased traffic volumes will have on the surrounding properties, roads and infrastructure. Refer to attachment for further details including detailed calculations based on the details provided within the Traffic Impact Assessment.

My objection to the Middlebrook project centres around the location. In my opinion the project should not be based on prime productive agricultural land.

The social license of Total Eren in respect of Middlebrook Solar Farm is being rapidly eroded. Landholders genuine concerns are being ignored.

Rural landholders are very open to support renewable energy projects however, it is essential that planning authorities maintain the goodwill of local landholders.

Name of Project: Middlebrook Solar Farm
Application No: SSD-10455
I object to the proposed Middlebrook Solar Farm development for the below reasons.
• I believe the location is inappropriate considering the close proximity to and impact on the township of Tamworth and the impact on neighbouring and nearby properties. I feel the visual effects have not been adequately taken into account. Assessments and reporting produced do not give a true and accurate picture of the extent the impact by the panels and associated infrastructure will have on neighbouring properties.
• It is also of great concern to property owners to the north affected by the proposed Acacia Farm project that the approval of the Middlebrook Solar Farm would result in the beginning of the end of the beautiful Loomberah district as we know it today. Will the approval of this project result in a roll on approval process across the district.
• Smaller allotments make up a great portion of the Loomberah district. The owners of these allotments have purchased and developed their properties to enjoy the rural outlook and bring up their families as part of an agricultural community. Some landholders living in the area and working in Tamworth derive only a small income from their properties and have committed heavily financially in purchasing their allotments and developing their homes. Many have planned that their properties will become an investment to cater for their retirement. The loss of value in properties will dramatically impact on many Loomberah residents. No compensation is being offered to landholders.

• The area has some of the most productive land in the New England with safe rainfall history and free from flooding. Why would we risk the loss of such productive land when there are so many locations with poor, unproductive soils which could be considered? Food security in Australia should be paramount in the minds of decision making bodies when considering approval of a project sites. Productive land is a precious commodity which should be protected at all costs. We can’t make any more.

• The road system around the Middlebrook Farm site is of dirt construction. There has been no commitment to adequately maintain or upgrade these roads during or after construction of project. These roads are at times already difficult to navigate between scheduled road maintenance works. Representatives and planners of the project have not properly considered how they will be able to keep thousands of solar panels clean and productive when they are being continually coated with the dust rising from these roads every day. The dew will settle each night and another layer of dust will set on the surface again the following day. The tarring of all roads around the site is the only solution.

• The RES location to the north of Tamworth has been ear marked for solar and wind production. That area is generally made up of lower quality, larger portion sized, agricultural land which is also far less populated. It is also more desirable due to cooler temperatures which results in higher power production during warmer months of the year. If we have an area which has been already zoned accordingly, with solar farms underway, which also has the capacity to produce more year round power per panel, why is the Loomberah site even being considered?

This project is going to be next to my sister's property. Listed below are a few of the reasons why I object:
- significant visual impact for their property - the view of the rolling landscape is absolutely beautiful. The solar panels, fences, and general construction site will completely detract from their peaceful outlook.
- significant impact on their local dirt road. I worry for the safety of my sister, brother-in-law and my young nephews who ride their horses and bikes down the local roads.
- significant financial impact of the valuation of their property.
Thank you for your consideration,
Claire Johnson

I strongly object to the Middlebrook Solar Farm proposal.

Please find details of my objection attached.

I am concerned as the project has a negative impact on Agricultural land, and Agricultural businesses in the area. The roads are not built for excessive traffic or heavy machinery to establish the Solar Farm. There will be a creation of excessive dust due to extra people needed to run the solar farm. Valuation of land for surrounding properties will decrease. Chemical reactions and excessive heat will be generated. Excessive use of ground water, reducing water available for agriculture and private household use. Water will erode land and neighboring land when cleaning solar panels. This project destroys our lifestyle and will be an eyesore for us living in the area.

The area is not in the New England Renewable Energy Zone. 530ha of farming land will be used with scattered ugly shipping containers housing invertors- 100 of them! I support renewable energy but this isn’t the right location for the solar farm

I support renewable energy. But this project is not in the right area. It will have a major negative impact on surrounding residents and their land values. I don't believe it is zoned correctly for this type of project.

OBJECTION
I object to the proposed Middlebrook Solar Farm due to the inappropriate location and disproportionate negative impacts on the local area.
I am a farmer, grazier, wool classer, farm contractor and landscaper based in the Quirindi and Wallabadah districts. I have worked on properties near and on the proposed Middlebrook Solar Farm.
As a wool classer I am concerned at the amount of dust that will be created from the traffic movements and construction in the region of concern. Dust settling in the wool, results reduction in wool yield which is a direct determinant for the wool price for wool growers and hence financial loss. I often see dust haze cover many kilometres in that district from just one vehicle movement. An additional 48 km of internal will exacerbate the problem. More pronounced in a dry periods, as we currently experiencing and predicted for the foreseeable future.
I am concerned at road safety of Middlebrook Road and Marsden Park Road. These roads are already hazardous due to the gravel surface including blind corners on tight bends, potholes, causeways (subject to flooding), areas of limited advanced vision and single lane bridges with load limits. A large increase in traffic will be increases the danger of travelling this road to myself and other road uses, in the context of the road requires vehicles to move well over to the left in order to pass each other. As well as, I’m concerned with the subsequent heightened risk of damage to my vehicle ; stone damage to windscreen, headlights , paints and my engine exposed to the raised dust from the extra traffic. These roads have been cited before as unsuitable for heavy loads and long vehicles. Heavy vehicles will be reluctant to move hard to their left due the crown of the dirt road causing the truck to unstably lean. There’s a soak area on the crest of Middlebrook Road , in the centre of the road that will become traffic hazard with increased traffic.
I’m concerned reduced chemical uptake about the when contract for spraying of weeds. Due a large increase in dust settling on the leaf of weeds as a result of post digging, roads and onsite tracks in the locality.
The increased demand for goods and services it will generate in Tamworth and more widely will place strain on supplies to my business, increase my costs and cause delays. This proposal will reduce the amount of business that I conduct in the Loomberah area.
As a landscaper, I am concerned that the proposal does not address the difficulties of properly screening such a large development from view. It will take a lot of mature native trees and shrubs, in layered planting, to reduce the visual impact from the road, and the developer should do that for the sake of both road users and nearby properties. Being closely settled, makes the location less than ideal for such a proposal.
There was extreme concern, that Tamworth region barely had sufficient water during the last drought (2019).Let alone for the purposes of dust suppression. Similarly if underground is sourced; that will put additional pressure on surrounding bores that experienced reduced flow or even failed during the drought. Due to the nature of the soil that develops into fine dust; will require dust removal across the 750 000 panels in order to maintain efficiency. A significant amount of water would be required.

In the event of a electrical initiated fire from the solar farm ; I have serious concerns regards fire fighting access due to the terrain and fitness of the road for such an emergency.

The solar farm would be located under the descent and ascent path of aircraft entering Tamworth airspace from Sydney/ Newcastle direction. The potential glare and distraction to small aircraft relying on visual for safe navigation poses a real risk. Investigation into any potential electromagnet interference upon aircraft needs to be cleared.

Due to the undulating terrain, casting shadows and limiting sunlight availability. The location is not the most efficient placement of a solar farm. Similarly, incompatible with surrounding land use and not within the land use zoning for that area.

The solar farm would be located within the White box woodland (Box-Gum Woodland ) , which is classed as “critically endangered” as per the Australian Government Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 . I envisage requiring further removal of White Box trees for the development which contravenes the Act.

The solar farm is likely to have a significant effect on the micro climate of the locality and subsequently upon the local properties. Interference and disruption on low level wind. The potential for a heat island affect. The rain catchment capacity of the panels themselves is likely to concentrate runoff and result in erosion issues ( due to the nature of the soil).