Rye Park Wind Farm

I would like to express my opposition for the proposed "Rye Park Industrial Wind Turbine Power Station". The following dot points support my objection and are reason for my opposition:

* There are to many unanswered questions; who will dispose of the turbines after their life; any confirmed health risks to humans or livestock; who has responsibility in the event of an accident; who is responsible for payments of leases to host land owners; insurance requirements and liability issues; who is responsible in the event death or damage caused by the wind turbine; and the list goes on.

* I have already seen the local community being separated, life long friendships built on trust and generations of familiers building a life on the land have been torn apart from only the proposal. Imagine the impact on these mateships if the project went ahead.

* I have grave concerns about the reported health issue that have been confirmed from other wind turbine farms in NSW and SA.

* After over 20 years of decorated service to the Australian Army, this is my little parcel of tranquillity to retire on. The peace and quiet in a relaxed community, with just the sound of a breeze through the trees, help me to escape the attrocities of war torn Battel Zones in Afghanistan. The visual disturbance and landscape changes brought about by the proposed Win Farm, due to the close proximity of my property, mean that these dreams cannot be recognised.

* I would hate to think that my quality of life could be impacted or destroyed by the implimentation of the proposed industrial pollution created by the proposed Wind farm.

* As with all landowners in the local area, we strive for building and securing a future for our children. We try to better our pastures and stock quality by working the land and improving its quality. The introduction of this proposed project will severly decrease our property value and reduce the amount of legacy we are to leave for generations to come.

* who bears the decommissioning costs and addresses the waste disposal issues.

* Due to the unconfirmed WHS&E, noise and health issues, people will be less likely to work in these areas effected by this project. this will effect the community growth and prosperity.

* Fire fighting capabilities will be significantly impacted with restricted air space acces and ssfety clearance distances for ground crew access.

* With the vast amount of infrastructure to take place and disturbance to the land, many ecosystems, habitat and cultural sites will be effected if this project proceeds.

* The noise and vibration will not only effect local landowners and their families, but stock, native and domestic animals will be effected.

* I purchased my land with the intent to build a dwelling. As I am within the 2 KM restricted zone, a Development Application is unlikely to be approved if this proposed project goes ahead. this shatters my future plans and dreams.

* I find it difficult to understand that i have never been consulted over this project proposal. I understand that my property does not border the proposed project however, my property is within the 2KM exclusion zone.

* Again, i appose this proposal and would like my personal submission to be regarded as an objection to the proposed "Rye Park Industrial Wind Turbine Power Station".

I would like to express my opposition for the proposed "Rye Park Industrial Wind Turbine Power station". The following dot points support my objection and are reason for my opposition:

* There are to many unanswered questions; who will dispose of the turbines after their life; any confirmed health risks to humans or livestock; who has responsibility in the event of an accident; who is responsible for payments of leases to host land owners; insurance requirements and liability issues; who is responsible in the event death or damage caused by the wind turbine; and the list goes on.

* I have grave concerns about the reported health issue that have been confirmed from other wind turbine farms in NSW and SA.

* I would hate to think that my quality of life could be impacted or destroyed by the implementation of the proposed industrial pollution created by the proposed Wind farm.

* as with all landowners in the local area, we strive for building and securing a future for our children. We try to better our pastures and stock quality by working the land and improving its quality. The introduction of this proposed project will severely decrease our property value and reduce the amount of legacy we are to leave for generations to come.

* who bears the decommissioning costs and addresses the waste disposal issues.

* Due to the unconfirmed WHS&E, noise and health issues, people will be less likely to work in these areas effected by this project. this will effect the community growth and prosperity.

* fire fighting capabilities will be significantly impacted with restricted air space access and safety clearance distances for ground crew access.

* with the vast amount of infrastructure to take place and disturbance to the land, many ecosystems, habitat and cultural sites will be effected if this project proceeds.

* The noise and vibration will not only effect local landowners and their families, but stock, native and domestic animals will be effected.

* I purchased my land with the intent to build a dwelling. As I am within the 2 KM restricted zone, a Development Application is unlikely to be approved if this proposed project goes ahead. this shatters my future plans and dreams.

* I find it difficult to understand that I have never been consulted over this project proposal. I understand that my property does not border the proposed project however, my property is within the 2KM exclusion zone.

* again, I appose this proposal and would like my personal submission to be regarded as an objection to the proposed "Rye Park Industrial Wind Turbine Power Station".

1. I reside in the village of Rye Park. During this week I have attended two public meetings on the subject of the Rye Park Wind Farm. I have to declare that my attitude was, on Monday, one of "not-in-my-back-yard".

2. On inspecting the various data, maps, photographs etc, I was most disappointed in the errors. As an example, one photograph, taken from the front gate of my home, showed a distance of 3900 meters to the nearest turbine. When measured on the maps, also on display, this figure should have been closer to 3200 meters - an error of approx 20%.
3. My concern is that this peaceful little village will be dominated by huge turbine propellers. Most of us choose to live the "Village Life" to enjoy the peace and quiet, the big sky of living in the country, not to be living in the middle of an industrial park. The presentation showed various photographs with turbines "photoshopped" to show the effect of the turbines on the skyline. I do not believe that the picture presented showed the effect that the turbines will have on the district.
4. I am in full support of the concept of renewable energy, (wind power, solar), but I would suggest that it is not necessary to destroy Village life to achieve a lowering of greenhouse gases.

The following action is recommended:-

1. The Company should be required to take their proposal back to the drawing board and recalculate everything. You, as Planning Minister, should not be placed in the position of making a decision on a flawed presentation.
2. That an exclusion zone be set up around centres of population (Villages) so that no turbines are sited closer than 5 kilometres to the nearest "townhouse".

Note:- Apart from the opening paragraph the above was written after attending the Wind Farm presentation Day on Wednesday 21/5/14.

Last night, (23/5/14) I attended a meeting of local farmers and residents held under the auspice of the Boorowa District Land Guardians, (of which I am not a member). Here I was to learn of similar feelings of inadequate knowledge by those presenting the "Yes" case. Where the towers were going to be sited, had brought an answer of "anywhere within about 100 meters of the dots shown on the map". Of what are the blades being constructed, had brought two answers, -Steel and Carbon Fibre- which will require different methods of disposal, and have a different risk factor as far as insurance is concerned. As for the advice to pilots was concerned, "In case of fire, the turbines will be stopped, then aircraft will be able to fly between the towers". This would be a highly dangerous manoeuvre and NOT recommended under any circumstance. There are also a number (4 or 5) of airstrips which would be effected by the turbines and associated turbulence, which have been omitted from the submission.

Other matters raised concerned the arrangements in case of fire, erosion, access, roads, agriculture by aircraft, community consultation, community fund and even recompense for host farmers, all had vague answers which basically said the same thing "Once we have permission, we will tell you what we are going to do, and all risk factors will be faced by the host farmers".

Conclusion. I do not feel that the DA should be approved, as the detail of the submission is inadequate. Full and accurate details of all aspects should be in place, before the DA is even considered.



I write to express my concern about the current application for the development of the Rye Park Wind Farm, and request that you, as the Planning Minister of New South Wales, reject the application.
It seems to me that there is considerable sentiment among the people of Rye Park and other locals against this proposal, and should you choose to ignore the majority, I propose that the following concept be applied, not only to this application but also all future proposals.
During the past few weeks, I have attended a number of meetings held in Rye Park, connected with proposed Wind Farm known as the "Rye Park Wind Farm". I have heard of the danger to the pygmy bat population and the effect that will have of the ecology of the area; I have heard of the noise factor, the flicker factor, the visual pollution factor, the danger to aircraft, the lowering of real estate values and many more reasons why the wind turbines are dangerous. I have also heard of the positive aspect of having a wind turbine as a close neighbour in respect of jobs for locals, lower carbon dioxide levels and financial benefit fund for local distribution.
The history of wind farm development shows very little benefit flowing through to the population that has to live within sight and sound of 500 ft turbines. I therefore propose that the power bills of all users within 10kms of a turbine be paid for by the Wind Farm. This would free capital for the resident to be a recompense for loss of value and provide funds to upgrade the defenses against noise etc. It would also act as a financial deterrent for the placement of Wind Farms within 10kms of centers of population. A further contribution equal to 0.5% of the value of the project - in this case $700m be provided to the benefit fund for Community investments, such as youth centres, swimming pools, so that populations within the footprint of the Wind Farm would be encouraged to stay. It is realised that there are many facets to this development, and I would urge that all arrangements should be in place before any approval be given.

I would like to express my opposition for the proposed "Rye Park Industrial Wind Turbine Power station". The following dot points support my objection and are reason for my opposition:

* I purchased my land with the intent to build a dwelling. As I am a within 1 to 2 KM from the turbines and in the restricted zone, a Development Application is unlikely to be approved if this proposed project goes ahead and I would not be investing in a dwelling that close to a turbine. This shatters my future plans and dreams.

* The visual disturbance and landscape changes brought about by the proposed Wind Farm, due to the close proximity of my property I will be affected with shadow flicker and blade glint.

* According to your Noise impact assessment prepared by SLR Consulting my property will be affected by noise pollution levels up to 35dBA. I would hate to think that my quality of life could be impacted or destroyed by the implementation of the proposed industrial pollution created by the Wind farm.

* Land values? With my property affected by Visual and Noise Pollution and my right to a building permit in question my land value will be greatly affected by this proposal.

* There are to many unanswered questions; who will dispose of the turbines after their life; any confirmed health risks to humans or livestock; who has responsibility in the event of an accident; who is responsible for payments of leases to host land owners; insurance requirements and liability issues; who is responsible in the event death or damage caused by the wind turbine; and the list goes on.

* I have already seen the local community being separated, life long friendships built on trust and generations of families building a life on the land have been torn apart from only the proposal. Imagine the impact on these mateship's if the project went ahead.

* I have grave concerns about the reported health issue that have been confirmed from other wind turbine farms in NSW and SA.

* As with all landowners in the local area, we strive for building and securing a future for our children. We try to better our pastures and stock quality by working the land and improving its quality. The introduction of this proposed project will severely decrease our property value and reduce the amount of legacy we are to leave for generations to come.

* Due to the unconfirmed WHS&E, noise and health issues, people will be less likely to work in these areas affected by this project. This will effect the community growth and prosperity.

* Fire fighting capabilities will be significantly impacted with restricted air space access and safety clearance distances for ground crew access.

* With the vast amount of infrastructure to take place and disturbance to the land, many ecosystems, habitat and cultural sites will be affected if this project proceeds.

* The noise and vibration will not only affect local landowners and their families, but stock, native and domestic animals will be affected.

Regards Sam Modafferi

I would like to express my opposition for the proposed "Rye Park Industrial Wind Turbine Power station". The following dot points support my objection and are reason for my opposition:

* I purchased my land with the intent to build a dwelling. As I am a within 1 to 2 KM from the turbines and in the restricted zone, a Development Application is unlikely to be approved if this proposed project goes ahead and I would not be investing in a dwelling that close to a turbine. This shatters my future plans and dreams.

* The visual disturbance and landscape changes brought about by the proposed Wind Farm, due to the close proximity of my property I will be affected with shadow flicker and blade glint.

* According to your Noise impact assessment prepared by SLR Consulting my property will be affected by noise pollution levels up to 35dBA. I would hate to think that my quality of life could be impacted or destroyed by the implementation of the proposed industrial pollution created by the Wind farm.

* Land values? With my property affected by Visual and Noise Pollution and my right to a building permit in question my land value will be greatly affected by this proposal.

* There are to many unanswered questions; who will dispose of the turbines after their life; any confirmed health risks to humans or livestock; who has responsibility in the event of an accident; who is responsible for payments of leases to host land owners; insurance requirements and liability issues; who is responsible in the event death or damage caused by the wind turbine; and the list goes on.

* I have already seen the local community being separated, life long friendships built on trust and generations of families building a life on the land have been torn apart from only the proposal. Imagine the impact on these mateship's if the project went ahead.

* I have grave concerns about the reported health issue that have been confirmed from other wind turbine farms in NSW and SA.

* As with all landowners in the local area, we strive for building and securing a future for our children. We try to better our pastures and stock quality by working the land and improving its quality. The introduction of this proposed project will severely decrease our property value and reduce the amount of legacy we are to leave for generations to come.

* Due to the unconfirmed WHS&E, noise and health issues, people will be less likely to work in these areas affected by this project. This will effect the community growth and prosperity.

* Fire fighting capabilities will be significantly impacted with restricted air space access and safety clearance distances for ground crew access.

* With the vast amount of infrastructure to take place and disturbance to the land, many ecosystems, habitat and cultural sites will be affected if this project proceeds.

* The noise and vibration will not only affect local landowners and their families, but stock, native and domestic animals will be affected.

regards Jodi Modafferi

Having been a resident of Rye Park for the past 8 years I was surprised that the only information about this proposed "wind farm" that I have received is in early May 2014 via a letter from your department. There has been no correspondence or contact, surveys etc from the developer AT ALL. I object to this development on the grounds of the proximity to our rural village, and the overall negative health & safety concerns ( including medical & sleep disturbances) of people that have had the misfortune to live within a ten kilometre radius of these wind farms. There is a duty of care that I believe has not been addressed in this development, primarily being that the company proposing this development has been underhanded in its approach to the local community by making sure those most affected were THE LAST TO KNOW.
Every person in this local area that I have spoken to have had no idea that this development was proposed. I can guarantee you that if we had known, you would have heard from us a lot sooner. I want to stress there has been no consultation with the majority of the local residents in this area of Rye Park and I think that this is because there has been no precedent set regarding the actual ongoing health, wellbeing & safety issues of previous wind farm developments.
In Chapter 5 under Consultation page 21 (under the dot point) Epuron states that their objectives are " to build positive, trust based relationships with members of the community" - How can this be so when hardly any of the local community even knew there was going to be a development?
This has to be the greatest fraud perpetrated on the Australian taxpayer and these companies should be exposed for their misrepresentations to the Australian taxpayer, because we are ultimately the people PAYING for it.
I have these questions that should be addressed:

Has a Structural Engineer (representing Epuron) assessed the loading on these wind turbines?

What assessments were made for the infrastructure?

Why is it that the majority of the local community of Rye Park only seem to be aware of this development since a few weeks ago considering the adverse effect it may and probably will have on their health, wellbeing and let's not forget property prices because of the close proximity of these turbines?

Have there been any studies into the effect on people living in close proximity to these turbines or the effect on livestock?

What about acoustics, Infrasound, any risk and noise assessments done, effect of ground currents, the proximity of the gas pipelines in this area, setback distances of turbines, erosion to just name a few things?

Can Epuron guarantee that there will be no adverse noise & sleep deprivation and that no residents will suffer ill effects from these turbines?

I suggest that a bona fide survey be conducted of the local residents so a true gauge on the feelings about these wind farms be conducted or at least the opportunity to do this should be granted. The NSW Planning Minister should be ashamed of themselves if this is not investigated fully as it would amount to negligence of these taxpayers' concerns in Rye Park.




I have sent this message in the form of a submission to the Department of Planning & Environment as feelings are running very strongly in objection (in Rye Park NSW) regarding this wind farm development by Epuron. Having been a resident of Rye Park for the past 8 years, I was surprised that the only information about this proposed "wind farm" that I have received is in early May 2014 via a letter from your department. There has been no correspondence or contact, surveys etc from the developer AT ALL. I object to this development on the grounds of the proximity to our rural village, and the overall negative health & safety concerns ( including medical & sleep disturbances) of people that have had the misfortune to live within a ten kilometre radius of these wind farms. There is a duty of care that I believe has not been addressed in this development, primarily being that the company proposing this development has been underhanded in its approach to the local community by making sure those most affected were THE LAST TO KNOW. Every person in this local area that I have spoken to have had no idea that this development was proposed. I can guarantee you that if we had known, you would have heard from us a lot sooner. I want to stress there has been no consultation with the majority of the local residents in this area of Rye Park and I think that this is because there has been no precedent set regarding the actual ongoing health, wellbeing & safety issues of previous wind farm developments. In Chapter 5 under Consultation page 21 (under the dot point) Epuron states that their objectives are "to build positive, trust based relationships with members of the community" - How can this be so when hardly any of the local community even knew there was going to be a development? This has to be the greatest fraud perpetrated on the Australian taxpayer and these companies should be exposed for their misrepresentations to the Australian taxpayer, because we are ultimately the people PAYING for it. I have these questions that should be addressed: Has a Structural Engineer (representing Epuron) assessed the loading on these wind turbines? What assessments were made for the infrastructure? Why is it that the majority of the local community of Rye Park only seem to be aware of this development since a few weeks ago considering the adverse effect it may and probably will have on their health, wellbeing and let's not forget property prices because of the close proximity of these turbines? Have there been any studies into the effect on people living in close proximity to these turbines or the effect on livestock? What about acoustics, Infrasound, any risk and noise assessments done, effect of ground currents, the proximity of the gas pipelines in this area, setback distances of turbines, erosion to just name a few things? Can Epuron guarantee that there will be no adverse noise & sleep deprivation and that no residents will suffer ill effects from these turbines? I suggest that a bona fide survey be conducted of the local residents so a true gauge on the feelings about these wind farms be conducted or at least the opportunity to do this should be granted. The NSW Planning Minister should be ashamed of themselves if this is not investigated fully as it would amount to negligence of these taxpayers' concerns in Rye Park. Thanks for your time

While no longer a resident of the Rye Park area, I still own property 1.6km directly east of Rye Park. As I understand from viewing the planned turbine layout, the nearest turbines will be within 1.5 to 1.8km from my property. Within close proximity to my block, there are three permanently occupied homes. My concern is that the 4 turbines closest to Rye Park and directly east of the village are too close to the houses outlines above. I am also concerned at the loss of visual amenity from those same 4 turbines. These 4 turbines have the potential to radically change the rural character of the area that it presently enjoys.

Submission uploaded

Submission uploaded

We are 100% FOR the development and building of the Rye Park Wind Farm. We are excited about the community being involved in what is the renewable energy resource of the future. We feel that there will be a great positive flow on effect , from the money invested in the project, jobs created and general upgrade of roads and infrastructure, that all the district will benefit from. Farmers will stand to benefit from farming a resource that is independent of rainfall.

I unreservedly support the establishment of the Rye Park Wind Farm.
My beliefs are:
1. Clean energy must supplant fossil fuel power generation entirely in our lifetime

2. Turbine power generation has/is shown as an efficient means of power generation.

3. The ongoing financial input on a up to 60 year time span for the Rye Park landowner hosts will inevidentely benefit the larger community of the Yass-Boorowa-Rye Park area.

4. The argument of medical risks to the surrounding community from the Farm is not a sustainable concept.

5. The turbines to me are objects of grace, symmetry , to be admired, not denigrated, but that's just me.

The windfarm will be good for the enviroment as we can not keep using the fuels currently used to make electricity.
We need to look into the future for our Children & Granchildren's sake.

As a person with Granchildren I am hoping for a better enviroment for them in the future. So, harnessing power from wind has to be better than the current situation.

I have the following concerns re the proposed development:
1] the effect the noise will have on my & other residents' wellbeing in Rye Park - particularly on the staff & children attending the Rye Park School which is within 3 k's of the towers.
2]The detrimental effect on flora & fauna in the area including the endangered Superb Parrot, Wedgetail Eagle, Scarlet Robin & Dusky Woodswallow.
3] The possible erosion of the area caused by earthworks & road construction which reportedly has happened in current windfarm sites.
4] The possibility that when the towers have reached their useby date, the owner company has gone bankrupt & the towers are then left to deteriorate or the host is left with the responsibility & cost of dismantling them.
5] In the event of a bushfire occurring in the area, the restriction of access of firefighting units & waterbombing helicopters. Also the effect of a bushfire on the towers.
6] In the event of an accident occurring nearby the windfarm, the restriction of a rescue helicopter reaching the injured person.
7] The devaluation of one's property and the beautiful rural views that the local residents enjoy being totally spoiled.
8] The fact that windfarms are only able to supply a relatively limited amount of electricity to the grid which still requires the main supply to come from coal fired sources.

I object to the Rye Park Wind Farm, as policy and legislation needs to change and become fairer and have more substance prior to any further approval of wind farms. As the draft guidelines are in fact only in draft and the wind farm company has no formal requirement to adhere to them, there is a huge lack of protection for non hosting properties forced to live near wind turbines. The constant stream of community division and community concerns that erupt with each new wind farm proposal is red light to NSW Government that more needs to be done, yet every single rural community faced with a wind farm has its opinions and concerns blatently ignored by Government. Yet there is a feeling of dejavu with every new proposal. Sit up and listen NSW and construct a fairer system!

I object strongly to the Rye Park Wind Farm, as policy and legislation needs to change and become fairer and have more substance prior to any further approval of wind farms. As the draft guidelines are in fact only in draft and the wind farm company has no formal requirement to adhere to them, there is a huge lack of protection for non hosting properties forced to live near wind turbines. The constant stream of community division and community concerns that erupt with each new wind farm proposal is red light to NSW Government that more needs to be done, yet every single rural community faced with a wind farm has its opinions and concerns blatantly ignored by Government. When will you take into account those people directly affected by these monstrosities instead of just focusing on the financial dividends.

Please see attached document

I object to the Rye Park Wind Farm, because policy and legislation is unfair and lacks substance. As the draft guidelines are in fact only in draft formmat.Let's be honest - the wind farm company's have no formal requirement to adhere too. I'm sure people in Manly , Sydney would be up in arms if a Wind Turbine was to be built there! so why do the same to regional areas ? at least give us choice - Tell us before we buy the land or pay us out!!

Under current Legislation there is no proctection for Landholders. If company's are spending millions of tax payer dollars on building these things - spare some funs to buy out the unhappy landholders!, let them move on to another location.

Please don't force this on people - would you like one in your back yard ?

Sit up and listen NSW and construct a fairer system !!!

See attached

See attachment