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State Significant Development

Determination

Walla Walla Solar Farm

Greater Hume Shire

Current Status: Determination

Interact with the stages for their names

  1. SEARs
  2. Prepare EIS
  3. Exhibition
  4. Collate Submissions
  5. Response to Submissions
  6. Assessment
  7. Recommendation
  8. Determination

Development of a 300 MW solar farm and associated infrastructure.

Consolidated Consent

Consolidated Consent

Modifications

Archive

Request for SEARs (1)

SEARs (1)

EIS (12)

Response to Submissions (2)

Agency Advice (19)

Amendments (4)

Additional Information (5)

Recommendation (3)

Determination (3)

Post-determination Notices (1)

Approved Documents

Management Plans and Strategies (18)

Reports (8)

Other Documents (10)

Note: Only documents approved by the Department after November 2019 will be published above. Any documents approved before this time can be viewed on the Applicant's website.

Complaints

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Enforcements

There are no enforcements for this project.

Inspections

4/04/2023

30/11/2023

Note: Only enforcements and inspections undertaken by the Department from March 2020 will be shown above.

Submissions

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Showing 81 - 100 of 162 submissions
Name Withheld
Object
WALLA WALLA , New South Wales
Message
I object to the Walla Walla Solar Farm being built in this Walla Walla area for two reasons.
Firstly, us farmers in the area should not have to bear the cost and burden of public liability and risk of such a large and expensive project should it burn down from a fire started on my farm or other farms in the area. My public liability cover as advised by my insurance company is fifteen million dollars and other farms similar to me would have similar amounts. And don't say it cannot burn down. In this area the summer grass/weed hairy panic grows prolific when we get enough summer rain and the dry seed heads break off and blow up against fences, trees , buildings and anything, and the solar panels will just collect the hairy panic heads choc a block just ready to ignite if there is fire or ember attack around, especially on a windy day. Stock don't eat the heads and they cannot be removed. Also called roly poly grass for obvious reasons. Should the solar farm be damaged or burnt by fire started on my farm or other farms, fifteen million public liability insurance doesn't cover three hundred million damage or whatever the amount is and it is unreasonable and unfair for farmers to lose their farm and everything over a burnt or damaged solar farm which shouldn't be in this area anyway. It is also unreasonable and unfair to expect farmers to have high enough public liability insurance to cover this and would be too expensive and impossible to get. Unless us farmers are quarantined from such liability over and above our fair and reasonable pubic liability insurance cover as set by our insurance company, this solar farm SHOULDN'T and indeed MUST NOT GO AHEAD. And this quarantining needs to be in legislation or regulation. Its not good enough for some one to just say us farmers won't be liable.
Secondly, this area is a prime cropping and grazing area and can still grow crop for grain or hay, even in drought years and is a big source of hay and grain when the rest of the country is in drought like now and have nothing but failed crops and bare ground and therefore SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF PRODUCTION OF HAY AND GRAIN. Let the solar farm set up in these areas of failed crop and bare ground. My late father said to me many times that this area has always managed some hay or grain from crops in drought years ever since settlement here, so no solar farms should be in this area reducing the available hay and grain available to this rest of the country in bad drought.
Then of course there is the risk of my place being burnt out if the solar farm starts the fire, being close to the proposed site, and no one can guarantee that cannot happen.
Therefore I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO REJECT THIS WALLA WALLA SOLAR FARM.
Name Withheld
Object
WALLA WALLA , New South Wales
Message
We have grave concerns for the Walla Walla Solar Farm Development and other proposed solar developments within our Shire.
Our greatest concern is the loss of highly productive agricultural land. This reliable farmland, while still being drought affected, has been able to continue to produce crops and pasture unlike the majority of NSW. In a normal rainfall year only a small percentage of NSW is being used as productive agricultural land, it is imperative to retain as much of this land for food and fodder production as possible. Solar farming should be done only on marginal country as it is an industrial use of land, not agricultural.
Another concern is increased fire risk due to a build of up weeds around the panels and accessibility to the site and toxic fumes if there was a fire. What will this do to the availability and cost of neighbouring farm insurance?
Noise, dust, visual impact and increased traffic will impact greatly on neighbours during the building phase of the solar farm. Of particular concern is the effect on the nearby function centre/farm stay venue whose business is built around their magnificent views over farmland. The visual impact on this business and all neighbours will be huge and ongoing. This business employs many local people and also supports local businesses.
Because this agricultural land will be changed to industrial land, what impact will this have on nearby neighbouring land values? Other ongoing concerns are radiant heat effects, lack of weed and pest control, unknown health issues caused by large scale solar and the eventual clean up of the site. The physical, mental and financial wellbeing of neighbours is at risk.
Name Withheld
Support
WALLA WALLA , New South Wales
Message
Recently bought the old Bakery in Walla Walla and intend reopening in 6-12 months. I believe the solar farm would be great for the town of Walla Walla, creating jobs, good for the environment and develope more businesses in Walla Walla. The is a great non polutant.
David Palmer
Object
JINDERA , New South Wales
Message
I object to the proposed Walla Solar Farm for the following reasons:

1. The negative impact of the 605 hectare solar plant on the productivity of the underlying farming land which would be converted into non-agricultural and for the life of project, typically 30 years; For example disturbances of soil microbiology as a result of lack of UV light as a result of solar panel installation;
2. Negative impacts to neighboring agricultural land including sediment run-off, impacts from the ongoing removal of vegetation, biodiversity impacts and loss of natural habitats, pest control limitations, impact on ability to treat invasive weeds, suppress bushfires and radiant heat effects.

3. The development will be 800m from the function room of the Orange Grove Function Centre. Their website describes the following: “Located 30 minutes from the centre of Albury, Orange Grove Gardens is set amongst 3 acres of Old English Gardens nestled on 2250 acres of undulating farm land with panoramic views over the country side. Making it one of Albury's most private corporate function facilities.” The solar development would have an adverse effect on this successful business as the visual aspect will be destroyed.

4. We need to keep our most productive land for our future food security for the growing world population.
Susan Palmer
Object
JINDERA , New South Wales
Message
I object to the proposed Walla Solar Farm for the following reasons:

1. The negative impact of the 605 hectare solar plant on the productivity of the underlying farming land which would be converted into non-agricultural and for the life of project, typically 30 years; For example disturbances of soil microbiology as a result of lack of UV light as a result of solar panel installation;
2. Negative impacts to neighboring agricultural land including sediment run-off, impacts from the ongoing removal of vegetation, biodiversity impacts and loss of natural habitats, pest control limitations, impact on ability to treat invasive weeds, suppress bushfires and radiant heat effects.

3. The development will be 800m from the function room of the Orange Grove Function Centre. Their website describes the following: “Located 30 minutes from the centre of Albury, Orange Grove Gardens is set amongst 3 acres of Old English Gardens nestled on 2250 acres of undulating farm land with panoramic views over the country side. Making it one of Albury's most private corporate function facilities.” The solar development would have an adverse effect on this successful business as the visual aspect will be destroyed.

4. We need to keep our most productive land for our future food security for the growing world population.
Name Withheld
Object
WALLA WALLA , New South Wales
Message
I object to this proposed solar farm at Walla Walla, NSW. I AM NOT OPPOSED TO SOLAR FARMS IN GENERAL, but the positioning of this one is poorly thought out and will severely impact many people for years to come.
* It prevents prime agricultural land being used for its intended purpose. In the midst of a nation wide drought, our area is one of the only areas IN THE COUNTRY to still be able to produce good quality crops and beasts. To take up so much of that potential cropping land in favour of solar panels is disgusting.
* My husband and I got married at Orange Grove Gardens many years ago. We chose that location based on the serenity and natural backdrop for which it is well known for. Had there been a backdrop of solar panels resembling something out of Starwars we absolutely would have chosen somewhere else. The cheek of the solar companies to state they will provide "Tree screening" is a croc. To begin with, it is not going to screen anything while those trees are treestock, and it will take many many years to even come close to covering the monstrosity of a solar farm, by which, I'm sure, Orange Grove would have long been put out of business.
* We have dear friends that reside across the road from the proposed site. They have kids. Up to this point, there have not been enough reassurances that there will not be any impact from these solar farms regarding their kids future health and wellness, nor has there been enough reassurances that there will not be any ground contamination, which would not only impact the HUMANS living close by, but also the LIVESTOCK upon which they make their living. As they are directly across the road from the proposed substation, the value of their house and land is going to decrease dramatically as, honestly, who in their right mind is going to pay a good price to live in the country, only to open their blinds to see a massive sub station??
*In order to put these farms up, they have to remove much of the flora (Trees etc) to make way for the panels. The company has stated they are going to replant trees to compensate for this. But some of those trees they are ripping up are over 200 years old and have many hollows and cracks that house local fauna. How do they plan to compensate for that??
Solar farms have their place and are a great alternative source of electricity, however, poorly placed farms are going to create many many problems for now and future generations. The only reason they want to build a solar farm here is because it is close to the grid. Money and cost cutting is just not a good enough reason to destroy good land and good people. Maybe try the desert?
Ryan Jacob
Object
WALLA WALLA , New South Wales
Message
I strongly object to the Walla Walla solar farm. I am not opposed to solar farms in general, but rather the gross misplacement of this one.
As someone who is not only born and breed in the Walla Walla area and community, my family legacy extends back generations here. I believe this solar farm is the wrong decision for this community and its placement for various reasons, including, but not limited to:
- I am very disappointed that as a farmer with land, I can get massive fines for removing old and important trees from my land. Why are the solar companies allowed to rip up everything without repercussion, including large, well established trees that have been around for at least 200 years?
- I am concerned for the future welfare of the land and people / livestock on it. Not enough research has been done to prove these solar panels are safe in the long run., and not enough assurances have been made by the solar companies to quell my concerns.
- I am very concerned of the shadiness of the solar panel company and their attempts to bribe the community and its leaders with promises of grants and buildings. If they have enough money to throw at bribery, maybe they should use this money to move the solar farms somewhere more appropriate but further away from the grid (Which is “APPARENTLY” the whole reason they want to set up here, as it’s close to the main grid)
- The community has been divided because of this. A once tight knit community now has neighbours no longer speaking to each other and great conflict between groups. Read that again: An outside entity has come into a tightknit community and destroyed 30 year friendships. That doesn’t sit well with me, nor should it sit well with anyone with a conscious.
- Despite the reassurances that the solar company will utilise local businesses and labour as much as possible, in the construction period, after that, what? To put the solar farm up you are losing x amount of ag land, which means local businesses such as elders, grain merchants Blairs, livestock agents, trucking companies, contract sowing, spraying and harvesting companies are going to experience a PERMENANT decrease in sales and profits, how do the solar companies plan to rectify this?? So 12 months of a boom in economy from the solar farms building vs 30 YEARS near cease of economy to all these mentioned businesses. Weigh that up.
- I have a soft spot for Orange Grove Gardens as I myself got married there, and I find it so disrespectful the way in which the solar company have dealt with this well known established business and venue. Offering to plant trees in front of the solar panels means nothing. The trees won’t grow in 6 months and the country is undulating so the trees even full grown won’t be able to screen the panels, because you will see strait over them anyway. I can guarantee I WOULD NOT have even considered the venue if they had solar panels that close.
- It is common knowledge that transformers and electrical components can catch on fire. We have severe fire conditions that we experience in this area, and I am a volunteer firefighter, as are many of my friends and family. If these catch on fire how am I supposed to make the decision to go into the death trap of the solar farm to try to put it out (Potentially getting myself or others killed in the process as we get trapped in the maze of panels) or risk letting the whole district burn if it gets out of hand? If it starts in the solar farm, it grows in the solar farm and by the time it breaches the borders it is five times stronger and fiercer.
diane rogers
Object
SOUTH ALBURY , New South Wales
Message
I strongly object to this project I believe it will have a devastating effect on the community of Walla ,Culcairn and the surrounding small towns .This project will cause a significant strain on a neighbour who has a beautiful function centre who pride themselves with lovely gardens and amazing views which is a big draw card to potential customers.They have trained and employed a significant amount of young students from this area including both my children when we lived in Culcairn ,as a small country area there is not many opportunities for the young ones.Please leave it beautiful as it is!
Tyler Rogers
Object
SOUTH ALBURY , New South Wales
Message
Hi my name is Tyler and I work for Orange Grove Gardens. I wish to put an objection towards the Walla Walla solar farm as it will significantly harm the business therefore putting me out of work, I’ve worked at Orange Grove for almost 6 years and the opportunities the business has given me has been substantial. Orange Grove furthered my experience not only in my schooling but in hospitality in general. If the Walla Walla solar farm is to be erected then these opportunities won’t be available for future workers which will be a great shame due to the poor amount of work there is around the Culcairn area so please consider these reasons before you continue.

Regards Tyler
Stephen Monte
Support
WEST ALBURY , New South Wales
Message
The Manager,
Planning Services,
Department of Planning Industry and Environment,
GPO Box 39
Sydney New South Wales 2001.

RE: A letter of support for the proposed Walla Walla Solar Farm SSD 9874

Working as a loss adjuster for a Multinational Adjusting Firm, and as a recipient of industry data regarding the changing climatic landscape, which is directly affecting our business, it is quite clear to me, that it is essential, more effort is directed towards the use of renewable energy, to reduce the effects of global warming.
Although I do not agree with all the scientific evaluations presented, I am in favour of renewables, and it is essential that government seriously consider the value of such projects, as the proposed Walla Walla Solar Farm.
After reviewing the details of the proposed project on your website, and after reading the dissenting submission by the Hume Shire Council, I believe some the reasons cited in that submission as being without foundation, and/or proper scientific evaluation.
This is a 30-year project, the landowner is indicating that they propose to continue with sheep grazing, under the panels.
The loss of aesthetics and amenity of the surrounding property owners, in my view is somewhat exaggerated.
I support the project and believe Australia should be supporting such projects as much as possible.
Yours faithfully
Stephen Monte.
1 December 2019
Dorothy Hoy
Object
CULCAIRN , New South Wales
Message
The effect it will have on the livestock on the boundary paddocks along the eastern boundary of the project, no reasonable proposal for vegetation screening that would mitigate the adverse effects on the land and animals as recommended in the Shepparton report provided by Bison at the beginning of the project. Would recommend a dense 6 row tree line and set back 50m from the boundary
Adverse weather conditions with the hotter winds in the summer caused by the heat island effect, forcing neighbouring properties to look at increased water infrastructure to survive
Dust and noise from construction, and ongoing dust throughout the life of the project
Desecration of prime farming land, no real information provided to demonstrate this is not the case, also no available data on sites of similar size or on similar productive agricultural land.
Removal of trees across the area of the project, possibly effecting wildlife, salinity and the water run off on neighbouring properties.
Fire risk and Insurance of neighbouring land owners with a $300m plus project next door, the management of weeds such as Hairy Panic
The ability to return the land back to its original state at the end of the project would be almost impossible
Loss of employment and effect on neighbour function centre business, loss of income for the neighbouring farms due to the effects they will have to endure if this project is approved. Lastly the social and mental fatigue this project has caused within the community. These belong in more arid areas not on productive fertile land that produces food and fodder in times of drought.
Rupert Cuming
Object
WALLA WALLA , New South Wales
Message
I object to the proposed Walla Walla Solar Development due to the following:
Loss of productive Agricultural Land
The proposed site comprises productive agricultural land and is located in a reliable rainfall zone that consistently produces valuable food and fibre. This is highlighted by the ability to grow crops and carry livestock even during one of the worst droughts on record that is currently effecting the majority of NSW.
Large scale solar development should only be considered within the Renewable Energy Zones already identified by the Australian Energy Operator. The proposed site is not within this zone.

Social and Economic Impact
Post construction there will be minimal onsite presence – recent completed large scale solar developments confirm only a handful of full time jobs will be required to maintain the site. There will be far greater jobs lost than gained. It is understood one local business will likely close down and families planning to leave the area should this proposal go ahead.
Agriculture represents the greatest output by industry for Greater Hume Shire at 29.5% and is also the biggest employer at 32.8%. This loss of output generated from productive farmland would be detrimental to the community and would affect many businesses – eg. Fertiliser & Chemical suppliers, Machinery Dealerships, Agronomists, Animal Health, Engineering, Professional Services, Local Shops, Schools, etc.
The proposed development is inequitable. The community benefit fund will provide little to no benefit to the nearby landholders whilst the participating landholders are compensated generously. Adjoining and nearby land will also be devalued as a result of the impact from this development. This has divided the local community and has fractured friendships that have been in the area for generations.
There is a lack of research and understanding of the potential health impact of large scale solar developments. Development should not be allowed to proceed until it can be determined beyond doubt that large scale solar development doesn’t contribute to any health complications. There is also a mental health concern of those who will have to live nearby this development for the next 30+ years!

Environmental Impact
The proposed development will be a total change from a rural outlook to an industrial site. I am concerned about who is responsible for Weed & Pest control? Drainage? Effect on wildlife? Fire Management? Detrimental effect this may have on the Billabong Creek – known to be the longest creek in the world and home to many vulnerable bird and wildlife species.
The removal of established native trees is criminal. The land will deteriorate if covered by glass for 30+ years (soil compaction, drainage, pest and weeds). The site remediation at end of the proposed development is not clear and does not appear enforceable. How can the site be returned to farmland without significant environmental impact given the panels cannot even be recycled and material buried beneath a certain depth does not need to be removed!
Tana Cuming
Object
WALLA WALLA , New South Wales
Message
I completely object to this project. Covering prime, productive land with solar panels is completely inefficient use of useful farming land, especially given the impact of the current drought on agricultural production. We need this land to continue to supply our country with food and fibre.

Even during this very dry time, our area has been able to produce animals and crops when many parts of NSW and wider Australia are completely barren. There are many other areas across Australia where farmers and farming communities would benefit from this type of infrastructure. I encourage the planning minister to consider how these rural communities could be better supported, rather than destroying ours.

I am also concerned about the long term impact on native flora and fauna due to the construction of the solar farm. Large old trees will be removed, along with the homes of many native bird and reptile species. It is unbelievable to me that this submission is considered at all! Keep productive farmland for farmers!.
Name Withheld
Object
WALLA WALLA , New South Wales
Message
We object to the large scale installation of solar panels on the farms at Walla Walla. We are concerned about the loss of significant prime Agricultural land, the environmental impact, loss of agricultural jobs and farming families. The impact on farming families surrounding these large solar farms has been destructive separating communities and causing mental health problems.
We do want these large scale solar industries on our prime agricultural land.
Holly Feuerherdt
Object
WARRANDYTE SOUTH , Victoria
Message
I object to this project due to the adverse impact it is going to have on the surrounding community. It is a community that relies heavily on the farms in the area and this project will have a negative impact on those farms. The panels will change the local weather system with increased temperatures which will impact crops and fodder. The numbers of vermin in the area will increase as the solar panels will provide a large area that is not controlled regularly. This will result in farmers losing more of their livestock to animals such as foxes and lower levels of fodder due to animals such as kangaroos roaming around.
There are also small businesses in the area that will be severely impacted - for example Orange Grove Gardens, a wedding reception venue that relies heavily on the surrounding natural views. This solar farm will be in their line of sight and will result in them losing business.
Lynette LaBlack
Object
LAKE ALBERT , New South Wales
Message
I totally object to the Walla Walla Solar Farm. Please see the attached document for my submission.
Attachments
Name Withheld
Object
TORQUAY , Victoria
Message
I have stayed and visited Orange Grove Gardens on many occasions. In my opinion, a solar farm so close to any property is detrimental. I believe there is no place for a solar farm, especially one of this size, in any rural setting. There is a proposed nature screen, but that will take 20 years or so to become fully established. From the property, the solar panels will be fully visible for many, many years, just what you want as a backdrop to your wedding, function, or one of the farm stay cabins. This will have a major impact on Orange Grove as a wedding, function, or holiday destination. Then, there is also the expected temperature increase, that will potentially effect Orange Grove as a destination, and also as a working farm.
Australia is a huge country. It has the power infrastructure to have this proposed solar farm located just about anywhere. There is no need to have it located adjacent to working farms and businesses.
Name Withheld
Object
LAVINGTON , New South Wales
Message
I understand there is a need to work towards renewable energy targets. However this solar farm proposal will have far reaching effects on the wider community because of it's proposed location. Perfectly good farming land is set to be used for this solar farm, which that in itself is a reason I object. It will also have a damaging effect on neighbouring businesses and also neighbouring residents who will have their views of beautiful countryside tarnished by such a huge solar farm. I strongly object to this proposal.
Name Withheld
Object
PAKENHAM , Victoria
Message
this project should not be placed on high yielding agricultural land.
Name Withheld
Object
TORQUAY , Victoria
Message
As an individual that has, on many occasions, stayed and worked at Orange Grove Gardens, I am able to advocate the dreadful impacts this solar farm would have on such a beautiful residence. Not only will this solar farm disrupt the serenity of Orange Grove, that paying customers cherish so much, but it will also cause a stand still in business, in particular weddings. No one wants to have a wedding a stare at kilometres of metal that would otherwise be a beautiful country landscape. Australia on a whole is a large country that has the ability to cater for this solar farm elsewhere, so why should we build it in a location that is not practical for anyone?

Pagination

Project Details

Application Number
SSD-9874
Assessment Type
State Significant Development
Local Government Areas
Greater Hume Shire
Decision
Approved
Determination Date
Decider
IPC-N
Last Modified By
SSD-9874-Mod-2
Last Modified On
05/08/2022

Contact Planner

Name
Tatsiana Bandaruk