Sundown Solar Farm

29011

New South Wales 2370

01/07/2026

Object

Website

As a close neighbour, sheep grazier and resident of the Swan Vale community, I am writing to object to the proposed construction of the Sundown Solar Farm. The NSW Government's Electricity Strategy Plan stated in the EIS on June 2023 is for 'RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE, and SUSTAINABLE electricity and that Renewable Energy would be the LOWEST form of reliable electricity in NSW." However, rising electricity costs prove otherwise. Rich productive agricultural land is being carved up by solar farms, wind turbines and transmission towers all in pursuit of an unachievable goal for cheap energy. For a country to survive and thrive it needs fuel and food security. The New England area contributes 2.5- 3 billion dollars a year from Agriculture, which is around 1/5th of NSW's total output. This area has always been know for its premium fine wool which accounts for approximately 9% of the state's wool clip. My family run fine merino sheep on our property as well as dorper xAussie Whites for meat. Inverell's Community Strategic Plan is to ' protect and sustain the environment and to develop a strong economy for the region." The proposed Sundown Solar Farm will cover 525 ha, the majority being class 3 (high capability) land being used for Agricultural purposes. The DPI stated in its report on the 18th of July 2025 its concerns with the undervaluing of the land quality from class 3 to class 4 and requested further information about the valuation approach. It recommended that the 'site had to maintain Agricultural capability establishing ground cover and maintaining grazing within the proposed site." (Recommended Conditions 5.2.3 86 from Sundown Solar Farm state significant development report June 2026) Recurrent Energy responded that the impacts on the land would be 'temporary and minor' and that the land would still be able to be used by the landowner with the potential for dual land use of agrisolar or apiculture and that they would implement a grazing management plan and apply any maintenance of the infrastructure. ( 5.22 72) My question would be what stock would be used to graze the sites considering these were previously used for cattle and cropping, and if the landowners no longer graze stock on these sites who is responsible for re stocking and management considering the DPI stated that grazing has to be maintained ?The question arises too, can cattle actually graze on solar farms or is there the risk of damage occurring to the panels. These questions may already have been discussed with the land holders but I think it would be worth sharing publicly considering different risks that could occur to primary producers on neighbouring farms. (For example if sheep are to graze on the site and are not managed and end up with lice and then escape onto neighbouring properties who produce fine wool like ourselves there could be massive complications) In relation to this I do not believe that the agrisolar idea has been given enough attention in regards to risks involved with undertaking this type of farming. Stock grazing happily under solar panels sounds good on paper but in reality have tests been done to show if there are any health risks in regards to livestock well being and contamination to the animal.? Do the solar panels cause heat stress and is there chemical exposure from the glass, polymers and composite resins from the panels which in turn could contribute to heavy metal contamination which we the consumer would potentially be consuming. Are there any regulations in regards to selling animals that are being grazed on solar farms? There are talks of the possibility of having to declare to NVD livestock that have been grazed on land supporting wind turbines. In the news recently it was noted that asbestos was found in '1000 UK wind turbines after Chinese Imports.' These are points of concern that our Government agencies should be monitoring for consumer health. I believe these questions are important ones to raise before concluding that there is no food safety risk if agrisolar is to be implemented . Recurrent Energy said that the 'potential for agricultural land in the region must be balanced against the broader goals of the Australian and NSW governments for the development of renewable energy into the future.' (84) In response to this as a Primary Producer who contributes to that 1/5th of NSW's Agricultural output, I do not believe it is balanced and that a lot more questions need to be answered before we carve up all our Agricultural Land in chase of this green dream. Another point of contention I want to make is in relation to the use of Spring Mountain Road as the main access road to the proposed site. The amount of traffic that will be accessing this road in the current proposal are extensive to say the least. The construction is proposed to take over 21 months with the daily traffic consisting of 100 light vehicles, 14 shuttle buses and 100 heavy vehicle trips twice a day 6 days a week . Spring Mountain Road is a dead end road so for residents living along this road it is our only access to get out to the Gwydir Highway. Most families along the road are Primary Producers so this road is used frequently especially during droughts where grain/ hay trucks etc need to access it , the mail service has to use it and many times stock have to be transported along it to go to the sale yards. We also have a student at home who needs to travel out to go to do his learning and we have elderly parents who need to be able to get out quickly should they need to access medical attention. There is also just the need to do the necessary requirements like grocery shopping etc. With the amount of disturbance to take place during this construction phase plus the amount of vehicles Recurrent Energy are proposing travel on it six days a week , twice a day, it is going to be a massive inconvenience to all of us who reside along it. In the report upgrades to Spring Mountain Road have been stated and there have supposedly been sweeping routes done for the transport of the equipment to site from Newcastle which seems like an enormous and very expensive undertaking, but it appears that there has been no mention or thought about how the residents along the road are going to be managed and provided for while this huge disruption takes place along our road. One again it seems these projects are proposed with little concern for local residents and there well being. Our family have never been consulted personally in regards to this project. Two more points I would briefly like to raise are in regards to whether any fire risk strategies have been implemented if the BESS battery storage unit were to ignite and if our RFS have the equipment and capabilities of putting it out considering the only firefighting plan in the proposal is for extinguising potential fires with water . I believe lithium batteries cannot be extinguished with water so does our RFS have the equipment available to extinguish a potential fire should it occur in the BESS? Point two is in response to an issue that was raised recently on Ben Fordman's radio show in regards to whose responsibilty it is should a Solar Farm project go into liquidation after the energy company Spark Renewables, who owned a solar farm out at Jemalong, said they are not responsible for cleaning up the site after their company went insolvent. Chris Minns the Premier of NSW, was quoted as saying that 'should a company go into liquidation, it is the responsibility of the landowner to clean up the site." In light of this has this been made aware of to Inverell Shire Council who may have to accomodate the waste should this event happen, or have the landowners been made aware? With all these points considered with no clear answers provided or investigated, I strongly oppose to the construction of Sundown Solar Farm

28056

New South Wales 2360

24/06/2026

Support

Website

I wish to register my support for the Sundown Solar Farm project. In addition to generating clean renewable electricity within the New England Renewable Energy Zone and contributing to the long-term energy security and reliability of the New South Wales electricity network, the project will deliver significant and lasting benefits to the local community. The construction phase of the solar farm will create valuable employment opportunities and generate economic activity for local businesses, contractors, accommodation providers and service industries. These benefits will flow throughout the Inverell district and provide an important boost to the regional economy. Of particular significance are the upgrades proposed for Spring Mountain Road. These improvements will provide long-term benefits for local landholders and agricultural enterprises. Currently, the road is not designated for B-Double access, which can result in livestock being transported to Inverell or Glen Innes for transfer to larger vehicles. This process increases transport costs, adds time to journeys and contributes to unnecessary stress on animals. The road upgrades associated with the project will improve access for heavy vehicles, reducing transport inefficiencies and supporting the productivity and competitiveness of local farming businesses. The benefits of these improvements will remain long after construction of the solar farm has been completed. Improved road infrastructure will also provide safer and more convenient travel for local residents. Better road conditions will reduce vehicle wear and tear, improve driving conditions and enhance accessibility for those who rely on Spring Mountain Road for work, school, business and everyday travel. The proposed upgrade of the intersection of Spring Mountain Road and the Gwydir Highway is another important community benefit. This intersection is used daily by local residents, agricultural vehicles and school buses. Improvements to this intersection will enhance road safety for all users and reduce risks for school children and other motorists. I also strongly support the establishment of the community benefit fund. This fund will provide ongoing support for local organisations, projects and initiatives throughout the life of the development, ensuring that the broader community shares in the benefits generated by the project. Importantly, the project demonstrates that renewable energy development and agricultural production can coexist, delivering both clean energy and continued economic activity in rural areas. For these reasons, I believe the Sundown Solar Farm will provide substantial economic, infrastructure and community benefits to the district, and I respectfully urge the Independent Planning Commission to approve the project. Yours sincerely, (Redacted)

26741

New South Wales 2086

11/06/2026

Support

Website

I support the transition to Renewable Energy because I want cheaper power. Saving the planet is a nice bonus. I acknowledge I live far enough away from the project to not be directly affected, but I think even if I lived right across the road I still wouldn't be complaining. I'd also like to think that the Commission has enough sense to take long distance objectors with a grain of salt - clearly their objection isn't with this project, but just with all renewable energy projects.

26766

Victoria 3037

12/06/2026

Comment

Website

Submission to the Independent Panel Why Battery Hubs and Data Centres Must Be Located Away From Residential Areas To the Independent Planning Panel, I am making this submission as a resident living approximately 1 kilometre from the Melton Energy Hub, and as someone who is directly affected by low‑frequency noise and vibration from large‑scale energy infrastructure. I am providing this submission to ensure that the panel hears from people who are genuinely impacted — not from long‑distance objectors who live far from these facilities. 1. Local residents experience real health impactsSince the Melton Energy Hub became active, I have experienced: Persistent low‑frequency humming and vibration Sleep disturbance and difficulty staying asleep Headaches, pressure sensations, and ear discomfort Stress, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating A constant feeling of “internal vibration” even when the noise is not loud These symptoms began only after the facility started operating. Other residents in my area report similar issues. Low‑frequency noise is known to travel long distances, penetrate walls, and affect the body even when it is barely audible. This is not theoretical — it is happening to us.2. Battery hubs and data centres operate 24/7 These facilities: Run continuously Produce constant electrical and mechanical noise Use cooling systems that generate low‑frequency vibration Have backup systems that activate unpredictably This means residents are exposed day and night, with no relief.3. Planning rules must consider real‑world lived experience The current situation — where people living 50 km away can trigger an independent panel review — highlights a major imbalance: Long‑distance objectors can influence the process Local residents, who actually live with the impacts, must fight to be heard My submission is not ideological. It is based on direct, daily experience. 4. International best practice places these facilities far from homes In many countries, large‑scale battery storage and data centres are placed:2–5 km away from residential areas In industrial zones, not mixed‑use areas With buffer zones to protect communities from noise, vibration, and fire risk Australia should follow similar standards to protect public health. 5. What I am asking the panel to considerI respectfully request that the panel: Recognise low‑frequency noise as a legitimate health impact Require independent acoustic and vibration testing near homes Ensure minimum separation distances between battery hubs/data centres and residential areas Prioritise the voices of local residents over long‑distance ideological objectorsConsider the cumulative impact of multiple energy facilities in growing suburbs like Melton I support renewable energy — but not at the cost of health This submission is not anti‑renewable. It is pro‑community, pro‑health, and pro‑responsible planning. Renewable energy infrastructure is essential — but it must be placed where it does not harm people. Sincerely, Peco Kirevski