May 2024 Update

The May update includes more information about the landscape and visual impact assessment and preliminary results from the social impact assessment online surveys.

Landscape and visual impact assessment

In accordance with NSW Government requirements, as part of the preparation of the development application and environmental impact assessment for the project a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) is being prepared. This assessment is being undertaken by Moir Landscape Architecture Pty Ltd. The VIA will assess the potential visual impacts associated with the project.

The VIA will be prepared and assessed by the NSW Government in accordance with the guidelines within the NSW Wind Energy: Visual Assessment Bulletin for State significant wind energy development (NSW Government, 2016). The final VIA will apply a range of methodologies to generate comparisons of visual impact including zone of visual influence modelling, wireframe diagram analysis from representative dwelling locations, and preparation of photomontages from key public viewpoint locations. These methodologies and key outputs will be made available for public review and comment as part of public consultation on the environmental impact statement.

Prior to finalising the wind farm layout, RES is reaching out to engage directly with neighbours, with the initial focus being on those neighbours identified as having a moderate or higher visual magnitude rating. We will be talking to neighbours about the mitigation options that can be applied within the project site, as well potential mitigation options at visual receptors, including support for landscaping or other neighbour agreements. In some cases, this could involve the negotiation of impact agreements with neighbouring landholders, where a payment or other mitigation support, such as landscaping or screening can be agreed between the parties. 

Social impact assessment – summary of survey results

In March and April 2024, RES provided a project update to over 34,000 people and encouraged the community and local businesses to complete online surveys to inform the social impact assessment. The survey was distributed to localities in the region identified in the Scoping Report where social and economic benefits and impacts of the Project will be experienced. 

The online surveys were open for 8 weeks from 12 March to 5 May 2024 and promoted via email (131 recipients), project newsletter mailout (34k newsletters distributed) and project website (79 views).

In total 90 responses were received to the surveys. 77 responses were received from the community and 13 from local businesses. 36% of community responses were from project neighbours (within 10km of the project site) and 41% were from community residents (more than 20km from the project site).

Respondents covered all age brackets from 20-89 years.

Half of community respondents generate an income from their property, such as primary producers.

The survey outcomes revealed a diverse mix of community sentiment for the Project with the survey identifying both supporters, objectors and those who were neutral or had some concerns they would like to see addressed. More than a quarter of survey respondents support the proposed facility (27%), 60 per cent do not support the proposed Project, while 13% were either neutral or listed some concerns.

The community told us in the online survey that the most valued community characteristics were natural environment, followed by social cohesion and interaction then safety and security.

A range of positive and negative impacts were identified by the community and local businesses. These are being assessed as part of the Social Impact Assessment. More detail about the results of the survey, potential benefit and impacts and how the Project will mitigate impacts will be available in our Environmental Impact Statement submission to the NSW Government later this year.

Anonymous verbatim comments from survey respondents, representative of both positive and negative impacts:

Employment opportunities, community benefits, extra facilities for kids to entertain themselves, enhance RFS and extra biosecurity for the community.

Devaluation of property value. Destruction of prime agricultural land.

Increased renewable energy is a positive for the whole country to reduce our environmental impacts, and having it located in our area should result in positive economic impacts as well through job opportunities and funds going towards the local community.

Impact on local visual amenity. Road pavement and access impacts.