Solar Project

The Bendemeer Solar Farm will create a range of social and economic opportunities for the Bendemeer region and surrounding areas.

Economic Benefits:

• Dedicated Community Benefit Fund which will see $50,000 per annum committed directly to the local community throughout the expected 30-year life of the project
• Generate employment through the creation of 307 jobs during construction, and 15 during the long-term operational phase;
• Diversified income stream for host landowner, providing drought resilience and continued agricultural production through sheep grazing for the life of the project;
• Excellent opportunity for local businesses and contractors to provide services to the project during construction and operations through the establishment of a Local Employment Plan; and
• Deliver economic benefits to the regional economies of Tamworth, Armidale, Uralla and Walcha including (approximately):

During construction:

• $162 million (M) in annual direct and indirect output (i.e. value of goods and services);
• $60M in annual direct and indirect value added, (i.e. as measure of profitability);
• $33M in annual direct and indirect household income; and
• 444 direct and indirect jobs.

During operations:

• $32M in annual direct and indirect output;
• $21M in annual direct and indirect value added;
• $3M in annual direct and indirect household income; and
• 35 direct and indirect jobs

Environmental Benefits:

• Estimated electricity generation of 577,000 MWh per year;
• Equivalent to powering 74,000 NSW home per annum, more homes than in the New England Region;
• Significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding 420,000 tonnes CO2 annually that would otherwise have been produced by fossil fuel power stations;
• Contribute to the NSW Government’s net-zero emissions by 2050 and the Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Target
• Assist in the replacement of fossil fuel energy from NSW’s coal-fired power plants, which are scheduled for decommissioning between 2023 and 2040; and
• Greatly improved weed and pest management of the Project Area through the creation and adoption of dedicated management plans.

Social Benefits:

• Dedicated Community Benefit Fund (CBF) which will contribute to the growth and improvement of local community, infrastructure, projects and events;
• Diversifying energy supply and reducing reliance on fossil fuels;
• Providing increased educational and training opportunities in the local community;
• Knowledge and confidence that the community is playing a large role in contributing to a cleaner, greener future; and
• Increased opportunity for local skills growth and on the job training

A construction and operational noise and vibration assessment has been included as part of the EIS to assess potential noise impacts for affected residents. It has been assessed that operational noise levels would not exceed limits at any dwellings surrounding the project site. Construction noise levels will require management due to expected intermittent exceedances at 32 dwellings in worst-case scenarios.

High noise impact activities, such as piling, are expected to be short in duration and will vary as construction progresses across the Project Area. Noise impacts will be mitigated through a construction noise management plan.

EIS landscape and visual impact assessment

The Solar Environmental Impact Statement is required the undertaking of a detailed landscape and visual impact assessment in accordance with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s Large Scale Solar Energy Guidelines 2022. From this assessment, visual impacts were rated as ‘low’ at all surrounding dwellings, and ‘very low’ from all public viewpoints.

Glint and Glare

All solar panels are designed to absorb light as much light as possible, rather than reflect it. A glint and glare assessment has been undertaken to model and assess any impact, and the Bendemeer solar project is proposed to have specific operational controls on the solar tracking systems that will eliminate any potential glare of the project.

Decommissioning refers to the process of ceasing operations and removing infrastructure at the end of the project’s operating life. The NSW Government requires renewable energy projects to be decommissioned at the end of their operational life and land to be returned to its original condition.

It involves dismantling and removing solar panels, structures and ancillary infrastructure (cables, inverters, fencing) from the site and recycling, reusing or disposing materials and waste products, and returning the site to its pre-existing use and land and soil capability class. It also involves disconnecting the development from the electricity network.

If a proponent fails to meet the decommissioning and rehabilitation obligations as prescribed by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, the proponent is then liable and subject to prosecution by the Department.

The proponent of any solar energy project should be responsible for decommissioning and rehabilitation, and this should be reflected in an agreement with the host landholder. Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub already has this agreement in place for the proposed site.

As prescribed by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, all proponents of large-scale solar developments must identify the decommissioning and rehabilitation activities that will take place and address all relevant issues for decommissioning and rehabilitation in the project EIS. This includes dust and noise impacts from earthworks, traffic, and risks to biosecurity.

The project life is approximately 30 years. At this time feasibility studies and landholder consultation would be undertaken to determine if the project is to be recommissioned (rebuilt with the latest technology available at the time), or decommissioned, where the components are recycled and the land rehabilitated to its pre-existing condition.

A: The NSW Government requires cumulative impacts of State Significant Developments to be assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

These requirements are described in the Cumulative Impact Assessment Guideline (DPIE, 2021) and specified in the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), which are the minimum requirements for the EIS to be accepted by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). This means that you cannot progress to public exhibition and approval of the EIS without addressing the cumulative impacts of the proposal.

The Bendemeer Solar Farm includes the following requirements in its SEARs:

An assessment of the likely impacts of the development on the environment, focusing on the specific issues identified including:

• an assessment of the likely impacts of all stages of the development (which is commensurate with the level of impact), including any cumulative impacts of the site and existing or proposed developments in the region, taking into consideration any relevant legislation, environmental planning instruments, guidelines, policies, plans and industry codes of practice…’

The Bendemeer Solar Farm EIS has included a cumulative impact assessment of potential impacts, including transport and traffic, biodiversity, noise, and visual. This can be viewed in full on the NSW Government’s Major Proiects Planning Portal.

Other solar and wind developments would include a similar requirement, including the proposed wind development for the Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub.

A: The Bendemeer Solar Farm EIS will include assessment of all scientifically verified potential impacts to wildlife from solar developments during construction and operation. This will include any indirect impacts from installation of solar modules. Experienced and accredited ecologists experienced in renewable energy project impact assessments have been engaged to undertake bird impact assessments, the outcomes of which will be presented in the biodiversity study.

Solar photovoltaics, the technology proposed for the Bendemeer Solar Farm, does not utilise solar mirrors as would otherwise be the case for inherently different technologies such as concentrated solar power. The Bendemeer Solar Farm, like the vast majority of solar farms in Australia, will utilise solar modules (or panels) that are designed to as absorb, rather than reflect, as much light as much possible. Glass is utilised to provide mechanical protection and to also enable light to pass through onto the silicon solar cell surface to be converted to electrical energy. This glass is treated and coated with anti-reflective technologies to further reduce potential reflectivity. The EIS will include an assessment of any impacts associated with potential reflectivity and glare however we are not aware of any verified scientific studies showing that solar modules cause death or injury to diving birds of prey as a result of reflected light.

A: The NSW Government has several guidelines and policies that must be addressed when for assessing noise impacts of renewable energy projects.

In relation to the Bendemeer Solar Farm detailed modelling is currently being undertaken, with the results to be included in a Noise Impact Assessment, which is required as a part of the project’s EIS. Modelling is undertaken for noise sources during daytime and night time periods, noting that construction would be restricted to the following standard construction hours:

• Monday to Friday: 7 am to 6 pm;
• Saturday: 8 am to 1 pm; and
• No work on Sundays or public holidays.

Noise modelling predicts the noise levels from construction, operation and traffic of the Bendemeer Solar Farm and compare with the allowable limits set by the NSW Government.

A: The visual assessment will be undertaken by recognised experts for visual impact assessments for renewable energy developments.

The visual impact assessment for the Bendemeer Solar Farm has been undertaken in accordance with the recently revised NSW Large Scale Solar Guidelines (DPIE, 2022) which places further burden of assessment than previously required.

The solar visual impact assessments include a combination of:

Zone of visual influence – to determine the potential locations and dwellings in the area which may be able to see the solar farm.

Public viewpoint analysis – assessment of potential impacts from public locations.

Detailed dwelling assessments – where desktop analysis, modelling and site visits identifies dwellings they may have visual impacts. This may include undertaking photomontages at specific dwellings.

Assessment of impact significance – assessing the sensitivity (e.g. dwellings have high sensitivity) and the visual effect (how much of the solar or wind development can be seen) to calculate the overall potential visual impact.

Cumulative visual assessment – considers other proposed developments in the area.

Glint and glare assessment – assessing glint and glare from public roads and dwellings surrounding the solar development.

Mitigation measures – proposed mitigation measures to reduce visual impacts if determined to be required based on the level of impact assessment (e.g. visual screening).

A: There have been several studies undertaken both in Australia and overseas in regard to land and property values and renewable energy projects. A study completed by Preston Rowe Paterson in 2013 looked into the impact of wind farms on surrounding land values.

The NSW Farmers Association has also developed the Renewable Energy Landholder Guide, which includes a section on land values. The guides includes the following commentary:

“A 2016 review considered the potential impact of wind farm developments on nearby property values. The review used the best available data and traditional valuation sales analysis techniques, to compare the change in values around wind farms over time and qualitative information from a review of the international literature on the impact of wind farms on property values.”

The review concluded as follows:

“Based on the outcome of these research techniques, it is our expert opinion that windfarms may not significantly impact rural properties used for agricultural purposes. The literature review of Australian and international studies on the impact of wind farms on property values revealed that the majority of published reports conclude that there is no impact or a limited definable impact of wind farms on property values.” 

A: The nearest point of the property boundary associated with the Bendemeer solar project is approximately 1.8km from the Bendemeer Hotel. There are 11 dwellings within 1 km of the project site.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has assessed impacts on all dwellings (e.g. visual, noise) regardless of the distance described from the Bendemeer village or otherwise.

A: The Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub is the flagship project of Athena Energy Australia (Holdings) Pty Ltd (Athena), a member of the Metis Group. Athena is committed to developing, constructing, and operating renewable energy projects across Australia. However, in the event project ownership is transferred, all land agreements have been structured so that any incoming owner will be legally bound by the same terms including those established for decommissioning and rehabilitation. Furthermore, the development consent conditions expected to be imposed for the project will be applied to the development directly, not the development company. Consequently, any existing or future asset owners will be bound by the same conditions of consent for the life of the project.

A: The Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub team have been engaging with the Bendemeer community and surrounds since early 2022. As well as regular meetings with host landholders and neighbours to the project, the BREH team has also proactively engaged with local community groups, including the Bendemeer CWA and McDonald River Land Care Group. The project team have also been engaging with local business, Council and suppliers from the wider region, who are keen to learn about what opportunities this project may bring to the region.

In addition to providing updates to the community through our monthly newsletter, factsheets and website, we also continue to hold bi-monthly community information sessions at the Bendemeer Hotel. As the project progresses we remain open to discussion and feedback and encourage all members of the community to reach out to us with any questions either via email or call 0402 949 462 number. We can also arrange face to face discussions where necessary.

A: The BREH aims to minimise impact to project neighbours through impact avoidance, optimised design and the adoption of mitigation strategies where necessary. We have been in consultation with a number of neighbours to the Bendemeer Solar Project to provide updates on the planning assessment process and seek feedback. This consultation will continue prior to, during and post development approval. Significant amendments have already been made in response to community feedback.

A: Renewable energy projects meet the definition of “electricity generating works” which are defined in Clause 2.35 of Transport and Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (T&I SEPP).

Renewable energy developments in NSW are permissible with consent on rural zoned land (e.g. RU1). Industrial developments are prohibited on rural zoned lands and require the land to be zoned as industrial (either General Industrial or Heavy Industrial).

This is because the potential impacts during construction and operation of renewable energy projects would not be considered to result in the same level of impacts on the environment and neighbouring properties as industrial developments.

A: Absolutely. Renewable energy developments such as large scale solar can work in harmony with existing agricultural activities. Grazing livestock such as sheep has been proven time and again for solar farms in Australia. In fact, grazing is a key part of the operation and maintenance strategies for land and weed management and are intended to be adopted on the Bendemeer project.

A: As required on all renewable energy developments, post-development water flows must be equivalent to predevelopment flows in terms of both water quality, path and volume. It has been assessed that an increase in flood levels and velocities will not be significant (compared to existing flood levels) following project development, and surface water runoff can be managed by maintaining ground cover and implementing appropriate erosion and sediment controls.

A: The project will be designed to comply the NSW Rural Fire Service Planning for Bushfire Prevention 2019, which requires asset protection zones to be established around the perimeter of the solar arrays, substation and battery compound. In these areas, vegetation must be strictly managed to a high standard for the life of the project.

Bushfire protection measures will be required and implemented throughout construction and operations. This includes creating asset protection zones surrounding the project
infrastructure, adequate site access and water supply. A Bushfire Emergency Management and Operations Plan (BFEMOP) will be developed in consultation with the NSW RFS and Tamworth Regional Council.

Prior to lodging a development application (DA) for an State Significant Development (SSD) project, Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub consulted with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) by submitting a Scoping Report.

The purpose of this consultation is to clarify what approvals are required, identify what information must be included in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and determine what community engagement must be undertaken by the Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub during the preparation of the EIS. Following consultation, the Planning Secretary issued the environmental assessment requirements (SEARs) for the EIS.

To obtain SEARs, Bendemeer Energy Hub lodged a request and Scoping Report online. The Department previously published the Scoping Report online and sought advice from the local council and other Government agencies about what should be included in the SEARs.

Documents

Scoping Report

Issued SEARS

All DA must be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub has prepared this EIS in accordance with the Planning SEARs. The purpose of the EIS is to assess the economic, environmental and social impacts of the project to help the community, government agencies and the consent authority make informed submissions or decisions on the merits of the project. The SEARs set out the requirements for detailed studies on potential visual, noise, biodiversity, traffic, cultural heritage, biodiversity issues and other environmental and social impacts associated with the project.

The results of these studies, together with the feedback from the local community and stakeholders, have informed the project’s design and have been documented in the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS is available to view on the NSW Government’s Major Projects Planning Portal.

Following public submissions and community consultation, amendments have been made to the project, which have been outlined in the Response to Submissions.

Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub will be seeking for the NSW State Significant Development applications (SSD), which will have to go through a comprehensive assessment process with extensive community participation and are evaluated against the triple bottom line. Under State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) 2011, electricity generating works including renewable energy proposals such as wind or solar farms with a capital cost of more than $30 million (or $10 million in an environmentally sensitive area) are considered as SSD under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.