It is part of a larger renewables project that also includes a solar farm.
The Plains Renewable Energy Park project is proposed by Engie ANZ and will cover an area of nearly 60,000 hectares on two sides of the Cobb Highway on Mungadal Station, owned by Paraway Pastoral Co.
The proponents have acknowledged it will impact the endangered Plains-wanderer, with a report stating it “may result in the disturbance to 14.15ha of critical Plains-wanderer habitat, in an area of recorded breeding individuals”.
“This reduction in turn has the potential to lead to a long-term decrease in the population, reduce the area of occupancy for the critically endangered species, with the potential to disrupt the breeding cycle of the population,” the report continues.
“It was concluded that the project has the potential to have a significant impact on the species.”
It says not proceeding with the project would be a missed opportunity to generate additional renewable energy and to reduce Australia’s dependency on fossil fuels for energy generations and the consequential emissions of GHGs (greenhouse gases).
“The project is expected to result in savings of approximately 3.7 million tonnes of GHGs per annum, and the electricity generated could supply up to 995,000 households with energy annually.
“In addition (if the project does not proceed) the local area and wider region would not realise the benefits of the project including: The economic benefits to the local and regional community provided directly and indirectly by the employment associated with the project; capital investment creating direct and indirect employment during construction and operations; and contributions to local community facilities and infrastructure through the Community Benefit Fund.”
The proponents acknowledge that a ‘do nothing’ scenario would allow for continued use of the site for agricultural production, which currently includes irrigated cropping and pastures, including large scale sheep breeding.
The wind turbines will have a maximum height of up to 280m with a maximum installed capacity of 1800MW.
Engie has identified the opportunity for six additional neighbouring landowners to also host infrastructure.
It says the alternative to using wind energy is the continued use of fossil fuels, including coal (both black and brown) and natural gas.
“The Australian Government’s mandated Renewable Energy Target (RET) and NSW Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP) outline the commitment by Australia and NSW in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and have set targets for increasing the generation of renewable energy.
“The New South Wales Government has also proposed that the area between Buronga, west of Hay, Hillston and Deniliquin is an indicative Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) - the South West Renewable Energy Zone. The project is located in the heart of this proposed area.”
The project is listed as a development of state significance, located on the Cobb Highway, Booroorban, with both Hay Shire and Edward River listed as the ‘council area’.
The application, environmental impact statement and accompanying documents are on exhibition until Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
More information is on the NSW Government Planning Department website or by phoning (02) 8289 6981. Assistance can also be obtained with making a submission from Service NSW.
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