One of four South West Renewable Energy Zone projects given right of access by EnergoCo, the significant development application will be delivered by Someva Renewables and AGL Energy.
The decision on whether the development application will be given planning approval has been referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission because the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure received at least 50 unique submissions objecting to the proposal.
Commissioners Richard Pearson, Michael Wright and Sarah Dinning have been appointed by the Commission Chair to determine the development application.
Pottinger will be a 1,300 megawatt (MW) wind farm comprising 247 wind turbines, a 500 MW battery energy storage system and associated infrastructure.
It will be located approximately 60km south of Hay and 75km north of Deniliquin, and is proposed to connect into the approved Project EnergyConnect transmission line that is under construction.
The wind farm is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power up to 593,000 homes and contribute to the NSW Government’s net zero targets and renewable energy objectives.
It is also anticipated to create up to 900 construction and 50 operational jobs.
Key issues identified in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s whole-of-government assessment of the application include visual and biodiversity impacts, traffic and transport, and issues related to the energy transition.
The Commission has access to all previous written submissions made to the department on this proposed development, however it is particularly helpful for the Commission Panel to also hear the community’s views on the Department’s Assessment Report, which can be found on the Commission’s website.
The public meetings on the Pottinger Wind Farm will be held across two days.
The Deniliquin meeting will be held Wednesday, June 4 from 10am at the Deniliquin Town Hall.
The Hay meeting will be held Thursday, June 5, also from 10am, at the Hay Services Club.
Anyone wishing to present at the public meeting must pre-register on the Commission’s website, using the speaker registration form, by noon on Tuesday, May 27.
The Commission also invites the public to make written submissions on the application, which can be lodged via the ‘Make a Submission’ portal or via post or email. Written submissions will be accepted until 5pm on Thursday, June 12.
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