A district landholder is encouraging NSW residents to participate in the planning process for proposed renewable energy and associated developments.
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Annie Hare is arguing recent changes to planning assessment arrangements have reduced the circumstances in which some projects receive determination by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC).
She has been urging community members to lodge formal submissions on projects she believes could have significant impacts on agricultural land, water resources and rural communities across the state's South West Renewable Energy Zone.
Mrs Hare said residents still have an opportunity to influence the assessment process during public exhibition periods, and is encouraging more people to engage with proposals before decisions are made.
Her concerns relate to renewable energy projects, battery energy storage systems and the growing fear of data centre developments across the region.
"We're not developers, we're farmers, but we have had to learn a lot of this information in order to protect our future," Mrs Hare said.
Under changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021, from 2026 certain State Significant Development projects will generally only be determined by the Independent Planning Commission if more than 100 objections are received from NSW residents, or if the applicant has made a reportable political donation.
This could include data centres, resource projects and energy projects using wind, solar, coal or gas power - or any other project deemed significant based on size, location, environmental sensitivity, or cost thresholds.
The approval authority for such developments is the state government, and not local councils like with other developments.
Ms Hare said she believes the higher threshold could make it harder for projects to receive additional scrutiny.
“100 objections are now needed; 100 individual emails from NSW only.
“The government has made it as hard as they can for anyone trying to object to these developments.”
However, the Independent Planning Commission states that community submissions remain an important part of the assessment process.
According to the commission, written submissions, public meetings and hearings help panels understand the individual and collective impacts of proposed developments and are considered against relevant legislation, policies and planning instruments.
The commission is also required to explain how community views were taken into account when publishing its ‘Statement of Reasons’ following a determination.
Ms Hare said her objective was not necessarily to stop development altogether, but to ensure projects receive a thorough assessment.
“We want to push it (decisions on renewable energy projects in our region) back, just to get more scrutiny,” she said.
“People don't know about it so they aren’t looking at it, or giving feedback.”
The concerns come as renewable energy development continues to expand across southern NSW.
Last month, the Independent Planning Commission approved the Bullawah Wind Farm - one of four major projects given ‘right of access’ in the South West Renewable Energy Zone.
It comes one year after the Pottinger Energy Park (wind and solar) proposal was given construction approval.
Others with ‘right of access’ are the Yanco Delta Wind Farm and the Dinawan Energy Hub, but other renewable projects are still being proposed and going through the processes in case more ‘right of access’ offers are offered in the future.
Mrs Hare has long questioned whether large-scale renewable developments are compatible with highly productive agricultural land.
“It takes agricultural land out of production,” she said.
“Anything in the shade won't grow.
“You might be able to run a few sheep, but from what I’ve seen its only ever a handful.
“There's no way you can run cattle."
The Independent Planning Commission's assessment of the Bullawah Wind Farm reached a different conclusion, finding farming activities could continue across the site while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Ms Hare also raised concerns about the long-term responsibilities associated with renewable energy infrastructure after projects reach the end of their operational life.
"As far as decommissioning, the landholder is responsible, however I would be surprised if they were to stick around long enough to take the blame," Mrs Hare said.
Mrs Hare said she would welcome anyone with concerns or wanting to learn more to contact her at anniechare@gmail.com or on 0429 861 808.
She has also offered to help anyone who needs assistance in submitting a submission on renewable developments.