FAQ
The planning and approvals phase
What are we doing now?
We have commenced the Planning and Approvals phase of the project. The approvals process for the project is expected to take 3 - 5 years.
During this time we will be undertaking detailed studies including traffic and transport, fire risk management, visual impact, noise, ecology and cultural heritage.
How will the project be assessed?
The project will be assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
In 2025 we will commence the Environmental Impact Assessment process, throughout this time we will continue to engage with the community and seek feedback as the project progresses.
How will you manage environmental concerns?
As part of the development and approvals process a series of surveys and assessments will be undertaken. The surveys are to determine the potential impact on the local environment. The results of these surveys will be used in the design process to help us to avoid and minimise impacts.
Environmental management plans will then be prepared to manage impacts through construction and operations.
The project
Where is the proposed project?
The Investigations Permit Area includes Gurnang State Forest, part of Mount David State Forest, and some parts of Vulcan State Forest south of Black Springs.
The investigation area is limited to the State's softwood plantations, no native forests are included.
Will the proposed project be in other parts of the forest?
No. The Planning and Investigation Permit issued by Forestry Corporation of NSW is limited to the areas named above, we are not permitted to investigate any other State Forests not named in the Permit. No native forests are included in the investigations permit.
Will the project be on freehold land?
The Pines Wind Farm wants to share the benefits of the project with the community, one way to do this is to offer the opportunity to host project infrastructure on land surrounding the investigations area.
Project infrastructure could include wind turbines, transmission infrastructure and laydown areas.
Participation as a host is optional, The Pines Wind Farm does not have any compulsory acquisition powers and cannot force landowners to host infrastructure.
The draft layout
How many wind turbines will there be?
The draft layout shows approximately 250 wind turbines within the investigation area. There is a lot of interest from neighbouring landowners to participate in the project either by hosting or the nearby neighbour program, The Pines Wind Farm team will continue engaging with these landowners which may result in the project growing over time.
How did you determine the number of wind turbines?
To create the draft layout, we have assumed a 1.5km setback from neighbouring dwellings. In our experience this is the most commonly accepted set back.
This is a draft layout for discussion, these setbacks will likely change as further neighbour feedback is incorporated into the design.
What is the purpose of the draft layout?
The purpose of sharing the first draft layout is for consultation, providing neighbours to the investigation area and the community with an indication of:
- the scale of the project and likely turbine spacing
- what wind turbines could look like from neighbouring houses and/or different public locations
- what it might mean for neighbours, both in terms of impacts and benefits such as the Nearby Neighbour Program.
Why wasn't the layout released sooner?
We were not able to release a draft layout earlier as we needed to understand the locations of private dwellings. Due to the excellent response from nearby neighbours and the community, we have been able to release this draft layout for discussion.
What will the project look like from my house?
If you would like to see what the project could look like from your property we have augmented reality software that we can use to show you.
The TrueView program overlays the draft wind turbine layout on the landscape, this is then viewed through an iPad from different locations on your property.
If you would like to have a demonstration you can request a meeting.
How big will the wind turbines be?
The technology for the proposed project is yet to be finalised, it is expected however that the turbines will be approximately 300m tall at the top of the blade tip.
Will I be able to hear the wind farm?
At 1.5km distance from the wind turbine base it is likely that the sound pressure level from an operating wind turbine will be around 35 decibel. 35 decibel is the noise limit outlined in the NSW wind energy guidelines that aims to ensure noise levels do not significantly affect the living experience of people residing in the area. It can be seen in the graphic below that NSW has amongst the most-stringent noise requirements in the world.
Most people hear a soft woosh-woosh noise at this distance if there is very low background noise around them.
As the project progresses, noise studies will be undertaken to determine the background noise levels and the potential noise levels at neighbouring dwellings.
Will the proposed project be visible from Oberon?
All proposed wind turbines would be more than 15km from Oberon. At this distance, the visual impact is anticipated to be low, pending a detailed assessment by a visual impact consultant.
How is decommissioning paid for?
The decommissioning of the wind farm will be the responsibility of TagEnergy as the owner/operator of the wind farm. A decommissioning fund is required to be established to cover the future cost of decommissioning.
Do I have to sign an NDA?
The Pines Wind Farm team will never ask you to sign an Non Disclosure Agreement, we are committed to open, honest and transparent communications with the community on the impacts and opportunities of the proposal.
Will I still be able to use the forest for recreation activities?
During the investigations and planning and approvals phases there will be no impact onthe use of the forest by the community or visitors to the region.
Forestry Corporation of NSW will continue to issue permits for recreation activities. As part of the Community Benefits Package, we will be exploring ways to improve recreational facilities in the forests we are operating in. This may include upgrades to facilities and parking areas and access roads.
During construction, for the safety of forest visitors, some areas may have restricted access. Once the wind farm is operational however, it is business as usual for Forest visitors.
Participating in the project
How can I participate?
Neighbours to the investigation area are able to participate in the project by:
- joining the nearby neighbour program
- hosting project infrastructure including wind turbines, laydown areas, access tracks and transmission infrastructure.
What is the timing for including freehold land?
We would like to give as many neighbouring landowners as possible the opportunity to participate in the project. We do not currently have a deadline.
Proposed project benefits
Is there a community benefits package?
A Community Benefits Package will be established for the project worth at least $1,050 per MW per annum. The package includes a Community Benefit Fund, a Nearby Neighbour Program and contributions to the local council. The final size of the proposed project will be determined during the planning and approvals phase, through consultation with the local community.
Will you have neighbour payments?
A Nearby Neighbour Program will be established as part of the Community Benefits Package. The Nearby Neighbour Program will include budget for annual payments to neighbours within 3.5km of wind turbines. Further information on this can be found on the Neighbours page.
I live nearby, how can I benefit?
We will be engaging with those closest to the project about opportunities for participation. We are also looking to speak with private landholders about joining our Nearby Neighbour Program for neighbours within 3.5km. To discuss involvement please contact us.
Insurance
Does Australia's peak industry body for Insurance think that renewables cause rising premiums?
No.
In a statement to the ABC, the Insurance Council of Australia has said:
"The rising cost of cover has nothing to do with renewables. Premiums are rising because of escalating costs of natural disasters, the increasing value of homes and vehicles making them more expensive to replace, and inflation pushing up building and vehicle repair costs"
abc.net.au/news/2024-06-12/farmer-stephen-pumpa-insurance-concerns-neoen-solar-farm/103855680
I own a property/operate a business in Oberon, will The Pines Wind Farm affect my property or public liability insurance?
No.
A variety of factors go into the calculation of Insurance premiums including claims history, business practices, cost of capital etc. We can see no reason why the presence of The Pines Wind Farm, more than 15km away, would introduce a relevant risk to properties in the Oberon LGA.
I own a property/operate a business very close to The Pines Wind Farm investigation area, will this affect my property or public liability insurance?
No.
We have found no evidence supporting an increase in premiums due to the proximity of a wind farm. However, to ensure this does not become an issue in the future we have extended our neighbour benefit program to include insurance.
Neighbours within 3.5km of a wind turbine have the opportunity to enter into neighbour benefit agreements. The agreements provide:
- annual neighbour payments based on proximity to turbines
- coverage as an additional insured under the project's insurance policy. This means a neighbour is covered if they accidentally cause damage to the wind farm.
- periodic fire safety assessments of their property
I am considering hosting project infrastructure or turbines on my property, will this affect my property or public liability insurance?
No.
Hosting of infrastructure or turbines on your property is managed through a lease agreement. The Pines Wind Farm lease agreements will include:
- annual lease payments
- coverage as an additional insured under the project's insurance policy. This means a host is covered if they accidentally cause damage to the wind farm.
- periodic fire safety assessments of your property
Fire safety
Will there be a higher risk of fires because of the wind farm?
If it proceeds, The Pines Wind Farm will potentially lower the risk of fire in and around the region.
Forestry Corporation of NSW keeps records of ignition sources for forest fires. Over the last 33 years, the three biggest identified sources of ignition are lightning, arson and campfire.
As explained below, The Pines Wind Farm will potentially help reduce the risk of all three of these fire sources.
Wind turbines reduce the risk of lightning fires
Lightning strikes are frequent around elevated regions like Oberon and if they strike flammable objects, can start fires. Over the last 33 years, lightning has been the most common cause of fire identified in State Forests.
Wind turbines are designed to conduct lightning strikes safely into the earth mat underground around the base of the turbine. Due to their height, wind turbines naturally attract lightning, substantially lowering the occurrences of lighting strikes on flammable objects such as trees and fences.
The Pines Wind Farm Proposal includes turbines certified to IEC 61400-24 (lightning protection), that ensures all wind turbines will have engineered lightning protection systems to international standards.
24-hour operations and surveillance
Early detection and 24-hour manned surveillance will reduce fire risks from campfires and arson, improving security across the plantations. The Pines Wind Farm Proposal includes 24-hour operations and surveillance, including a network of security cameras, and will feed into a 24-hour manned control centre.
The Pines Wind Farm Proposal would result in the construction of a $3bn dollar power generation asset for NSW feeding the National Electricity Market (NEM). This asset would be operated and monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week for its 35-year operational life. The proposed monitoring will include a network of security cameras and other equipment for the early detection of forest fires. The 24-hour manned control centre will have a fire plan and direct communication with Forestry Corporation of NSW and other fire authorities.
What happens in a bush fire?
A bushfire risk assessment is undertaken for each project and a bushfire management plan will be prepared and made available to the community. The management plan includes details of water tanks and other firefighting equipment maintained at the wind farm site, and how the wind farm personnel and equipment will assist firefighting efforts in case of bushfires in the region.
The wind turbines to be used on the project are fitted with advanced smoke detection and fire suppression systems. When smoke is detected, a signal is sent to the operator who will immediately shut down the turbine and alert the fire authority.
The suppression system will activate in the event of fire, a gas suppressant is released to extinguish any fire, the types of gas used are environmentally safe and act to cool the fire and remove oxygen to extinguish flames.
What about lightning strikes?
Wind turbines are designed with lightning protection systems that draw lightning strikes safely to ground without injury to people or property. According to the CSIRO, lightning strike is the most common cause of bushfires. The height of wind turbines, coupled with these lightning protection systems substantially reduce the chance of lightning strike on trees, fences and buildings in the area around the wind farm.
Wind farms
How do wind farms generate electricity?
Wind flows over the blades like air flowing over an aeroplane wing. This flow of air causes a difference in air pressure between the front and back of the blade, moving the blades forward and making the rotor spin. The spinning rotor drives a generator, converting motion into electricity to export to the grid.
What is shadow flicker?
Wind turbines and their blades can cast shadows on nearby land. When viewed from a stationary position, the blade’s moving shadows appear to flicker, giving rise to the term ‘shadow flicker’.
Wind energy guidelines limit the shadow flicker experienced at any neighbouring dwelling to an average 30 hours per year as a result of the operation of the wind farm. An assessment of shadow flicker will be undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process to ensure The Pines Wind Farm is compliant with guidelines.
What about reflections from the turbines causing glare?
This is known as blade glint. Blade glint can be produced by the reflection of the sun’s light from smooth and reflective surfaces. Modern wind turbine blades are coated with non-reflective paint, to prevent the occurrence of blade glint.
Are wind turbines really environmentally friendly? How long does a turbine take to repay the carbon it takes to produce it?
Vestas, the world’s leading wind turbine manufacturer, has calculated the operating times that wind turbines need to generate in order to payback the energy used in their manufacture. These times vary from 5 months for high wind sites (like The Pines Wind Farm) out to 8 months for lower wind speed sites. For comparison, solar photovoltaic panels are 1 to 2 years and hydro-electric power plants are 9 to 13 months on the same metric.
You can read more about this on the Vestas website: vestas.com/en/sustainability/environment/energy-payback
Where can I find more information?
The project website will be updated with new information as it becomes available. You can also sign up for the project newsletter.
We will be hosting a series of community engagement sessions throughout the project investigations and planning and approvals phases as well.