Renewable energy projects
A number of large-scale renewable energy projects have been proposed for the Bathurst Regional Council local government area and in neighbouring Councils. The projects are at various stages of development. The assessment of these projects, because of their size and scope is generally through the State Significant Development process, not Council.
To find out about specific SSD projects within the Bathurst Region, visit the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Major Projects page.
How are SSD projects assessed?
All development applications (DAs) for State Significant Development have to go through a comprehensive assessment process with extensive community participation.
In summary:
- SEARS - The developer requests SEARS (the Secretary’s environmental assessment requirements) - which identify what information needs to be included in the environmental impact statement; and this must be requested before a DA can be submitted
- Prepare EIS – All SSD applications must include an EIS. This provides information on the economic, environmental and social impacts of the project.
- Exhibit DA – The development application for a SSD must be exhibited for at least 28 days. This provides the community with an opportunity to have their say on the project.
- Respond to submissions – after the DA exhibition period the department publishes all submissions online and the applicant prepares a submissions report to respond to the issues raised.
- Assess DA – after publishing the submissions report the department will complete its assessment on the merits of the project. Once complete the department will publish the assessment report online and ask the consent authority to determine the project. Determine DA – SSD applications are determined by the Minister for Planning, the Independent Planning Commission, or a delegate of either.
Renewable Energy projects
The following renewable projects are proposed in the Bathurst and surrounding local government areas (LGA). As noted, they are at various stages of development. More information on individual projects and what stage they are up to is available on the project websites.
Australian Energy Infrastructure Commission
If you have an enquiry, concern or a complaint to make about a renewable energy project the Federal Government has created the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commission (AEIC) Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner | aeic . The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) is an independent role appointed by the Australian Government, reporting to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
Included in the AEIC’s scope is to:
-
Help with complaints and enquiries from people about new or existing wind farms, large solar farms (5 MW or more), energy storage sites like pumped hydro or large batteries (1 MW or more), and major powerline projects. Make a complaint or enquiry
The Commissioner will refer complaints about wind farms, large scale solar farms, storage facilities and new major transmission projects to the relevant respondent or authority and help ensure they are properly addressed.
The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) is the government approved dispute resolution scheme for New South Wales electricity and gas customers, and some water customers.
EWON has expanded its jurisdiction to extend its services to landholders and community members across NSW’s renewable energy zones.
(Note that Bathurst LGA does not fall into a renewable energy zone).
The grant program funded the establishment of an independent, complaints handling body to support the roll out of renewable energy infrastructure across NSW. The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW was the successful recipient of the grant program and received $1.3 million to establish ombudsman services for community members impacted by transmission and renewable energy infrastructure projects in NSW.