Someva Renewables (“Someva”) and Mainstream Renewable Power (“Mainstream”), the renewable energy companies awarded a permit to investigate a wind farm at Sunny Corner State Forest, have announced dates for three Community Information Hubs in late February and early March. The Community Information Hubs come following the lodgement of the Scoping Report for the proposed Sunny Corner Wind Farm with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
Members of the local community are encouraged to come along to meet the project team, learn more about the proposed wind farm and share their views:
- Thursday 27 February – Sunny Corner Community Hall, 3-7pm
- Friday 28 February – Yetholme Community Hall, 3-7pm
- Saturday 1 March – Portland Annex, 11am-3pm
The Scoping Report provides an overview of the proposed wind farm, including initial designs and turbine layouts incorporating community consultation and feedback to date, as well as the results of preliminary environmental, biodiversity, noise and social impact assessments. The report is a foundation for project co-design, with project plans set to evolve based on ongoing investigations and further input from the community.
DPHI will now review the Scoping Report and consult with local Councils and government agencies to decide what should be included in the next stage, called the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). Once these requirements are received, the next step will be developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which involves detailed studies and further consultation with the community. This process will include opportunities for locals to share their feedback and help shape the project.
The Scoping Report for the proposed Sunny Corner Wind Farm is available at the NSW Planning Portal here: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/sunny-corner-wind-farm
Jamie Chivers, Managing Director of Someva Renewables emphasised the ongoing opportunities for community input in the investigation phase of the proposed wind farm.
“At the heart of this opportunity is the community. This scoping report and initial turbine layout is part of our comprehensive community consultation and co-design process. We are keen to present an opportunity for near neighbours and community members to benefit from where turbines may be located. It’s important to note that the initial layout is just a starting point, and an opportunity for feedback and to host discussions based on where turbines might be.” “We are keen to work closely with the community to evolve and improve the project. We want to ensure the voices of near neighbours, and the wider community are heard, shaping a project that delivers shared benefits for decades to come,” Mr. Chivers said.
Local community members interested in finding out more or exploring the hosting of permanent or temporary infrastructure are encouraged to reach out to the project team via community@someva.com.au.
In May 2024, Forestry Corporation of NSW announced Someva and Mainstream were awarded a permit to explore a wind farm in Sunny Corner State Forest. The development of wind farms within NSW State Forest boundaries became possible in 2021 after the NSW Parliament passed amendments to the Forestry Act 2012 allowing State Forests to host renewable energy projects in softwood timber plantations. The proposed wind farm is situated within Lithgow City and Bathurst Regional Council local government areas (LGAs). If approved, the wind farm will generate about 500MW of electricity – enough to power up to 300,000 homes with affordable, clean, and reliable energy for 30 years – and could be one of the first wind farms operating within a NSW State Forest.
The three Community Information Hubs will also see the availability of TrueView™ Augmented Reality technology, to help the community visualise the initial turbine layout from their property or local landmarks, using an iPad. “Sunny Corner is a special area, and this opportunity is being investigated to operate in harmony with existing forestry operations and recreational activities like hiking and mountain biking. We are also exploring how we can use existing transmission infrastructure, support local workers, and protect culturally significant sites, all while creating renewable energy and jobs that strengthen the region’s prosperity,” Mr. Chivers said.
“We are excited to be meeting with residents at our information sessions to hear their thoughts and to share updates on this opportunity. Together, we can create a wind farm that brings lasting benefits to the region while supporting the values and priorities of the local community.”
Greg Politakis, Country Manager, Australia for Mainstream said the community remained the focus of the project’s investigative phase.
“As we move forward with this project, it’s important the community remain at the heart of shaping its outcome. By leveraging modern visual imaging technology and other engagement tools, feedback from residents will help directly influence the wind farm’s design. This approach enables us to create a tailored project that delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for the region,” said Mr. Politakis.
In addition to hearing from locals at the Community Information Hubs, a survey is underway focusing on how the proposed wind farm can deliver benefits to the community through a tailored Community Benefits Program: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SunnyCornerBenefits.
The Community Benefits Program will include a range of elements such as tailored annual Community Benefit Funds, direct Neighbour Benefits, support for First Nations groups, and partnership with local councils. It aims to ensure the project supports the prosperity of the region through initiatives such as grants and sponsorships, energy affordability programs, energy efficiency upgrades, enhanced community services or infrastructure, local job creation and improved bushfire response capabilities.
Stay up to date on the investigation of Sunny Corner Wind Farm by visiting sunnycornerwindfarm.com.au or by emailing community@someva.com.au
For media interviews with Someva Renewables’ Managing Director Jamie Chivers contact:
Chris Williams, 0480 386 879, chris@kaizenco.au