Panel Hearing and key objection activities
Strzelecki Community Alliance Inc. is run by a group of concerned residents and family members. We have over 450 households represented, totalling well over 1000 individuals within the 5km radius of the wind farm.
A reminder – the Alliance is not opposed to renewable energy. The Alliance is opposed to this industrial scale proposal too close to homes, too close to communities and located in a bushfire-prone area.
Panel hearing dates and activities
Overview
Delburn Wind Farm Pty Ltd (OSMI), the proposed Delburn Wind Farm developer, is currently working through a standard process in an attempt to have their plan approved by State and Federal governments. If a license is obtained, OSMI have stated they will sell the Wind Farm.
If you submitted your objection for the proposed Delburn Wind Farm, you will have received an opportunity to speak to the panel selected by Minister Richard Wynne. During the Directions Hearing held on the 13th of September 2021, we were advised 62 submitters have requested to speak to the Panel.
The upcoming dates include:
- Minister decision
Minister decision
TBA
Following the panel hearing and consideration of all submissions made, a report will be prepared with a recommendation to the Minister for Planning, who will then make a decision on the planning permit applications.
I missed the submission dates. What can I do?
Have you missed the deadline for the Application objection though still want to object to the proposal?
1. Join the SCA Inc. The number one step you can make right now is to join up with the Strzelecki Community Alliance Inc. You will receive regular announcements and updates from the SCA Inc. We have well over 1000 individuals represented already. Email strzeleckicommunityalliance@aol.com and request to join the alliance.
2. Write to Richard Wynne and state your reasons for objecting richard.wynne@parliament.vic.gov.au
3. Write to your local newspaper and local media outlet
4. Print a sign and put it at your property entrance (click on the Posters tab on the Home page of this website)
5. Let your neighbours know about the proposed Delburn Wind Farm (if they do not already know)
Wind farm application documents (references for panel hearing)
There are three planning applications for the wind farm and one application for the terminal station. DELWP are accepting all three wind farm applications as one for objectors – PA2001063 (Latrobe), PA2001064 (Baw Baw) and PA2001066 (South Gippsland). As such, you only need to object once for the Wind Farm.
a. Application forms
- Latrobe application form: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/534125/PA2001063-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Latrobe-Application-Form-020721-Stamped-compressed-1.pdf
- Baw Baw application form: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/534127/PA2001064-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Baw-Baw-Application-Form-020721-Stamped-compressed-1.pdf
- South Gippsland application form: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/534128/PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-South-Gippsland-Application-Form-020721-Stamped-compressed-2.pdf
- Planning summary:https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/534124/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Planning-Summary-020721-Stamped-compressed-3.pdf
b. Planning reports
- Delburn Wind Farm Planning Report – Part 1: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/panels-and-committees/browse-panels-and-committees/projects/delburn-wind-farm#documents
- DelburnWind Farm Planning Report – Part 2: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/534133/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Planning-Report-020721-Stamped-compressed_-part-2.pdf
c. Maps and certificates of titles
- Development plans – Mapbook Part 1: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/534456/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Development-Plans-Mapbook-020721-Stamped-compressed-2-part-1_1.pdf
- Development plans – Mapbook Part 2: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/534458/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Development-Plans-Mapbook-020721-Stamped-compressed-2-part-2_1.pdf
- Certificates of titles: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/534109/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Appendix-A-B-Certificates-of-Title-02072021-Stamped-compressed.pdf
Turbine distance from dwellings
Refer to the maps and identify your property number (if relevant). Calculate turbine distance from your property (if relevant). If your property is listed, ensure you clearly state the closest turbine distance to your property.
d. Planning policy
e. Zones and overlays
2. Object to wind farm - themes
Fire
Community and Stakeholder Report
Biodiversity (flora and fauna)
- Biodiversity Assessment Part 1: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/534367/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Appendix-D-Biodiversity-Assessment-020721-Stamped_Part1.pdf
- Biodiversity Assessment Part 2: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/534368/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Appendix-D-Biodiversity-Assessment-020721-Stamped_Part2.pdf
- Biodiversity Assessment Part 3: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/534369/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Appendix-D-Biodiversity-Assessment-020721-Stamped_Part3.pdf
- Biodiversity Assessment Part 4: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/534386/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Appendix-D-Biodiversity-Assessment-020721-Stamped_Part4.pdf
- Biodiversity Assessment Part 5: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/534371/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Appendix-D-Biodiversity-Assessment-020721-Stamped_Part5.pdf
Geotechnical Assessment
Landscape and Visual assessments
- Landscape and Visual Assessments Part 1: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/534603/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Appendix-F-A-LVIA-Assessment-and-Addendum-Report-020721-Stamped_Part1.pdf
- Landscape and Visual Assessments Part 2: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/534604/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Appendix-F-A-LVIA-Assessment-and-Addendum-Report-020721-Stamped_Part2.pdf
- Landscape and Visual Assessments Part 3: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/534605/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Appendix-F-A-LVIA-Assessment-and-Addendum-Report-020721-Stamped_Part3.pdf
- Landscape and Visual Assessments Part 4: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/534606/PA2001063,-PA2001064,-PA2001066-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Appendix-F-A-LVIA-Assessment-and-Addendum-Report-020721-Stamped_Part4.pdf
Aviation Impact Assessment
Noise Impact Assessment
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Assessment
Traffic Impact Assessment
Shadow Flicker Assessment
Economic Impact Assessment
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Framework
3. Terminal Station Application (PA2001065)
If you would also like to object to the Terminal Station (PA2001065), please ensure you refer to Section 3 below (Terminal Station application documents) and also ensure you clearly specify that you are objecting to the Terminal Station in your email.
SCA Inc. recommends sending two emails and for each email, specifying the application numbers – Wind Farm (PA2001063, PA2001064 and PA2001066) and Terminal Station (PA2001065).
Application forms
- Application form: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/534575/PA2001065-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Terminal-Station-Application-Form-060521-stamped.pdf
- Development Plans Mapbook: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/534597/PA2001065-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Terminal-Station-Development-Plans-Mapbook-020721-stamped.pdf
- Terminal Station Planning Report: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0034/534598/PA2001065-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Terminal-Station-Planning-Report-020721-stamped.pdf
- Certificates of title: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/534573/PA2001065-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Terminal-Station-Appendix-A-Certificates-of-Title-020721-stamped.pdf
4. Object to Terminal Station - themes
Bushfire Risk Assessment
Traffic Impact Assessment
Biodiversity Assessment
Geotechnical, Contaminated land and hydrogeological Impacts
- Geotechnical, contaminated land and hydrogeological impacts: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/534595/PA2001065-Delburn-Wind-Farm-Terminal-Station-Appendix-C-Geotech-Contaminated-Land-and-Hydro-020721-stamped.pdf
Landscape and Visual Assessment
5. Additional comments
We have endeavoured to make it easier for you to navigate through the documents for the planning application. To view the same documents on the DELWP website, refer to:
I've submitted my objection. What else can I do now?
- Email the SCA to be added as a member (strzeleckicommunity
alliance@aol.com) - Join the Facebook group click here
- Join the Instagram group click here
- Send in complaints to key stakeholders: see below
5. Gather evidence – take photos of any flora and fauna of significance, including (but not limited to).
Click on each image for more information.
White-bellied sea eagles
Wedge-tailed eagles
Roadside animals anywhere
near the proposed wind farm site
When you take any photo, make sure you are able to reference where you took the photo. There are lots of geo-referencing apps available via the app stores.
Growling Grass Frog
Strzelecki Koala
Narracan Burrowing Crayfish
What else can I do?
Help with writing to key stakeholders
OSMI are the developers who have partnered with one land owner (Hancocks Plantation Victoria) and will sell off the wind farm following planning approval.
• Email your complaint to OSMI: contactus@osmi.com.au
• Title your email COMPLAINT, along with the precise complaint. Example title: COMPLAINT – no consultation with Smith Family
• When you use OSMI’s complaints form on their website, you may quickly lose track of your complaint. Use your own email address to send your complaint, so you always retain a copy.
• Raise every complaint you have with OSMI to OSMI. Get written confirmation that your complaint has been recorded.
• Example complaint letters – Coming soon
The Commissioner’s role is to receive and refer complaints from concerned community residents about wind farms (as well as promote best practices for industry and government to adopt in regard to the planning and operation of these projects)
Contact at:
• https://www.aeic.gov.au/making-a-complaint/lodge-complaint-form
• Phone 1800656395 or aeic@aeic.gov.au if you have any issues with completing the complaint template
Email your complaint to Simon Gatt – General Manager Gippsland: simon.gatt@hvp.com.au
Title your email with COMPLAINT
What to write?
A letter of complaint about the proposed Delburn Wind Farm.
What to do if the response is that a planning application has not been received yet?
It doesn’t matter. Please stress your concerns, raise any or all complaints and request your complaints are registered.
Who to write to?
1. Latrobe:
a. jody.riordan@latrobe.vic.gov.au (Manager Regional City Planning)
b. steven.piasente@latrobe.vic.gov.au (CEO)
c.http://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/About_Us/Contact_Us/Complaints
2. South Gippsland:
a. council@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
b. kerryn.ellis@southgippsland.vic.gov.au (CEO)
3. Baw Baw:
a. david.quelch@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au (Coordinator Statutory Planning)
b. mark.dupe@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au (CEO)
c. https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Customer-Service/Contact-Us/Enquiries-and-Complaints
c. bawbaw@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au
4. State and Federal members:
a. Richard Wynne (Minister for Planning) richard.wynne@parliament.vic.gov.au
b. Lily D’Ambrosio (Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Solar Homes) lily.dambrosio@parliament.vic.gov.au
c. Sussen Ley (Environment Minister, Federal) https://minister.awe.gov.au/ley/contact/contact-form
d. Michael Juttner (Manager, Renewables at Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning michael.juttner@delwp.vic.gov.au
e. Daniel Andrews (Premier, Victoria) daniel.andrews@parliament.vic.gov.au
f. Jenny Mikakos (Minister for Health) jenny.mikakos@parliament.vic.gov.au
g. Jaclyn Symes (Minister for Regional Development) jaclyn.symes@parliament.vic.gov.au
h. Ryan Smith (Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables, Shadow Minister for Resources) ryan.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au
i. Bridget Vallence (Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change) bridget.vallence@parliament.vic.gov.au
j. Peter Walsh (Shadow Minister for Bushfire Recovery, among others) peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au
Additional tips
1. Get involved with the SCA and receive updates - see Contact us
2. Visit one of the upcoming events run by the SCA - see Events
• Take photos of any animals or photos of flora which may be deemed significant by the EPBC and/or EES or are of importance to you
Have you allowed OSMI onto your property to take photos of any views? If so, please ensure you do the following:
• Download a geo-referencing app
• Geo-reference the photos by downloading an app to assist.
• Take photos of precisely the same view. Date and time stamp the images
You don’t need the blessing of the SCA to raise your concerns. However, together, we are stronger. There are a number of ways of engaging the media:
• Local or State newspapers (letter to the editor, engage with journalists)
- Latrobe Valley Express
- Mirboo North Times
- Narracan News
- South Gippsland Voice
• Radio
• Television
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Talk with your neighbours- it’s likely they too are feeling overwhelmed by this sudden issue.
- Proceed with independent noise testing.
- Consult your legal representative.
- Get your property valued.
- Consult your local GP or other health care professional/s - the threat the Delburn Wind Farm proposal may be impacting your health. Please talk through your worries and concerns with your GP and get your health checked. The impact of this proposal on the health of community has already been realized.
- Research and share information with the Alliance – via Facebook, Instagram and via our contact us page. Together we can uncover more and more information to ensure we build a strong case against this proposal.
a. The proposal has been overwhelming and most of us have considered the potential catastrophic impact to our homes and our families.
b. Keep a copy of all written communication.
Whilst it is tempting to personally attack those who support the proposal, we request that communication remains respectful.
EPBC referral (historical)
Any proposed wind farm developer is required to submit a referral to The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE). The Federal Government will review the referral and will read all of the community comments to decide whether the project is likely to have significant impacts and a controlled action is required. A controlled action means an environmental assessment and approval is warranted. It’s important to note that the Federal Government will take into consideration every comment received. Every comment counts.
Where is the EPBC process up to?
• OSMI submitted their first referral in January 2020. It opened for public comment in May.
• Once the referral was made publicly available, any member of the community could write a comment. There were only ten business days to comment once it was published.
• OSMI withdrew its first referral after public comments closed.
• OSMI re-submitted their referral in May 2020.
The referral opened for public comment on 18/06/2020 and has now closed. We thank all individuals and groups who submitted comments.