NSW Farmers have released a statement calling on the NSW Government to “rebuild community trust and relationships amid angst around the energy transition” with the many in the Dunedoo community expressing fears over the town’s new solar energy plant. 

Late last month, the Federal Government approved the major new renewable energy project that they say will turbocharge Australia’s transition to cheaper and cleaner power. 

The 840 megawatt (MW) Sandy Creek Solar Farm, located near Dunedoo, will generate enough electricity to supply 200,000 homes across the state. It includes a large-scale battery storage system to support grid reliability. 

The farmer body is warning that the ongoing uncertainty is taking a toll on the local community and pushing for more clarity around the project.

It’s part of the 20,000 square metre Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, centred around Dubbo, Dunedoo, Narromine, Gilgandra and Mudgee, which the state government says it hopes will deliver enough wind and solar power to provide energy to 1.4 million homes - about a quarter of the state’s energy demands. 

Central West Renewable Energy Zone. Image: Supplied. 

NSW Farmers Energy Transition Taskforce chair Reg Kidd warned, has warned the stress and uncertainty of these projects taking a huge toll on the region. 

“The sheer scale and pace of the energy transition is forcing people into really difficult situations, being forced to give up parts of their family farms or face years of disruption to their operations, and it’s causing enormous stress,” Mr Kidd said. 

“We need the NSW Government to swiftly address these concerns not just about where and how transmission lines and energy developments will be built, but also how they will minimise the impact.”

Reg Kidd. Image: Western Advocate. 

Mr Kidd said NSW Farmers had been actively advocating to the NSW Government and EnergyCo on the issue, raising concerns about Just Terms Compensation, mental health support, and the need for clear guidelines on how all parties should conduct themselves to minimise the impact on people and farm productivity. 

“We heard the previous government spruik the 3000 jobs the Dunedoo development would create, but it’s left 1000 locals wondering about where these workers will live, how they’ll be housed, and what demands that will place on their small community,” Mr Kidd said. 

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the government will “continue to work closely with communities” in implementing the project. 

Ms Sharpe said that in October 2023, communities in the region received a $128 million “down-payment” to fund public infrastructure upgrades, housing and accommodation, training and employment programs, and health and education programs.