The NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman says lack of consultation is one of the major reasons for the many complaints she has received over the rush of Renewable Projects in the Western Plains.

Janine Young says Since 1 December 2024, when EWON’s jurisdiction commenced, her office has received 40 complaints about renewable energy infrastructure development across NSW. 

Her office took up the task of finding out more about what is going on.

‘’In addition to receiving complaints, we have engaged with regional communities to hear about their experiences with renewable energy infrastructure developers," Ms Young said.

"Our community engagement has been focused on the Central West Orana REZ, which is one reason why most of the complaints we have received are also from that area. ‘’

The Ombudsman told the Western Plains App the key complaints were:

• Inadequate consultation, including missing notices, being left out of consultation.

• Transmission line placement being too close to dwellings and no genuine consideration of alternative line positions.

• Lack of transparency and information on proposed works, including inadequate maps and designs and unclear indications of capacity and size of developments.

• Lack of response to concerns raised, including failure to respond at times specified to community members and failure of an information phone line.

• Concerns about dust and disruption from traffic movements and construction.

 ‘’Landholders and community members have complained about lack of consultation in the community, with some landholders hearing about consultation from family or friends, rather than being informed directly," Ms Young said.

"We have received feedback during our engagement sessions with community members about cumulative and long-term community impacts not being considered in consultation, such as water run-off and loss of arable land.

"Community members do not feel heard and tell us that proponents ignore their local knowledge.

"Communities are also concerned about where the community benefit program funds will go, and whether the funded projects will provide real tangible long-term benefits for the whole community. ''

The Ombudsman says there are concerns about land value being lost.

''During engagements, landholders have told us initial land valuations are too low and they need to “fight” for a fair price, and that the taxation feels like the government is 'giving with one hand and taking back with the other'.

"We have heard from the community that negotiations are impacting landholders’ mental health, due to the amount of work involved and the fracturing of neighbour relations. ‘’

She said in the six months from 1 December 2024 to 26 June 2025, she has received 28 complaints for Central West Orana REZ.

The Ombudsman has given advice on what to do if landholders or community need someone to talk to.

Janine Young is the NSW Energy & Water Ombudsman. [IMAGE: EWON]

 ‘’Community members should first approach the proponent with the complaint.

"If they are not satisfied with the response, they can contact EWON for free and independent advice and assistance.

"We can investigate complaints from landholders and community members directly impacted by the transmission development in the area.

"We are currently working with NSW Government on further expansion into renewable generation and storage."

She says EWON provides a ‘no wrong door’ referral service.

If they can’t assist, EWON will refer them to an appropriate organisation who can help. 

Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey. [IMAGE: facebook]

Most complaints are from local landholders, those directly impacted and close neighbours.

"We can only investigate complaints from landholders or community members who are directly impacted by a transmission infrastructure project from our members, including their contractors," Ms Young said.

Meanwhile , Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey has weighed in on the rush of Renewable Energy projects in the Western Plains telling a forum about developments at a Resources, Energy and Energy innovation in Dubbo listening to farmers, land holders and community is key.

‘’My email inbox is overflowing throughout my electorate and people are telling me the consultation is not being genuine," Mr Chaffey said.

"It’s not every project but as a former mayor of Gunnedah shire the community there told the proponents in the resources sector a project wasn’t in the right place and it didn’t happen .

"The proponents of many of these developments, be it windfarm or solar and battery projects, must listen to those on generations of farms and their children and what it might mean for them on their land.

‘’Renewables are part of the answer but the not full answer,’’ Mr Chaffey said.