NEWS

Community Newsletter #2

1 November 2022

This is the second community newsletter of the Dinawan Energy Hub (DEH) – a proposed hybrid wind, solar and battery storage project to be located about halfway between Coleambally and Jerilderie on the land of the traditional owners of the Wiradjuri people and several smaller nations of the Murrumbidgee plains.

Located within the South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the project would enable reliable, clean power to be dispatched to the National Electricity Market, offsetting the generation and carbon emission from ageing fossil fuel generators in NSW.

The DEH is being developed by Spark Renewables, a leading developer and long-term owner of renewable energy projects.

Planning Status: Scoping Reports Prepared

Spark Renewables has commissioned consultants to undertake a series of preliminary environmental assessments and prepare two Scoping Reports: one for the proposed wind farm and one for the solar farm with a battery. The Scoping Reports outline the proposed project in more detail and identify important issues that will require further assessment, consultation or technical studies.

The Scoping Reports were submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and links to the documents can be found here:

DPE will issue its requirements, known as Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), within 28 days of receiving the Scoping Reports. The SEARs will need to be addressed in a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for each project that will be prepared over the coming year. The community will be consulted further during the EIS preparation and have the opportunity to make a formal submission when the EIS goes on public exhibition.

Please contact us if you wish to be added to our database for future updates.

Community benefits

There will be a range of opportunities for the regional community hosting the DEH project to benefit, including a large community benefit scheme. We have heard different ideas for how the community could benefit, including electricity discount schemes, improved telecommunications, community solar farms, upgraded community club facilities and improved health services. We are keen to hear any ideas from community members as the community benefit scheme is developed. If you wish to have a chat or organise a time to meet, please contact us at info@dinawanenergyhub.com or leave a message at 1300 271 419.

Download the full newsletter here: Dinawan Energy Hub Community Newsletter #2