Tamworth Regional Council continues to oppose the Hills of Gold windfarm but Councillors are currently considering options in relation to current legal proceedings in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Director Liveable Communities, Gina Vereker, said it is understandable there is strong level of interest in the community regarding Council’s appeal against the development which was approved by the NSW Independent Planning Commission on 9 September 2024.
She said there are misconceptions however circulating about what Council is or is not doing,
“Council is aware some community members may be feeling uncertain regarding council’s position,” Ms Vereker said.
“While the matter continues however, Council is very limited in what it can say publicly about the legal proceedings”.
“What we can say is that Council has had a long-standing concerns about Hills of Gold windfarm development having lodged six separate submissions outlining its reasons, the earliest submission dating back to February 2021.”
“Since the beginning, Councillors and staff have sought expert professional advice and listened to the community before responding to the proposal”.
Ms Vereker said issues of concern to Council include the feasibility of the transport route, proposed changes to road infrastructure impacting on Council’s maintenance costs, the constructability of internal roads, biodiversity impacts, flooding impacts in Nundle, site suitability and the public interest.
Council resolved to join the appeal lodged by the Hills of Gold Preservation Incorporated as a separate party on 26 November 2024.
Ms Vereker said Council is aware that the Hills of Gold Preservation Incorporated has discontinued its participation in the legal proceedings and is currently considering what that means for Council’s own case.
“It has always been Council’s intent to achieve resolution of the significant adverse impacts of the development on the community of Nundle and to avoid the long-term maintenance costs that will negatively impact ratepayers across the region,” she said.
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