Calala, Loomberah, and Kingswood area residents concerned about a proposed large scale battery storage project near their homes will have a direct opportunity to put their views to state planning decision makers at an in-person meeting on 4 February.
The proposed 270-megawatt/1,080-megawatt-hour Kingswood Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is located approximately six kilometres southeast of Tamworth on an 8-hectare site at 744 Burgmanns Lane, Kingswood. The project is proposed by the Australian subsidiary of Spanish company Iberdrola.
The NSW Independent Planning Commission will hold individual meetings with local residents at Tamworth Town Hall as part of its assessment of the Kingswood battery energy storage system, which has been referred to the Commission following significant local opposition.
“The Commission wants to ensure that people who live nearby and may be most directly impacted by the project can have their say to help inform the Commission’s decision,” the IPC said in a statement.
The Kingswood battery project has been proposed by Iberdrola Australia and would be located about seven kilometres southeast of Tamworth. The project is planned to be 270 megawatts with 1,080 megawatt-hours of storage and has attracted a high level of objection from nearby residents.
Most objections to BESS projects are from organised campaigners far away from the project site; however, 34 of the 67 written objections for this project came from people living within five kilometres of the proposed site. Local concerns raised in submissions include fire risk, noise, visual impact, traffic, flooding, and potential contamination. Only one resident made a submission in support of the proposal.
Several residents also expressed concern about the growing concentration of battery projects in the Calala, Loomberah, and Kingswood area, driven by proximity to the Tamworth substation and existing 330 kV transmission lines.
“This is one of three proposed BESS projects within approximately 500 metres of my residence,” wrote local resident Maree Smith.
“As a local resident with a family that works and goes to school in this area I am firmly against this project. The developers are stealing safety, lifestyle and financial security from the local community to improve the bottom line of their multinational businesses,” wrote Karen Fox.
Another local, Kate Ponto, raised concerns about proximity to homes, waterways, and local roads, saying the projects were “in the wrong location” and too close to existing residential areas.
Several submissions also claimed independent advice suggested nearby property values could fall by at least $500,000 if the project proceeds.
Tamworth Regional Council has adopted a neutral position, while noting potential negative impacts on the local community and environment.
The meetings will be held in the Passchendaele Room at Tamworth Town Hall on Wednesday 4 February 2026, commencing at 1pm AEDT. Each meeting will run for 10 minutes, allowing residents who live near the proposed site to raise concerns directly with the Panel ahead of any determination.
To participate, local community members must register their interest for a meeting timeslot via the Commission’s website by 12 noon AEDT on Wednesday 28 January 2026.
The Commission is also inviting the public to make written submissions, which can be lodged via the “Make a Submission” portal on the Commission’s website. The Commission will also accept submissions made via post or email, which will be accepted until 11.59pm AEDT on Tuesday 10 February 2026.
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