Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, right, met with Energy Minister Matt Kean yesterday in State Parliament about the community’s opposition to NEON Energy’s Thunderbolt wind farm proposal.
Wednesday, 10 August 2022
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today delivered an ultimatum to renewable energy developer NEON Energy regarding its controversial Thunderbolt wind farm proposal, near Kentucky, telling them to either listen to the community and dramatically adjust their project or “bugger off” out of the region.
The almost 70-turbine proposal attracted more than 90 individual local submissions against the project during the recent public exhibition period – a record for any project in the region, according to Mr Marshall.
The local MP yesterday met with Energy Minister Matt Kean and Energy Corporation of NSW representatives telling them the region was not simply a welcome mat for developers to walk over in the pursuit of profits at the expense of the region’s assets.
He also sought and received their support to have the company re-work its proposal to better align with community expectations.
“The local community and I are determined to force NEON to go back the drawing board, if it wants any chance getting a project across the line in our region,” Mr Marshall.
“We welcome and strongly support good renewable energy developments, but we’re not just going to accept any old project thrust upon us – they must align with our regions values and not detract from our assets or existing industries.
“Even though this project is not covered by the rules of the Renewables Energy Zone, having been lodged before the REZ was created, it still must establish support in the community before it can proceed.
“I have not seen a renewables project attract so much detailed and widespread criticism and opposition, which pretty much say it all.
“If NEON fails to listen, this latest venture will go the same way as its last proposal – the ill-fated Saumarez Solar Farm – it will be consigned to history’s recycling bin.
“I thank Minister Kean for his understanding of our concerns and support
“I again urge NEON to dramatically alter its proposal or simply bugger off and leave our region alone.”