NSW approves Pottinger Wind Farm subject to conditions

The NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved the Pottinger Wind Farm project (SSD-59235464).

• Approval details: The Commission approved a 1,300 MW wind farm by Pottinger Renewables (a JV of AGL Energy and Someva Renewables) comprising up to 247 turbines and a 500 MW / 2,000 MWh BESS; construction is expected to create approximately 900 jobs with 40 ongoing operational jobs. The decision is accompanied by conditions of consent to manage impacts.
• Conditions and process: The Commission required measures to avoid impacts on threatened ecological communities and species (including the endangered Plains-wanderer) or retire biodiversity credits, prepare an Accommodation and Employment Strategy prioritising local employment and on-site services, implement road upgrades and heavy vehicle protocols, ensure responsible battery and waste management, develop an Emergency Plan with the RFS, and prepare a Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan; the SSD was referred to the Commission after receiving more than 50 public objections, with hearings that heard 33 speakers and 56 written submissions.