Hay Shire Council has formally expressed its support for Pottinger Wind Farm at the conclusion of a four-hour long hearing with the NSW Government Independent Planning Commission last Thursday, amid some vehement opposition from concerned locals, lobby groups and chair of Nuclear for Australia, Adi Paterson.

“We recognise the potential for lasting economic benefit, and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure these outcomes are delivered in a way that protects and strengthens our community,” Mayor Carol Oataway said in her address to the hearing.

“Council recognises that developments like the Pottinger Wind Farm represent the most substantial change to our economy, landscape and community since settlement. Change on this scale must be supported through proper process.

“This hearing, together with robust planning and genuine consultation, plays an important role in ensuring that renewable energy development benefits local communities.

“With this support in place, Council believes that the Pottinger Wind Farm can deliver real and lasting value to Hay, particularly in helping us diversify our economy and plan for a more resilient future.

“Council’s position is pro-development and pro-community. We support energy developments when they strengthen local capacity, respect existing industries, and leave a legacy of shared benefit.

“From the outset, we’ve been clear that this transition must happen with us, not to us.

“Council developed the Fundamental Principles of Successful Renewable Energy in Hay.

“This occurred over a series of workshops including town hall meetings open to the whole community.

“This document ensured that the community concerns were addressed and opportunities maximised.

“It did not support one ideology over another, but rather ensured that our community was at the heart of all discussions.

“I am aware that over the past two years there has also been 12 opportunities for the community to attend community consultation with Pottinger, including a week-long open community review of the EIS as requested by the community at one of the town hall meetings.”

Cr Oataway said Council welcomes the framework set out in the State Significant Development Assessment Report, especially the requirement for detailed planning around accommodation, waste, transport and water.

“These plans are essential to protect community infrastructure and services and support our existing industry,” she said.

“The plans also present an opportunity to identify long-term legacy outcomes for the community.”

A total of 29 registered speakers addressed the panel of three commissioners in Hay, and six in Deniliquin the previous day. Twenty-seven spoke against Pottinger Wind Farm and renewable energy in general at the Hay hearing, and three in Deniliquin. (See letter to the editor [in the issue.])

Concerns raised at both meetings were around impacts to the environment, local habitat, decommissioning and fires as well as the spreading of turbine micro particles. Employment and energy benefits were the key positives.

Pottinger Renewables is an all-Australian partnership between Someva Renewables and AGL Energy, who aim to develop the Pottinger Energy Park.

The proposed wind farm will be hosted by two local landholders, the Morona (West Burrabogie) and Hooke (Wargam) families, located near Booroorban.

If approved, independent economic tests indicate hundreds and millions of dollars in direct and indirect economic benefits for the Riverina over the next 35 years.

This includes the creation of jobs, a community benefits program of up to $34 million in funding to the Hay Shire and Edward River Councils for critical community projects and services, and an additional dedicated First Nations fund of up to $6 million.

Both Hay Shire Council and Edward River Councils are backing the project, with concerns which will require constant monitoring.

Edward River Council Chief Executive, Jack Bond raised issues around roads, health and water cartage, but said Council was confident these have been, or will be, addressed throughout the process.

Will Hooke spoke as one of the local landholders in full support of the project and of the economic benefits that are viable to keep communities going.

He also acknowledged the lower population and low density as a positive for the area being selected as an appropriate location.

“There will be minimal disturbance to our farming operations,” he said.

“Our region is the Goldilocks of regions for renewables because of the openness and low population, which has created community support.

“The all-Australian ownership of Someva and AGL was also very attractive.”

Cr Oataway was the final speaker and said agriculture would always remain central to Hay’s identity and economy.

“But like all regions, we must adapt,” she added. “Renewable energy offers a second pillar of economic resilience — not in competition with farming, but alongside it.”

At the conclusion of the meeting the panel chair, Commissioner Pearson provided a summary of all the points made, both positive and negative, raised by each person who spoke, and assured those present that careful consideration would go towards all matters from both the meetings.

He qualified his summary by stating the summary is in no way an indication of the importance or otherwise of the issues raised.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 18 June 2025.