Community & Stakeholder Engagement Plan

Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef Wind Farm

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Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Purpose and objectives ................................................................................ 4
1.2 Approach ................................................................................................. 5
1.3 Process .................................................................................................... 7
1.4 Key Project milestones ................................................................................. 7
Project overview............................................................................................... 8
2.1 Project background .................................................................................... 8
2.1.1 Tallawang Solar Farm ......................................................................................... 8
2.1.2 Barneys Reef Wind Farm ...................................................................................... 9
2.2 Governance .............................................................................................. 9
2.3 Policy setting ............................................................................................ 9
2.4 Community profile .....................................................................................10
2.5 Known stakeholder issues and social risks to the Projects ......................................13
Engagement strategy.........................................................................................14
3.1 Principles of engagement .............................................................................14
3.2 Stakeholder identification ............................................................................14
3.3 Engagement mechanisms .............................................................................16
3.4 Instrument Toolkit development ....................................................................18
3.5 Discussion topics for engagement ...................................................................18
3.5.1 Round 1 (Scoping Phase) .................................................................................... 19
3.5.2 Round 2 (EIS preparation) .................................................................................. 19
3.6 Record-keeping and stakeholder database management ........................................19
3.7 Complaints handling and issue tracking ............................................................20
Key Messages ..................................................................................................21
4.1 Overview ................................................................................................21
4.2 Who is the proponent - Renewable Energy Systems (RES)? ......................................21
4.3 What are the Projects - Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef Wind Farm? ...............22
4.3.1 Reasons for site selection................................................................................... 23
4.3.2 The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) ............................................... 23
4.4 What is the approvals process? ......................................................................23
4.5 What are the impacts and opportunities? .........................................................24
Implementation Plan .........................................................................................26
5.1 Scoping Phase...........................................................................................27
5.2 EIS Preparation Phase .................................................................................31

Table of Tables

Table 1 Key milestones....................................................................................................... 7

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Table 2 Project Stakeholders ............................................................................................. 16
Table 3 Engagement Mechanisms ......................................................................................... 17
Table 4 Mechanism Matrix ................................................................................................. 17
Table 5 Scoping Phase (Round 1 Engagement) ........................................................................ 27
Table 6 EIS Preparation Phase (Round 2 Engagement) ................................................................ 31

Table of Figures

Figure 1 IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum ............................................................................. 6

Figure 2 Integrated approach ............................................................................................... 6
Figure 3 Community demographics....................................................................................... 10
Figure 4 Social indicators .................................................................................................. 11
Figure 5 Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef Wind Farm Area of Social Influence .......................... 12

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 Introduction
The proposed Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef Wind Farm (the Project) by RES Australia Pty Ltd
(RES) (the proponent), comprises the construction and development of a large-scale solar farm and an
adjacent large-scale wind farm with associated battery storage in the Central West Region of New South
Wales (NSW), Australia.

1.1 Purpose and objectives

This Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (CSEP) outlines the approach, strategy, and
implementation program to inform the Request for Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements
(SEARs) and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the State Significant Development Application
(SSDA) of each project, to be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
(DPIE).

The purpose of this document is to outline the approach and strategy for community and stakeholder
engagement across the Project’s planning and approvals phase, to inform the preparation of relevant
Scoping Reports (as part of the Request for SEARs) and completion of the Project’s technical studies (as
part of the EIS).

As noted in the NSW DPIE draft SIA Guideline (2020), respectful, inclusive, and meaningful engagement is a
fundamental part of project planning and development. Engagement with affected communities and
stakeholders provides first-hand insight into what people value and how they expect a project to affect
them. Community and stakeholder engagement is a key component of the EIS processes, with the DPIE draft
SIA Guideline (2020) outlining the following objectives to guide engagement:

• To ensure those potentially affected by a project understand the project and how it will affect them.

• To collect relevant data, evidence, and insights for scoping the SIA to maximise diversity and ensure
representativeness of views.

• To understand the interests that people have and how impacts may be experienced (from their
perspective).

• To consider the views of people in a meaningful way and use these insights to inform project planning
and design.

• To provide opportunities for people to collaborate on project design matters and input to preferred
solutions to address impacts.

• To confirm data, assumptions, findings, and recommendations.

• To ensure people know how their input has been considered, and what strategies will be put in place
to address their concerns.

• To help understand how other specialist studies prepared for the EIS assist in addressing social impacts.

• To respect people’s privacy, allowing them to communicate their views anonymously if requested.

The specific objectives of this CSEP are to:

• Support the building of strong relationships with local stakeholders to establish a socially sustainable
project.

• Guide and support a strategic and coordinated approach to engagement, including specific mechanisms,
timeframes and responsibilities during the planning and assessment phase of the Project.

• Facilitate transparent and meaningful information exchange on the Project.

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 • Identify key stakeholders and communities relevant to the development of the project.

• Support the Project’s understanding of its local context, identification of stakeholders, including
vulnerable community groups, stakeholder expectations and project alignment with local aspirations.

• Facilitate the genuine involvement of stakeholders in the planning and approvals process as well as in
developing responses to impacts.

• Ensure that community and stakeholder inputs are effectively integrated into the technical assessments
within the EIS and inform refinements to project design and plans.

• Meet regulatory requirements for public, stakeholder and community consultation.

• Collaborate with local stakeholders on local benefit sharing strategies to ensure they are co-designed,
targeted, and appropriate to the Project’s operating context.

Furthermore, RES is committed to:

• Facilitating the early engagement of local stakeholders to understand potential social impacts and
opportunities that may arise from the Project.

• Keeping the community informed throughout the development phase of the Project, in turn allowing
the views of local stakeholders to inform project planning and design.

• Providing access to up-to-date information on project progress and demonstrate where applicable, how
the design of the Project has been adapted to take account of community participation and the findings
of feasibility studies.

• Listening and responding to any concerns raised.

• Giving stakeholders clear and timely information on how and when they can participate in decision
making.

1.2 Approach
The NSW Government’s draft SIA Guideline (2020) proposes to make SIA applicable to all SSDs in NSW, with
proponents required to commission standalone Social Impact Scoping Reports as part of the Request for
SEARs. These studies are informed by, and rely on, the outcomes of early, and ongoing community and
stakeholder engagement through the assessment phase. The approach to stakeholder engagement for the
Project will also be informed by the NSW Government’s draft SIA Guideline (2020), the Large-Scale Solar
Energy Guideline for State Significant Development (2018) and the Wind Energy Guideline (2016).
Furthermore, best practice engagement design and delivery will also be guided by the International
Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Public Participation Spectrum as per Figure 1.

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Figure 1 IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum

Further, this CSEP recognises the unique development context of the Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys
Reef Wind Farm, being situated adjacent to each other within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy
Zone (REZ), undergoing planning and approvals process simultaneously, and by the same proponent. As a
result, the CSEP embeds the following integrated approach to streamline engagement and scoping for the
two side-by-side projects to deliver separate reports as required by DPIE, as outlined in Figure 2Error!
Reference source not found..

Scoping of
impacts

Barneys Reef
Tallawang SIA
SIA Scoping
Scoping Report
Report

Impact Impact
Assessment & Assessment &
Management Management

Tallawang Barneys Reef

SIA Report SIA Report

Figure 2 Integrated approach

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1.3 Process
This CSEP has been developed as a key output of the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
Workshop held between RES and Umwelt Environmental & Social Consultants on 17 March 2021. The
workshop covered the following items in developing this CSEP:

• confirm objectives of the CSEP

• share key outcomes of community profiling activities to inform and refine engagement plans and
mechanisms

• identify key social issues or risks

• validate key stakeholders to be involved and engaged

• co-develop Project messaging

• discuss recommended mechanisms for engagement

• assign responsibilities per activity

• Implementation Plan – confirm actions, timing and staging.

The CSEP will be revised following RES review for the Request for SEARs phase. It will remain an iterative
document throughout the Project planning and approvals phase and will be updated post the EIS
preparation period.

1.4 Key Project milestones

Table 1Error! Reference source not found. outlines the key Project milestone dates throughout the two EIS
programs.
Table 1 Key milestones

Phase Indicative timing

Preparatory planning February 2021

Landholder consultation and agreements February 2021

CSEP development and workshop Mid-March 2021

Round 1 engagement March 2021

Scoping Report (Tallawang) April – May 2021

Scoping Report (Barneys Reef) April – May 2021

Hold point – SEARs (June 2021)

Detailed environmental investigations commence June – July 2021

Round 2 engagement July – August 2021

Reporting (Tallawang) September 2021

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 EIS lodgment (Tallawang) October 2021

Round 3 engagement (Barneys Reef - TBC) October – November 2021

Public exhibition period (Tallawang) November 2021

Response to submissions (Tallawang) December 2021 – January 2022

Reporting (Barneys Reef) December 2021

EIS lodgment (Barneys Reef) January 2022

Public exhibition period (Barneys Reef) February 2022

Response to submissions (Barneys Reef) March - May 2022

Project updates, impact management and monitoring Ongoing

Project overview
2.1 Project background
The proposed Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef Wind Farm comprises the construction and
development of a large-scale solar farm and an adjacent large-scale wind farm in the Central West Region
of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The Project is in the vicinity of a number of other active and planned
RES Projects in the Central West Orana REZ.

Landholder agreements have been executed for both Projects and a number of environmental and social
studies have been commenced in line with the requirements in the EP&A Act (1979).

2.1.1 Tallawang Solar Farm

The proposed Tallawang Solar Farm comprises a solar farm and battery infrastructure located 8 kilometers
northwest of Gulgong, New South Wales (NSW), in the locality of Tallawang in the Mid-Western Regional
Local Government Area (LGA).

The Tallawang Solar Farm involves the construction, operation, and maintenance of a 390MW solar farm on
a 920-hectare site. It involves approximately 1,144,600 solar photovoltaic (PV) modules with a maximum
height of 5m located across the Project site. The site would also include a system of inverters and voltage
step-up transformers that would be positioned throughout the PV modules to allow for the transfer of
electricity to an onsite Battery Storage Facility (BSF). The BSF would comprise 72 battery units positioned
throughout the solar farm. In addition, there would be an onsite switchyard, a 132kV substation and an
overhead 132kV line connecting the solar farm to a proposed 330kV transmission line which would cross the
Wallerawang Gwabegar Railway.

In regard to supporting infrastructure, the site will contain temporary construction site offices,
construction vehicle parking areas, and material laydown areas for the construction phase; site office, and
operations and maintenance building with parking for the operations team; and a storage shed.

The site will be accessed from Puggoon Road that connects to Castlereagh Highway that travels to Gulgong
in the south and joins the Golden Highway in the north.

Exclusivity agreements are in place with two host landholders to develop the Project.

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2.1.2 Barneys Reef Wind Farm
The proposed Barneys Reef Wind Farm site is located approximately 15km north of Gulgong in the Mid-
Western Regional LGA in the suburb of Barneys Reef.

The Barneys Reef Wind Farm Project would have a capacity of 340MW and will include the construction and
operation of approximately 60 wind turbines that are approximately 220m tall.

To allow for the transfer of energy, electrical connections between the proposed wind turbines consisting
of a combination of underground cables and overhead powerlines would be developed that would connect
to the shared onsite substations and subsequently the 330kV transmission line network.

Agreements are in place with 13 host landholders within Barneys Reef to develop the Project.

2.2 Governance
Both Project sites are located within the Mid-Western Regional Council area of the Central West Region in
NSW. Within the broader LGA, there is an apparent community desire to reduce the consumption of energy
and fossil fuels, and to consider alternative resources (Council Community Survey, 2013) and as such, there
has been a commitment from Council to increasing the use of alternative energy sources in the LGA
(Council Community Plan, 2013). However, there is reported concern regarding use of prime agricultural
land for renewable energy projects and lack of community involvement in recent projects. Therefore, some
level of support is anticipated from the community in response to the benefit of clean energy, with a
potential level of opposition as a result of potential land-use conflicts.

The key industries in the Central West have historically been agriculture, transport and logistics, with
community and tourism value stemming from the historical towns and villages in the area such as Gulgong;
with a particular economic contribution from mining in the Mid-Western Regional LGA. In recent years there
has been a redirected focus on renewable energy, including the approval of the large-scale Liverpool Range
Wind Farm in the neighbouring Warrumbungle Shire Council area.

2.3 Policy setting

The NSW Government’s current energy security policy and approach to a clean energy transition is being
delivered through the strategic development of the renewable energy sector, as outlined through the NSW
Government’s Renewable Energy Action Plan (2013), Electricity Strategy (2019) and the Electricity
Infrastructure Roadmap (2020). This policy context is relevant to inform the public positioning and key
messaging for the planning and development of the Projects.

The Central West Region has been determined a pilot for the NSW Government’s Renewable Energy Zones
(REZ) announced in the 2019 Electricity Strategy. This Strategy also includes the New England REZ and
South West REZ. The Projects’ sites being located within the Central-West and Orana REZ will be a
consideration for cumulative effects on the community, due to other renewable projects being planned and
developed nearby.

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2.4 Community profile
The community1 can be characterised by the following observations, shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4Error!
Reference source not found.:

• An older population than the NSW average, particularly in the suburbs proximal to the Projects (NSW
median age is 35)
• A higher Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population than the NSW average (3.4%)
• A slightly higher unemployment rate in the Mid-Western Regional LGA in comparison to NSW (6.3% in
NSW)
• High motor vehicle usage, particularly in the host suburb of Tallawang, from which we can assume a
high level of road use
• A low level of property occupation in the suburb of Tallawang however, a high number of people per
household
• A low level of internet access across the LGA with one third of residents unable to access the internet
from their homes
• A low level of residents born outside Australia; therefore the community is not expected to be culturally
and linguistically diverse.

Community
Figure Demographics
3 Community demographics

1
No data available for Barneys Reef State Suburb due to small population size

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Figure 4 Social indicators

Figure 5 outlines the Area of Social Influence for the Projects. The Social Impact Scoping Report will further
detail the social baseline for the Projects, including the community values, natural and built characteristics and
key socio-demographic conditions.

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Figure 5 Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef Wind Farm Area of Social Influence

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2.5 Known stakeholder issues and social risks to the Projects
This section provides an overview of identified local concerns, issues, and interests in the form of social
risks as relevant to the Project. This information is important in focusing the assessment process on matters
of concern and interest to relevant stakeholder groups, for further consideration in Project planning and
development.

In recent years, proposed renewable energy projects across NSW have had diverse responses from local
communities on their perceived impacts. Following an initial review of Project information and plans, as
well as submissions received on comparable or nearby projects, local media, and other publicly available
documentation, we have understood the following issues to be of relevance for consideration in planning
and developing the Project.

Firstly, matters relating to the level of information sharing and community participation in project
development, including the opportunity for stakeholders to be involved in decision-making processes that
affect them:

• Lack of community representation in project planning and development

• Confusion regarding two projects in one locality
• Lack of knowledge or experience of renewables, resulting in mistrust or scepticism.
• Community division / polarisation
• Recent experiences with other projects, resulting in misinformation.
• Consultation fatigue due to multiple concurrent projects
Secondly, matters relating to broader community effects:

• Strain on local infrastructure, facilities, and services

• Cumulative effect on cohesion in townships caused by the presence of multiple concurrent projects
• Lack of local long-term benefit
• Detraction from historic and tourist attraction of Gulgong
• Climate change adaptation and intergenerational equity
• Unequal distribution of project benefits
And thirdly, matters relating to the Project footprint:

• Social amenity factors such as levels of noise, visual impact, and other amenity impacts
• Changes to local road conditions, increased traffic, and concern for public safety due to the
construction workforce
• Land use conflict with renewables development in food production and other agricultural areas
• Perceived property devaluation
• Disruption to farming operations and livelihoods
• Health and wellbeing of workers.
The cumulative nature of renewable energy projects must also be considered in the case of this project
given the NSW Government’s NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and other proximal development
projects.

From a social perspective, matters as described above are often inter-related and may be perceived both
positively and negatively by different stakeholder groups.

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 Engagement strategy
3.1 Principles of engagement
RES believes that community engagement creates mutual benefits for both the developer and the
communities in which they operate. RES is committed to clear, honest, and transparent community
engagement through all stages of a project lifecycle from initial site selection through to planning,
construction and operations. The company’s approach to engagement is heavily influenced and consistent
with, the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Development 2018. RES is
a founding signatory of this Charter.

The principles underpinning community engagement adopted by RES align with the ‘Community
Engagement Guidelines for the Australian Wind Industry’ developed by the Clean Energy Council (CEC,
2012). In adopting the principles of the Guideline, RES commits to the following with respect to the
development of the Project:

• Openness. Relevant information will be shared with the community in a format that is clear,
accurate, timely and honest.
• Inclusiveness. RES will work with project stakeholders to ensure their perspectives are considered.
• Responsiveness. All community concerns will be listened and responded to.
• Accountability. The project will continue to monitor, evaluate and disclose information about project
activities and the identified positive and negative impacts of the project.
RES has a dedicated and experienced team which can draw on its learnings from other projects in Australia to
establish respectful relationships with local communities. In this way, RES aims to foster social licence to
plan, construct and operate projects, striving for best practice, and early engagement with communities to
develop an understanding of the community and the project’s stakeholders. We understand that no two
communities are the same and our investment in early engagement allows us to tailor our communications
approach to the community we are working in. In turn, this supports the ability for communities and local
stakeholders to participate in and inform project planning and development. RES acknowledges that a robust
community and stakeholder engagement process can further inform the assessment process and project
technical studies to bring about positive project and community outcomes.

3.2 Stakeholder identification

A stakeholder identification process has been undertaken to further define relevant stakeholders for the
project within each of these stakeholder groupings:

• Group 1: high priority – stakeholders who require proactive and collaborative engagement.
• Group 2: moderate priority – stakeholders who will require information provision and/or may be
interested in the project.
• Group 3: low priority – stakeholders who will be given the opportunity to participate but will not
necessarily be engaged directly.

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 Neighbouring
or proximal
landholders
Host
Local media
landholders

Local
businesses and Aboriginal
service
providers Key stakeholders

stakeholders
Broader State and local
community government

Community
Environmental
and special
groups
interest groups

A breakdown of Group 1 stakeholders is presented in Table 2 with further definition of stakeholders and
their respective groupings outlined in the Projects’ Stakeholder Database.

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Table 2 Project Stakeholders

Stakeholder group Priority Level of Potential interest or concern

engagement
(IAP2)
Host Landholders 1 Collaborate Accessibility, social amenity, land acquisition,
livelihoods, and personal advantage/
disadvantage
Proximal Landholders 1 Involve Accessibility, land use conflict, social amenity,
personal advantage/ disadvantage
Traditional Owners 1 Involve Aboriginal rights and interests, native title,
cultural heritage, and land access, development
opportunities
State and Local 1 Involve Cumulative impacts, land use/
Government intergenerational equity, community or public
perceptions, opportunities for collaboration,
economic benefits, local infrastructure, and
services
Environmental Groups 1 Consult Cumulative impacts, land use/
intergenerational equity, climate change
adaptation, ecological/ environmental impacts
Community & Special 1 Consult Cumulative impacts, land use/
Interest Groups intergenerational equity, local benefit, impact
on heritage or tourism, climate change
adaptation, community and economic changes
Local Businesses & Service 1 Consult Cumulative impacts, demand and capacity,
Providers – opportunities for collaboration, economic
Accommodation, benefits, community and economic changes,
Education, local infrastructure, and services
2
Emergency Services,
Employment & Training,
Health
Broader Community 2 Inform Cumulative impacts, potential change to sense
of community / community cohesion, climate
change adaptation, local benefit, local
infrastructure, and services
Local Media 2 Inform Cumulative impacts, opportunities for
collaboration, community or public perceptions,
local benefits, community and economic
changes

3.3 Engagement mechanisms

The engagement of stakeholders and community groups will include a combination of:

• Consultation and engagement: to facilitate stakeholder involvement in the identification of

issues/impacts, areas of interest/concern and strategies to address the issues raised.
• Information provision: to improve knowledge and awareness of the company, its activities, the project,
and key issues/impacts as they arise.
Various methods will be used to engage with the different stakeholder groups based on the type of
information being conveyed, level of feedback required, understanding of stakeholder needs regarding
engagement, and identified stakeholder engagement preferences identified in Table 3Error! Reference

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source not found. below. This will include existing or previous mechanisms utilised by RES as well as
additional mechanisms.
Table 3 Engagement Mechanisms

Mechanism Description
Website/hotline/email Platforms and tools to provide opportunity for the wider community or
public to engage with the Projects (information provision and feedback
submission) outside of dedicated consultation periods
Media release Holding statement outlining key messages in local media
Project Information Sheet No. 1 – Project overview
No. 2 – Project update and outcomes of scoping phase
No. 3 – Project update and outcomes of technical studies
Project briefing Formal briefings to key stakeholders and government agencies, with
Project Information Sheet and/or slide deck to formally introduce the
Projects
Personal meeting / Introductions to the Projects and team, semi-structured discussion to listen
interview* to individual concerns, interests, issues and gather preliminary feedback,
scope potential impacts and opportunities, including sensitivities, to
inform mitigation / enhancement strategies, understand future
engagement preferences
Community information Informal ‘drop in’ sessions to provide information (interactive), to provide
and feedback sessions a ‘face’ of the project, opportunity for members of the public to pose
questions, project team to visually share results of technical studies, and
collect community feedback (Round 2 only)
*Personal meetings can also be undertaken in small groups, noting that the focus of these meetings is to
understand and scope local concerns, interests, issues, and priorities, not only to provide information on
the Projects.

Table 4 outlines the mechanisms that are planned be used to engage each stakeholder group for the
Projects.
Table 4 Mechanism Matrix

Stakeholder Information provision Engagement mechanism

group
Website/ Media Project Project Personal Community
hotline/ release Information briefing meetings/ information
email Sheet interview and
feedback
session
State Government ✓ ✓

Local ✓ ✓ ✓
Government

Traditional ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Owners

Host landholders ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

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 Stakeholder Information provision Engagement mechanism
group
Website/ Media Project Project Personal Community
hotline/ release Information briefing meetings/ information
email Sheet interview and
feedback
session
Neighbouring / ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
proximal
landholders

Community ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
groups

Wider community ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Local businesses ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
and service
providers

Local media ✓ ✓ ✓

3.4 Instrument Toolkit development

Umwelt will draft and prepare instruments, materials, and tools to be used to support engagement in
accordance with this CSEP. These will be prepared following RES’s confirmation of the Implementation Plan
(Section 5). Instruments to support engagement activities will include the following:

• Run sheets and/or agendas – for formal project briefings for RES to hold with government agencies,
and for key stakeholder meetings that the Umwelt team may facilitate in the local or regional area.
• Interview discussion guides – a suite of discussion guides including a standard discussion
template/survey question set, as well as targeted guides for specific stakeholder or community
groups/specific activities such as talking points and questions for community information sessions. Each
guide will likely include up to 5 open ended questions.
• Project information sheets – to communicate key information visually and concisely on the project to
the wider community, to be distributed in multiple means such as a resident mail drop, online format,
and in hard-copy at community information/drop-in sessions
• Record-keeping templates – including interview note taking templates and meeting minutes templates
• Stakeholder engagement database – set up of template in an Excel spreadsheet.

3.5 Discussion topics for engagement

The NSW Government’s Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline (2018) requires that proponents address the
following components of their stakeholder engagement program through the appropriate project planning
and development phases:

• To engage with host and proximal landholders about the proposed project area, the likely infrastructure
layout, access routes and potential location of ancillary infrastructure
• To listen to the community's concerns and suggestions
• To discuss potential noise impacts, the potential visual impacts and landscape changes, the proposed
siting, and potential alternatives

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 • To discuss issues for landholder agreement if the project is approved, including siting, access,
compensation, responsibility for decommissioning and rehabilitation.

3.5.1 Round 1 (Scoping Phase)

It is expected by DPIE under the draft SIA Guideline (2020) that the scoping phase will include community
engagement activities to understand likely stakeholder issues and concerns to inform the SIA.

Engagement in Phase 1 provides an opportunity to gauge and understand stakeholder

issues/concerns/interests in relation to the project; to identify possible strategies/solutions to address
topics raised; and to then use this information gathered to proactively inform project design and planning.

In this regard, the SIA process calls for likely social impacts to be appropriately scoped and identified
through consultation with potentially affected people and mitigation and enhancement options
preliminarily explored.

To satisfy the SIA requirements, proposed engagement activities to be undertaken in this phase need to be
targeted at identifying perceived issues of concern and/or positive impacts in relation to the proposed
project, to be further considered in the subsequent EIS/SIA phase.

Questions to include in the interview discussion guides appropriate to this phase will include topics relating
to:

• Awareness and attitudes towards solar and wind farm development (and other industry development in
the local or regional area)
• Awareness and public perceptions of RES
• Potential issues, concerns or interests related to the proposed Projects
• Community values, identity, local needs, and aspirations
• Areas of value and use within and near the Projects
• Sense of community in the area
• Potential sensitive receivers and/or vulnerable community groups
• Preferred engagement mechanisms, frequency, and content.
The information gathered in the scoping phase will be used to inform EIS preparation, by focusing the
assessment on key social and environmental issues/impacts of importance to key stakeholder groups; and
by identifying project design refinements that may seek to avoid or minimise negative impacts and/or
enhance positive impacts. This is an important process in the project development process and records of
changes made will be kept and discussed in the EIS.

3.5.2 Round 2 (EIS preparation)

Proposed engagement activities undertaken during Round 2 will be focused on responding to questions,
concerns or issues that arose during the scoping phase with environmental issues resolved and project
refinements to be integrated where possible as a result. Further, this round of engagement is an
opportunity to further explore and validate the social issues, interests, and impacts, that were identified
during the scoping phase. The EIS program and preliminary insights or findings gathered through the various
technical studies will also be further communicated during this phase, to assist in gathering feedback from
key stakeholders and the wider community, on predicted project impacts (positive and negative).

Therefore, engagement in this phase, to inform the EIS and SIA will focus on:

• Assessment of perceived issues, impacts and opportunities associated with the project
• Existing capacity of local service provision and projected future demand
• Responding to, addressing, and integrating environmental and project design matters raised during the
scoping phase
• Potential strategies to address and respond to issues, impacts and opportunities
• Enhancement measures to improve collaboration between RES and community or stakeholders,
including potential community investment and benefit-sharing opportunities.

3.6 Record-keeping and stakeholder database management

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A dedicated Stakeholder Database will be established in Microsoft Excel format to track stakeholders and
related information throughout the Project’s planning and approvals phase. This will include an
Engagement Register, whereby team members will record the contact details of stakeholders, summaries of
each consultation or contact with the stakeholder, and any actions that may arise from these meetings.
This database will be established by Umwelt on an interactive and accessible platform (such as SharePoint)
and maintained through the life of the Project by RES, as required.

Outcomes and records of each engagement activity will be documented by the team member(s) in
attendance. The Engagement Register will be maintained throughout the delivery of the Implementation
Plan to ensure consistent tracking and recording of all community or stakeholder engagement activities and
outcomes. Information to be recorded includes:

• Activity details (including stakeholder engaged, attendees, time and place, mechanism used)
• Discussion points
• Summary of key outcomes, including any actions
• Stakeholder contact details
• Preferences for future engagement.
Following completion of engagement for each phase, outcomes and data obtained will be collated and
analysed to identify key impact themes and impact prioritisation. Identified issues or impacts may also be
mapped to identify any spatial patterns.

Outcomes of the engagement undertaken will then be summarised in the Scoping Report, the Social Impact
Scoping Report and Social Impact Assessment Report respectively. Relevant EIS technical studies will also
receive consultation outcomes as relevant to inform their respective study outcomes. Furthermore, the EIS
will consider project design refinements based on stakeholder and community consultation outcomes.

3.7 Complaints handling and issue tracking

RES will maintain a Project complaint register throughout each phase of the Projects. This will be informed
through activities and outcomes of this CSEP in addition to future engagement activities related to the
Projects.

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 Key Messages
4.1 Overview
As the project evolves RES will develop and adapt key messages for communication to targeted stakeholders
and communities. Key messages will be developed in line with the principles and commitments outlined within
Section 1 of this document and will be developed to share information related to the Project and its current
activities, as well as to respond to stakeholder issues, concerns and interests as identified throughout
development of the Project.

Key messages will be developed to address the following key objectives:

• Provide clear and consistent information relating to the two projects

• Afford meaningful participation and avoid misinformation and confusion

• Clearly articulate aspects of the project.

For the EIS process, key messages (for external purposes) have been developed and refined, around four
message categories. These will be used to inform the engagement strategy and associated material
development.

1. The proponent – who is RES?

2. The Project – what is Tallawang and Barneys Reef? Including details on the site and plans, ‘quick facts’
and profiles of the proposed Projects

3. The process – the development planning and EIS process, including community consultation and key
milestones

4. Impacts and opportunities – key issues in relation to the Project i.e., social and environmental effects,
stakeholder concerns, opportunities and benefits, engagement preferences and information
requirements.

Notably, the unique positioning of the two ‘sibling’ projects should be carefully considered (i.e. Tallawang
and Barneys Reef are adjacent projects, however with two differing technologies). A streamlined planning
and development process between the Projects can lead to maximised community benefit, parallel
community and stakeholder engagement programs and a coordinated approach to planning with local
stakeholders.

4.2 Who is the proponent - Renewable Energy Systems (RES)?

• RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company active in both onshore and offshore
wind, solar, energy storage and transmission and distribution. RES has delivered over 20GW of renewable
energy projects across the globe and supports an operational asset portfolio of 7GW worldwide.

• RES is a family-run business, committed to the principles of openness and transparency across its projects
and their operations.

• RES is committed to understanding each project’s local setting and ensuring that this knowledge informs
the development of its projects. Further, RES understands that each and every project is different and
that integrating local considerations is essential in developing successful projects for both the community
and RES.

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• RES has stood at the forefront of renewable energy for nearly 40 years and was established in Australia
in 2004 with a proud history. This includes the successful development of the Taralga Wind Farm (NSW),
Ararat Wind Farm (VIC), Murra Warra Wind Farm (VIC) and Emerald Solar Farm (QLD).

• Currently the construction and asset management portfolio under management by RES in Australia is over
1.1GW.

• RES has a pipeline of wind farm and solar projects across Australia and has recently gained approval for
a number of renewable assets; solar projects include Springdale (NSW) and Avonlie (NSW), and wind
projects include Dulacca (QLD) and Twin Creek (SA).

• Our specialist wind, solar and storage teams both in Australia and globally includes highly experienced
professionals in development, technical, engineering, construction, network / grid connection and
commercial areas of development and construction.

• RES offers development and construction of wind and solar projects, as well as ongoing asset management
for both RES and third-party assets.

4.3 What are the Projects - Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef
Wind Farm?
• The proposed Tallawang Solar Farm comprises a solar farm and battery storage infrastructure located in
the locality of Tallawang, NSW, approximately 8 kilometres northwest of Gulgong.

• RES has identified the two potential sites within the Central-West Orana REZ as having the potential to
host both a solar farm and a wind farm, each with associated battery storage facilities.

• If developed, the Tallawang Solar Farm would involve the construction, operation, and maintenance of
a 390MW solar farm. The solar farm’s energy storage infrastructure would have a capacity of up to 780
MWh. The potential site for the Tallawang Solar Farm is 920-hectares and would generate enough
electricity to supply approximately 250,000 NSW homes. This site is located approximately 8km north-
west of Gulgong town and is hosted by two properties.

• The potential site of the Barneys Reef Wind Farm would generate enough electricity to supply
approximately 265,000 NSW homes. This site is located approximately 15km north of Gulgong and is in
the Mid-Western Regional Council LGA. The site is approximately 18km from Dunedoo town which in the
neighbouring Warrumbungle Shire Council area. The Barneys Reef Wind Farm will have a capacity of
approximately 340MW and at this early stage of planning would likely include around 60 wind turbines.
The proposed site extends over 13 free-hold properties of which RES has recently formed agreements
with the host landholders. Infrastructure on the site may include two substations and transmission
connections, which will enable connection of the proposed turbines to the Central-West Orana REZ
Transmission Corridor. This is expected to traverse the northern end of the Project Area.

• The Projects would contribute to Australia’s domestic and international commitments of renewable
energy development, including NSW’s target of 50% renewable energy by 2030.

• To enable the transfer of energy, other relevant infrastructure will be positioned across the site, such as
inverters, transformers, and battery units, as well as a number of temporary construction and permanent
operational and maintenance buildings.

• Access to the two sites for construction would likely be from either the Golden Highway or Castlereagh
Highway and associated local roads. The access plans will be developed throughout the EIS technical
assessments.

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4.3.1 Reasons for site selection
RES has selected the two sites for the following reasons:

• The Central-West Orana REZ has been identified by the NSW Government as a priority area to target for
renewable energy development due to its natural resources that suit solar and wind farm development

• The collaboration from host landholders

• Through the REZ, the sites would be proximate to future grid connection and associated electricity
infrastructure

• The sites are deliberately located in areas at a distance from towns to minimise impact on local
populations

• The locality has strong road transportation links, including connectivity to the Port of Newcastle

• The sites are understood to require relatively minimal earthworks and vegetation clearance as well as
for Tallawang, an area that is not visible on approaches to town.

4.3.2 The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ)

• The Projects are located adjacent to each other, within the Mid-West Regional Council area and area
also both located within the Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

• The NSW Government has identified five Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) within the State. This REZ is one
such, that are anticipated to play a vital role in delivering affordable, reliable energy generation to help
replace the State’s existing power stations as they come to their scheduled end of life. Other zones are
located in the New England, South-West, Hunter-Central Coast and Illawarra regions.

• A REZ can be understood as a modern-day power station. They intend to combine renewable energy
generation such as wind, solar and battery storage solutions. By connecting multiple generators in the same
location, REZs can better support the delivery of cheap, reliable, clean electricity to homes and businesses
in NSW.

• The Central-West Orana REZ in particular, is anticipated to open up a significant pipeline of large-scale
renewable energy projects that will support private investment and provide flow on economic benefits
to communities in these regions.

4.4 What is the approvals process?

• RES is currently assessing the feasibility of both the Tallawang Solar Farm Project and the Barneys Reef
Wind Farm Project. As part of this, RES is undertaking preliminary environmental and social assessments
to understand both the impacts and opportunities the Projects presents to local communities and the
environment. Through this, RES is wanting to seek feedback on the Projects from key stakeholders and
local community members. This information, along with impacts identified through community and
stakeholder consultation will feed into the Scoping Report in quarter 2 (Q2) of 2021 and thereafter into
the Environmental Impact Statement which accompanies the planning application for the Projects.

• The Projects will each require development consent under the NSW Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).

• Two separate development applications accompanied by two detailed Environmental Impact Statements
(EIS) would be prepared and submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

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 (DPIE). Two separate EISs are required under the EP&A Act, as well as RES wanting to allow a better
evaluation of risks and opportunities for the two different technologies.

• The EIS would include a Social Impact Assessment, in addition to several specialist studies including
assessments on effects to visual changes, noise, biodiversity, heritage, water, traffic, hazard and risk,
aircraft risk, soils and land use.

• Comprehensive assessments will be completed to identify the potential impacts of both Projects,
including the cumulative impacts that they may have collectively, and how best to manage these impacts.

• The detailed design of each Project will be informed by these studies to ensure that impacts are mitigated
as far as reasonably and feasibly possible.

• The two SIAs will include a community engagement program and be prepared considering the NSW DPIE’s
draft SIA Guideline (2020). This engagement program will be conducted concurrently for both projects
and will include consultation with interested parties, affected communities and local representative
groups. The outcomes of the engagement program will inform the development of both EISs.

• The first round of community engagement will be in March – April 2021. The second round is expected in
mid-2021. People can also learn about the Projects through the two project websites. Further, people
can raise queries, receive feedback, and generally express an interest in being informed via the dedicated
hotline and email.

4.5 What are the impacts and opportunities?

• RES is committed to building strong local relationships with key stakeholders and communities as part
of their early planning and understands the importance of ensuring local participation and community
input, to achieve positive local and regional community benefits.

• RES is committed to working with the community and key stakeholders to identify environmental and social
impacts associated with their proposed projects and to explore relevant strategies to mitigate negative
impacts and enhance positive impacts. RES will work to ensure that through the EIS, SIA and associated
community engagement process, that community issues are well understood and are addressed, where
possible, in project design and planning.

• RES recognises that the siting of the projects may result in community and landscape impacts (both positive
and negative) and that impacts may be experienced differently across stakeholder groups.

• RES is committed to the development of community benefit sharing programs (e.g. neighbourhood benefit
programs, the development of community grant funds and community co-investment/co-ownership
programs) in line with the Clean Energy Guidelines for Benefit Sharing (2019), in the areas where their
projects are located.

• Across the global portfolio, RES is committed to supporting community schemes that demonstrate lasting
impact and legacy.

• For the Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef Wind Farm, RES plans to work with the local community to
explore benefit sharing options and target areas for contribution and support through an integrated
approach bringing together the two projects. This would support the maximising of local benefits through
the potential combining of funds across the two projects, which could bring about greater positive social
outcomes. This approach would be informed by community engagement undertaken for the two projects,
and would focus on meeting local community needs and aspirations.
• Across the global portfolio, RES is committed to supporting community schemes that demonstrate lasting
impact and legacy.

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• RES is committed to local employment and procurement, where possible, and would work to ensure this
commitment is reflected in the policies of the nominated Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)
contractor.
• Where possible, construction workers for the two projects would be accommodated in towns within 1-
hour of the site. The findings of the SIA will support RES in further assessing potential accommodation
options to reduce related project impacts.

• For the Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef Wind Farm, RES hopes to work with local property owners
to allow for the ongoing use of the land for grazing or other existing agricultural activities. In this way,
RES is interested to explore and promote new partnerships and models for complementary solar and
wind energy with food production and agriculture, working with local farmers to support the co-
existence of land uses.

21346_R01_Appendix G_CSEP_Final Laudie van den Bogaert

 Implementation Plan
An overview of planned engagement activities and associated staging across the planning and approvals phase
for both the Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef Wind Farm is outlined in Table 5 and Table 6Error!
Reference source not found..

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5.1 Scoping Phase
Table 5 Scoping Phase (Round 1 Engagement)

Item Detail Responsibility Attendees Timing

Umwelt RES

Preparation

Community and Stakeholder Prepare Review and approve N/A REV 01: 19/03/2021
Engagement Plan
REV 02: 24/03/2021

Project description Review and integrate Prepare N/A 19/03/2021

Key messages and set up script Prepare Review and approve N/A Draft 19/03/2021

Final 24/03/2021

Project Information Sheet (1) To be distributed via mail Prepare, design, and Provide critical inputs, e.g., N/A Draft 22/03/2021
drop around 2 x Projects distribute contact details to include,
Final 26/03/2021
review and approve
Print w/c 29/03/2021

Distribute via Aus Post April

2021 - TBC

Instrument Toolkit (Round 1) Prepare and design Review, approve and N/A Draft 24/03/2021
distribute
Final 26/03/2021

Meetings schedules and set up Including compilation of Organise Approve N/A By 26/03/2021
landholder (host and
proximal) contact sheet

Webpage/hotline/email address Separate URL for Provide input into Prepare, set up and manage N/A 26/03/2021
development and set up Tallawang to Barneys Reef content development

Delivery

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Item Detail Responsibility Attendees Timing

Umwelt RES

Project briefing: DPIE, Tallawang Online (MS Teams/Zoom) Organise and attend Confirm timing, prepare RES TBC – April or May 2021
Solar Farm presentation/material,
Umwelt
conduct and attend

Project briefing: DPIE, Barneys Online (MS Teams/Zoom) Organise and attend Confirm timing, prepare RES TBC – April or May 2021
Reef Wind Farm presentation/material,
Umwelt
conduct and attend

Website launch Prepare, set up and manage RES End March 2021

Aboriginal consultation Regulation to advertise Prepare and organise Review and approve End March 2021
advertisement notice for Aboriginal with local paper
cultural heritage study in
local newspaper

Project briefing: Mid-Western F2F in Mudgee, with Organise, receive Prepare RES End March 2021
Regional Council General Manager and/or meeting presentation/material,
Mayor minutes/outcomes conduct, and attend

Project briefing: Warrumbungle F2F in Coonabarabran, Organise, receive Prepare RES End March 2021
Shire Council with General Manager meeting presentation/material,
and/or Mayor and/or minutes/outcomes conduct, and attend
Councillors

*Note this is the

neighbouring council

Host landholder SIA meetings Email out questions and Co-facilitate or Organise and facilitate RES April 2021
invite for phone meeting receive/record responses
(2 x Tallawang; 13 x Barneys Reef) Umwelt
outcomes

Proximal landholder meetings F2F; requirement of visual Identify landholders, Organise, conduct and attend RES End March 2021
assessment for BR to supply contact sheet,
consult with residents provide
21346_R01_Appendix G_CSEP_Final Laudie van den Bogaert
Item Detail Responsibility Attendees Timing

Umwelt RES

within a 4.5km radius of questions/discussion

the Project footprint; can guide, receive
suggest neighbour group outcomes
meetings, can follow up
with phone meeting;
acknowledge cropping
season may affect people’s
availability

Media statement Provide input Provide input, review, and TBC – April 2021
approve, contact local media

Agency Project briefings TfNSW; LLS; SES; RFS; Supply agency list and Prepare presentation, RES April 2021
BCD; Heritage; mix of F2F contact details, provide conduct and attend, record
Umwelt
and online input into presentation, outcomes
attend as required,
receive and review
outcomes,

Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land F2F or phone; timing to Organise, attend, Conduct and attend RES April 2021
Council align with Aboriginal record outcomes
Umwelt
cultural heritage
notification

Chamber of Commerce (Mudgee F2F Organise, attend, Receive and review outcomes Umwelt April 2021
and Gulgong) conduct, record
outcomes

NSW Farmers Association – Mudgee F2F Supply run sheet, Conduct and attend RES April 2021
Branch organise, receive
outcomes

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Item Detail Responsibility Attendees Timing

Umwelt RES

Community groups F2F Organise, facilitate, Attend as required Umwelt April 2021
record outcomes

Local environmental groups F2F Organise, facilitate, Attend as required Umwelt April 2021
record outcomes

Local accommodation providers F2F or phone Organise, conduct, Review outcomes Umwelt April 2021
attend, record
outcomes

Community Information and Review outcomes and Prepare posters, storyboards TBC
Feedback Session (1) integrate into SIA and and run sheet, book venue,
EIS advertise and organise,
conduct, attend, record
outcomes

Outcomes

Stakeholder Database and Document all Round 1 Compile records and Review Ongoing - April 2021
Engagement Register engagement activities and undertake outcomes
outcomes analysis and summaries

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5.2 EIS Preparation Phase
The detailed Implementation Plan for Round 2 Engagement will be developed following the completion of Round 1 and in alignment with the issuance of
SEARs. The table below is for template purposes only.

Table 6 EIS Preparation Phase (Round 2 Engagement)

Item Detail Responsibility Attendees Timing

Umwelt RES

Community and Stakeholder TBC

Engagement Plan

Project Information Sheet (2) TBC

Community Information and Feedback TBC

Session (2)

Community Information and Feedback TBC

Session (3)

Project Information Sheet (3) TBC

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21346_R01_Appendix G_CSEP_Final Laudie van den Bogaert