I recently welcomed Shadow Minister for Planning and Housing, Chris Rath MLC, to the Goulburn electorate to hear directly from residents, community representatives and local stakeholders about some of the major planning, energy and industrial developments currently proposed across our region.
The visit provided an important opportunity to showcase firsthand the scale of development pressures facing regional communities and to discuss how planning decisions can better balance growth, investment, environmental protection and community expectations.
The day began in Moss Vale, where we held discussions about several significant proposals in the Southern Highlands. including the proposed gas-fired power station supporting a data centre development, and the broader question of how emerging industries should be planned and located within regional communities. While many residents acknowledge the importance of energy security and economic development, they also stress the need for appropriate site selection, meaningful consultation and consideration of cumulative impacts.
We also discussed ongoing concerns surrounding the proposed RePoly plastics recycling facility at Moss Vale. Outlining concerns concerns regarding environmental impacts, traffic, amenity, air quality and the project’s location within the Sydney drinking water catchment. The strength of community feeling on this issue has been demonstrated through extensive local advocacy and fundraising efforts, highlighting the importance of ensuring local voices are heard throughout the planning process.
In Goulburn, Chris met with community representatives to discuss the proposed Gundary and Merino Solar Farm projects, which continue to generate significant community interest and debate. Residents raised concerns about the scale and location of the developments, their potential impact on the character and future growth of Goulburn, and whether current planning frameworks provide adequate protection for regional centres expected to accommodate future growth and investment.
The visit then continued through the Upper Lachlan and Yass Valley regions, where Chris was able to see firsthand the cumulative impact of renewable energy developments already operating across the landscape. We discussed the increasing number of proposed projects, including the Bowning and Binalong Wind Farms, and heard directly from residents about concerns relating to visual impacts, agricultural land use, community benefit arrangements and long-term planning for regional communities.
A recurring theme throughout the day was the need for planning systems to consider the cumulative effect of multiple developments rather than assessing each project in isolation. Many communities across the electorate have hosted wind farms, solar farms, battery storage projects, transmission infrastructure and industrial developments over many years. Residents consistently expressed concerns that while individual projects may be assessed on their own merits, the combined impact on communities, landscapes, infrastructure and quality of life is often overlooked.
We also discussed the proposed waste-to-energy facility at Tarago, another project that has attracted significant public interest and generated important conversations around environmental impacts, public health and the future direction of industrial development within the region.
The visit reinforced the importance of strategic, long-term planning that gives communities certainty about where future development should occur and how infrastructure, housing, industry and environmental protection can be balanced effectively.
Regional communities are not opposed to growth, investment or new industries. However, they rightly expect genuine consultation, transparent decision-making and planning frameworks that recognise the unique character, opportunities and challenges of regional New South Wales.
I thank everyone who took the time to meet with us throughout the day. Their knowledge, experience and willingness to engage constructively are essential to ensuring the future of our region is shaped by the people who live and work here every day.