Magpie Hill Solar Farm

What we’ve learned so far: Field surveys have shown that while much of the project area has been modified by past grazing activities, pockets of important native vegetation and habitat remain. Three native plant community types were recorded, including a critically endangered ecological community, as well as several hollow-bearing trees that support local wildlife. Eight Black Gum trees, which are protected under Commonwealth legislation, were also recorded. Targeted fauna surveys found two state listed species within the project area, while assessments indicate that several other species of interest (Golden Sun Moth and Pink-tailed Legless Lizard) are unlikely to occur or were not detected during surveys. These findings have informed the project design.

What’s next: A Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) is under preparation which will outline a range of mitigation measures to be implemented during all phases of the Project. This will include measures such as defined no-go areas and exclusion zones, pre-clearance checks before construction activities commence, and hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of weeds or pathogens.

Landscape and Visual

What we’ve learned so far: Visual assessments indicate that the project is located within a landscape characterised by rolling grazing land and vegetated hills, where existing landforms and vegetation provide significant natural screening. Detailed modelling identified a number of nearby properties with the potential for moderate to high visual impacts, which were investigated further through desktop assessments, site visits and photomontages where access was available. For the  properties assessed through site visits and photomontages, no high visual impacts were identified, and project design refinements have already reduced impacts for some properties. Assessments of the remaining properties are ongoing. Overall, the findings to date indicate that visibility of the Project is generally limited across the surrounding area, with targeted mitigation measures being considered where moderate impacts have been identified.

What’s next: We are continuing to engage with neighbouring landholders to discuss the visual assessment findings, with assessments of the remaining properties still underway. For properties with moderate visual impacts, we are working with landholders to identify appropriate mitigation options, such as landscape screening. We are also exploring opportunities to reduce visual impacts more broadly across the Project. In addition, a glint and glare assessment is underway, and any required mitigation measures will be incorporated into the project design.

Traffic and Access

What we’ve learned so far: Preliminary assessments indicate that the existing road network has sufficient capacity to support the Project, with no major transport constraints identified. Existing roads are expected to be able to manage construction traffic and oversized deliveries. Safety assessments, including crash history reviews, sight distance checks and access design investigations, have informed the proposed site access locations and identified no significant road safety concerns. Based on the studies completed to date, no major road upgrades are currently anticipated.

What’s next: Traffic count surveys and more detailed assessments are underway to further understand existing traffic volumes and potential impacts. Mitigation measures will be developed to maintain road safety and minimise disruption during construction. This will include preparing a Traffic Management Plan before construction outlining approved vehicle routes, delivery scheduling, traffic controls and community communication measures.

What we’ve learned so far: Hydrology and flood modelling shows that parts of the project area are affected by flooding during major rainfall events, primarily associated with the Mulwaree River, Fairy Meadow Creek and local overland flow paths. Most of the project area experiences either shallow flooding, low flow velocities or remains unaffected during major flood events, with higher flow areas generally confined to existing waterway corridors. The assessments also identified a small number of flood storage areas, mainly associated with existing dams. These findings have helped inform the indicative layout and placement of project infrastructure.

What’s next: Further modelling will consider how project infrastructure may influence flood behaviour and identify any additional measures needed to avoid or minimise impacts. We will also develop drainage, erosion and sediment control measures, maintain appropriate setbacks from waterways, and design watercourse crossings to protect local watercourses, including the Mulwaree River. As the Project is located within the Sydney drinking water catchment, a Neutral or Beneficial Effect on Water Quality (NorBE) assessment is underway.

What we’ve learned so far: Noise assessments have considered the main operational noise sources associated with the project, including solar trackers, battery units, inverters and the substation. Modelling undertaken in accordance with NSW guidelines indicates that, with appropriate design measures such as noise treatments for equipment and the use of low-noise transformers, the project can be designed to meet the applicable noise criteria at nearby non-associated residences. Background noise monitoring is also being undertaken at neighbouring properties to better understand existing noise conditions and help inform the applicable noise levels for the Project.

What’s next:  We are now undertaking detailed noise assessments based on our indicative layout. We'll continue to share what we're learning, explain how noise considerations are influencing the Project's design, and identify any measures needed to manage potential impacts.

What we’ve learned so far: The Project is located within a bushfire-prone rural landscape, with the primary risk associated with grassfires in surrounding grazing land. Assessments found that the largely cleared nature of the site and its relatively flat terrain are favourable for bushfire management, providing opportunities for defendable space and emergency access. Both the risk of a bushfire affecting the project and the potential for project infrastructure and activities to ignite a fire have been assessed. The findings indicate that bushfire risks can be effectively managed through appropriate design, operation and emergency response measures, with all identified risks expected to be reduced to low or medium levels following mitigation.

What’s next: Further bushfire assessments will continue to inform the Project's design and emergency management measures. Proposed measures include ongoing vegetation and fuel management, provision of dedicated firefighting water supplies on site, all-weather emergency access tracks for emergency vehicles, and emergency shutdown, detection, monitoring and isolation systems for key infrastructure.

What we’ve learned so far: Preliminary assessments and community engagement undertaken to date show that the Project is located within a rural area where people value their connection to the land, rural lifestyles and the local landscape. The community is characterised by strong social networks, stable populations and a high level of workforce participation. Early feedback has highlighted a range of community priorities, including traffic and road safety, bushfire management, visual amenity, noise, water resources and the protection of agricultural land. We have also heard strong interest in understanding how the Project can deliver benefits for local communities through employment, local business opportunities and community investment.

What’s next: Targeted SIA engagement is underway, which will inform measures to manage potential social impacts and maximise benefits for the local community. This is expected to include ongoing community engagement, planning for workforce accommodation and construction management, and initiatives to support local employment and procurement opportunities. The assessment will also help guide community benefit initiatives that respond to local priorities and create lasting value for the surrounding area.

What we’ve learned so far: The project area contains landscape features commonly associated with Aboriginal occupation, including the Mulwaree River, Fairy Meadow Creek and associated waterways. While no registered Aboriginal sites are recorded within the project area, surveys undertaken with Pejar identified three artefact sites and several areas with moderate to high potential for Aboriginal cultural heritage. Formal consultation with Registered Aboriginal Parties is underway, and we have continued to work closely with Pejar throughout the assessment process.

What’s next: We will continue working with Pejar Local Aboriginal Land Council, Registered Aboriginal Parties and Heritage NSW as cultural heritage investigations progress. This will include targeted test excavations in areas identified as having moderate to high archaeological potential. The findings will inform the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment and help identify measures to avoid, minimise and manage impacts.

What we’ve learned so far: There are no listed heritage items within the project area. Historical research shows the land has been used primarily for agricultural purposes since European settlement, and two areas associated with former rural dwellings have been identified for further assessment to understand any potential heritage significance.

What’s next: Further heritage investigations are underway to better understand the significance of the two areas identified as having potential historical heritage value. The findings will help inform any mitigation measures needed to avoid or manage impacts to historic heritage.

What we’ve learned so far: The Project is proposed on land currently used for grazing, and assessments are considering how solar infrastructure may interact with existing agricultural activities. Early investigations indicate there are opportunities to continue agricultural production within the project area through agrisolar practices, such as ongoing livestock grazing.

What’s next: We are considering site-specific factors such as grazing operations, stock management requirements, infrastructure layout and landholder feedback to understand how grazing may continue alongside the Project. Our aim is to support the long-term viability of farming operations by maintaining productive land use while delivering renewable energy outcomes.

What we’ve learned so far: Preliminary investigations did not identify any records of reported contamination or regulatory notices relating to land within or surrounding the project area. This indicates there are no known contamination issues that are expected to constrain the project at this stage.

What’s next: We’re preparing a preliminary site investigation to confirm whether any contamination risks are present within the project area. This will include a review of historical land uses and a site inspection. If any potential contamination issues are identified, appropriate management measures will be developed and incorporated into the project design and construction planning.

What we’ve learned so far: Preliminary economic investigations indicate that the project has the potential to provide a significant economic contribution to the local and regional economy through investment, employment, local procurement and community benefit initiatives. Early workforce analysis suggests the Project's labour catchment extends across the Goulburn Mulwaree, Queanbeyan-Palerang and ACT regions, drawing on an established regional workforce.

What’s next: The economic assessment will continue to examine employment, local business opportunities and broader economic benefits, while also assessing workforce availability and cumulative impacts from other major projects in the region. The findings will help identify opportunities to maximise benefits for local communities and businesses.