Someva Renewables statement on Hills of Gold Wind Farm

The Court’s decision comes after Tamworth Regional Council conceded it would no longer argue for the refusal of the project. Someva Renewables understands these proceedings were the first time a local council in NSW had lodged a legal appeal questioning the merits of an approved renewable energy project.

Tim Mead, Development Director of Someva Renewables, said:

“Someva Renewables welcomes this result which is important for the local community and the energy transition in NSW. The approval of the proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm by the Land and Environment Court of NSW proves that the independent environmental assessment process for renewable energy projects in NSW is rigorous and withstands legal scrutiny.

While it is disappointing that Tamworth Regional Council pursued these lengthy and unnecessary legal proceedings at ratepayers’ expense, we hope this outcome sends a clear message: State Significant Developments like renewable energy projects, approved through independent processes, can and should proceed on their merits.

The Hills of Gold Wind Farm is an important project for the local community and for NSW’s energy transition. It was thoroughly assessed over a seven year period by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure before facing further scrutiny, and receiving a final approval, from the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) in September 2024. We have always been confident in the strength of that approval.

This case shows renewable energy projects in NSW continue to face unnecessary delays that are costing energy users, local communities and these delays are threatening NSW’s energy security and transition.

It is worth noting that the proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm remains essentially as approved by the IPC following these legal proceedings. In fact, the road upgrades now required under the Court’s approval are in some cases less extensive than those originally mandated by the IPC.

Someva Renewables is a proudly NSW-based, 100% Australian owned renewable energy company and we are pleased this legal case has come to an end. After a prolonged period of uncertainty, we look forward to taking the time to engage with the Nundle community and local stakeholders, before providing an update on next steps for the project.”

About the Hills of Gold Wind Farm

If construction proceeds, the Hills of Gold Wind Farm will feature 62 wind turbines generating approximately 372 megawatts (MW) – enough to power 163,000 average Australian homes. The NSW Independent Planning Commission approved the 372 MW Hills of Gold Wind Farm in September 2024.  The proposed wind farm is located approximately five kilometres south of Hanging Rock and 8 kilometres south-east of Nundle in NSW. The project is located within three Local Government Areas: Tamworth Regional Council, Upper Hunter Shire Council, and Liverpool Plains Shire Council.

About Someva Renewables

Someva Renewables is an 100% Australian-owned, NSW-based renewable energy company that works with landowners, communities, and industry leaders to deliver the clean, affordable and reliable energy that will power Australia’s future. Someva carefully selects renewable energy projects before working with communities, leading technical advisors and industry partners, to deliver truly industry-leading renewable energy projects.  For more information, visit www.somevarenewables.com.au.