The project will require planning approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), which will involve a scoping report and environmental impact statement (EIS).
Following the submission of the scoping reports for wind and solar in late 2022, the next key milestone for the project will be public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), one for wind and one for solar, expected in late 2023.
Initial stakeholder feedback and local studies, like ecology and cultural heritage surveys, will help our understanding of local values and points of interest to be considered in the concept design for The Plains.
Two scoping reports (wind and solar) have been lodged with DPE, detailing the results of the early engagement and preliminary studies. Formal public comment is available during the exhibition period to help inform the matters that must be considered in the EIS.
Continued community feedback will assist in identifying matters to be considered in environmental, cultural and social studies that will ultimately be factored into the design and operations of The Plains. Feedback will also be used to minimise potential impacts and maximise benefits.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be lodged with DPE and will be on exhibition for formal community and stakeholder feedback. The EIS will detail the proposed design, results of the specialist studies and outcomes of engagements.
DPE will consider the formal EIS feedback in making its recommendations for planning approval. We will continue to engage local community members and other stakeholders after the EIS is submitted and, subject to approval, throughout construction and ongoing operations.