Introduction
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process is a formal assessment used to understand the potential environmental, social, and community impacts of major development projects before approval is considered.
For the Boree Solar Project near Geurie and Wongarbon, NSW, the EIS will examine potential impacts of the proposed 250 MW solar farm and 800 MWh battery storage system, including effects on agricultural land, biodiversity, water, traffic, and the local community.
Understanding the EIS process helps Geurie residents know how projects are assessed, when they can provide feedback, and how community concerns can be considered during the approval process.
Key Takeaways
- An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) helps assess the potential impacts of major development projects before approval.
- The Boree Solar Project must complete the EIS process as part of the NSW planning approval process.
- The EIS examines impacts on farmland, biodiversity, water, traffic, noise, and the local community.
- During the public exhibition period, community members can review the EIS and submit feedback.
What Is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a detailed assessment that explains how a proposed project may affect the environment, local community, and surrounding land before approval is considered.
For the Boree Solar Project, the EIS will examine key areas such as agricultural land use, biodiversity, water management, traffic, noise, and visual impacts.
The purpose of an EIS is to help government authorities and the community understand potential risks, review proposed mitigation measures, and provide feedback before a final decision is made.
Why Does the Boree Solar Project Require an EIS?
The Boree Solar Project requires an EIS because it is a large-scale renewable energy development with the potential to create significant changes to the surrounding environment and local community.
The proposed project includes a 250 MW solar farm and an 800 MWh battery energy storage system across approximately 1,322 hectares of land near Geurie and Wongarbon, NSW. Due to the size and long-term nature of the development, a detailed assessment is required to understand how it may affect the local area.
The Boree Solar Project EIS will examine key areas such as:
| Assessment Area | What the EIS Examines |
| Agricultural land | Potential impacts on existing farming activities and productive land use |
| Biodiversity | Effects on native vegetation, wildlife, and protected species |
| Water resources | Flooding, drainage patterns, and water management considerations |
| Traffic and transport | Construction traffic, road usage, and impacts on local infrastructure |
| Noise impacts | Potential noise during construction and operation |
| Visual impacts | Changes to the rural landscape and views from surrounding properties |
| Community impacts | Concerns raised by residents, landowners, and local businesses |
The EIS process allows these issues to be studied in detail before government authorities make a final decision. It also gives the community an opportunity to review the information provided by the developer and submit feedback during the public exhibition period.
For local residents, the EIS is an important stage because it provides a formal way to understand the potential long-term impacts of the proposed solar and battery project on the Geurie region.
How Does the EIS Process Work in NSW?
The EIS process follows a series of steps that help government authorities assess whether a major development is suitable for approval. While the exact timeline can vary depending on the project, the overall process is designed to evaluate potential impacts, consider community feedback, and support informed decision-making.
Step 1: Project Planning and Assessment Requirements
The process begins when the project developer prepares a proposal and submits it to the relevant planning authority. The government then determines what environmental studies and assessments must be completed as part of the Environmental Impact Statement.
These assessment requirements help ensure that all significant environmental, social, and economic impacts are properly investigated.
Step 2: Preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement
The developer prepares the EIS using studies carried out by environmental and technical specialists. The document assesses how the proposed development could affect the surrounding area and outlines measures to avoid, reduce, or manage potential impacts.
For a project like the Boree Solar Project, the EIS may include assessments covering:
| Assessment Area | Purpose |
| Biodiversity | Evaluate potential impacts on native vegetation, wildlife, and threatened species. |
| Agriculture | Assess how the project may affect productive farmland and agricultural activities. |
| Water and Flooding | Examine drainage, waterways, flood behaviour, and water management. |
| Traffic and Transport | Review construction traffic, road safety, and transport impacts. |
| Noise | Assess potential noise during construction and operation. |
| Visual Impact | Consider how the development may change the surrounding rural landscape. |
| Social and Economic Impacts | Examine potential effects on nearby residents, local businesses, and the broader community. |
Step 3: Public Exhibition and Community Feedback
Once the EIS is complete, it is placed on public exhibition for a set period. During this time, community members can review the documents and make formal submissions.
This is an important opportunity for residents, landowners, farmers, businesses, and other stakeholders to provide feedback, ask questions, or raise concerns about the proposed development.
Step 4: Government Assessment
After the exhibition period ends, the planning authority reviews the EIS alongside all community submissions and advice from relevant government agencies. The developer may also be asked to provide additional information or respond to issues raised during the consultation process.
Step 5: Final Decision
Once all information has been considered, the government makes a final decision on the project. Depending on the assessment, the proposal may be approved, approved with conditions, or refused.
The EIS process is designed to ensure that environmental studies, expert assessments, and community feedback are all considered before a major development project moves forward.
How Can Geurie Community Members Participate in the EIS Process?
The public exhibition period is the main opportunity for Geurie community members to participate in the EIS process. During this time, the Environmental Impact Statement is made publicly available, allowing residents to review the project’s findings and provide formal feedback before a decision is made.
If you plan to take part, consider these steps:
- Read the EIS documents. Review the sections that relate to your property, business, or area of interest, such as agriculture, biodiversity, flooding, traffic, or visual impacts.
- Identify issues that matter to you. Consider whether the information in the EIS addresses your concerns or whether there are local factors that should be taken into account.
- Prepare a written submission. Clearly explain your views and, where possible, support them with facts, local knowledge, or personal experience. Specific and evidence-based submissions are generally more helpful than broad statements.
- Submit your feedback before the closing date. Only submissions received during the public exhibition period are considered as part of the formal assessment process.
- Stay informed. Follow updates from the NSW planning authority to understand the next stages of the assessment and any further opportunities for community engagement.
Participating in the EIS process allows local residents, farmers, landowners, and businesses to contribute valuable local knowledge. Community submissions help decision-makers better understand how a proposed development could affect the people and places that know the area best.
What Happens After the EIS Exhibition Period?
After the public exhibition period closes, the NSW planning authority reviews the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) alongside submissions from community members, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
The process generally follows these steps:
- Review submissions from the public and relevant agencies.
- Request additional information from the developer if further clarification is needed.
- Assess all available evidence, including the EIS and community feedback.
- Make a final decision to approve the project, approve it with conditions, or refuse the application.
Although the assessment can take several months, the purpose of this stage is to ensure that both technical studies and community input are considered before a final decision is made.
Also Read: Why We Are Opposing the Boree Solar Project: The Full Story from Geurie
Conclusion
Understanding the EIS process helps Geurie community members make informed decisions about the Boree Solar Project. It explains how the project will be assessed, what information will be reviewed, and when the public can provide feedback.
By reading the EIS, staying updated on the approval process, and participating during the public exhibition period, residents can better understand the proposal and contribute to the planning process before a final decision is made.
