Introduction
If you’re wondering how to write an EIS submission, focus on clear, evidence-based planning concerns rather than general objections. A strong submission clearly outlines the potential effects of the proposed project on your property, local community, or the environment while supporting your concerns with relevant information from the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
For the Boree Solar Project EIS submission, anyone can provide feedback during the public exhibition period. Whether you’re a resident, landowner, farmer, business owner, or community member, your submission becomes part of the official assessment process.
This guide explains how to write an EIS submission, the planning issues you can raise, and how to prepare a well-structured submission to oppose the Boree Solar Project in a clear, respectful, and evidence-based way.
What Is an EIS Submission?
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submission is a formal response that individuals, businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders can provide during the public exhibition of a major development project. It allows people to comment on the project’s potential impacts, raise concerns, or express support before a final planning decision is made.
What Does an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Do?
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a detailed report prepared by the project proponent. It assesses how a proposed development could affect the environment, local communities, infrastructure, and surrounding land.
For major projects like the Boree Solar Project, the EIS typically includes assessments of:
- Agricultural land and farming impacts
- Biodiversity and wildlife
- Traffic and transport
- Noise and vibration
- Flooding and water management
- Bushfire and battery safety
- Landscape and visual impacts
These assessments help government decision-makers understand the potential benefits and risks before determining whether the project should proceed.
Why Public Submissions Matter
Public submissions are an important part of the NSW planning process. Every submission is considered alongside the EIS and other technical reports during the project’s assessment.
Local residents, farmers, businesses, and landowners often have firsthand knowledge of the area that may not be fully reflected in technical studies. By providing clear, factual, and evidence-based feedback, community members can help ensure local concerns are considered before a final decision is made.
What to Read Before Writing Your Submission
Your submission will be more successful and clear if you take the time to prepare before you begin writing. Reviewing the available information and focusing on the issues that affect you most will help you provide meaningful feedback.
1):- Read the Environmental Impact Statement Carefully
Start by reading the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to understand the project’s scope, proposed infrastructure, and identified impacts. Pay close attention to the sections that relate to your property, business, or the local community.
2):- Review the Technical Reports That Support the EIS
The EIS is supported by technical studies that assess different aspects of the project. Depending on your concerns, you may wish to review reports such as:
- Agricultural Impact Assessment
- Biodiversity Assessment
- Bushfire Risk Assessment
- Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA)
- Traffic and Transport Assessment
- Noise Impact Assessment
- Flood and Water Studies
- Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
These reports can help you identify specific issues and reference relevant information in your submission.
3):- Identify the Issues That Affect You Most
Focus on the impacts that are most relevant to you rather than trying to address every aspect of the project. For example, you may have concerns about agricultural land, traffic, flooding, biodiversity, battery safety, noise, or visual impacts. Explaining how these issues could affect your property, livelihood, or community can make your submission more relevant and informative.
What Makes an Effective EIS Submission?
A strong EIS submission is clear, respectful, and based on evidence. Rather than simply stating that you support or oppose a project, explain why you hold that view and refer to relevant information from the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) whenever possible.
To write an effective submission:
- Use your own words instead of copying someone else’s submission.
- Focus on facts and planning issues, not emotions or assumptions.
- Reference the EIS or technical reports where they relate to your concerns.
- Explain local impacts, such as how the project could affect your property, farming activities, business, or the wider community.
- When necessary, back up your arguments with facts, firsthand observations, or local expertise.
- Keep your language respectful and professional, even if you strongly oppose the proposal.
- Be clear and specific by organising your concerns under headings or bullet points.
Remember, the goal is to provide decision-makers with useful, well-reasoned feedback. A concise, evidence-based submission that addresses relevant planning issues is generally more effective than one based on broad or unsupported statements.
Planning Issues You Can Raise in Your Submission
When exploring how to write an EIS submission, it’s important to focus on planning issues that are relevant to the proposed development. Referring to specific impacts identified in the EIS and explaining how they may affect you or your community can make your submission more meaningful.
1):- Agricultural Land and Farming Impacts
The proposed Boree Solar Project would be developed across approximately 1,322 hectares of land. If you have concerns about agricultural impacts, you may wish to address:
- Loss of productive farmland
- Effects on soil quality and long-term agricultural use
- Biosecurity risks
- Potential impacts on local farming operations and rural businesses
2):- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Safety
The project includes a proposed 800 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Relevant issues may include:
- Findings in the Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA)
- Fire and emergency response planning
- Separation distances from nearby properties
- Measures to manage potential safety risks
3):- Traffic, Heavy Vehicles and Road Safety
Construction of the project may increase traffic in the area. Depending on your location, you may wish to comment on:
- Construction traffic and vehicle movements
- Oversized and Over-Mass (OSOM) vehicles
- Impacts on local roads
- Dust generation and road safety
4):- Landscape and Visual Impact
Large-scale solar developments can change the appearance of the surrounding landscape. You may wish to discuss:
- Visibility of the proposed solar panels
- Effects on rural character
- Visual amenity for nearby homes
- Potential glint and glare impacts
5):- Noise and Vibration
The EIS may assess both construction and operational noise. Relevant concerns could include:
- Noise from inverters and battery equipment
- Construction-related noise and vibration
- Whether predicted noise levels are acceptable for nearby properties
6):- Flooding and Water Management
If flooding is a concern in your area, consider whether the EIS adequately addresses:
- Changes to local drainage patterns
- Flood behaviour and water movement
- Potential downstream impacts
- Stormwater management measures
7):- Biodiversity and Environmental Impacts
Native plants and regional ecosystems may be impacted by the project. You can raise concerns about:
- Wildlife habitat
- Native vegetation removal
- Protected species
- Broader environmental impacts identified in the EIS
8):- Community Consultation
You may also comment on the community consultation process if you believe local concerns have not been adequately addressed. This could include:
- Engagement with neighbouring landowners
- Opportunities for community participation
- Whether local feedback has been considered during project planning
By focusing on the planning issues that are most relevant to your circumstances, you can prepare a Boree Solar Project EIS submission that is clear, evidence-based, and directly addresses the matters considered during the assessment process.
How to Structure Your EIS Submission
A well-organised submission is easier for decision-makers to read and understand. While there is no single format you must follow, including the following sections can help you present your concerns clearly and professionally.
1):- Include Your Contact Details
Start your submission with your:
- Full name
- Residential or postal address
- Email address
- Phone number (optional, if requested)
Providing accurate contact details ensures your submission can be recorded as part of the assessment process.
2):- Add the Project Information
Clearly identify the project you are commenting on. Include:
- Project Name: Boree Solar Project
- Application Number: SSD-90792956
This helps ensure your submission is linked to the correct development application.
3):- Clearly State Your Position
Begin with a brief statement explaining your position. For example, state that you support or oppose the proposal and summarise the main reasons for your view.
4):- Organise Your Concerns Under Headings
Use headings or bullet points to separate each issue, such as agricultural land, traffic, flooding, biodiversity, or noise. A clear structure makes your submission easier to follow.
5):- Support Each Point with Facts
Use information from the EIS or related technical reports if you can. You can also include relevant local knowledge, observations, or evidence that supports your concerns.
6):- Explain How the Project Could Affect You
Describe how the proposed development may impact your property, business, farming activities, or the wider community. When personal experiences are related to the planning issues under discussion, they are important.
7):- End with Your Requested Outcome
Finish by summarising your key concerns and clearly stating the outcome you would like decision-makers to consider. This may include requesting further investigation, changes to the proposal, or that your concerns be carefully considered as part of the assessment process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your submission clearer, more credible, and more useful during the assessment process. Keep the following points in mind before lodging your response.
- Copying someone else’s submission: Use your own words. Individual submissions carry more value when they reflect your personal views and circumstances.
- Making unsupported claims: Where possible, support your concerns with information from the EIS, technical reports, or relevant local knowledge.
- Using emotional or abusive language: Keep your submission respectful and focused on planning issues rather than personal opinions or attacks.
- Discussing unrelated topics: Concentrate on matters directly connected to the Boree Solar Project and its potential impacts.
- Forgetting to reference the project: Include the project name and application number (SSD-90792956) so your submission is linked to the correct proposal.
- Missing the submission deadline: Make sure your submission is lodged during the official public exhibition period, as late submissions may not be considered.
Taking the time to review your submission before sending it can help ensure your concerns are presented clearly, accurately, and professionally.
How to Lodge Your EIS Submission
Once you’ve prepared your submission, you’ll need to lodge it during the official public exhibition period for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Follow the instructions provided by the NSW Government to ensure your submission is received and considered.
1):- Find the Boree Solar Project on the NSW Planning Portal
Visit the NSW Planning Portal and locate the Boree Solar Project (SSD-90792956). During the public exhibition period, you’ll find the project documents, supporting technical reports, and submission details on the project page.
2):- Submit During the Public Exhibition Period
Public submissions can only be lodged while the EIS is on exhibition. Be sure to check the submission deadline and allow enough time to review your comments before submitting them.
3):- Upload Your Written Submission or Complete the Online Form
Depending on the options available, you may be able to upload a written document or enter your comments directly into the online submission form. Before submitting, confirm that your contact details and project reference are correct.
4):- Keep a Copy for Your Records
After lodging your submission, save a copy of your document and any confirmation email or reference number. Keeping a record can be helpful if you need to refer to your submission later or follow updates on the project’s assessment process.
Also Read: Who Is Venn Energy? Exploring the Developer Behind Three Australian Solar Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1):- Do I need to live next to the project?
Ans:- No. You do not need to live next to the project. Anyone can make a submission, although people directly affected may be able to provide more detailed information about local impacts.
Q2):- Can I include personal experiences?
Ans:- Yes. Personal experiences are relevant if they relate to planning issues such as flooding, traffic, farming, noise, or environmental impacts. Support your comments with facts whenever possible.
Q3):- Should I reference technical reports?
Ans:- Yes. Referring to the EIS or supporting technical reports helps support your concerns and makes your submission more specific and evidence-based.
Q4):- Can multiple people submit similar concerns?
Ans:- Yes. Each person should submit their own response in their own words. Individual submissions are generally more valuable than copied or identical responses.
Q5):- What happens after I submit my objection?
Ans:- After the exhibition period ends, all submissions are reviewed alongside the EIS and technical reports before a decision is made on the Boree Solar Project.
Conclusion
Knowing how to write an EIS submission can help you provide clear, evidence-based feedback during the planning process. A well-prepared submission that focuses on relevant planning issues, local impacts, and information from the EIS is more valuable than a general objection.
If you’re planning to oppose the Boree Solar Project, take time to review the EIS, identify the issues that matter most to you, and lodge your Boree Solar Project EIS submission before the public exhibition period closes. Your submission becomes part of the official assessment and helps ensure local community concerns are considered during the decision-making process.
