It’s a bitter blow for those farmers coping with one of the worst droughts in recorded history who were hoping to find the security of drought-proof income from lease payments.

“The spin-off benefits for local workers, contractors and small businesses is huge from a project like this so for its refusal will disappoint many.

“80% of the neighbours within 2 km signed neighbour agreements in support of the project so it appears the decision has prioritised the views of those further away.

“While this is a blow for Crookwell and the local community, we shouldn’t read too much into it in terms of wind development in the state. This is a closely settled rural area with a number of wind farms already which makes it unique in the state.

“The rest of the state moves forward, with at least 20 projects moving through approvals and construction. 

“Just last week an IPC hearing on the White Rock 2 Wind Farm didn’t have a single complaint from the community, suggesting the community is happy with the expansion of that project. 

“As drought hits our state hard, we need to be prioritising water-free wind and solar plants over ageing coal plants that guzzle billions of litres of precious groundwater. 

“It is imperative the closure of Liddell power station does not slip further beyond its current 2022/23 closure. We have the wind and solar plants ready to replace Liddell and the planning system needs to ensure we have further capacity ready for when additional plants close.

“Wind energy is ready to provide clean energy, jobs and regional investment to New South Wales, yet without proper policy and leadership from both state and federal governments, we won’t move fast enough to capitalise on the inevitable transition to renewable energy.