landscaping plan for hillston sun farm

Landscaping Plan for Hillston Sun Farm

Prepared for Hillston Sun Farm Pty Ltd

8 June 2018

Biosis Pty Ltd

This document is and shall remain the property of Biosis Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of the Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

Disclaimer:

Biosis Pty Ltd has completed this assessment in accordance with the relevant federal, state and local legislation and current industry best practice. The company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the report content or for any purpose other than that for which it was intended.

© Biosis 2018 - Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting - www. i

Biosis offices

NEW SOUTH WALES

Albury

Phone: (02) 6069 9200 Email: [email protected]

Newcastle


Sydney


Wollongong


VICTORIA

Ballarat


Melbourne (Head Office)

Phone: (03) 8686 4800 Fax: (03) 9646 9242 Email: [email protected]

Wangaratta


Document information

Report to: Hillston Sun Farm Pty Ltd

Prepared by: Imogen Merlo

Biosis project no.: 26762

File name: 26762.Hillston.Sun.Farm.LP.FIN04.20180608.docx

Citation: Biosis 2018. Hillston Sun Farm Landscaping Plan. Report for Hillston Sun Farm Pty Ltd. Authors: I Merlo, Biosis Pty Ltd, Project no. 26762

Document control

Version Internal reviewer Date issued

Draft version 01 MJAL 25/01/2018

Final version 01

Final version 02

Final version 03

Final version 04

MJAL

MJAL

MJAL

MJAL

19/02/2018

19/03/2018

23/04/2018

08/06/2018

Acknowledgements

Biosis acknowledges the contribution of the following people and organisations in undertaking this study:

Hillston Sun Farm Pty Ltd: John Zammit

Biosis staff involved in this project were:

James Shepherd (mapping)

confidential

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting II

Contents 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Background ....................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................. 1

2 Landscaping Plan ......................................................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Site Description ................................................................................................................................................ 3

2.2 Objectives of Landscape Plan ........................................................................................................................ 5

2.3 Planting species list ......................................................................................................................................... 9

3 Implementation Plan ............................................................................................................................... 11

3.1 Outcome-based implementation ............................................................................................................... 11

3.2 Monitoring and contingencies ..................................................................................................................... 11

3.3 Reporting ......................................................................................................................................................... 12

3.4 Pest plant and animal management .......................................................................................................... 21

4 Consultation .............................................................................................................................................. 22

4.1 Consultation with relevant stakeholders ................................................................................................... 22

5 References ................................................................................................................................................. 23

Appendix 1 – Consultation ................................................................................................................................. 24

Tables

Table 1 Suggested indigenous species for landscape screening plantings .................................................. 9

Table 2 Management actions, timeframes, responsibilities and monitoring .............................................. 13

Figures

Figure 1 Location of the Hillston Sun Farm location ......................................................................................... 2

Figure 2 Typical cross section of screening planting and surrounding features (site adjacent to Kidman Way) ............................................................................................................................................. 6

Figure 3 Screening planting location along Kidman Way .................................................................................. 7

Figure 4 Screening planting location along eastern boundary of Lot 9529 off Lachlan Valley Way ............ 8

Plates

Plate 1 View of Hillston Sun Farm site from Lot 9529 off Lachlan Valley Way, screening planting will be undertaken beyond the property boundary in the adjacent cropping land. ...................... 3

Plate 2 General location where screening planting will be undertaken adjacent to Kidman Way, looking north from the south-east corner of the sun farm. Set-backs will be provided to the existing 132kV power line that runs along the property boundary. .......................................... 4

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 1

1 Introduction

1.1 Background

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by Hillston Sun Farm Pty Ltd to prepare a landscaping plan to satisfy the visual screening requirements that may be required if glint and glare become an issue for the solar farm. The landscaping plan is a requirement of the project’s development consent. Hillston Sun Fun Pty Ltd is proposing to develop the Hillston Sun Farm, a large-scale solar photovoltaic generation facility and associated infrastructure within Carrathool Shire local government area, approximately 3.5 kilometres south of the township of Hillston (Figure 1).

As part of the approval process for the development, environmental conditions 8 and 9 under Schedule 3 of the Development Consent stipulate that the proponent must implement a landscaping plan to provide visual screening from adjacent properties and the Kidman Way, if glint and glare become an issue.

1.2 Scope

The landscaping plan scope includes:

A description of the site and measures required by conditions 8 and 9 to achieve visual screening.

A description of objectives of the visual screening, i.e. to minimise visual impact on surrounding areasand particular adjacent properties with reference to any setbacks from existing 132 kV power lineadjacent to Kidman Way.

A description of the location where visual screening is required in accordance with Appendix 1 of thedevelopment consent.

Specifications for screening planting design such as dimensions, layout, planting densities, fencing,species selection and likely growth rates to achieve the three year screening requirements.

Recommend locally native species, or non-local mallee species, for planting due to their lowmaintenance requirements.

A map(s) showing the location of screening plantings and setbacks from existing 132 kV power lineadjacent to Kidman Way (see Figure 1).

An implementation plan setting out steps to establish, maintain (e.g. weed management) and protectscreening plantings. The implementation plan also includes a table outlining managementresponsibilities and timing.

A monitoring and review framework with actions to address planting failures. This will assist inensuring the ongoing success of the screening plantings.

Discussions with relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Hillston

CARRATHOOLCARRATHOOL

The Springs Road

Lachla

n Valle

y Way

Kidma

n Way

MoreeBourke

Parkes

CanberraSydney

Wollongong

Albury

Ballina

Broken HillNewcastle

Acknowledgement: Topo (c) NSW Land and Property Information (2016); Overivew (c) State of NSW (c.2003)

Matter: 26762Date: 19 February 2018,Checked by: IM, Drawn by: SSK, Last edited by: mloobyLocation:\\bio-data-01\matters$\26700s\26762\Mapping\

LegendHillston Sun Farm9529 Lachlan Valley Way

Scale 1:30,000 @ A4, GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56

0 300 600 900 1,200

Metres ±Biosis Pty LtdAlbury, Ballarat, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong

Figure 1: Location of Hillston Sun Farm

confidentialLitsa Stavrakakis

amp.energyFeb 23, 2020 19:51

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2 Landscaping Plan

2.1 Site Description

Hillston Sun Farm Pty Ltd is proposing to develop Hillston Sun Farm located to the west of Kidman Way, approximately 3.5 kilometres south of Hillston. The development footprint covers approximately 300 hectares and borders a rural highway and farmland (Figure 1, Plate 1, Plate 2). A broader study area was assessed for the solar farm (as shown in Figure 1) but development will be restricted to the western side of the Kidman Way. The visual screening is potentially required along the boundary of the solar farm where it borders the Kidman Way and existing vegetation does not provide screening (Figure 3), and along the eastern boundary of Lot 9529 off Lachlan Valley Way (Figure 4).

The site is located within the Riverina Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) bioregion of south-western NSW, therefore the preferred vegetation for the visual screening will be locally native species that adhere to the revegetation guidelines for this bioregion (Kent et al. 2002). Previous assessments that Biosis has conducted at Hillston Sun Farm have determined three plant community types (PCTs) associated with the development area, including Belah/Black Oak – Western Rosewood – Wilga woodlands of central NSW including the Cobar Peneplain Bioregion, Black Box – Lignum woodland wetland of the inner floodplains in the semi-arid (warm) climate zone (mainly Riverina Bioregion and Murray Darling Depression Bioregion) and Black Box open woodland wetland with chenopod understorey mainly on the outer floodplains in south-western NSW (mainly Riverina Bioregion and Murray Darling Depression Bioregion). Plant species from these vegetation communities are naturally suited to local soil and climatic conditions, and are a logical choice for screening plantings.

Plate 1 View of Hillston Sun Farm site from Lot 9529 off Lachlan Valley Way, screening planting will be undertaken beyond the property boundary in the adjacent cropping land.


Plate 2 General location where screening planting will be undertaken adjacent to Kidman Way, looking north from the south-east corner of the sun farm. Set-backs will be provided to the existing 132kV power line that runs along the property boundary.


2.2 Objectives of Landscape Plan

Conditions 8 and 9 of Schedule 3 under the Development Consent require Hillston Sun Farm to establish and maintain a mature vegetation buffer along the length of the site on Kidman Way where there is no existing vegetation, if glint and glare from panels becomes an issue. In order to adhere to the conditions of the Development Consent, a suitable visual screen will be planted prior to the commencement of operations, be effective at screening the view of the solar panels and ancillary infrastructure on site from surrounding residences within three years of the commencement of construction, and be maintained weed-free. The vegetation buffer will need to be actively managed for up to five years from commencement of construction (i.e. site preparation, planting, plant replacement, watering, weed control, regular monitoring) to ensure establishment is effective. After five years the vegetation buffer will need to be maintained for the operational lifetime of the solar farm through occasional weed control, trimming and monitoring. Five years has been set as the most intensive management period as similar screening and shelterbelt plantings in rural landscapes generally reach a self-sustaining point over this period and then only require occasional maintenance.

The visual screening is designed to minimise any glare, reflectivity or night lighting from solar panels on surrounding residences, scenic or significant vistas and road corridors in the public domain. The visual screening will be 3 to 5 metres wide and a typical cross section is provided below in Figure 2.


Figure 2 Typical cross section of screening planting and surrounding features (site adjacent to Kidman Way)

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Hillston

Kidma

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Temora Roto Railway

© Department of Finance, Services & Innovation 2017

0 200 400 600 800 1,000

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LegendHillston Sun FarmPower line easementScreening planting

[\ Site entranceLot boundaries

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Biosis Pty LtdAlbury, Ballarat, Melbourne,

Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong

© Department of Finance,Services & Innovation 2017

Scale: 1:16,000 @ A3

Figure 3: Site map – KidmanWay, Hillston Sun Farm

Coord inate System: GDA 1994 M GA Zone 56

Acknowledgements: Basemap © Land and Property Information 2016




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Hillston

Lachlan

Valley

Way

Smith Road

LACHLAN RIVER

© Department of Finance, Services & Innovation 2017

0 150 300 450 600 750

Metres

Legend9529 Lachlan Valley WayScreening plantingHillston Sun Farm

±Matter: 26762Date: 19 February 2018, Checked by: IM, Drawn by: SSK, Last edited by: skumarLocation:P:\26700s\26762\Mapping\26762_F4_LV

Biosis Pty LtdAlbury, Ballarat, Melbourne,

Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong

Scale: 1:15,000 @ A3

Figure 4: Screening plantinglocation - 9529 LachlanValley Way

Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56

Acknowledgements: Basemap © Land and Property Information 2016




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2.3 Planting species list

Environmental condition 8b requires the vegetation buffer to ‘consist of vegetation species that facilitate the best possible outcome in terms of visual screening’. To respond to this requirement it is proposed to use locally indigenous vegetation species as they are considered to be best suited to local environmental conditions (soils and climate) and will have the best chance of establishing and providing effective screening over the three years from construction commencement. The list of species and planting densities presented in Table 1 are locally native, and are considered to provide the most robust and low maintenance option for establishing effective vegetation screening. The list has been compiled from observations of naturally occurring species with suitable growth forms, and from lists provided in Kent et al. (2002) specific to the Hillston area.

Table 1 Suggested indigenous species for landscape screening plantings

Scientific name Common name Height Spacing

Large-medium shrubs

Alectryon oleifolius subsp. canescens Rosewood 3-4 m 2-3 m apart

Acacia oswaldii Miljee 2-5 m 2-3 m apart

Apophyllum anomalum Warrior Bush 2-3 m 2-3 m apart

Pittosporum angustifolium Butterbush 2-4 m 2-3 m apart

Templetonia egena Desert Broombush 1-3 m 2-3 m apart

Atriplex nummularia Old man Saltbush 1-2 m 2-3 m apart

Chenopodium nitrariaceum Nitre Goosefoot 1-2 m 2-3 m apart

Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima Narrow-leaf Hop-bush 1-2 m 2-3 m apart

Eremophila longifolia Emu Bush 1-2 m 2-3 m apart

Olearia pimeleoides Pimelea Daisy-bush 1-2 m 2-3 m apart

Senna artemisioides Desert Cassia 1-2 m 2-3 m apart

Small shrubs

Atriplex eardleyae Small Saltbush 1 m 1-2 m apart

Maireana aphylla Cotton Bush 1 m 1-2 m apart

Maireana microphylla Small-leaf Bluebush 1 m 1-2 m apart

Rhagodia spinescens Thorny Saltbush 1 m 1-2 m apart

Ground Cover

Austrodanthonia caespitosa White-top 0.5 m 0.3-0.5 m apart

Atriplex semibaccata Creeping saltbush 0.3 m 0.3-0.5 m apart

Chloris truncata Windmill Grass 0.3 m 0.3-0.5 m apart

Dianella revoluta Spreading Flax-lily 0.3 m 0.3-0.5 m apart

Goodenia pusilliflora Small-flowered Goodenia 0.2 m 0.3-0.5 m apart


Scientific name Common name Height Spacing

Hyalosperma glutinosum Golden Sunray 0.2 m 0.3-0.5 m apart

Maireana lobiflora Lobed Bluebush 0.3 m 0.3-0.5 m apart

Swainsona murrayana Slender Darling Pea 0.3 m 0.3-0.5 m apart

Tetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand Spinach 0.2 m 0.3-0.5 m apart

Thyridolepis mitchelliana Mulga Grass 0.5 m 0.3-0.5 m apart


3 Implementation Plan

This section outlines the actions required for visual screening establishment, maintenance, monitoring, reporting and response to failure of establishment.

3.1 Outcome-based implementation

Establishment of the vegetation buffers will occur during the construction phase of the solar farm to achieve effective screening within three years of construction commencement. Construction is expected to take 12 months and this will be ample time for the construction site manager and contractors to prepare and plant the vegetation buffers. The intensive management period, required for up to the first five years from establishment, will run into the operational phase of the project and will be implemented by the site (operations) manager. Table 2 outlines an outcome-based approach based on three key stages of this Landscaping Plan:

Establishment during project construction

Intensive management during transition from project construction to operation

Maintenance during project operation.

The locations for screening plantings are shown in Figures 3 and 4, and these plantings should be 3 to 5 metres wide and planted at the densities set out in Table 1. Intensive management will occur over the first five years and then the vegetation buffer will be maintained to meet the screening objective for the life of the solar farm. In terms of acceptable growth rates, this is defined as visible growth, evidenced by photographic monitoring. Growth will be recorded across monitoring events allowing for calculation of growth rates, which will be reported to DPE (see Table 2).

3.2 Monitoring and contingencies

Monitoring will occur across all three stages of the Landscaping Plan to ensure establishment is successful, the three year screening goal is achieved, and the plantings remain effective at screening. The monitoring requirements against outcome-based success criteria/indicators and frequencies are outlined in Table 2 below. Monitoring will assist in responding to any management issues or establishment failures. Monitoring will also collect evidence on achievement of objectives of this Landscaping Plan, and the project’s environmental conditions, for reporting back to DPE and other regulatory agencies or stakeholders (see Section 3.4 below).

Where monitoring detects a management issue that requires action, this will be reported to the site or construction manager in the first instance and then changes to management or specific actions will be implemented. If the management issue is complex or considered beyond the control of the site manager (e.g. drought preventing plant establishment), remedial actions will be discussed with DPE and expert advice will be sought on alternative establishment measures.


3.3 Reporting

The constructions or site manager will supply a report to DPE every six months for the first two years of the screening establishment. This report will take the form of an email or short letter, and cover issues such as:

Establishment success and growth rates

Dated photographs of key issues and responses

Monitoring outcomes and contingencies implemented to address failures.


Table 2 Management actions, timeframes, responsibilities and monitoring

Project phase

Management actions

Task breakdown Responsibility Timeframe Success criteria / indicators

Monitoring frequency / reporting action

Contingency to address failure

OUTCOME TO BE ACHIEVED: 1. Establishment - Installation of visual screening

Cons

truc

tion

pha

se

1.1 Finalise planting list and order plants

Consult with local native plant nursery and place order based on desired planting list and densities (see Table1)

Site (construction) manager

Six months prior to planting

Order is placed well in advance of planting to ensure appropriate species can be obtained

Retain evidence of plant order and include in six monthly report to DPE

Contact nursery monthly to check on order progress

If local indigenous nursery does not stock appropriate species, then contact other nurseries in the Riverina or investigate seed collection and propagation options.

1.2 Ripping Vehicles should attend a local wash-down facility to ensure all vehicles are weed, soil and weed-seed free prior to entering the site (see Biodiversity Management Plan Actions 5.1-5.4 for detail). Contact Dial Before You Dig to check for underground services in areas to be ripped Mark-out and rip planting lines (300-500 mm deep) while soil is hard to achieve a ‘deep shatter’

Site (construction) manager and revegetation contractor / farmer

Well prior to planting in late summer or early autumn, before autumn break or significant rainfall

Rip lines established at desired depth and planting densities (Table 1)

Immediately after ripping inspect depth and effectiveness of rip lines

Take photos of rip lines and include in six monthly report to DPE

If appropriate, retain contractor invoices as evidence of works and include in six monthly report to DPE

If rip lines are ineffective have contractor repeat ripping as necessary

If weather conditions mean effective soil shatter cannot be achieved then consider hand or mechanical digging of planting holes


Project phase

Management actions




1.3 Fencing installation

Mark-out and fence boundaries with livestock proof fencing and install gates for maintenance and access (Figure 3).

Site (construction) manager and fencing contractor

Prior to planting Livestock proof fencing installed and functional with appropriate access for maintenance.

During and immediately after fencing inspect locations and appropriateness of installation

Take photos of fencing and include in six monthly report to DPE


If fencing is not to appropriate location or livestock proof standards have fencing contractor remediate any issues.

1.4 Weed spraying (pre-planting)

Broad acre spraying of annual grasses and weeds within proposed planting areas following relevant herbicide application standards and procedures. See Biodiversity Management Plan Actions 5.1-5.4 for detail.

Site (construction) manager and weed / pest contractor

4-6 weeks prior to planting, after autumn break.

Reduction in live weed cover by 90%.

Within 14 days of spraying (herbicide activation period) inspect the site for kill effectiveness

Take photos of weed spraying effects and include in six monthly report to DPE


If first weed spraying is not considered effective after 14 days then repeat spraying to achieve 90% weed cover reduction


Project phase

Management actions




1.5 Pest animal control (pre-planting)

Inspect the site for any rabbit warrens and treat as necessary by physical or chemical means


Prior to planting No evidence of rabbits / hares present in planting areas and no evidence of damage to plantings

Monitor site weekly during establishment period for evidence of pest animals (scats, diggings)

Take photos of pest control works and effects, and include in six monthly report to DPE


If pest animals that pose a serious threat to planting establishment cannot be effective controlled then consider intensive further pest control, or additional fencing and guarding of plantings.

1.6 Planting Plant species at recommended densities along Lot 9529 boundary and adjacent to Kidman Way as per Figures 3 & 4

Site (construction) manager and revegetation contractor

Planting and guarding to take place in winter

Vegetation successfully planted and guarded.

During and immediately after planting and guarding inspect locations and appropriateness of works

Inspect plantings every twodays for the first two weeks for signs of pest animal damage

Take photos of initial planting and include in six monthly report to DPE


If condition are too dryfor planting (e.g. declared drought) then consider postponing till after effective rainfall or watering plantings through their first winter-spring period.

If standard tree guarding is not effective then undertake additional fencing and guarding of plantings use 1.5 m tall guards / netting.

1.7 Guarding Stake and guard all plantings with standard tree guards, these may need to be vermin proof and kangaroo proof.


Project phase

Management actions




OUTCOME TO BE ACHIEVED:2. Effective screening during intensive management period

Cons

truc

tion

/ O

pera

tion

al p

hase

2.1 Achievement of satisfactory growth rates and effective screening (monitoring during intensive management period)

Establish 3-5 repeatable photo monitoring points in / near each screening site to demonstrate growth rates and screening effectiveness Measure growth rates of plantings and report to DPE


Measure plant growth and take photos every three months for first two years, or after this period depending on planting success (up to five years)

Satisfactory growth is occurring in variable semi-arid climate as per desired heights in Table 1 Photos are taken and catalogued

Every three months document planting success (i.e. which species grow best) and plant heights from a 10% sample of the planting area across the various growth forms and compile into six monthly report for DPE

Collate and review repeated photo point monitoring and compile into six monthly report for DPE

If plant deaths occur or growth rates are unacceptable use monitoring results to determine which species are performing best and use these species for any replacement plantings to achieve effective screening (see infill planting process below)

2.2 Watering during intensive management period

Water juvenile plants to ensure establishment

Site (construction) manager and/or revegetation contractor

Weekly watering (or as required) over the three months following planting, or beyond this period if drought condition prevail

95% survival rate for planted vegetation following three months of watering

Use regular monitoring of planting site to determine if watering is required (e.g. signs of drought stress, plant wilting early in the day, local soil moisture levels based on effective rainfall at Hillston weather station

Document each watering event and include in six monthly report to DPE

Watering is a measure to assist plant survival, if water is unavailable due to severe drought conditions then contact DPE to discuss contingencies for screening plantings


Project phase

Management actions




2.3 Weed spraying during intensive management period

Spot spray along planting zones to control any weeds that establish (see weed list in Section 3.4) See Biodiversity Management Plan Actions 5.1-5.4 for detail.

Site (construction) manager and weed contractor

Spray monthly for the first 12 months (or as seasonal conditions allow), then quarterly for five years or when canopy establishes to shade out weeds

Visual screening area is 95% native vegetation

Within 14 days of maintenance spraying (herbicide activation period) inspect the site for kill effectiveness

Take photos of weed spraying effects and use native plant growth rate monitoring todemonstrate success and report to DPE


If first weed spraying is not considered effective after 14 days then repeat spraying

2.4 Pest animal control during intensive management period

Inspect the site for any rabbit warrens and treat as necessary by physical or chemical means (warren ripping, baiting, shooting). Inspect for evidence of other pests such as pigs, hares and foxes, or native herbivores such as kangaroos. If present treat as necessary by physical or chemical means (additional fencing for kangaroos, baiting and shooting or pigs, hares)


Three times annually for first five years

No evidence of rabbits, foxes, pigs or hare present in planting areas and no evidence of damage to plantings

Use regular monitoring of planting site to determine if pest animal control is required, or effective based on signs (e.g. scats, diggings) and/or physical damage to plantings

If appropriate, retain contractor invoices as evidence of pest animal control works and include in six monthly report to DPE

If fencing, tree guarding and pest control has not been effective then undertake additional fencing and guarding of plantings use 1.5 m tall guards / netting, or implement a more intensive pest control program.


Project phase

Management actions




2.5 Infill planting Replace any dead plants with new stock of the species that are growing most successfully


Plant new plants in winter.

Failed plantings identified and replaced with new stock to achieve 95% survival rate

See above for monitoring frequency and process for planting site success and growth rates

If plant deaths above 5% occur or growth rates are unacceptable use monitoring results to determine which species are performing best and use these species for any replacement plantings to achieve effective screening

2.6 Monitoring of fences during intensive management period

Monitor fence condition Site (construction) manager

Quarterly over three years following installation or up to five years depending on success

Fences and gates are in good working order and are effective at excluding livestock, or pest animals

Take photos of fence condition and include in six monthly report to DPE

If appropriate, retain contractor invoices for fence repairs and include in six monthly report to DPE

If fencing requires repair then undertake works or engage fencing contractor toremediate any issues.


Project phase

Management actions




OUTCOME TO BE ACHIEVED: 3. Ongoing maintenance of effective screening

Ope

rati

onal

pha

se

3.1 Weed spraying during maintenance period

Spot spray along planting zones to control any weeds that establish (see weed list in Section 3.4) See Biodiversity Management Plan Actions 5.1-5.4 for detail.

Site manager and weed contractor

Spray twice annually as seasonal conditions allow or in response to particular weed issues that arise

Visual screening area is 95% native vegetation

Within 14 days of maintenance spraying (herbicide activation period) inspect the site for kill effectiveness

If first weed spraying is not considered effective after 14 days then repeat spraying

3.2 Pest animal control during maintenance period

Inspect the site for any rabbit warrens and treat as necessary by physical or chemical means (warren ripping, baiting, shooting). Inspect for evidence of other pests such as pigs, hares and foxes, or native herbivores such as kangaroos. If present treat as necessary by physical or chemical means (additional fencing for kangaroos, baiting and shooting or pigs, hares)

Site manager and weed / pest contractor

Inspect three times annually or as pest animal issues arise

No evidence of rabbits, foxes, pigs or hare present in planting areas and no evidence of damage to mature plants

Use monitoring of planting site to determine if pest animal control is required, or effective based on signs (e.g. scats, diggings) and/or physical damage to plantings

If standard fencing, tree guarding and pest control has not been effective then implement a more intensive pest control program.


Project phase

Management actions




3.3 Monitoring of fences during maintenance period

Monitor fence condition Site manager Inspect quarterly Fences and gates are in good working order and are effective at excluding livestock, or pest animals

Quarterly If fencing requires repair then undertake works or engage fencing contractor toremediate any issues.

3.4 Planted vegetation maintenance and trimming

If planted vegetation interferes with public or private infrastructure / assets then undertaken trimming to relevant industry standards

Site manager Inspect annually Screening effectiveness is maintained and infrastructure / assets are protected

Annually Not applicable


3.4 Pest plant and animal management

Management of weeds and pests will be required prior to the establishment of plantings and during maintenance to ensure these areas establish successfully, remain effective and do not become harbour for weeds and vermin. This is outlined in Table 2 above. Weed control methods will be selected to ensure that screening plantings are not subjected to off-target impacts, and that adjacent agricultural land, crops or residents are not negatively impacted.

Pest management will focus on the following species actions:

Removal of any rabbit warrens as part of site preparation and ongoing surveillance and rabbitcontrol.

If native herbivores such as kangaroos or Emus become an issue, consider additional tree guardingwith higher guards up to 1.5 metres.

Spraying of annual grasses and weeds with a broad-spectrum knock down herbicide at least fourweeks prior to ripping and planting. A second application closer to planting may be required. If non-chemical means are preferred then scrapping of the topsoil may be required to remove weed coverprior to planting.

Spot spraying of high threat weeds. These are weeds likely to inhibit native plant growth, cause issuesto adjacent productive land and to become established in screening plantings. Species include but arenot limited to:

– Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn

– Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle

– Centaurea melitensis Maltese Cockspur

– Conyza bonariensis Fleabane

– Echium plantagineum Patterson's Curse

– Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce

– Limonium lobatum Winged Sea Lavender

– Malva parviflora Small-flowered Mallow

– Onopordum acaulon Stemless Thistle

– Psilocaulon tenue Wiry Noon-flower

– Sisymbrium erysimoides Smooth Mustard

– Solanum nigrum Blackberry Nightshade

– Rapistrum rugosum Turnip Weed

– Marrubium vulgare White Horehound

– Avena fatua Wild Oats

– Emex australis Spiny Emex.


4 Consultation

4.1 Consultation with relevant stakeholders

To produce a suitable species list and implementation plan for the visual screen, Hillston Sun Farm has consulted with a number of stakeholders including Roads and Maritime Services, the Office of Environment and Heritage, Carrathool Shire Council and owners of Lot 1 DP581150 (Lot 9529 off Lachlan Valley Way) as per the conditions of consent for development.

The results of consultation are attached to this plan (Appendix 1).


5 References

Kent, K., Earl, G. Mullins, B., Lunt I., and Webster, R. 2002. Native vegetation guide for the Riverina: notes for land managers on its management and revegetation. Published by the Johnstone Centre, Charles Sturt University.


Appendix 1 – Consultation

Friday, June 8, 2018 at 11:25:10 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time

Page 1 of 4

Subject: RE: Hillston Solar Farm - Landscaping PlanDate: Thursday, 31 May 2018 at 11:59:17 am Australian Eastern Standard TimeFrom: MORGAN Maurice WTo: John Zammit

John

The contents of the email below appears consistent with the outcome of our discussions last week.

Based on the commitments of the email below to undertaking landscaping works to the satisfaction of Roads and MaritimeServices, if deemed necessary following inspection of the finished development, Roads and Maritime Services would raiseno objection to the landscaping plan as submitted.

Regards

Maurice MorganManager Land UseRegional & FreightT 02 6923 6611 M 0428 471 824www.rms.nsw.gov.au

Every journey matters

Roads and Maritime Services193-195 Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

From: John Zammit [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, 28 May 2018 2:18 PMTo: MORGAN Maurice WCc: Brett ThomasSubject: Re: Hillston Solar Farm - Landscaping Plan

Hi Maurice,

Thanks for your Pme last Friday aQernoon.

From our discussion, we understand that your principal concerns are for vehicle traffic travelling north onKidman Way and the possible impact of glint, glare and distracPon to drivers. As we outlined on behalf of Hillston Sun Farm Pty Ltd (Hillston), the project proponent, the solar farm willuPlise east west tracking PV module system aligned on approximately north-south tracking rows. Thissystem is designed to permit the solar modules to track the path of the sun rather than be located at afixed Plt angle. In addiPon, the modules are designed to absorb solar rays and are treated with anP-glarematerials to maximise such absorpPon. We believe that the implementaPon of the Landscape Management Plan as required under the projectconsent condiPons plus the inclusion of perimeter fencing around the solar farm and the set back of themodule systems from the fencing within the project site will collecPvely be adequate to miPgate anyvisual impacts to acceptable levels. We understand that the existence of large scale solar generaPon faciliPes in the rural landscape are notcommon at this Pme and hence commit to the implementaPon of the Landscape Management Plan,fencing and setbacks as outline above and a post construcPon visual assessment by RMS of theproject once construcPon is completed in relaPon to visual impacts on traffic movements . Following thepost construcPon assessment, we commit to developing further acPons or providing further informaPonto RMS as may be reasonably required, consistent with the intenPon of the development consent andRMS response to the development applicaPon and EIS.

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/

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RegardsJohn

John Zammit I Senior Development Manager I OVERLAND Sun Farming

M +61 433 293 42723 Milton Parade Malvern VIC 3144www.overlandsunfarming.com.au

From: MORGAN Maurice W <[email protected]>Date: Tuesday, 8 May 2018 at 5:07 pmTo: John Zammit <[email protected]>Cc: Development South West <[email protected]>Subject: FW: Hillston Solar Farm - Landscaping Plan

John

Thank you for the additional detailed supplied by email attached.

From the plans provided it appears that the proposed location of the landscaped strip within the subject property alonghighway, when established, would address the visual concerns for motorists on the Kidman Way with the exception ofnorthbound traffic view to the southern most corner of the site and the first part of the boundary running in a north westerlydirection. The

Please note that Roads and Maritime Services will not comment on the species of plants and that this is to be determined bythe applicant with advice from appropriately qualified persons. Notwithstanding this the vegetated buffer should beestablished and maintained within the subject property and be at least 5 metres in width planted with a variety of quickgrowing species endemic to the area growing to a mature height ranging from 2 metres to at least 5 metres.

I trust this addresses your request.

Regards

Maurice MorganManager Land UseRegional & FreightT 02 6923 6611 M 0428 471 824www.rms.nsw.gov.au

Every journey matters

Roads and Maritime Services193-195 Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

From: John Zammit [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, 27 April 2018 12:35 PMTo: Development South West; MORGAN Maurice WSubject: Hillston Solar Farm - Landscaping Plan

Hi Maurice,

http://www.overlandsunfarming.com.au/

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/

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Under condiPon 9 of the Hillston Sun Farm Development Consent we are RMS’ feedback (if any) on theahached Landscaping Plan proposed for the project. If possible could you please provide any feedback via email by Wednesday the 9th of May. RegardsJohn

John Zammit I Senior Development Manager I OVERLAND Sun Farming

M +61 433 293 42723 Milton Parade Malvern VIC 3144www.overlandsunfarming.com.au Notice : This email and any file attachments are confidential and intended solely for the useof the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email inerror please tell us immediately by return email and delete the document.

Before printing, please consider the environment

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This email and any attachment to it are intended only to be read or used by the named addressee. It is confidential andmay contain legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistaken transmission to you. Roads andMaritime Services is not responsible for any unauthorised alterations to this email or attachment to it. Views expressed in this message are thoseof the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of Roads and Maritime Services. If you receive this email in error, please immediatelydelete it from your system and notify the sender. You must not disclose, copy or use any part of this email if you are not the intended recipient.

Notice : This email and any file attachments are confidential and intended solely for the useof the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email inerror please tell us immediately by return email and delete the document.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: This email and any attachment to it are intended only to be read or used by the named addressee. It is confidential andmay contain legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistaken transmission to you. Roads andMaritime Services is not responsible for any unauthorised alterations to this email or attachment to it. Views expressed in this message are thoseof the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of Roads and Maritime Services. If you receive this email in error, please immediatelydelete it from your system and notify the sender. You must not disclose, copy or use any part of this email if you are not the intended recipient.

Notice : This email and any file attachments are confidential and intended solely for the useof the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email inerror please tell us immediately by return email and delete the document.


http://www.overlandsunfarming.com.au/

of 4


IMPORTANT NOTICE: This email and any attachment to it are intended only to be read or used by the named addressee. It is confidential and may containlegally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistaken transmission to you. Roads and Maritime Services is not responsiblefor any unauthorised alterations to this email or attachment to it. Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily theviews of Roads and Maritime Services. If you receive this email in error, please immediately delete it from your system and notify the sender. You must notdisclose, copy or use any part of this email if you are not the intended recipient.

CONSULTATION LOG – LOT 1 DP581150

Phone call -28/04/2017 Opportunity to Introduce the project and information regarding the proposed timelines, EIS & provide dates for the community information session. Email address provided to send project correspondence including the fact sheet and information regarding the community information session.

Project Community Information Session - 03/05/2017 Opportunity to discuss the project with members of the Hillston Community

Site Visit – 10/05/2017 Representative from planning consultant EMM visited the property to take photos for a visual analysis and photomontages

Email – 10/06/2017 Provide copies of the photomontage and project plan

Phone call - 19/06/2017 Proponent & property owners verbally agree on vegetation screening along the edge of the property as currently described in the plans within the Landscape Management Plan

Phone call - 21/03/2018 Provide an update on the progress of the Landscape Management Plan to the property owners

Email - 19/04/2018 Provide a copy of the Landscape Management Plan to the property owners

Phone call - 21/05/2018 Property owners are concerned that establishing vegetation where previously agreed may increase the amount of snakes that are present on the property during summer. Proponent offered to replace vegetation with a fencing screen as an alternative to planted vegetation or to plant canopy screening without understory.

The property owners are undecided on the best outcome and the proponent has offered to establish screening as detailed in the Landscape Management Plan once the solar farm is constructed so the property owners can assess these options once established.

1

Matt Looby

From: Stephen Shoesmith <[email protected]> Date: Thursday, 31 May 2018 at 2:44 pm To: John Zammit <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Hillston Solar Farm ‐ Landscaping Plan

Hi John

Comments include:

Figure 4 (p8)

Legend is incorrect.

Inset should have boundary of proposal to avoid confusion about the location of 9529 Lachlan Way.

Blue lines on all maps are not explained and possibly not necessary.

2.3 Planting species list

Plant species list is appropriate.

OEH recommend not using non‐indigenous species as mentioned in the text (p9)

Table 2 ‘Ripping’ (p12)

Suggest including vehicle hygiene measures for preventing weed establishment, especially if vehicles are off‐site contractors.

‘..Satisfactory growth rates…” (p15, 1st point)

Confirm that unacceptable mortality is 5% to be consistent with 95% success mentioned in ‘Infill planting’ on p17?

How are acceptable growth rates determined?

‘Vegetation maintenance and trimming’ (p19 last point)

refer to planted vegetation in action and task columns.

All weed control and monitoring actions (p13, 16 and 18)

Link to Biodiversity Management Plan actions 5.1 – 5.4.

General comments:

Cross‐referencing actions between plans and into the CEMP/OEMP would be easier if each action was individually numbered in the plan.

Suggest linking monitoring with the monitoring program provided as Table 3 (p18) in the Biodiversity Management Plan, unless the proponent has a process for consolidating actions across the various plans.

amp.energy

landscaping plan for hillston sun farm

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