As residents of Kangaroo Valley,  we call on everyone who cherishes this remarkable Valley to stand with us in opposing AGL’s proposal to construct a 35 acre lithium battery energy storage facility (BESS)  in the heart of our peaceful rural community.

At the heart of our protest is a simple principle: renewable energy matters, but location matters too. We support clean energy, but not at the cost of community safety, environmental integrity, and the destruction of natural environments. We urge AGL to pursue alternative sites that do not compromise the Valley or its residents.

Despite the enormous scale and industrial nature of this project;  which would contain approximately 200 shipping container sized high capacity battery units, residents living beside the proposed site have not been properly consulted, and the broader community remains largely unaware of the profound and irreversible impacts this development would have on our environment, safety and way of life. Despite inferences made to date, this proposal is NOT for a Community Battery.

AGL’s plan includes not only the vast battery installation but also the possibility of 40 m high electricity pylons or extensive underground tunnelling to connect the site to the grid. The original justification used by those lobbying for this location was its proximity to existing transmission lines but this has since been undermined, as  AGL themselves have said TransGrid will not allow them to use these lines.  This raises serious questions about the transparency and credibility of the site selection process.

For a project deemed to be of  "State Significance," the absence of  clear communication is unacceptable. It is unjust to impose such a burden on residents  in such a sensitive location, when there is no tangible benefit to the local community.

Kangaroo Valley is an area of outstanding natural beauty; to live here is a privilege and with that comes a responsibility to protect it. Our key concerns include:

Increased Bushfire Risk

This project would place a high risk industrial facility in a bushfire sensitive area where residents are still recovering from the devastating Currowan fire that ravaged this area. The proposed site sits on the only evacuation route out of the area, endangering lives and jeopardising residents’ ability to secure home insurance.

Threats to Wildlife and Biodiversity

The proposed infrastructure would endanger the diverse wildlife that makes this region unique, including  glossy black cockatoos, wombats, brush tailed rock wallabies, echidnas, lyrebirds, rare frogs and plants, and even platypuses that inhabit the area.

Loss of Rural Tranquility and Economic Harm to Local Businesses and Residents

Such a development is entirely incompatible with the quiet, rural character of the Valley. Continuous noise and light pollution threaten to diminish property values and undermine local businesses that rely on the Valley’s natural beauty and reputation as a pristine natural environment to attract visitors;  such as  those wishing to engage in rural pursuits, camping, and using the many beautiful  venues for which the serenity of the area is key.

We call on all who value rural communities, environmental protection, and corporate accountability to add their voice - say No to a  Battery Energy Storage System in this location. By signing this petition, you can help protect the landscape, wildlife, and community spirit that make Kangaroo Valley so precious.

Please stand with us. Help ensure that this treasured Valley is safeguarded for future generations.  Once our beautiful environment has been damaged in this way,  it will be irreversibly changed forever. Thank you for your support.