INTRODUCTION

 

The Baw Baw Sustainability Network (BBSN) is an independent, not for profit, volunteer-driven community group striving to take action on climate change and be a leader on sustainable living in West Gippsland.

Background: Big Battery in Darnum: What Does It Mean for Baw Baw? 

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On Thursday 25 September 2025 BBSN hosted a community information night in Yarragon attended by approximately seventy community members. The aim of the forum was to to facilitate a conversation and gather more information on the proposed Darnum BESS by Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia Ltd (SREA) at Darnum-Shady Creek Rd Shady Creek. If approved, the Project would involve the construction, operation and decommissioning of a BESS and associated infrastructure with a 200 MW active power capacity and a 800 MWh battery storage capacity.  Decommissioning means removal of plant but refurbishment or repowering may be considered.

 

SREA representatives were scheduled to attend the forum, to answer questions, however, withdrew from the event.

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Ian Hill, a retired electrical engineer with 46 yrs of experience in the power industry, shared with BBSN and forum participants the research that he has undertaken on Battery Energy Storage Systems.

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BBSN heard from the community that there is an urgent need for more transparency from SREA in relation to the planning, design, construction and operation of a BESS in Shady Creek. Community questions, concerns and ideas, along with BBSN vision and values, have shaped this position statement.

 

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BBSN POSITION STATEMENT

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BBSN recognises the role that Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) play in the renewable energy mix for electricity transition in Australia. 

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As with all energy infrastructure developments impacting our region, BBSN firmly believes that BESS projects must be evidence informed, planned and coordinated, transparent, undertaken with respect for the local communities and the environment, and generate long term local benefits.

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All project developers must fully comply with the guidelines of VicGrid and other legal authorities such as EPA.

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Accessible processes and information must be provided by BESS proponents that support the following:

 

Community engagement and information provision

• BESS proponents must undertake meaningful community engagement in all stages, from planning through to delivery, to ensure that communities understand what is being proposed and can have a say in local implications, including risks and benefits. 

• Information on the following must be publicly available in a format that is easy to understand and facilitates understanding of the

  • proposed site activity

  • technology and infrastructure specifications

  • relevant standards, guidelines and legislation

  • operational requirements 

  • Communities and residents, particularly those directly impacted by decisions, must

  • be engaged with early and in an ongoing manner

  • have access to ongoing, accurate and independent information from a reliable source

  • be given genuine opportunities to share ideas, concerns and opportunities

  • be supported to participate in decision-making

  • where possible, be involved in designing solutions that ensure positive local outcomes

  • have access to a timely complaints management and dispute resolution process

• Due diligence assessments should be undertaken to determine potential risks and impacts, and the findings of these assessments made publicly available in a timely, accurate and easy to understand manner.

Traditional Owner engagement and respect for First Nations cultural heritage 

• BESS proponents must recognise and respectfully engage with Traditional Owners at all stages of the project. 

• Traditional Owner perspectives and rights must be embedded in planning, design, construction and ongoing management. 

• Projects must work with Traditional Owners to determine any impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage or archaeological sensitive landscapes, and whether further approvals or assessments are required. 

Rationale for Location/Site selection

• Clear evidence must be provided to justify site selection, including:

  • rationale as to why any BESS project is being proposed outside a designated Renewable Energy Zone

  • why land other than that zoned for industrial use is being proposed

  • An agricultural impact assessment should be undertaken to determine the use and value of the land and possible impacts.

  • Sensitive or high-risk areas such as floodplains, bushfire-prone zones, or sites of ecological, cultural or heritage significance must be avoided. 

  • Local land-use planning must be respected. 

Protection and Prioritisation of Local Water Resources

• BESS proponents must demonstrate how they will ensure a secure water supply for all stages of the project and manage any impacted local water resources responsibly

• Contemporary local data and intelligence on water assets must be used to develop publicly available strategies for the prevention of water contamination and the depletion of surface or groundwater resources during construction, operation, decommissioning or emergency events. 

Protection of the Natural Environment

• Local biodiversity, native vegetation, and wildlife corridors must be protected. 

• BESS proponents must clearly demonstrate that they understand the unique ecological features of the area and how habitat disturbance will be minimised in all stages of the project. This includes addressing light pollution risks that may affect nocturnal animals, disrupt seasonal cycles or alter native animal activity patterns

• Where there is an impact on the natural environment there must be genuine minimisation and restoration efforts to offset this.

Managing Fire and Chemical Exposure Risk

• BESS proponents must have robust, publicly available fire and chemical exposure safety plans that are developed, regularly reviewed and updated in consultation with local emergency services and other relevant experts. 

• Site specific safety and emergency systems, such as early detection and fire suppression systems, along with training and monitoring must be in place. 

Health & Wellbeing Impacts

• BESS proponents must listen to and address the concerns of residents in relation to factors that have the potential to cause harm or psychological distress. 

• Independent assessments should be undertaken to identify potential noise and vibration impacts during construction and operation. 

• Projects must include design features that minimise noise pollution, light pollution and other factors that could impact community health and wellbeing. 

Impact on Roads, Access and Traffic

• BESS proponents must communicate how safety, risk and disruption associated with any change in volume, nature or flow of traffic during the construction phase will be managed, including potential for road damage and disruption to rural amenity.

Ongoing Site Management and Future Planning 

• BESS proponents must make publicly available the long-term management plan for the site that include fire safety, vegetation control, waste management, and decommissioning processes to ensure the site remains safe and environmentally sound throughout its life cycle. 

• BESS proponents must be transparent when it comes to plans for the future operations of the site, including planned or known decisions to either sell the BESS infrastructure, undertake any future expansion or change the site activity

Community Benefits

• BESS proponents must work alongside the local community to design initiatives that deliver immediate and long term benefits to the community.

• Near neighbours will be given additional consideration.

• The advantage of a community consultation group will be considered and discussed with the community.

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Further Information:

Community Power Agency https://cpagency.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Regional-benefit-sharing-paper-2023-1.pdf

 

Community Power Agency feedback on the Australian Energy and Infrastructure Commissioners Community Engagement Review, Sept 2023, 

https://cpagency.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Community-Power-Agency-submission-to-AEIC-Community-Engagement-Review-1-1.pdf

 

https://engage.vic.gov.au/victorian-access-regime See section 'draft community engagement and social value guidelines'.