Those who attended the recent community drop-in session in Tumut were treated to an artist’s impression of the proposed Bondo Wind Farm. If you squint, turbines are discernible on the horizon. Image: Neoen Australia.
Locals in Tumut have been given a first glimpse of what could become one of the state’s most significant renewable energy developments, with Neoen Australia unveiling an initial artist’s impression of the proposed Bondo Wind Farm during a recent community consultation session.
Held earlier this month at Neoen’s Fitzroy Street office, the event marked a key moment in the early development of the project, which could see up to 154 wind turbines installed across Bondo State Forest — roughly 20 km east of the thriving Snowy Valleys town.
The area, currently a softwood plantation managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW, has been earmarked as ideal for renewable energy thanks to strong wind resources, access to existing road infrastructure and three nearby transmission lines.
Residents were offered a chance to view renderings of the turbines as they might appear from Tumut Lookout at 9 am and 3 pm, showing how the structures could blend into the landscape under different light conditions.
The images are part of Neoen’s broader effort to be upfront about the project’s visual footprint in an area that falls within the boundaries of three NSW local government areas including Snowy Valleys Council, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council and Yass Valley Council.
Neoen’s state development leader Emily Walker made it clear to attendees the current layout was far from final.
“This is just one iteration,” she said. “We’re still in the investigation stage, working through extensive environmental and technical studies. The community’s feedback is going to be a big part of shaping what this ultimately looks like.”
And the community did show up. A steady stream of locals made their way through the consultation space, asking questions, offering thoughts, and in some cases, raising concerns.
Noise, visual impact and local biodiversity were among the top issues discussed, alongside the broader question of what the project could mean for the town’s future.
The preliminary turbine layout of Bondo Wind Farm. Image: Neoen Australia.
In response, Neoen pointed to its community benefit-sharing program — a long-term initiative which, if the project is approved, would see a portion of revenue funnelled back into the region over the life of the wind farm.
It says the community program could support infrastructure upgrades, education, health services, cultural projects and environmental initiatives.
There’s even talk of commissioning a large-scale public artwork, co-designed with local artists to reflect the region’s unique heritage, to be painted on one of the turbines.
Ms Walker said no development would occur in native forests — only in plantation zones — allowing existing forestry operations to continue.
In the meantime, detailed assessments are ongoing, including surveys of local flora and fauna, cultural heritage studies and noise impact modelling.
As part of the early-stage groundwork, Neoen has planned to install four 180-metre meteorological masts at key locations within the Bondo plantation.
These temporary structures, which would need council approval, would collect wind and ecological data and could also serve a secondary function as wildfire detection platforms, using automated cameras to spot potential fires before they spread.
Ms Walker said the economic implications of the wind farm project were significant, with construction alone expected to bring a surge of activity to the region; contractors, suppliers, and support services all stand to benefit.
Long-term, the operational phase would generate jobs in maintenance, monitoring, and logistics, while also supporting local business through indirect demand, she said.
The wind farm, if approved, is still a few years away from construction but Neoen is planning to submit a scoping report to the NSW Government in May, followed by a full development application in the third quarter of 2026.
Approval is anticipated by late 2027, with construction slated for early 2029.
The Neoen pop-up project office is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, giving locals further access to information and the chance to speak with project representatives in a more casual setting.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
