Regional NSW Mayor Slams Wind Farm Proposal, Cites Farmers’ Economic and Mental Strain

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A regional New South Wales (NSW) mayor has fiercely criticized a proposed wind farm, warning it could devastate local farmers already pushed to their financial and mental limits. The project, part of the state’s renewable energy push, has sparked outrage over its economic impact on agricultural communities, threatening land values and livelihoods while offering limited benefits to locals.

The Bendenine Wind Farm, proposed near Yass, has ignited fears of a 30% drop in land values, a blow to farmers whose wealth is tied to their properties. At a community meeting in Binalong in May 2025, residents voiced their anger, with one stating, “Our entire wealth is in the land. If that’s stripped from us while a few profit, it’s no wonder there’s so much resentment” (The Land, 2025). The project threatens prime agricultural land, vital for food and wool production, which locals argue is being sacrificed for renewable energy goals. The economic ripple effect could disrupt the region’s role as a key supplier of sustainable products like wool, undermining Australia’s agricultural backbone.

Farmers are also frustrated by the lack of transparency and consultation. The NSW Farmers’ Association has slammed the government’s approach, with Valley Alliance’s Tim White calling their renewable energy guide “a public relations tool” that fails to address landholder rights (The Land, 2025). The absence of clear state energy policies has fueled uncertainty, allowing misinformation to spread and deepening community distrust. Meanwhile, wind farm developers stand to gain millions, with host farmers potentially earning thousands per turbine annually, creating a divide between those who benefit and those who face economic loss.

The mayor’s plea highlights a broader issue: the rushed transition to renewables is straining rural economies. While the NSW government aims for 50% renewable energy by 2030, projects like Bendenine risk alienating communities by prioritizing green targets over economic stability. Without fair compensation or robust engagement, farmers face declining property values and disrupted livelihoods. The mayor’s stark warning—“our hearts are breaking”—reflects a community on the edge, urging policymakers to balance renewable ambitions with the economic realities of regional NSW.