A legal challenge is underway in New South Wales as a prominent landowner opposes the development of a large-scale wind farm bordering his property, raising concerns about the social and environmental impacts associated with renewable energy infrastructure.

Marshall Baillieu, Australia chief of Rothschild & Co and a member of the Melbourne establishment family connected to former Victorian premier Ted Baillieu, has launched an appeal against the approval of the $1.7 billion Valley of the Winds wind farm. The project, proposed by Philippines-based Acen Renewables, was approved last year by the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) and awarded federal backing under the $70 billion Capacity Investment Scheme. It envisions up to 131 turbines, each with a tip height of 250 meters, across three sites in the Central West Orana renewable energy zone near Coolah, about 90 kilometers northeast of Dubbo.

Mr Baillieu’s opposition centers on the project’s proximity to Tongy Station, his 5,400-hectare cropping and grazing property, which is often described as among the finest in NSW and has been in his family since 1925. He contends the turbines' visual presence on ridge lines would significantly degrade the scenic and rural character of the area, describing the scale and industrial nature of the development as incompatible with the surrounding landscape. His appeal also raises concerns about potential noise and vibrations, shadow flicker from turbine blades, impacts on two threatened bat species, risks to aerial firefighting operations, and the turbines’ closeness to an airstrip used for agricultural purposes.

A notable aspect of the case is the introduction of “solastalgia,” a term coined by environmental philosopher Glenn Albrecht, to describe the psychological distress caused by environmental change to a beloved place. The legal submission argues that residents with deep personal, historical, or occupational ties to the area are likely to experience this form of distress due to the anticipated transformation of their environment. Mr Baillieu claims the industrialization of the landscape will disrupt local residents’ sense of identity and connection to place.

Mr Albrecht, who gave evidence in a previous successful challenge against mine expansion in the Hunter Valley, is expected to provide expert testimony in the current case. He acknowledges his support for renewable energy but stresses the need for better recognition of the social impacts on communities affected by such developments. He warns against sacrificing individuals for a perceived “common good” without adequately addressing their wellbeing.

The legal challenge comes amid growing tensions in regional NSW, where multiple renewable energy, storage, and transmission projects are advancing, sometimes within close proximity to one another. Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar recently cautioned the government about the unprecedented strain these projects place on rural communities, highlighting the associated mental health stresses. EnergyCo, the state government’s renewable energy zone infrastructure planner, has responded by establishing 24/7 crisis support and counseling services for affected residents.

Locals contend that beyond land acquisition concerns, the loss of control and disruption to a community’s sense of place are significant sources of distress. Anna Young, a clinical psychologist and landholder in the NSW New England region, described the psychological toll as profound, emphasizing feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty tied to potential compulsory acquisitions.

The IPC has maintained that measures are in place to mitigate impacts and points to the project’s contribution to NSW’s renewable energy targets and emissions reductions as key benefits. It notes that a 320MW battery co-located with the wind farm would support grid stability and energy security. Acen Renewables asserts it has engaged with local communities, adjusted the project design based on feedback, and will provide social investment programs and payments to local councils.

The final determination rests with Justice Brian Preston, Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court, who will weigh the competing interests of renewable energy development and community wellbeing. As the case proceeds, proponents of both sides seek a resolution amid a broader debate over how to balance environmental goals with the social fabric of rural communities.

Mr Albrecht reflected on the expanding use of the solastalgia concept globally, noting its application to various environmental disruptions worldwide, from oil spills to natural disasters. He called for more systematic and compassionate attention to the human impacts of environmental change, asserting that the wellbeing of affected people demands greater priority in planning processes.