Add Category
When Broken Hill-based tourism operators Linda and Travis Nadge heard of the interest in turning a nearby mine site into a large-scale energy project, the alarm bells started ringing.
Canadian green energy company Hydrostor hopes to develop Australia's first compressed air storage site in Perilya's Potosi mine site, an underground operation a few kilometres east of Broken Hill.
After months of investigating how this project may impact their stargazing business a short distance away, the Nadges say they have now "legalled up".
Conflict written in the stars
The Nadges said ongoing light pollution, and the disturbances associated with 24/7 construction of the Hydrostor renewable energy site, raised significant concerns for them.
"We're here to create an experience on the night sky, and [we've] got a power station next to us. The concern [is] how authentic does that make us?" Mr Nadge said.
They have been communicating with Hydrostor for over 18 months but are yet to come to a resolution.
Despite the company making a financial offer as a form of compensation, the Nadges said it was inadequate.
"It was a paltry figure to say 'shut up and go away'," Mrs Nadge said.
"It's not what we're about. And there's been no indication [that] they even care about our tourism business."
The Nadges say if Hydrostor does not engage in a more "substantial way", the issue could "very much" end up in court.
Consultation and co-existing
This week, Hydrostor's senior vice president in origination and development Martin Becker visited Broken Hill to meet with key stakeholders.
In a statement provided to the ABC, Mr Becker said a big part of his visit focused on better understanding "any remaining concerns" of locals.
"We are mindful of all parties' views and remain committed to addressing these quickly," Mr Becker said.
"We are confident that there is a path for the project to co-exist with all stakeholders in a positive manner."
Broken Hill City Council Mayor Tom Kennedy has been a long-time proponent of the Hydrostor project and its potential to generate hundreds of new jobs.
While he encouraged community members like the Nadges to share their legitimate feedback, he hoped it will not end in a legal battle that puts financial strain on all parties and potentially delays a "project of state significance".
"I support the project with the understanding that it can have an impact on that business, and I do hope they can sort it out," Cr Kennedy said.
"But for me [as mayor], I have to do what I believe is good for the entire city."
What do the experts say?
Professor John Cole, an emeritus professor at the Institute for Resilient Regions at the University of Southern Queensland, agreed that places like Broken Hill could benefit hugely from the renewable energy industry.
"Local renewable energy in the region itself should mean all kinds of opportunities, particularly for agricultural businesses, energy intensive industries, and indeed to achieve efficiency by having it provided so close to the actual point of use," Professor Cole said.
He added projects like this were usually all about serving the cities, and this conflict only added to the pattern seen nationally of regional communities hesitating to embrace renewable energy initiatives.
"[Government mindsets are] all about building these wind farms, the solar energy farms etcetera, in the regions and then building enormous transmission grids which have their own environmental and local impacts," he said.
"In places like Victoria [they've] been a major source of contention.
"It's the old story of the cities needing something and the regions bearing the pain or the cost of providing."
Despite noting the positives of the Hydrostor project, Professor Cole said it was equally important its introduction does not result in a "win-loss scenario".
"It's important that the local authorities take the broader view and not always just jump for what's in front of them," Professor Cole said.
"Surely in a place like western NSW there's space enough for an astronomy business and a new renewable energy development."
The Nadges are certainly hoping this is true.
"We've invested ten years and we had another 10 plus years in our head," Mr Nadge said.
Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Friday