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Goulburn Mulwaree Council is pressing the state government to evaluate the cumulative impact of state significant development (SSD) projects, as a 300MW/1200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) is proposed 22km west of Goulburn. The council identified 22 SSD projects in the area, primarily renewable energy developments, including a proposed waste incinerator by Veolia.

Mayor Nina Dillon and Labor councillor Jason Shepherd gained support at the Local Government NSW Conference for the development of strategies ensuring SSD projects are sustainable and fairly contribute to community needs. X-Elio's proposed Willavale BESS, with 300MW capacity and located off the Hume Highway, aims to store energy from all sources.

However, council planners raised concerns about the environmental impact statement (EIS) and called for more comprehensive assessments. The council seeks a thorough approach to SSD projects in Goulburn Mulwaree, emphasizing the need for coordinated oversight.