Our Story:
It may come as a shock to you to learn that there is an application for approval currently before Rockingham City council to build a massive battery energy storage system (BESS) over 50 acres on land bordered by Doghill Road and Burma Road, Baldivis.
The cost of the BESS is estimated at $500 million. Calling it a battery “storage system” is misleading because it will not simply “store” electricity, it will generate electricity through chemical process. As such it is an industrial process and industrial facility requiring strict regulation and buffer zones which cannot be provided at the proposed site and is anyway completely incompatible with this rural zoned site.
The BESS facility would pose a significant fire risk in an area already prone to bushfires. It would also be sited in an area that floods every year and would have negative consequences for water quality, dust, flora and fauna to name a few of the negatives. If a fire occurred at this BESS facility it could well be catastrophic. It would likely trap residents on Wilkinson, Burma and Herman Roads. If it spread across the road on to “Dog Hill” itself it would threaten a large number of residents and businesses, threaten commercial orchards and “bush forever” sites.
“Friends of Baldivis” is just an informal group of Baldivis residents who wish to prevent this proposal proceeding on the site proposed.
We support renewable energy
We support battery technology
We support a cleaner Australia
But the BESS facility needs to be placed in an industrial zoned position where all proper safeguards can be implemented.
Why we need your help:
To successfully prevent this application from proceeding we will be required to:
Obtain independent expert reports
Engage planning and environment consultants
Seek legal advice and representation
All of which will involve considerable expense. Your donation will be essential in helping us to take the steps needed.
In the event that any funds raised are surplus to these needs, such funds will be donated to the Baldivis Volunteer Fire Service.
Thank you for your support.
Important: Submissions need to be lodged with Rockingham City Council by 4pm 16 March 2026. We will keep you informed of future deadlines as they occur.