Middlebrook Solar Farm

The community will be able to have their say in a public meeting on a proposal by Middlebrook Solar Farm, owned by TotalEnergies Renewables Australia Pty Ltd, to develop a 320 MW solar farm and 320MW/780MW-hour battery.

The proposed Middlebrook Solar Farm is a State significant development application (SSD-10455) located at Middlebrook Road, Loomberah, approximately 22 kilometres south of Tamworth. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (Department) has completed its whole-of-government assessment of the Application. The Department received at least 50 unique submissions objecting to the proposal, which has triggered its referral to the NSW Independent Planning Commission for determination. Commissioners Mr Richard Pearson (Panel Chair), Dr Bronwyn Evans AM and Dr Sheridan Coakes have been appointed by the Commission Chair to determine the development application.

The key issues identified in the Department’s assessment of the development application include land use compatibility, biodiversity, traffic and transport, visual impact and other issues.

The Commission has access to all previous written submissions made to the Department on this proposed development, however it is particularly helpful for the Commission Panel to also hear the community’s views about the Department’s assessment of the key issues and conditions of consent. These documents are available on the Commission’s website.

A public meeting on the Middlebrook Solar Farm will be held at the Tamworth Jockey Club (28 Britten Road, Taminda) on Thursday 19 September 2024 starting at 9:00AM AEST. 

Anyone wishing to present at the public meeting must pre-register on the Commission’s website using the Speaker Registration Form.

The deadline for speaker registrations is 5:00PM AEST on Wednesday 11 September 2024.

The Commission is also inviting the public to make written submissions which can be lodged via the ‘Make a Submission’ portal on the Commission’s website. The Commission will also accept submissions made via post or email.

Written submissions will be accepted until 5:00pm on Thursday 26 September 2024.

Please note
Registered speakers for the public meeting will be asked to indicate a preference for presenting to the Commission Panel either in-person at the venue or by telephone. The public meeting may also be livestreamed on the Commission’s website. Please note that if the demand for either in-person or telephone attendance is low, the Commission may opt to conduct the meeting either entirely virtually via video link, or entirely in person.  Similarly, if demand for speaker timeslots is high, the Commission will endeavour to schedule a second day, which may be held online.
If either of these scenarios occur, this will be fully communicated to all registered speakers in advance, including how the Commission can assist people to attend the meeting virtually.  Please read the Speaker Registration Form carefully, and provide as much detail as possible. These flexible arrangements ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to be heard, while also making best use of public resources.