Posted: 15.12.2023
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has today conditionally approved a new $250 million solar farm located approximately two kilometres north-east of Jindera in the Greater Hume Shire local government area. The Glenellen Solar Farm (SSD-9550), proposed by Trina Solar (Australia) Pty Ltd, is a State significant development comprising a 200-megawatt (MW) solar farm that will contribute to a lower emissions energy sector and generate approximately 200 construction jobs and 10 operational jobs.
The Department of Planning and Environment completed its whole-of-government assessment of the Glenellen Solar Farm in October this year. The project was referred to the Commission for determination because at least 50 people objected to the proposed development. The three-member Commission Panel, comprising Dr Sheridan Coakes (Chair), Mr Adrian Pilton and Dr Bronwyn Evans AM, met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour, held a public meeting where they heard from 25 speakers, and received 61 written submissions from the community.
The Panel has today, 15 December 2023, determined to grant development consent to the project, subject to conditions.
In its Statement of Reasons (https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/resources/pac/media/files/pac/projects/2023/10/glenellen-solar/case-outcome/statement-of-reasons-for-decision-glenellen-solar-farm-ssd-9550.pdf), the Commission found that the proposed site is “suitable for renewable energy development given its location close to existing electricity transmission networks, topography, solar resources, avoidance of major environmental constraints, access to the regional road network and that the agri-solar component [of the project] allows for the continued use of the land for grazing and cropping”.
The Commission acknowledged the concerns raised by members of the community and concluded that the impacts of the development could be mitigated through strict conditions of consent that ensure the views of the local community continue to be considered. These include additional on-site vegetation screening and further consultation by the Applicant with nearby landowners on minimising visual impact. The conditions also prohibit the use of Glenellen Road and Drumwood Road by heavy vehicles, limit heavy vehicle haulage routes through the Jindera township to outside of school zone times, and require the Applicant to prepare a traffic management plan in consultation with Council. The Applicant must also undertake complete rehabilitation of the site at the end of the project life. These and other conditions of consent are designed to:
All the documents relating to the assessment and determination of this proposal can be found on the Commission’s website: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/2023/10/glenellen-solar
We recognise the importance of community participation in our decision-making process. Using our ‘Make a submission’ form is the easiest way for you to make a submission on cases currently before the Commission.