Posted: 16.08.2024
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has today approved the Birriwa Solar Farm located within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ), approximately 15km south-east of Dunedoo, within the Mid-Western Regional and Warrumbungle Shire local government areas.
The Birriwa Solar Farm (SSD-29508870) is a State significant development comprising a 600-megawatt (MW) solar farm, 600 MW/1200 MW-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) and an on-site accommodation camp. It will have the capacity to generate enough renewable energy to power more than 229,000 homes.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure completed a whole-of-government assessment of the Birriwa Solar Farm in May 2024. The Commission is the consent authority for the development as more than 50 public submissions and the Warrumbungle Shire Council objected to the proposed development. The three-member Commission Panel, comprising Ms Janett Milligan (Chair), Ms Suellen Fitzgerald and Mr Duncan Marshall AM met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour, held a public meeting and received 65 written submissions from the community.
The Panel has today, 16 August 2024, determined to grant development consent to the project, subject to conditions.
In its Statement of Reasons for Decision, the Commission found that the proposed site is “consistent with the established strategic planning framework, as it will deliver renewable energy within an established REZ that will contribute to electricity generation in NSW and contribute to the State’s renewable energy transition.”
The Commission acknowledged concerns raised by some members of the community and imposed numerous conditions of consent to mitigate and/or offset a number of the issues raised. Conditions of consent include restricting development vehicles from using specific sections of the surrounding road network, requiring the preparation of a soil and water management plan, emergency plan and vegetation planting for visual screening. The conditions also require the Applicant to conduct environmental monitoring and management, and prepare an environmental management plan which includes ongoing consultation with the community.
The Commission’s imposed 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/2024/05/birriwa-solar-farm
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.