Developer and Ironbark Energy director Peter Speck said solar farm construction will start on schedule in February. But demolition of the asbestos-riddled abattoir buildings, which he described as the “elephant in the room for the whole community”, has not been all smooth sailing.

“We had a 14-week hold up with SafeWork,” Mr Speck said.

“It was an anonymous compliant from someone in town.

“They were saying we were removing asbestos illegally.

“Which none of it was true.”

A SafeWork NSW spokesperson said inspectors have visited the site 13 times in the past six months following a complaint about asbestos removal.

They issued the site controller two notices to improve work methods around asbestos removal and site security but said all air monitoring precautions had been taken.

“SafeWork can confirm the asbestos removal is being undertaken by an appropriately licensed asbestos removalist,” the spokesperson said.

“The  site controller engaged an occupational hygienist in August 2016 to provide specialist advice and undertake air monitoring at the site. Reports provided to SafeWork to date indicate airborne contaminants are below prescribed limits.

“SafeWork is working with the site controller to determine if there has been any breach of work health and safety laws and will continue to monitor the site.”

Attention will soon turn to the site’s new industrial sub-division which features more than two dozen, 8-10,000 square metre lots. Construction will then start on the 75-acre, community title solar farm capable of powering about 8400 homes.

Mr Speck said the project had received strong interest, particularly from environmentally-conscious younger buyers. “Most people looking genuinely want to make a contribution to climate change,” he said.