Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce says Gunnedah Solar Farm could bring new industry and jobs to the shire.
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Chamber president Stacey Cooke said it was good news that Photon Energy had chosen Gunnedah as the site of the recently approved $200 million-dollar project on Orange Grove Road.
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"New industry and employment opportunities are always encouraged and well supported by the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and the solar farm fits this criteria," she said.
"We are very happy that Gunnedah is the chosen location to establish sustainable options for energy.
"Gunnedah is known for it’s diversity in industry and this is a very positive step for expanding that diversity even further."
Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said the council was supportive of projects that could impact electricity prices.
"Our position is that it’s pleasing to see the project approved based on council’s belief that supply and demand is simply the best way to bring prices down," he said.
"The more power generation that is created, the better chance we’ll see a decrease in power prices. We don’t discriminate against any forms of power generation.
"The main aim is to guarantee base load so we can ensure we have energy for our processes, our retailers and our residents."
Photon Energy said more than 100 people would be employed during the construction phase of the new solar farm. Long-term, there will be 10 operational jobs.
Cr Chaffey said the council would like to see locals employed on the project.
"It is our desire that as many of the employment opportunities that will come from this project, people from our shire can fill those positions, both in construction and in the ongoing operation maintenance of the facility," he said.