A Kelvin farmer says while a newly approved $94 million-dollar solar farm is good for the shire, it is "disappointing" that consultants initially used the wrong data.
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Geoff Hood's comments come after the state's Independent Planning Commission (IPC) announced the approval of Orange Grove Solar Farm on Thursday despite objections from locals. It is the second solar farm approved by the IPC in the last four months.
Mr Hood was among those who spoke against the 110-megawatt farm near Gunnedah at an IPC meeting in April after 77 submissions were lodged for and against the development during the exhibition period. Issues raised by locals included land use compatibility, potential amenity impacts, flooding and biodiversity.
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Mr Hood objected to Overland Sun Farming's proposal based on "inaccurate floodplain statements by the consultants in the initial environmental impact statements for the solar farm", saying that where a project of "state significance" was concerned, "the facts need to be correct".
On Monday, he said consultants engaged by developers needed to do more thorough research before putting together a plan.
"I've been farming in the area for 30-odd years and you get to know the area pretty well when you're on flood plain committees and it's disappointing that the so-called expert consultants can get it so wrong initially," Mr Hood said.
"Overland had to have two goes to come up with a site plan to suit the locality and Photon Energy with their development had to have five goes with changes in design.
"Both consultants for both developments got locals concerned with their stumbling at the first starting block."
Now that the proponent has "lessened the flooding impacts by moving the development out of a creek", Mr Hood said he was "in favour of development".
"This area of Gunnedah is suitable for solar farms," he said.
"At the end of the day, what's been approved should be great for Gunnedah shire."
The farmer said "quite substantial" developments like solar farms could "create other opportunities" including the possibility of a small peaking power station.
"If either or both of the solar farms on the orange grove road proceed, it could enhance the possible opportunity in the Gunnedah shire for a small peaking power station fuelled by crop residues, coal or gas for when the sun don't shine," he said.