A MEGA solar farm project in Tamworth is a step closer to becoming a reality after the developers addressed the concerns raised by locals and affected stakeholders.
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The proposed solar farm includes 200,000 panels and will generate up to 65 megawatts.
It will also have a 19-megawatt hour battery storage unit.
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NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) said 16 submissions were lodged in support or objection of the project during the submission period, which is part of the NSW Government's major project planning process.
Concerns raised included the condition of nearby roads, visual impacts of the project, and property values.
As part of the 16 submissions, 11 were submitted by agencies, one of which was Tamworth Regional Council, which flagged concerns of road conditions near the site in Bective.
In a response made public on Tuesday, the concerns were addressed by Tamworth Solar Farm Pty Ltd which said the company intended to seal several roads around the proposed facility.
"At a meeting with Tamworth Regional Council on March 16, it was resolved that Tamworth Solar Farm would seal sections of Babbinboon and Warminster Roads for a distance of 100m either side of houses near (within 250m) the road to support road quality and dust suppression," the report read.
One of the council's other major concerns raised was dust mitigation, which was also addressed in the report.
"This commitment [to seal Babbinboon and Warminster Roads] does not preclude additional measures that may arise from the survey of the transport route with Tamworth Regional Council," the report read.
"To require dust suppression such that there is no visible dust emitted is not practicable. Rather, the applicant must minimise dust generated by the development."
Also raised in the submission process was the removal of 19 trees and what the proponent's offset scheme may entail. The report revealed the project would generate 19 ecosystem credits, but would not prepare an offset strategy.
"Tamworth Solar Farm intends to satisfy the offset requirement by payment into the Biodiversity Stewardship Payments Fund," the report read.
The Independent understands each party has two weeks to examine the proponent's answers to their concerns.