Boggabilla solar farm gets council approval

The 4-hectare proposal is located along Kentucky Ln, near the Macintyre River, and opposite Goondiwindi. 

Once fully operational, the solar farm will produce 3.6 megawatts of power.

As the private infrastructure development is worth more than $5 million, it must also be assessed and approved by the Northern Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP).

Council’s general manager Lester Rodgers made a submission to the panel on behalf of council, said the proposal solar farm would deliver social, environmental, economic and civic leadership outcomes desired by the community.

"Our community are heavily invested in the aspirations of Moree Plains 2035 and it is therefore incumbent on council [to] advocate for for the realisation of their vision for the future of our shire,” Mr Rogers wrote.

“The proposed solar farm is an essential ingredient in delivering that vision.”

A report compiled by council staff received two submissions from the public – both raising issue with the glare from the solar panels. 

However, council’s report indicates the amount of reflection off the panels was not expected to be significant.

“The proposed panels will be made of tempered glass with an anti-reflective coating,” the report said.

The report also addressed concerns the development would lower the value of properties on the opposite side of the river.

“There is no evidence a development of this type would reduce the value of properties in the vicinity, including those on the opposite side of the river,” the report states.

“The solar far will be separated from these dwellings by the river and large established trees on both sides of the river. 

“There is a separation distance of at least 330 metres between the solar farm and the nearest dwelling.”

Another concern raised was the “high amount of pressure” the project would on the Goondiwindi levee bank, but consultants “concluded that the proposed development will have negligible impact” on the levee.

The Northern JRPP will meet on Wednesday, September 7, in Boggabilla to hear residents speak about the development.

JRPP Northern chair Garry West will preside over the meeting which is expected to include two local councillors on the panel. Locals looking to speak at the meeting will have to register with the Planning Panels Secretariat before September 5.