Photon Energy is in the process of compiling an environmental impact assessment study of a 692-hectare site on Orange Grove Road, which will be submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment. 

Phil and Julie Glover have lived on Orange Grove Road for more than 20 years and said Photon Energy’s original proposal to erect chain-wire fencing around the solar farm could be detrimental to surrounding homes and stock in a flood.

“The river has a major breakout point probably less than a kilometre from the boundary of where the solar farm property is,” Mr Glover said. 

“I’m supportive of renewable energy but the proposal is to put a 9.2km fence around the 500 acres of solar farm and that is actually in the floodway.

“When something high is built on flood plain, it can push the water in all sorts of area that no one has imagined.

“The proof will be in the pudding when the environmental impact statement comes out.”

Photon Energy’s business development manager, Robert Ibrahim, said the company and its consultants met with neighbours last week to discuss its plans.

“The open and constructive discussions have helped us to identify improvements during the planning stage and we are very grateful for the time each neighbour spent with our advisors,” Mr Ibrahim said.

“We are looking at fencing options that will minimise any potential impact on neighbouring properties, especially those to the south.  

“Fencing options could include a mix of ringlock, chain, large gated sections, drop-down fencing or similar to the existing fencing. We are commissioning further flood modelling to assist in providing more information on what fence type would minimise impact on surrounding properties whilst meeting safety and security requirements.”

Chris Avard lives north of the proposed site, up on the hill, and said he and his neighbours were concerned that the farm would ruin the outlook.

”We are concerned about the impact it will have on our capital value,” Mr Avard said.

“At the end of the day, I’ve got to look at what’s best for my family and myself. When you look at small property like ours, the value is caught up in the aspect and the ambience. 

“Like most people in Australia, my home is my biggest asset and there's going to be an unknown impact on my capital value. I think there’s a better place for these things.

“To their credit, they are making an effort to engage landholders in the area but we seem to have come to an impasse on how we can address these main concerns and they don’t seem to have come up with a satisfactory solution yet.”

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Mr Ibrahim said Photon Energy has spoken to four neighbours north of the site who will be able to see the solar farm from their properties.

“We have engaged an expert to develop photomontages to provide images to demonstrate the potential level of impact that will be used during our next meeting,” he said.

“In light of the very informative and constructive discussions, we are currently looking at the site maps.  As soon as they are re-drafted, we will arrange more meetings with the neighbours to discuss the plan again and meet individual concerns as much as possible.

“We are very thankful for the level of engagement from residents and that they have raised very specific issues. This enables us identify possible solutions and options.”

Photon Energy said it anticipated construction of the solar farm would create about 100 jobs, and long-term it would support up to 10 jobs to manage, operate and maintain the farm.

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