Lightsource bp proposes large-scale solar farm near Goulburn

Lightsource bp, which has offices in Australia and the UK, is proposing to build a $540 million 400 megawatt peak solar farm on the Gundary Plains.

The facility is planned for a 632 hectare site stretching from 1013 Windellama Road to Kooringaroo Road, off Mountain Ash Road.

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The company says the state significant project will supply enough energy equivalent for 133,000 households, save 640,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and create 400 construction jobs.

It includes a battery storage system and substations to connect to overhead powerlines.

The project is in its early stages, with initial community consultation underway for a social impact assessment.

A council spokesperson said the company had only recently advised of the proposal.

Kooringaroo Road graziers, Ann and Stan Moore, said they found out about the project from a third party in late March. They argued the project was unsuitable for the area.

"If this project is approved it will set a dangerous and irreversible precedent for further inappropriate developments which will change the agricultural nature of Gundary Plains and similar areas in the Goulburn Mulwaree area," Mrs Moore said.

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If approved, the solar farm would directly adjoin the Moore's 92ha sheep grazing property on 4km of southern and western boundary. The couple say that from the property's 700-metre high hill, they'll have a "full frontal" view of thousands of solar panels to the south and west on the Gundary Plains.

The panels would also reflect north towards their holding, and from their highest 700m point, be visible from properties west of Braidwood Road, Garroorigang Road and Hume Street near Goulburn's southern exit.

"It will be very much in our face," Mr Moore said.

"I call it a solar energy facility. It's a misnomer to call it a solar farm."

The couple bought the property 12 years ago after an extensive search. They subsequently moved from Sydney and commissioned an architect to design a home maximising the view and complementing surrounding bushland. Mr Moore, originally from Forbes, recommenced farming.

"We loved it. It was just what we wanted," Mrs Moore said.

Now they fear not just the visual effect but potential impact on biodiversity like echidnas, wombats, roos, vulnerable bird species, black swans and ducks. In addition, they said a Yellowbox corridor ran through the area. Nearby, directly affected landholders had planted thousands of trees.

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They're also worried about fire risk from the panels, impact on land values, and question the project's value to Goulburn Mulwaree. Mrs Moore said the company advised her that most of the energy would go to Sydney and Canberra, the panels would be made in China and there would be two to four fulltime jobs once operational.

"The Goulburn community gets practically nothing from the project following development whilst Gundary Plains is left with the environmental and agricultural vandalism inflicted on the farmland and native birds and animals," she said.

In contrast, farming created significant long-term economic spinoffs for Goulburn and district, Mrs Moore argued.

The couple do not believe sheep can safely graze beneath solar panels, as the company claims.

They have distributed almost 50 information sheets about the project to people in the area. Goulburn's NSW Farmers branch, of which Mr Moore is a member, will discuss the development this month.

Mrs Moore said landowners had flatly refused to sell when the company approached them about purchase. She understood Lightsource bp had purchased three properties for its site to date.

The company's country manager Adam Pegg said a land option agreement had been struck with the proposed site's owner. The solar farm's area would be decided and publicly exhibited following community consultation and social, economic and environmental assessments.

The site had been selected for its topography, distance from heavily populated residential areas, screening from nearby road networks, and proximity to existing overhead powerlines. Rows of solar panels would be connected to an inverter.

"Any project we consider prioritises engagement with the local community from the outset, and the proposed Gundary Plains solar farm is no different," Mr Pegg said in a statement.

"This week we have launched...consultation with all those who have an interest in the proposal. Residents should be reassured that this will be thorough and comprehensive."

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An information session will be held at the Bungonia markets on Saturday, April 30 from 9am to 1pm. More are planned in May, along with other community consultation throughout the planning process.

The company maintains sheep grazing can continue under the solar panels. It is also exploring other enterprises like cropping and beekeeping. The solar farm would be decommissioned at the end of its 35-year life and the land returned to its "prior condition."

In regard to fire risk, Mr Pegg said a 20,000 litre water tank with fittings would be placed onsite. A NSW RFS bushfire assessment would also inform the design and include a 10-metre defendable space around the solar array area, permitting vehicle access. A fire and emergency plan detailing emergency responses will be prepared with RFS and NSW Fire and Rescue.

He told The Post that the project would benefit the region through employment, spending, community benefit programs and associated flow-ons.

"We are confident that this project will deliver significant benefit to the local community - not just in creating jobs and providing sustainable and affordable energy, but also in positioning the Southern Tablelands at the heart of Australia's transition to a lower carbon future," Mr Pegg said.

The company hopes to submit its EIS to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in May, 2023 for a possible late 2023/early 2024 determination. If approved, construction would start in June, 2024 and take 18 to 24 months.

Lightsource bp has also built the 400MWdc solar farm at Wellington and another at West Wyalong. Other solar projects in NSW and Victoria were either completed or in planning.

For more information, visit https://www.lightsourcebp.com/au/projects/gundary-solar-farm/

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