More solar panels will be heading to the Riverina following the approval of another renewable energy farm for the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The proposed $18.9 million Sandy Creek Solar Farm, earmarked for a 42-hectare site north-east of Uranquinty, has been given the green light by the Southern Regional Planning Panel.
Planning documents submitted by BayWa R.E. Projects Australia have revealed the solar farm would include as many as 40,000 solar panels up to four metres high and would generate as much as 12 megawatts, enough power to service about 7500 households each year.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The energy produced by the farm would connect to an existing power line that travels along the Olympic Highway and contribute to the region's power grid.
While a start date is yet to be finalised, those behind the development have said the construction will take about nine months and will require about 40 workers.
The farm, which will be just to the west of the Olympic highway between Uranquinty and Wagga, will also be encircled by a two-metre high wire fence.
It is expected to be operational for about 50 years, after which it is proposed the site be returned to its pre-works state, with all above ground infrastructure to be removed.
Christine Stewart, the secretary of the Uranquinty Progress Association, said some locals have raised concerns regarding how the site will impact traffic.
"A few residents have raised queries and we're just awaiting further information based on the submissions that have been submitted," she said.
BayWa R.E representatives previously stated they had chosen the Uranquinty site due to the high levels of sunlight in the area making it the "ideal home" for a solar farm.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters