Another large-scale solar farm development in New South Wales has been given the green light by the Independent Planning Commission, which is due to be operational by mid-2022.
The $238 million Bonshaw Solar Farm in the Inverell Shire is being developed by GAIA Australia. This renewable energy project will feature a 200MW solar farm and a 300MW battery storage system.
The project was approved with a number of conditions including site rehabilitation once operations cease; submission of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan prior to development to prevent the disturbance of heritage items; and another management plan to identify specific heritage items that must not be impacted as well as items that must be salvaged prior to disturbance.
In an official statement, the Commission said: “The Commission agrees with the Department’s Assessment... and agrees that the Project is in accordance with the [Environmental Planning & Assessment] Act and is in the public interest.”
Bonshaw Solar Farm is going to be built on a 149-hectare site used for agriculture, locate approximately 16 kilometres south of Bonshaw, within the Inverell Shire.
“The Applicant selected the Site and refined the development footprint with an aim to minimise adverse environmental impacts of the Project,” the Commission said.
Construction of Bonshaw Solar Farm is expected to create up to 180 jobs and an additional 10 jobs once the solar farm is up and running.
Source: Renew Economy; NSW Government – Major Projects; PV Magazine Australia; Renewables Now