Council starts engagement on proposed 5MW solar farm

Published on 11 December 2019

Community engagement about the proposed 5 megawatt solar farm on Council-owned land at 1 Dingo Lane, Myocum has started with an on-site information session held for local residents and neighbouring properties. 

A small group of residents and property owners attended the meeting with members of Council’s project team. A door knocking campaign and letterbox drop has also been completed in the Myocum area directly adjacent to and overlooking the proposed solar farm site which is on land next to the Resource and Recovery Centre.

Council’s Project Manager, Andrew Swan, said the on-site meeting was the first point of contact with key stakeholders and that communication would continue throughout the detailed feasibility stage of the Dingo Lane Solar Farm project.

“Council is engaging with the community early so that there is a clear understanding of the perspectives of the Byron Shire community with regards to a solar farm of this size before Council commits to the DA process”, Mr Swan said.

“It’s important to know of any potential impacts on the community so that Council can look at mitigation options and assess the overall risk versus the community benefit this solar farm project would bring.”

When constructed, the 5MW solar farm will generate enough electricity to offset Council’s power usage and send additional renewable power back into the grid.

Mr Swan said those who attended the meeting had been interested to learn more about potential glare and visual impacts of the solar panels, possibility of dual use of the site, dust and traffic issues from the existing unsealed road, funding and payback, alternative sustainable initiatives, flooding impacts and Council’s infrastructure priorities.  

“We’re currently conducting glare and flooding assessments of the proposed site and will share the findings of these reports with the community once received in the new year.”

The project team is seeking input from any interested groups and individuals and plan to continue engagement of the wider community through additional meetings in early 2020.  

More information is available online at: https://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Services/Environment/Climate-change/Mitigation/Renewable-energy-projects#section-2

For media inquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.