Posted: 25.10.2023
The community will be able to have their say in a Public Meeting on a proposal by Trina Solar (Australia) Pty Ltd to develop a large-scale photovoltaic solar farm with an estimated electricity generation capacity of 200 MW, and associated infrastructure.
The proposed Glenellen Solar Farm is a State significant development application located on Ortlipp Road, approximately 2 kilometres north-east of Jindera. The decision on whether the Glenellen Solar Farm will be given planning approval has been referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission because the Department of Planning and Environment received at least 50 unique submissions objecting to the proposal.
Commissioners Dr Sheridan Coakes (Chair), Mr Adrian Pilton and Dr Bronwyn Evans AM have been appointed by Acting Commission Chair, Professor Neal Menzies, to determine the application.
A Public Meeting on the Glenellen Solar Farm will be held at the Albury Entertainment Centre, in the Theatrette at 525 Swift Street, Albury NSW 2640. The Public Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, 16 November 2023, starting at 9:00am. In addition, the Commission is also inviting written submissions from the public.
The Commission has access to all previous written submissions made to the Department of Planning and Environment on this application, however it is particularly helpful for the Commission to hear the community’s views on the Department’s recent Assessment Report and recommended conditions of consent. These documents are available on the Commission’s website at the following link: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/2023/10/glenellen-solar.
The key issues identified in the Department’s whole-of-government assessment of the development application include land use compatibility, loss of agricultural land, visual impacts, biodiversity, noise, traffic and transport.
Anyone wishing to present at the Public Meeting must pre-register on the Commission’s website using the Speaker Registration Form.
Registered speakers for the Public Meeting will be asked to indicate their preference for presenting to the Commission Panel either in person or via telephone conferencing.
The deadline for speaker registrations is 12.00pm on Thursday 9 November, 2023.
Please note
If demand for speaker timeslots is high and Thursday 16 November 2023 becomes fully booked, the Commission will endeavour to schedule a second day for the Public Meeting to continue into Friday 17 November 2023. Conversely, if demand for attendance at the Public Meeting is very low, the Commission may instead opt to conduct a virtual video conference using Zoom and/or targeted consultation meetings.
If either of these scenarios occur, this will be fully communicated to all registered speakers in advance. Please read the Speaker Registration Form carefully, and provide as much detail as possible.
These flexible arrangements ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to be heard, while also making best use of public resources.
Written submissions on the proposed Glenellen Solar Farm can be made via the ‘Make a Submission’ portal on the Commission’s website at the following link: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/make-a-submission
The Commission will also accept submissions received by the close date made via post or email.
Written submissions will be accepted until 5.00pm on Thursday 23 November 2023.
We recognise the importance of community participation in our decision-making process. Using our ‘Make a submission’ form is the easiest way for you to make a submission on cases currently before the Commission.