Posted: 11.09.2024
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has today approved the Wallaroo Solar Farm (SSD 9261283), located approximately 1km south of the rural area of Wallaroo, adjacent to the New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory border and within the Yass Valley local government area.
The Wallaroo Solar Farm is State significant development comprising a 100-megawatt (MW) solar farm and 45 MW / 90 MW-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). It will have the capacity to generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 40,000 homes.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure completed its whole-of-government assessment of the Wallaroo Solar Farm in June 2024. The application was referred to the Commission for determination because Yass Valley Council and at least 50 people objected to the proposed development.
The three-member Commission Panel, comprising Mr Andrew Mills (Commission and Panel Chair), Mr Richard Pearson and Dr Bronwyn Evans AM, met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour, held a public meeting where they heard from 27 speakers, and received 153 written submissions from the community.
The Panel has today, 11 September 2024, determined to grant development consent to the project, subject to conditions.
In its Statement of Reasons for Decision, the Commission found that the project “will contribute to the State and National energy transition, reducing emissions currently generated by other modes of electricity generation” and is “consistent with the policy framework for renewable energy”.
The Commission acknowledged concerns raised by some members of the community and imposed conditions of consent to mitigate or offset a number of the issues raised. These conditions include requirements for vegetation planting for visual screening, the preparation of a Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan and road and intersection upgrades. The Applicant must consult with both NSW and ACT agencies in preparing a number of management plans.
The imposed conditions of consent – which also require the Applicant to conduct environmental monitoring and prepare an environmental management plan that includes ongoing consultation with the community – are designed to:
All documents relating to the assessment and determination of this proposal can be found on the Commission’s website: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/2024/06/wallaroo-solar-farm
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.