NSW REZ Solar Farm Receives Planning Approval
The Birriwa Solar Farm, situated in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ), has been given conditional approval by the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission.
Located around 15km south-east of Dunedoo and spanning the Mid-Western Regional and Warrumbungle Shire local government areas, the solar farm boasts a capacity of 600MW along with a 600MW/1200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and an on-site accommodation camp. This facility is expected to generate sufficient renewable energy to power over 229,000 homes.
Comprehensive Assessment by Planning Department
In May 2024, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure conducted a thorough assessment of the Birriwa Solar Farm proposal. The Commission has authority over development approvals due to the objections from more than 50 public submissions and the Warrumbungle Shire Council regarding the project.
The three-member panel, consisting of Janett Milligan (Chair), Suellen Fitzgerald, and Duncan Marshall, engaged with essential stakeholders, inspected the site, toured the locality, arranged a public meeting, and considered 65 written submissions from the local community.
Panel Decision and Rationale
Ultimately, the panel resolved to approve the development with certain conditions attached. In their Statement of Reasons for Decision, the Commission stated that the chosen location aligns with the established strategic planning framework, promising to deliver renewable energy in a recognised REZ that will bolster electricity generation in New South Wales and aid the state’s transition towards renewable energy.
The Commission took into account the concerns voiced by community members, implementing various conditions aimed at alleviating and compensating for several of these issues.
Conditions Imposed for Development
Some of the conditions set by the Commission include restricting construction vehicles from specific parts of the surrounding road network, along with requirements for a soil and water management plan, an emergency plan, and vegetation planting to improve visual screening.
Moreover, the applicant is mandated to carry out environmental monitoring and management, as well as create an environmental management plan that outlines continued engagement with the community.
Objectives of the Conditions
The conditions imposed by the Commission have specific goals to:
- Prevent, minimise and offset negative environmental impacts
- Establish standards and performance metrics for acceptable environmental behaviour
- Ensure regular monitoring and reporting
- Support ongoing environmental management of the project
All related documents pertaining to the assessment and decision on this proposal are accessible on the Commission’s official website.
Image credit: Pixelci/Shutterstock.com.
