The Burdekin region took a significant step towards a solar powered future with the approval given for the development of a 340-hectare solar farm in Clare.
Burdekin Shire mayor Bill Lowis said the approval was a breakthrough for council’s focus on economic development, and a significant step towards the project being constructed on Shadforth Road, Clare, south-west of Ayr.
“The decision by Deputy Premier, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Jackie Trad to support the idea is great news for us and supports council’s decision to approve the project,” Mr Lowis said.
“It’s now up to the project advocates, FRV Services Australia Pty Ltd, to move it forward,” he said.
FRV a global solar power company plans to invest up to $400 million to develop the 238 hectares of photo voltaic panels on 340 hectares of privately held farmland.
Mr Lowis said council is all for growing the Burdekin and diversification is one way to ensure a sustainable economy.
“The environmental benefits of this particular project will not only help the Burdekin, but also the state, through the supply of green energy directly to the state electricity grid.
“The proposed solar farm has the potential to power 65,000 homes and will give the Burdekin a clean, green energy source.”
The 340-hectare Clare Solar Farm project will be one of the largest in Australia and employ up to 200 people during its construction as well as five ongoing operational positions.
Ms Trad said the project would drive regional investment, create jobs and ensure Queensland is well-positioned to meet future energy targets.
“When fully operational the solar farm will help us to reach our 50 per cent of the renewable energy target set for 2030,” Ms Trad said.
The deputy premier approved the $400 million solar farm development application after undertaking a thorough reassessment of the project.
“We made an election commitment to provide a stable and regulatory environment to encourage private sector investment and grow the renewable energy industry across the state,” she said.
“It will also help meet the service demand projects contained in the state infrastructure plan, which predicts energy demand in regional Queensland will grow from 74.71 GW per week today to 95.93 GW / week in 2036.
“My decision to approve the development has been made after seeking advice from Burdekin Shire Council, energy providers and other key state agencies.”
Ms Trad said a condition of approval is that the site will have to be rehabilitated as far as practical to its pre-development condition upon decommissioning of the solar farm.
While the solar farm is in use it is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 240,000 tonnes per annum.
