For immediate release
A proposed solar farm at Andersons Lane, Bairnsdale, is expected to be considered for approval by the Victorian Government's Minister for Planning in the coming months.
The proposal is for a 96-megawatt photovoltaic solar installation and 150-megawatt battery energy-storage system covering approximately 176 hectares.
The proponent, BNRG Leeson, is a Victorian-based renewable energy partnership which has developed solar farms in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia.
East Gippsland Shire Council has been requested to provide pre-application advice on the proposed renewable energy facility in advance of formal lodgement of the application with the Department of Transport and Planning.
Under the Victorian Planning system, the Minister for Planning is responsible for planning permit applications for all energy-generation facilities that are 1 megawatt or greater.
Mayor, Cr Tom Crook said when the application is formally lodged with the Victorian Government, Council and the community will be able to make formal submissions to be considered by the Minister for Planning.
"We have been approached by some surrounding property owners who have concerns about the project. They will also have an opportunity to make formal submissions to the Department of Transport and Planning outlining those concerns," he said.
"We have provided initial advice to the Department outlining the matters that we expect to be addressed, reflecting community concerns. Once we have seen the completed application and technical reports, Council will carefully consider the proposal and make a submission to the Victorian Government.
"Council is not the decision-maker, but we will ensure that community concerns are conveyed to the Minister."
The proponent has undertaken preliminary consultation with surrounding landowners, including a public drop-in session in late 2023, and is providing updates via newsletters to local landowners to keep them informed of progress with the application.
