EFFORTS to halt development of a $750 million proposed solar farm at Meadow Creek have gained parliamentary support, with Wangaratta-based state Upper House MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell launching a bill to protect Victoria’s prime agricultural land.
The One Nation MP’s Planning and Environment Amendment (Soil Protection) (Solar Power Generation Facilities) Bill 2023 was formally tabled in the Legislative Council last week, in an effort to protect “precious agricultural land and water catchments” from large-scale solar farm development.
Debate around the proposed bill is slated to take place during next week’s parliamentary agenda.
Under the bill, authorities would be required to consider whether land proposed for solar farm development is tied to agriculture, is a water supply area, is in a bushfire-prone area or if the land is liable to flooding, and reject any applications on land which meet two or more of the criteria.
Ms Tyrrell said she was hopeful the bill would stop the development of the proposed Meadow Creek project, as well as future projects on certain portions of agricultural land.
The $750m proposed Meadow Creek project is slated to be up to a 330 megawatt (MW) site, potentially providing clean energy to 110,000 regional homes.
“While net-zero emissions through solar and wind generation is a noble goal, we must proceed responsibly to ensure the broader implications of large solar farms on the environment and local communities,” Ms Tyrrell said.
“Communities know their land better than anyone and consultation with locals regarding planned projects is vital.”
Speaking in parliament, Ms Tyrrell said her first bill of the parliamentary year had been inspired by her close working relationship with the Bobinawarrah community, which has been outspoken in its criticism of the planned 566ha solar farm at Meadow Creek.
She said the proposed development would cover prime agricultural land which comprised of flood zones, bushfire-prone overlays, and portions of Wangaratta’s domestic water catchment supply.
Concerns have previously been raised by community members about run-off from the development filtering into the nearby King River and Hurdle Creek, as well as an anticipated spike in insurance premiums for landowners who neighbour the solar farm.
“We must preserve our land and assets for future generations and protect the soil and water from potential leakage of heavy metals and toxins from solar panels,” she said.
“In our pursuit of sustainability, we must ensure responsible land-use practices that benefit both the environment and our economy, safeguarding our communities, agricultural heritage, and the environment while promoting economic growth.”
A submission made by federal Independent Indi MP Helen Haines to the Australian Energy Infrastructure commissioner's community engagement review has also called for communities to be meaningfully involved in the planning of renewables projects.
Dr Haines said communities involved should also receive some structural benefit and development from these projects.
"Australia's renewable energy transition is happening in the regions - Indi is home to two Renewable Energy Zones and our communities deserve to be consulted and provided opportunities to seize the long-term benefits of the renewables boom already underway," she said.