Adaminaby farmers fight $8 million solar farm despite council backing
Farmers near Adaminaby want the NSW planning panel to reject a 48-hectare solar farm. Their own council recommended approval.
EDPR Australia proposed a solar farm near Adaminaby. The solar farm would have about 10,260 solar modules and a battery system.
The project would use 12.25 hectares. Snowy Monaro Regional Council recommended approval.
But local farmers told the planning panel the area is already struggling with tourism threats from other projects. One farmer said no nearby landowner agreed to let solar companies use their land.
She said this proved the community did not want the development. Speakers said the proposal breaks a 2013 council rule protecting the region's rural character.
Another said a revised environmental study was not shown again to the public for comment. The developer said local native plants would screen the farm and everything would be removed after 35 years.
The NSW Southern Regional Planning Panel will decide later in October.
- 8 million dollars
- Price tag
- 48 hectares
- Site size
- 10,260
- Solar modules
- Adaminaby
- Location
Why it mattersThe decision tests whether renewable energy projects can go ahead in farming areas despite community opposition. It also tests whether councils stick to their rural character rules.
AustraliaThis Snowy Mountains case will signal to other rural regions how NSW balances renewable energy targets against protection of agricultural and tourism-dependent communities.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
