Councils Take Action Against Large-Scale Solar Projects on Farmland
A council in the Riverina region of New South Wales has decided to oppose the development of large-scale solar projects on all “irrigated or irrigable” farmland within its boundaries, marking a significant move by local authorities against the expansion of renewable energy initiatives.
During a routine council meeting held last week, the Leeton Shire Council unanimously supported a motion introduced by Mayor George Weston, which aims to ensure that irrigated agricultural land in the shire receives the highest protection from non-agricultural developments, such as large solar farms.
Protection Measures for Agricultural Land
The proposal, as outlined in the meeting agenda, entails formally opposing solar projects planned for State Significant Agricultural Land and any land currently under irrigation or with the potential for irrigation. The mayor further suggested that the council persists in advocating to the NSW government for robust protection measures for this vital agricultural land.
For solar development proposals that fall outside these specified areas, the council agreed to maintain a merit-based assessment approach, evaluating each case individually.
The council recognised the importance of renewable energy generation, including solar energy, in facilitating the transition to a low-carbon future. However, they emphasised the necessity of balancing this with the need to preserve high-value agricultural land, particularly in irrigation districts that play a crucial role in sustaining agricultural productivity.
Recent Developments in Solar Projects
This decision comes on the heels of last week’s approval by the NSW Independent Planning Commission for the 800 megawatt Dinawan solar farm and large battery, located near Leeton in the Riverina region. This project was approved despite nearly 70 public submissions, with none originating from surrounding local councils and only three from residents within 5 km of the site.
Leeton is not alone in its stance, as many councils are asserting their position on renewable energy development and clarifying community expectations. In Queensland, the Banana Shire Council has recently imposed new road maintenance fees on renewable energy developers, charging up to $100,000 per road. This fee, payable during the project’s construction phase, will act as a guarantee against damage caused to local infrastructure by the transportation of extensive and heavy equipment, such as wind turbine components.
Local Councils Strengthening Their Position
Throughout the country, it has become increasingly common for councils to submit comprehensive responses to Environmental Impact Statements for proposed projects, demanding clear commitments from developers and government bodies on issues including labour and housing shortages. In Queensland, local councils have been compelled to refine their renewable energy policies, as the state government has made it mandatory for all large-scale projects to negotiate community benefit agreements with councils prior to seeking state approval.
While this can be viewed positively, councils are finding themselves in the position of having to become experts on energy systems to adequately assess developers’ proposals and navigate the rapidly evolving policy landscape.
The Role of Local Governments in Energy Development
As the dynamics of Australia’s renewable energy transition evolve, many councils have felt overwhelmed, previously looking to state governments for assistance. A notable example is the Tamworth Regional Council’s unsuccessful legal challenge against the IPC-approved Hills of Gold wind farm, exemplifying potential pitfalls when local governments venture beyond their expertise.
In Western Australia, recent government initiatives have led to the creation of pioneering community benefit guidelines, which include a custodian fund responsible for negotiations with developers, ensuring community interests are represented. An independent organisation is tasked with aiding communities in defining their preferred arrangements, allowing developers to negotiate finer details with the custodian.
RE-Alliance, an advocacy group for communities benefiting from the transition to renewable energy, highlights the critical role of local governments in achieving national renewable targets. They assert that when adequately supported, councils can lead efforts to ensure these essential projects serve their communities effectively. However, the scale of renewable energy projects planned within local government areas often exceeds the resources available to councils, complicating the coordination of successful energy transitions.
During a Regional Leaders Summit in Newcastle, local government and community leaders expressed that they must enhance their expertise in energy systems to accurately scrutinise developers’ assertions amid a shifting regulatory environment.
Andrew Bray, the national director of RE-Alliance, stated, “Councils are increasingly pivotal in the renewable energy process, negotiating with proponents, managing development, and countering misinformation. They acknowledge inherent project risks and actively seek out opportunities to integrate these into policy and agreements with developers.”
Call for Support for Local Councils
To address these challenges, RE-Alliance is urging federal and state governments to provide funding and resources, including establishing Local Energy Hubs and a national coordination agency to assist councils in navigating the complex planning and benefits negotiation landscape.
Amid this context, at Leeton Shire Council, while the mayor’s motion to block certain solar proposals was passed unanimously, not all councillors fully endorse the decision. Councillor Nicholas Wright has raised concerns that the resolution might inadvertently hinder local farmers from accessing affordable solar solutions for their operations, stressing the importance of avoiding unintended negative outcomes.
