$238m Bonshaw Solar Farm in NSW given the green light for construction
Another large-scale solar farm development in New South Wales has been given the green light by the Independent Planning Commission, which is due to be operational by mid-2022.
The $238 million Bonshaw Solar Farm in the Inverell Shire is being developed by GAIA Australia. This renewable energy project will feature a 200MW solar farm and a 300MW battery storage system.
The project was approved with a number of conditions including site rehabilitation once operations cease; submission of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan prior to development to prevent the disturbance of heritage items; and another management plan to identify specific heritage items that must not be impacted as well as items that must be salvaged prior to disturbance.
In an official statement, the Commission said: “The Commission agrees with the Department’s Assessment... and agrees that the Project is in accordance with the [Environmental Planning & Assessment] Act and is in the public interest.”
Bonshaw Solar Farm is going to be built on a 149-hectare site used for agriculture, locate approximately 16 kilometres south of Bonshaw, within the Inverell Shire.
“The Applicant selected the Site and refined the development footprint with an aim to minimise adverse environmental impacts of the Project,” the Commission said.
Construction of Bonshaw Solar Farm is expected to create up to 180 jobs and an additional 10 jobs once the solar farm is up and running.
Source: Renew Economy; NSW Government – Major Projects; PV Magazine Australia; Renewables Now
Related Articles
200MW Avonlie Solar Farm in NSW given development green light
The New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment has given the development approval to RES for the delivery of a new 200MW solar farm located approximately 20 kilometres south of Narrandera.
Approved $220m Sapphire Solar Farm in NSW to create 200 jobs
The New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment has granted the planning approval to CWP Renewables to add a 200MW solar farm and battery storage facility to its 270MW Sapphire Wind Farm.
Proposed 300MW St Patricks Plains Wind Farm secures planning approval
A proposed 300MW wind farm is a step closer to being built in Tasmania’s Central Highlands region after the project was granted planning approval by the Central Highlands Council, with the Tasmanian Government welcoming the decision.