We, as a group of concerned ratepayers, are writing in response to the editorial titled "Looking into eye of solar storm" in last Saturday's Border Mail, and to the article "Pure shine" in the rural section of the same edition.
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In opening, we would like to make it clear that none of us are opposed to renewable energy. What we are opposed to, is the use of good quality agricultural land for the purpose of solar "farms". It is our view that the solar sites will fall within the definition of industry, not farming.
In relation to Greater Hume Shire councillor Matt Hicks' comment that people opposing the project are "jealous", we say that some of us were approached by the solar companies but declined the offer to lease our land because we value our agricultural land and wish to continue using it to raise cattle, sheep and grow crops.
As you are no doubt aware, the wider Albury area (which encompasses Jindera, Walla Walla, Glenellen, Culcairn and other regions) has long been one of our country's largest contributor to the food source of our nation. We have a reliable rainfall and fertile land close to major markets, making this an ideal location for farming. Although we have been affected by the drought, farmers in this region have been fortunate enough to still be able to graze stock, cut and store hay and silage as well as harvesting cereal and oil seed crops this year.
The combination of Jindera plus the three other proposed solar farms in our area will in effect remove 2630 hectares from our farming food bowl.
The combination of Jindera plus the three other proposed solar farms in our area will in effect remove 2630 hectares from our farming food bowl. The Jindera plant alone will comprise in the vicinity of 400,000 solar panels. The four proposed sites would total more than three million panels.
Our main concerns in relation to the proposed solar farms are as follows:
- Loss of agricultural land - As stated above, this area has some of the best farming land in our country. Our reliable rainfall supports production, soils are good quality which makes our area ideal for cropping and grazing
- Loss of magnificent old trees - We have been advised that in excess of 200 well established trees, some of which are 150 years old are to be removed from the Jindera site to make way for panels. These trees provide nesting sites and corridors for birds, squirrel gliders and other wildlife as well as keeping the ground water table at natural levels
- Erosion in wet years and dust in dry years - it goes without saying that, without the current ground cover, there will be increased erosion and dust under the panels
- Filling in of dams -it doesn't make sense to fill in existing dams that currently supply reliable water source for stock and wildlife. There has been no mention as to how water will be provided for the sheep that will supposedly be grazing under the panels. The lack of dams would increase the volume and speed of run-off, which in turn will increase the risk of erosion
- Fire risk - we are concerned about the risk associated with accessing the area in the event of a fire, and the risk of toxic fumes
- Noise and increased wear and tear on local roads during the construction phase
- Visual impact - the proposed solar sites are quite close to residential homes, many of which would look directly at, or down on the panels, should the projects go ahead
- It has been implied that the local townsfolk would enjoy cheaper power. We all know this is not the case. The power generated by the proposed solar farms will go into the grid to be transported wherever it is required. Solar companies have admitted that they sell the power to the highest bidder
- At a meeting at Jindera on Thursday night it was confirmed by a representative of the NSW government, that it will not be the responsibility of the government to clean up solar sites and dispose of infrastructure at the end of the lease, or in the event of a solar company becoming insolvent.
In closing, we would like to suggest that further consideration needs to be given to alternate locations for the solar plants.
There are vast areas west of here where there are very few trees, no dams and plenty of sunlight.
We understand the linkage infrastructure is not there at this stage, however surely that should not be an issue.
We would also like to see solar panels on the rooftops of buildings in industrial estates, car parks and other large buildings in our area where the power could easily be transported into the grid.
