Jindera has sent a strong message to the developers of the proposed solar farm: "not here".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More than 90 per cent of the 112 public submissions to the 130 megawatt farm objected to the development with the majority worried about using "prime agricultural land" for solar.
Just 11 people supported the proposal with 99 voicing their concerns against the solar farm.
Fourth-generation farmer Jonathan Schultz, who will lease around 514 hectares of his land to the developer if the proposal goes ahead, said his family has been farming in the Jindera area since 1847 and they are just "a family willing to try new things".
And they are willing to give up some of their agricultural land to the solar farm because they are "looking to have renewable energy in the future".
Mr Schultz said in his supporting submission that the argument about the possibility of Jindera expanding was already hurting local agriculture.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Closer settlement has already impacted our farming operation with neighbours subdividing and houses being built against our boundary causing me to not be able to spray all my crops that need spraying," he said.
"So further proposed expansion of Jindera to the north would limit our agriculture capabilities into the future."
But for Jindera woman Susan Palmer, she believes a solar farm 1.5 kilometres from her farming property would "adversely affect the success and value" of her land and is objecting to the farm.
Her main concerns include taking away the ability to "enjoy the fresh country air" and "fundamental changes to the rural character" of the local area.
"We are greatly concerned that our physical, mental and financial wellbeing will be put as risk and therefore object to the proposed development most vigorously," she said.
"The choice to live in this rural area to enjoy the fresh country air is a factor in many families decision to live here.
"Recently due to windy weather, we have already endured dust and debris and one can only imagine how this will increase with the destruction of trees and the huge increase in traffic numbers."
Cassandra Jacob, who lives not far from the proposed site, said the area is fertile agricultural land.
"We are blessed with very fertile A-grade agricultural land that should stay as agricultural land," her submission said.
"Even in shocking years, including drought and floods, this area is still able to produce crops while most of the country aren't able to harvest anything but dirt.
"The farm in which I reside has been in my husband's family for generations, and this in not unusual for this area."
The Walla Walla Solar Farm project, which will be more than double the capacity of the Jindera farm, has also received a majority number of objections to the Benambra Road site.
Of the 145 public submissions to the 300 megawatt solar farm 87 said no. But the divide was much closer with 57 submissions supporting the proposal.
Of those who put their names to their submissions, Tim Hawkins and his wife Kylie said their local earthmoving business will welcome the employment opportunities that may come with the development.
"We are excited at the prospect of such an economic boost to our area," Mr Hawkins said.
Alongside objections and supporting submissions, people were also able to submit comments to the proposals.