Walla Walla Solar Farm to be built: IPC makes its determination

The project was referred to the IPC in October after it was originally proposed by Bison Energy and bought by FRV Services last year.

FRV changed the design, so that there was a footprint reduction of 72 hectares to 421 and a setback increase.

As part of Development Consent, FRV Services must ensure that any infrastructure is not installed closer than designated offset distances to properties, being 210 metres for the closest receiver.

Screening must minimise views for four properties within three years of the solar farm being built.

There will be 700,000 solar panels up to four metres high and 76 inverter stations.

The EIS was lodged in October last year and there were 85 objections out of 150 submissions and a petition of 576 signatures.

When the IPC was referred the project, it accepted written submissions and of those 24 objected and 109 were in support.

A meeting was held virtually on November 5.

Greater Hume Council objected to the project, raising that Riverina Murray Draft Important Agricultural Land Mapping project had classed the site as important agricultural land, meaning it should be constrained under the state's large-scale solar guidelines.

But the NSW DPIE argued it was not directly relevant as the mapping was not finalised and it would not result in significant loss of agricultural output.

FRV will retain an additional 94 hectares which is planned to be used for cropping.

The IPC agreed with the NSW DPIE's assessment, stating:

"The land is not identified in BSAL mapping and under existing land and soil capability mapping is predominantly class 4 and class 6 land.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"The project will not result in the fragmentation of agricultural land and although there will be a short term reduction in productivity, the inherent agricultural capability of the land will not be affected long term."

The IPC also agreed that "there is no clear evidence to suggest that solar farms are adversely affecting property values".

The $399-million development is projected to create 250 jobs during the 20-month construction period, as well as ongoing operational roles.

During construction, daily heavy vehicle movements will be restricted to 45 and access will be via the Olympic Highway and Benambra Road.

The IPC has determined FRV Services must maintain the agricultural land capability of the site, including:

There are also conditions to manage vegetation fuel-load to reduce fire risk, and to include at least a "10 metre defendable space around the perimeter of the solar array area that permits unobstructed vehicle access" and a 40,000 litre water tank.