Dinawan Solar Farm – Project Planning Update
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has recommended conditions of consent for the approval of the Dinawan Solar Farm development application.
This decision follows several years of studies and consultation with interested and impacted stakeholders, including local councils, landholders, residents, Aboriginal community representatives, and transport, environmental and safety government agencies.
Spark Renewables applied for a permit to deliver a large-scale solar farm (800 MW); and a battery energy storage system (356 MW).
The Department has assessed the Dinawan Solar Farm proposal, including potential impacts on the environment, traffic, farming activities, heritage, and the character and liveability of the local area. Following this assessment, a detailed set of conditions has been recommended to help manage these impacts and protect the interests of the local community.
The recommended conditions of consent require Spark Renewables to:
- Manage and minimise noise, dust, and traffic disturbance throughout construction;
- Protect ecologically sensitive areas;
- Safeguard Aboriginal heritage sites;
- Maintain agricultural land capability where possible, including consideration for sheep grazing;
- Prepare detailed management plans prior to construction commencing;
- Adhere to approved site access points and transport routes for all workers; and
- Contribute annual funding for community benefits.
Spark Renewables has committed to avoid all hollow bearing trees that were identified during the ecological studies.
Dinawan Solar Farm was awarded access rights for 300 MW in the NSW Roadmap Tender Round 5, enabling the project to contribute around ~$250,000 annually to local community projects through a Voluntary Planning Agreement with Murrumbidgee Council.
The Independent Planning Commission will consider the recommended conditions to make the final determination of the development application.
Spark Renewables thanks the community for its ongoing engagement and will continue to share updates as the planning process moves forward.
Read the referral letter, assessment report, and recommended conditions of consent on the Independent Planning Commission’s website at: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/dinawan-solar-farm.