Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Wednesday, 21 February, 2018. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Solar farm decisions referred to state government

Posted on Wednesday 21st of February, 2018,

Four planning applications for solar farms in Greater Shepparton have been called in by the Minister for Planning to determine whether planning permits can be granted.

The applications were on the Ordinary Council Meeting agenda for 20 February and Council endorsed an alternative motion that Council is no longer the decision maker.

The Hon Richard Wynne MP, Minister for Planning will decide the four applications under Section 97C of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

The Minister will consider all four applications concurrently and refer them to a combined panel hearing as submissions were received as the result of a public notice.

The solar farm planning permit applications were for Tallygaroopna, Congupna, Lemnos and Tatura East with a combined investment of $297m for the region.

The Tatura East application seeks planning approval to use and develop land at 610 Ferguson Road for a 45MW renewable energy facility (solar farm). The application represents a $40 million investment in the region and is within the Farming Zone. Officers have advertised the application and 28 objections to the proposal have been lodged with Council.

The Tallygaroopna application seeks planning approval to use and develop land at 235 Victoria Road for a 30MW renewable energy facility (solar farm). The proposed development includes the removal of three scattered paddock trees and business identification signage. The application represents a development of $34 million in the municipality. The land is within the Farming Zone (FZ) and five objections to the proposal have been lodged with Council.

The Lemnos application seeks planning approval to use and develop land at 1190 Cosgrove Lemnos Road, 1220 Cosgrove Lemnos Road, 260 Tank Corner East Road, 875 Boundary Road and 85 Crooked Lane (the land) for a 100MW renewable energy facility (solar farm). The application represents a $175 million investment in the region.  The land is within the Farming Zone (FZ). Officers have advertised the application and 19 objections to the proposal have been lodged with Council.

The Congupna application seeks planning approval to use and develop land at 1090 Lemnos North Road for a 68MW renewable energy facility (solar farm). The proposed development includes the removal of six scattered paddock trees and business identification signage. The application represents a development of $48 million in the municipality. The land is within the Farming Zone (FZ). It is within an area of cultural heritage significance and as a result the proposed development triggers the need for a cultural heritage management plan (CHMP). An approved CHMP was provided to officers on 22 January 2018. Officers have advertised the application and three objections to the proposal have been lodged with Council.

The timelines for the panel hearing are not yet known.

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