Solar farm proposal in The Basin highlights a bigger problem

A solar farm set to be built on a green patch of land in The Basin has inspired opposition from locals, but experts say this is just one example of how the implementation of solar initiatives in regional areas needs to be handled better.

Dr Simon Wright, a Senior Research Fellow in Energy and Circularity at Charles Sturt University, told the Eastern Melburnian that the confusion and opposition to solar builds in rural areas comes largely because of a lack of properly engaged communities and a better consultation process that isn’t just box-ticking.

On behalf of the Salvation Army Property Trust, Perry Town Planning made a proposal to change the Knox Planning Scheme in a way which would allow for the building of a seven-megawatt solar facility with 40 raised panels at 49 Basin-Olinda Road.

Local advocate Lynette Hayhurst recently requested an extension to the November 29 deadline that was denied, and is working to mobilise the community to push back on the build.

She previously led a petition in 2021, opposing the sale of the land to developers over fears the land would be transformed into housing.

Dr Wright said the key to avoiding community conflict in the future, and ensuring people don’t feel like they have been skipped over or forgotten, is to engage locals early and make the benefits clear.

“Many communities feel slightly blindsided by renewable energy development,” he told the Eastern Melburnian.

“You’ve absolutely got to engage the community at the earliest possible moment.”

Dr Wright said local community initiatives like the one led by the Wimmera Southern Mallee community should be seen as the gold standard.

The Wimmera Southern Mallee community held workshops last year and invited renewable representatives and transmission companies to partner with locals and collaborate.

This collaboration aims to ensure the region can genuinely benefit from a transition to renewables.

However, Ms Hayhurst said she believes the proposal would be in breach of Green Wedge zoning, which aims to protect inappropriate development on agricultural land.

“This is historic land that has just stayed like this for over 200 years,” she told the Eastern Melburnian.

“It’s the Green Wedge and is meant to stay that way.”

Ms Hayhurst said if the planning scheme amendment was approved, it would allow for similar developments to occur on more agricultural land across the region.

“It’s just a joy, but it won’t be a joy soon,” she said.

Photo Credit: Lynette Hayhurst