Press Release

Sundown Solar Farm approved subject to conditions

The NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved the Sundown Solar Farm located within the New England Renewable Energy Zone in the Inverell Shire Local Government Area, approximately 30 kilometres east of Inverell and 38 kilometres west of Glen Innes.
David Carroll

Sundown SF Subco Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Recurrent Energy (Applicant), sought approval for a 360 megawatt (MW) solar farm and a 150 MW / 600 MW-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). The project would generate up to 360 MW of renewable electricity, sufficient to power approximately 144,000 households.

This State significant development (SSD) application was referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission for determination because more than 50 public objections were made to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure during its assessment period.

The two-member Panel, comprising Sarah Dining (Chair) and Michael Wright met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour and received 19 written submissions. 

In its Statement of Reasons for Decision, the Commission found that the project would contribute to electricity generation, consistent with the NSW Government’s strategic planning framework, and deliver economic benefits to the regional area. The project would support the continued agricultural use of the land, with sheep grazing able to continue beneath solar panels where practicable. 

The Commission considered concerns raised by the community about traffic and site access, impacts to nearby residents and farms and fire risks. The Commission has imposed conditions of consent to minimise impacts of the Project, including requiring the Applicant to: 

  • prepare a Traffic Management Plan in consultation with Transport for NSW, Inverell Shire Council and Glen Innes Severn Shire Council;
  • seal sections of Spring Mountain Road in accordance with Council requirements and in consultation with impacted landowners;
  • repair any development-related damage to Sturmans Road and Spring Mountain Road along the access route caused during construction, upgrading and decommissioning activities;
  • implement comprehensive dust management measures;
  • install and maintain stock exclusion fencing along sections of Spring Mountain Road; and
  • prepare a fire safety study prior to commencing construction.