A proposed solar farm at Narrabri has been taken a stage further with a call for community feedback on the project.

The solar farm is proposed to be developed on the property ‘Oakville’ just outside Narrabri.

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is asking for community feedback on the development application for the proposed Silverleaf Solar Farm in Narrabri, which is on public exhibition until October 1.

Executive Director, Energy Resources Mike Young said community input is a vital part of the planning process and encouraged everyone to have their say on the draft plans.

“The proposal involves the development of a large-scale solar farm approximately four kilometres north of Narrabri on a site of approximately 450 hectares,” he said.

“The proposed solar farm would have an estimated capacity of 120 megawatts, enough to supply almost 45,000 homes while reducing the annual amount of greenhouse gas emissions by more than 250,000 tonnes.

“We want to hear from the community about their views on the proposal to help us make a thorough and rigorous assessment and ensure any potential impacts to the surrounding area and local people are considered.”

The proposal includes:

•the construction and operation of a photovoltaic generation facility with approximately 440,000 solar panels and an estimated capacity of 120MW; and

•associated infrastructure, including an overhead transmission line between the solar farm site and the existing Narrabri substation on Stony Creek Road and a grid connection.

Mr Young said the Environmental Impact Statement and all associated documents are available on the NSW Major Projects Planning Portal.

“Once the exhibition closes on October 1, 2019, the Department will consider all community submissions received, along with advice and feedback from other government agencies and councils,” he said.

“All the feedback will help us assess the development application so we can work towards the best outcome for the community.”

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