Narrabri Shire voices concern with ‘inadequate’ contribution from Whitehaven solar project

Narrabri Shire Council has voiced concern over what it describes as an “inadequate” contribution from Whitehaven for the development of a solar farm near Narrabri.

Elected members unanimously supported a mayoral minute seeking council’s endorsement to call on the relevant minister to explain why a contribution will not be imposed in accordance with council’s contributions plan.

Council’s adopted contributions plan provides for a one per cent levy on applicable developments costing more than $200,000.

Narrabri Shire Council had been previously offered $50,000 as a development contribution.

Information tabled at last week’s meeting stated that the development contribution, in line with council’s policy, should be almost $566,000.

This is based on an estimated value of development of $56.6 million.

In its scoping report, Whitehaven noted that the development would provide lower-cost renewable energy to the Narrabri underground mine and facilitate electricity production resulting in minimal greenhouse gas emissions.

The state government approved the development in September.

In a letter to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, mayor Darrell Tiemens described the outcome as “deeply concerning for our community”.

“Throughout the assessment process, council consistently advocated for appropriate contributions to be levied and paid to council to assist in addressing the impacts of the development and to ensure that the local community receives a fair share of benefits generated by major renewable energy projects,” Cr Tiemens said in the letter.

“Small regional, rural and remote councils such as Narrabri Shire have limited rating bases and face increasing financial pressures in maintaining infrastructure and services.

“The renewable energy and resource sectors place demands on local roads, community facilities and services, and it is reasonable that developments of this scale contribute towards addressing those impacts.”

At last week’s meeting, the matter was also addressed by general manager Eloise Chaplain and director development and compliance Kate Alberry.

Ms Chaplain explained that council had previously rejected the $50,000 when the development was discussed in May last year.

She said Whitehaven hadn’t reached out to discuss a new planning agreement.

Ms Alberry had also previously written to the state government and did not receive a response which has prompted the mayor to escalate the matter.

Addressing last week’s meeting, Ms Alberry voiced concern about the issue of equity and said it “beggars belief”.

“Mum and dad developers have to pay one per cent. We’re seeing that the big end of town is not paying the one per cent,” she said.

Cr Greg Lamont queried if the matter had been discussed with state Member for Barwon Roy Butler to seek his support in parliament.

Cr Tiemens confirmed council will include Mr Butler with correspondence about the issue.

“The local member does a fair bit of advocacy on these types [of issues],” Cr Tiemens said.

Cr Ryan Whillas expressed disappointment that council was being stonewalled in relation to the matter.

“Regardless of whether it’s renewables or mining, or any other infrastructure project, it should be equal rules across the board,” he said.

Cr Brett Dickinson voiced similar concerns, and particularly highlighted the department’s comment that a $50 million development was relatively small scale.

“Is $50 million the small scale?,” he said.

“I find it hard to believe that … a box can be ticked and we’re not even considered in this sort of operation.

“It beggars belief that … the government just continues to not worry about local government.”