ACT solar farm proposal could face changes

ACT environment minister Simon Corbell has hinted that changes may be made to plans for a 7MW solar farm that was to be developed at Uriarra, west of Canberra.

As we reported in August last year, the ACT government was “swamped” by objections to the solar farm from Uriarra residents, who thought it was too close to the town centre and wanted it pushed back, out of their line of site.

The project – which is to be built by Elementus Energy after winning a tender under the ACT’s solar auction program – attracted 122 submissions, with only six in favour, and has been stuck in planning phase for two years.

But a Canberra Times report on Wednesday quoted Minister Corbell as saying that the government was at “an important point” in negotiations with the developer, ahead of an expected decision on the project this month.

“I’m not in a position to make further announcements about that at this time but I am seeing positive steps to resolve the concerns that residents have at Uriarra,” Corbell said.

“The developer has indicated to the government that they are willing to revisit the issues of concern to the residents. We welcome that and are looking forward to seeing the outcome.”

Solar farm developer Ashleigh Antflick, of Elementus Energy, said he was working hard for “an outcome that will be satisfactory for everybody”.

Once he had development approval, the array could be operational in six to nine months, he said. He had not sought compensation or a contribution from the government for any change in location or change to the project, he said.