ACT solar farm proposal riles Uriarra residents

The ACT government has been “swamped” by objections to a proposed 7MW solar farm to be built at Uriarra, west of Canberra.

According to the Canberra Times, the solar farm, being built by Elementus Energy after winning a tender conduction under the ACT’s solar auction program, has attracted 122 submissions, with only six in favour.

Among those objecting to the $17 million project are federal Labor MP Gai Brodtmann, who told the paper that the solar farm would damage the character and appeal of the village, block views, and probably depress house prices.

One resident who wrote in favour of the project, John White, said: “Quite frankly, as the village is advertised as being a sustainable eco village, I do not understand the other resident views for not supporting such a wonderful opportunity the village could have gained by this solar farm.”

Brodtmann told the paper: “It should have been obvious to any developer that a development of this scale, at such close proximity to a rural village, would be contentious.” She wants the solar farm “pushed back” 500 metres.

The paper said residents referred to the solar farm as an “industrial power plant”, and raised concerns about the security fenhttps://reneweconomy.wpengine.com/wp-admin/post-new.php#category-addcing, as well as the light.

One resident who wrote in favour of the project, John White, said: “Quite frankly, as the village is advertised as being a sustainable eco village, I do not understand the other resident views for not supporting such a wonderful opportunity the village could have gained by this solar farm.”