Victoria council works around Covid-19 restrictions to approve 200MW solar farm

A large-scale solar and battery project that looked likely to get stuck in Victoria’s development pipeline as an indirect result of Coronavirus containment measures has been given special passage through the approval process by the local council.

The Bendigo Advertiser reported on Wednesday afternoon that South Energy’s 200MW Raywood solar farm, proposed for construction in Sebastian in northern Victoria, would go ahead after the Loddon Shire Council dropped a protocol requiring its sign-off for projects that attracted community objections.

As RenewEconomy reported on Tuesday, the council was due to vote on the project at a meeting on that same day, but the meeting had been adjourned in line with state government restrictions designed to limit the spread of Covid-19.

According to the meeting’s agenda, the outcome had looked promising for South Energy, with a recommendation from council to “resolve to grant a planning permit” for use and development of land for a solar farm, despite local objections.

According to the Bendigo Advertiser, the group has since stated its concerns would be addressed by the council’s proposed planning requirements.

South Energy says it plans to commence construction of the Raywood project, which will also feature a 20MW/20MWh battery storage facility, in late 2020 and be fully operational by late 2022.