May 17, 2023
A revised concept plan for the proposed Tumuruu solar farm project north of Blackbutt was given to the South Burnett Regional Council on Monday.
The revision shifts solar panels and the entry gate further away from neighbours on Cameron and Emerson roads following feedback received from the local community.
Australian Solar Enterprises (ASE) lodged a Development Application for the project – to be located on Bowman Road, Taromeo – with the Council late last year.
A spokesperson for community engagement company Plan C said ASE was now preparing its response to a Council request for more information.
Items raised during Monday’s session with Council included the potential for panel recycling on decommissioning, opportunities for local employment and upskilling, and long-term agricultural productivity.
Plan C has been engaging with key stakeholders in the community since last September to raise awareness about the project.
The spokesperson said every household in Blackbutt and Benarkin would be mailed a booklet containing links to further information, including employment and supplier opportunities.
The company was also building relationships within the community and had offered support to the Timbertowners Rugby League Club and the Avocado Festival.
The spokesperson said the project would provide significant economic benefits, including a $100,000 annual community investment, $4.1 million annual regional spend, 100-plus construction jobs and 17 ongoing operational jobs.
The solar farm would supply clean energy to the Queensland wholesale network sufficient to power 123,400 households.
- External link: Tumuruu website
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