Kingaroy Solar Farm Controversy Continues

Local media and a councillor were not amused when they rocked up to an inauguration event at Kingaroy Solar Farm in Queensland, only to be turned away. But it there’s more to the story.

Situated approximately 200 km north of Brisbane, Kingaroy is an agricultural town within the South Burnett Regional Council local government area that is home to around 10,500 people.

Rooftop solar power is popular in Kingaroy, but a 40MW solar farm development around a kilometre east of the town caused some angst in the community when it was first proposed some years ago. Among the concerns were the facility would be too close to the township and occupy prime agricultural land.

In late 2018, Council refused the development application for the proposed solar farm. An appeal was lodged in the Planning and Environment Court, which was successful. After further negotiations with Council and other concerned stakeholders, a green light was given for the project.

Greek multinational Mytilineos (Metka EGN) acquired project rights from the original developer Terrain Solar in 2019 and construction finally began late last year. More than 90,000 panels are to be installed at the site, and the target completion date at this point is August this year.

The official Kingaroy Solar Farm Inauguration was reportedly held last Friday, and it appears the event didn’t go smoothly. SouthBurnett.com.au reported:

“No local residents were present, the media were told to leave and local councillor Kirstie Schumacher, whose Division adjoins the site, was ejected mid-way through her site induction.”

Cr. Schumacher stated she was “deeply offended”.

But it turns out this was an invitation-only event and Cr. Schumacher didn’t respond to the RSVP. Additionally, the invitation was for another councillor, who couldn’t make it – so Cr. Schumacher was to attend in her place.

Given the project’s bumpy history, perhaps the developer could have been more accommodating. But in comments following the report, even Mayor Brett Otto was critical of Cr. Schumacher.

“It is my understanding that some councillors received an invitation and as such I expect that the right and respectful thing to do would have been to reply as to your attendance or pass on your apologies,” he said.

Regardless of who is right or wrong, this situation was something the project and community didn’t really need – it takes away from the good the solar farm will achieve and has created more friction.

Social Licence Is A Fragile Thing

It’s really common for large solar power projects to hit resistance, especially if they are built close to population centres. And that’s understandable, particularly if the local community isn’t familiar with solar farm development – and why would they be?

Project proponents/developers must work hard to gain – and maintain – social licence¹; before, during and after their projects hit prime-time. This requires a high level of community engagement, transparency, and up-to-date and accurate information. I’ve often noticed on project web sites, details will be rather vague and/or incorrect.

For example, the Kingaroy Solar Farm web site states:

“Once operational, the project will generate approximately 50 megawatt hours of carbon free electricity annually.”

A 40MW solar farm generating 50MWh of electricity a year? That’s a pretty crappy output and obviously a typo. But this stuff matters. The community is forming its views based on information provided.

Another odd FAQ item:

“How far will the solar panels be from my property? 15 meters.”

Huh? It’s little wonder people get concerned and confused.

While you can’t please everyone all the time, situations such as what has happened with Kingaroy Solar Farm make for good case studies other developers can learn from.

Original Source: https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/kingaroy-solar-farm-mb2836/