Council approves solar farm application in Bluewater
Date published: 22 January 2019
Townsville City Council has given an approval to allow for a solar farm at Bluewater.
Full Council today approved a Material Change of Use (MCU) for the land, however further approvals are required before the development can proceed.
The proposed solar farm will generate 100MW of electricity and is expected to create 200 jobs during construction.
Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Les Walker said the application includes a proposal to lease the land to the developer for a fixed term.
“The solar farm proposal outlines the expected life of the development as 40 years,” Cr Walker said.
“We’ve approved the MCU after reviewing plans submitted by the developer and considering any concerns raised by the community during the public notification period.
“Dust mitigation, water and stormwater, bushfires, and the visual amenity of the project are all things Council have taken into consideration.”
The MCU also includes a provision that the land must be returned to a rehabilitated rural state at the end of the lease.
Local Councillor Margie Ryder said the solar farm would help create jobs for Townsville.
“Council is dedicated to boosting the Townsville economy and supporting jobs for locals,” Cr Ryder said.
“This development is expected to create 200 jobs during the construction stage and support 3 ongoing jobs when it is operational.
“It’s important that we keep working to progress projects that will create local jobs and boost the Townsville economy.”
