The solar farm and battery boxes are to be built on Macedone Road. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Bilbul residents are pushing back against a plan to expand a renewable energy project in their neighbourhood, warning it could mean more noise, safety risks and falling property values.
In 2024, the NSW Government approved a solar farm on 11 hectares at 394 Macadone Road, Bilbul. The project also included four battery energy storage system (BESS) units – essentially giant, shipping container-sized battery boxes that store electricity and release it later when demand is high.
The developer, Bilbul Renewable Energy Pty Ltd, now wants to double the number of these battery units from four to eight, significantly increasing how much energy can be stored on site.
That change requires approval from Griffith Council, which is set to consider the proposal at its meeting on Tuesday (28 April).
Several nearby landowners have formally objected.
Roberto and Viv Bellato, who also opposed the original project, said doubling the number of batteries would double the noise.
A BESS can make a constant humming noise through its cooling fans or transformer.
“This process has been deeply disappointing not only for our family but also for the community and neighbouring landowners directly affected, all hardworking, long-standing members of the community who live and work on their properties,” the Bellatos wrote in a letter to council.
“The approval of a large-scale solar and battery infrastructure … has left residents feeling exposed and inadequately protected.”
A map of the proposed solar project. Photo: Griffith City Council.
Other residents have raised concerns about how close the development is to homes, as well as broader worries about fire risk and the long-term impact on property values.
The developer says those concerns have been addressed.
It maintains that noise has been independently tested – including after the expansion was proposed – and remains within legal limits, even under worst-case conditions.
“The proximity of neighbouring properties to the site was taken into account as part of the assessment of the original development application for the solar farm including the SEE and acoustic assessment,” the applicant said.
“The previous assessment confirmed that the site was suitable for the proposed development.”
The company also says the updated noise modelling specifically looked at the extra four battery units and found the project would still comply with state guidelines at all nearby homes.
Griffith Council planning staff have recommended approving the expansion, noting its consistent with the local government body’s policy. But councillors will have to vote on whether the expansion goes ahead, weighing the developer’s technical assessments against the concerns of residents living closest to the project.
