The solar farm is being built near the substation in Bilbul, which distributes energy stored in the batteries. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith Council has rejected a plan to double the number of giant battery boxes at a soon-to-be-built 20,000-panel solar farm in Bilbul, siding with residents worried about noise just metres from their homes – despite staff recommending approval.
Councillors heard from neighbours before making their decision, including one who warned the site’s inverter could produce a constant, tonal “doof doof doof” sound through the night.
Renewable company Woollemi Energy Group Pty Ltd is leasing 11 hectares on Macedone Road from landowner Rocco Fattore to build the solar farm alongside four battery energy storage system (BESS) units – shipping container-sized batteries that store and release electricity during peak demand.
The NSW Government has already approved the development, which will sit as close as 50 metres from nearby houses.
The company asked council to allow the number of battery units to increase from four to eight – a move strongly opposed by locals.
“Our major concern is about the noise, particularly at night,” resident and grape grower Bob Bellato told councillors.
Mr Bellato said the sound would resemble the “doof, doof, doof” bass from a car blasting rap music – but without relief.
“Lack of sleep causes severe physical and mental issues including chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment and weakened immunity,” he said.
“We have chosen to live in this area because it’s a peaceful and safe environment; this development will destroy that.”
He also raised concerns about fire risk and the possibility of contamination in a nearby canal.
A water canal near the proposed solar farm. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Fellow resident Shiron Kirkman questioned whether the development delivered any real benefit to the community.
“There needs to be a realistic assessment of the local economic benefit, of which none of us have been shown so far. Construction spending is short-term, ongoing employment is limited … long-term profit … does not remain in the local community.”
Councillor Jenny Ellis backed the residents, arguing the scale of the change was inappropriate given how close it sits to homes.
“The subject site is in proximity to existing and future residential areas. The proposed increase in battery storage represents an intensity of use that is not considered appropriate,” she said.
Councillors unanimously voted to reject the expansion, going against planning staff who found it complied with relevant regulations.
The original development also drew objections over its proximity to homes, with some residents telling Region they were never consulted before approval.
Council has since adopted a policy requiring renewable energy developments to be at least five kilometres from residential areas. However, large “state significant” developments like this one can still be approved by the NSW Government regardless of council opposition.
If you know more about this story, contact Oliver on 0498 843 181 or by email: [email protected]
