Frank Battistel says the energy development is way too close to nearby homes. Photos: Oliver Jacques.
Residents living near a proposed renewable energy project beside the Griffith Pound say the development is far too close to homes and should not even be considered.
A company called Tharbogang BESS Pty Ltd has lodged a proposal with Griffith City Council to build a seven-megawatt solar farm and five-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at 11 Duchatel Road, off Kidman Way.
A Region search of ASIC records shows this company is owned by G8 Energy.
The vacant block sits about 130 m from the nearest home and less than 2 km from Griffith’s CBD.
Frank Battistel, a semi-retired citrus farmer who lives about 250 m from the site, said residents were blindsided by the proposal and feared the industrial-scale development would dramatically change the area.
“I find it difficult to understand why council would contemplate a solar farm in such close proximity to the city of Griffith,” he wrote in a formal objection lodged with council.
In his objection, Mr Battistel said the development posed a range of concerns due to its location near both the Griffith Pound and Griffith Saleyards.
“Dogs and cats who have very sensitive hearing will be affected by the noise of the inverters as they will be less than 30 metres from the boundary,” his submission stated.
The Griffith dog pound is next to the proposed solar farm.
He also raised fears about fire risks, hail storms and other natural disasters damaging the facility and the last of clarity over who might be responsible for cleaning up the solar farm.
“It would be an eyesore so close to town,” Mr Battistel said.
The Battistels argue the proposal conflicts with Griffith Council’s own solar farm policy, which states developments within 1 km of residential areas should be avoided where possible.
In his submission, Mr Battistel identified six homes located within 500 m of the proposed site. He also attached a petition signed by neighbouring residents objecting to the development.
Another solar farm, constructed in 2025, is just a few hundred metres away from the new proposed development.
Community concern over battery storage projects has been growing across Griffith in recent times.
Last month, residents near a proposed expansion of a Bilbul solar farm strongly objected to plans to increase the number of battery units near homes, citing fears about inverter noise, fire risks and the impact on nearby families. That proposal was ultimately rejected by council despite planning staff recommending approval.
Details on the Duchatel Road proposal can be found on the Griffith Council website. Submissions or objections can be lodged until 4 pm on Friday 15 May.
