A local resident has raised concerns over the impact of a proposed solar farm development on a 30-year-old tree plantation.
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Last month, French renewable energy company Neoen announced plans to invest $200 million into a solar farm at a private property on Thomas Drive, off Eleven Mile Drive, a project that could purportedly power 100,000 homes and create more than 230 jobs.
But Lachlan Rendall, a former landowner in the area, said the development could harm a large tree plantation planted by the East Saltram Landcare Group, of whom he was a founding member.
"These trees were planted 30 years ago to slow the water flow in storms and provide habitat for native birds and animals and if you take them away, you risk the whole area flooding," Mr Rendall said.
"We're talking about a huge area here [1250 acres], the biggest lot of prime agricultural land in the Bathurst basin."
"This is not a criticism of solar power, I just feel the developers could find a better location for this project."
Mr Rendall also cited Bathurst Regional Council's long-term plans regarding residential development as another point against the solar farm location.
"Both Laffing Waters and Eglinton are considered prime growth areas by council, and if these two developments meet in the middle, the solar farm will be right in the centre of it," he said.
"The land is fragile granite soil that relies on trees to combat erosion and if you remove them, you risk the area washing away."
Mr Rendall raised the issue at a recent drop-in session for the project, tentatively titled the Windradyne Solar Farm, where he raised the point that existing trees will likely need to be clear felled to make way for the project.
"The meeting convener mentioned that new trees would be planted, but trees do not grow back overnight," he said.
"These projects would serve more use on flatter, outlying land rather than the outskirts of Bathurst's residential area."
Following the drop-in session, Neoen head of development Garth Heron emphasised the company has a long way to go before a final decision is made.
He also stated the purpose of the session was to gauge concerns and feedback from the local community.