LACHLAN Rendall rightly points out in his interview (Solar Farm Could Destroy Existing Tree Plantation, July 2) that trees along Saltram Creek are threatened by French company Neoen's proposed solar project on a property on Thomas Drive, off Eleven Mile Drive, Eglinton.
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So are its grassy woodlands, comprising 100-year-old-plus box trees that adorn the ridgeline.
Grassy woodlands are home to native flora and fauna and have their own functional ecosystem.
Although Neoen claims tree loss will be 'allayed', how exactly will it be allayed?
Surely shade and solar (dare we mention fog?) are not good bedfellows, and, as there are few examples of solar developments among trees, the public has every right to be sceptical.
It is questionable that sheep grazing is sustainable on agricultural land covered by solar panels.
How you control weeds and fertilise amid 1250 acres of solar panels is hard to fathom.
And yes, of course Neoen's graziers say otherwise. They have a vested interest; they are on the generous royalties payroll merry-go-round.
As for the Environmental Impact Statement, Bathurst Regional Council and the NSW Government might like to consider an independent report, if this ludicrous project gets that far (I hope not).
Welcome Bathurst to the wild west solar money rush.
It is not about saving the planet; if it was, this proposal would be set elsewhere. Plenty of sunny, arid and marginal land around.
