Residents in the area of Andersons Lane and Dahlsen Road, Bairnsdale, have raised concerns over the proposed solar development in their area, but it appears no one is listening.
A proposal for around 300 acres of solar collectors and 10 acres of batteries is sought by BNRG Leeson, an Australian company that focuses on offering landowners leasing opportunities for their land for solar power installations.
The proposed 10-acre battery installation of 150mwh could operate a small town for 15-30 hours before going flat.
The first meeting of the group attracted around 50 concerned residents, and now the group has a solid committee promoting the concerns of residents living in close proximity to the proposed development site.
They say the roads are not up to scratch and the site is to be constructed next to nature reserve corridors and the Moormurng Forest.
The local group has no issue with solar energy but believes the site is simply in the wrong place.
The group also believes space between residential property and the solar facility is too close, however runoff areas differ from all levels of government and agencies depending on the type and size of the installation.
The group said local council has no say in any matters regarding the development or going in to bat for them as the developers deal direct with the State Government.
They also say there is no objection process either as the State Government has amended the rules as how VCAT operate, a demonstration of how government is generally removed from decisions made effecting country peoples lives.
The group has found it difficult to communicate with the development company BNRG-leeson or their agents Urbis of
Collins Street Melbourne since August last year.
The local group would like to discuss issues such as fire risk, protection of agricultural land, the effects on the mental health of people in the middle of and surrounding areas of the project, risks associated with battery installations and their frustration with the lack of open and direct communication with them by the proponents.
