The completed plant would be larger than the Sunraysia solar farm in NSW, currently Australia’s largest under construction, at 250 MW. Other Australian solar farms of up to 1,000 MW have been proposed.
Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann said, “This is a complex development application put together by Ethos Urban planning consultants, who have been involved in other large infrastructure projects throughout Australia, on behalf of Sunshine Energy Australia Pty Ltd.
“We understand the attractions of the site include its proximity to the existing high voltage power network and proximity to Brisbane.”
The site is within one hour of the 570 MW pumped storage hydroelectric plant at Splityard Creek, also in the Somerset Regional Council area.
In addition to the PV plant, the development application includes two substations, facilities for up to 60 employees and provision for battery storage.
“The application has been referred to various government departments and agencies for their input and we will carefully assess it against our planning scheme like any other proposal,” Lehmann concluded.
