Plans are currently afoot to build a 5MW (megawatt) solar energy facility to help Stawell gain access to cheaper and cleaner energy.
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The planning application for the facility is currently before the Minister for Planning, who will decide whether to approve the facility no sooner than Sunday, July 4.
The facility would provide renewable energy to Stawell and the surrounding region, with the planning application submitted on behalf of South Australian manufacturing company Greentech stating that "all electricity generated from this facility will remain within Western Victoria".
Located about 3.5km north of Stawell, the proposed facility would take up about 8.3 hectares on a 165-hectare farming property at 105 Dane Road and include a portion of land on 58 Dane Road.
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Greentech selected the location partially due to its closeness to existing overhead Powercor lines but will also install about 700 metres of new overhead powerlines on the property.
While the development site is clear of native vegetation, some plant life will be removed to create an access point for the facility.
The proposal also includes landscaping of at least two metres in height to screen the proposed solar panels.
Although Northern Grampians Shire Council is not the planning authority, the application will be referred to the council for comment.
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Northern Grampians Shire mayor Murray Emerson said the council was broadly supportive of renewable energy projects but would also engage community stakeholders for their thoughts on the application.
"We are more than open to any renewable energy opportunities that may come to the Northern Grampians Shire," he said.
"Part of the (referral) process for us is to make enquiries with the adjoining landholders to see that they get the opportunity to support it or complain against it."
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