Media release 13 Aug : New Solar Farms Must Be Built Within Designated Renewable Energy Zones

13^th August 2024

New Solar Farms Must Be Built Within Designated Renewable Energy Zones

Member for Albury Justin Clancy has called on the NSW Government to ensure new solar farms are built in the state’s five designated Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), after setting its 2030 target of generating 12 gigawatts of renewable energy and creating 2 gigawatts of long-term storage. 

Last week, a committee inquiry was established in the NSW Legislative Council to examine The impact of Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) on rural and regional communities and industries in New South Wales. It will inquire and report back on the current and projected socioeconomic, cultural, agricultural, and environmental impacts of projects, including the cumulative impacts.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Clancy has encouraged residents from across the Albury electorate to share their views with the Inquiry.

“One of the most polarising issues in recent years in the Greater Hume LGA, has been the emergence of solar farm developers in the communities of Walla Walla, Culcairn, Glenellen, Jindera, and most recently Morven, for no greater reason than the presence of high voltage power lines.

“We must tap into emerging projects like Transgrid’s $2.3b EnergyConnect project. The high voltage powerline dubbed an “energy superhighway” and passing across the state’s South West Renewable Energy Zone, is where we need to start locating our solar farms,” Mr Clancy said. 

The five designated REZ sites were selected in 2019, based on their abundance of high-quality wind and solar resources, proximity to existing and planned high voltage power lines, relative land-use compatibility, regulatory compliance, and coordinated development.

 “Renewable energy is a necessary part of our transition to a more sustainable future, but it is equally clear that we must approach this transition thoughtfully and inclusively. 

“This includes genuine engagement with communities within Renewable Energy Zones, where the government has strategically assessed that further renewables be located. Such action will reduce the burden on farming communities, such as those within Greater Hume,” Mr Clancy said.