The clock is ticking on a controversial 500 megawatt renewable energy project set to be built north of Tamworth.
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Thunderbolt Energy project proponent Neoen has two years from this week to lodge a DA and an EIS for the Kentucky power scheme.
The company plans to build a a 120 megawatt solar and a 380 megawatt wind farm plus a 400 megawatt battery near the town.
The first planning document for the $440 million solar and battery element of the project - a Neoen scoping report - was made public this week.
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The company told the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) that it started consultation with "potentially involved" local landholders in 2019.
In 2020 the company expanded their consultation, holding meetings with 27 landowners during the face to face meetings. Just 33 per cent told Neoen they had no concerns regarding the project.
The company also undertook "phone liaison" with 57 landowners living within 8 kilometres of the project.
The document shows the project has shrunk to just 14,000 hectares, from an initially expected 35,000.
The Secretary of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment issued Environmental Assessment Requirements for the project on Thursday. The requirements oblige the company to complete a DA by 2022, or else consult further with the Planning Secretary.
Proponent Neoen must undertake detailed consultation with affected landholders surrounding the development, plus the local Uralla Shire.
But the project's environmental assessment requirements, issued this week, also require Neoen to consult with neighbouring councils Tamworth and Walcha.
Building the project would create over 250 construction jobs, with between 10 and 15 to last for the life of the scheme.
Neoen has yet to submit planning documents regarding the wind power element of the project.
The wind power section of the project is most controversial with local opposition Friends of Kentucky Action Group.
Andrew Messenger
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
