Proposed changes to the way solar farms are approved could have saved Corangamite Shire at least $120,000 in legal fees in its battle over the Bookaar project, the council's mayor says.
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The outcome of a 10-day Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing is expected to be handed down next week in what mayor Neil Trotter described as a test case for the industry.
The Victorian Government, which recently released new guidelines, also announced plans to make the minister for planning the responsible authority for all large-scale solar farm applications - a similar move the state made to address windfarm developments.
Cr Trotter said the VCAT appeal over the council's decision to knock back the development of the $150 million, 200MW solar farm had cost it at least $120,000 in legal fees as well as cost to staff time.
"It's a significant amount of money," he said. "Unfortunately we're a bit of test case."
Cr Trotter said the proposed changes were the "right way to go" and would mean future solar projects would be treated the same as major wind farm developments.
Solar farm objector Andrew Duynhoven said he feared that by sending future projects to the minister, the community could lose its right to have a say.
However, he said there were positives in new guidelines but they still needed work. "It's better than not having any," he said.
Mr Duynhoven said the guidelines addressed the issue of hydrology and water run-off - an issue that affected him as a neighbour of the proposed Bookaar solar farm.
He said the CFA in Australia was "leading the charge" worldwide on solar farm guidelines such making sure the fuel load didn't exceed 100mm during the danger period.
"All grass has to be cut and mowed to no greater than 100mm," he said. The CFA concerns have been integrated into the government's new guidelines, he said.
Mr Duynhoven said he wasn't confident VCAT wouldn't overturn the council's decision. "I wouldn't bet on the nose, I'd take an each way bet," he said.
When Acting Minister for Planning Lily D'Ambrosio released the guidelines she said it would provide more confidence to the solar sector and encourage greater investment as part of Victoria's renewable energy boom.
The guidelines also gives certainty for councils and developers about what is required to achieve acceptable outcomes for land, communities and the environment.
The guideline will be implemented through an amendment to the Victorian Planning Scheme and, if passed, the minister for planning would then become the responsible authority for all large-scale solar farm applications.
"Along with providing more certainty to the community, the guidelines will reduce the burden on local councils and give the renewable energy industry more confidence to invest," Ms D'Ambrosio said.
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