Armidale Regional Council has agreed to enter into a planning agreement with Enerparc, the developer of the proposed Tilbuster Solar Farm.
Council endorsed the general terms of the planning agreement at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Wednesday 27 October in Guyra. The agreement will deliver around $1.5 million for community projects and initiatives in the Armidale region.
Whilst the Tilbuster Solar Farm is still in the final stages of the State Significant Development assessment process, Enerparc hope to commence construction in quarter 3 of 2023 if they receive a positive determination from the NSW Government.
Council’s Chief Officer Sustainable Development Daniel Boyce said projects like this provide a once in a generation opportunity for the local community to share in the benefits of the huge investment in renewable energy.
“The Tilbuster agreement will be used to establish a community benefit fund governed by a Committee made up of community and council representatives,” said Mr Boyce.
“The details of that process are yet to be determined but represent a wonderful opportunity to fund worthwhile community projects that improve the social and economic vitality, and sustainability of our region.”
The 152 Megawatt (MW) Tilbuster Solar Farm is one of a number of renewable energy projects proposed in the Armidale Region totalling around 750MW. The NSW Government’s Electricity Strategy and Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap sets out a plan to deliver five Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) including one in the New England.
