To obtain a planning permit for a Renewable Energy Facility in Victoria, a proponent or owner of the project (Meadow Creek Solar Farm Pty Ltd) must prepare a Planning Application that responds to the relevant requirements of the local Planning Scheme including the relevant planning controls (zones and overlays). A Planning Application for a Renewable Energy Facility must also address the application requirements listed under Clause 53.13 of the Planning Scheme.  

A proponent will lodge an application with the Minister for Planning who is the responsible authority for a Renewable Energy Facility development, via the Department of Transport and Planning.

Once all relevant information has been provided the Department will proceed with a public notice and referral, where community and stakeholders can make a submission on the proposal.

The Minister then reviews the information, responses from referral agencies and community submissions and makes a decision on the application.

A Cultural Heritage Management Plan is prepared in consultation with the Registered Aboriginal Party to ensure the protection of cultural heritage values on the site. This involves talking to Traditional Owner representatives about the plans, completing site visits and site investigations.

Under the relevant Planning Scheme, a renewable energy facility is an allowable use within a Farming Zone, subject to a planning permit.

A detailed Agricultural Land Use assessment will be prepared to understand the context of the site, and form part of the Planning Application.

The project team is committed to continuing grazing activities on the site to maximise productive use of the land. Grazing also helps to keep growth low and reduce the need for other forms of weed and grass management.

Allowing grazing on the farm has proven to be beneficial for the farmer too, as livestock can enjoy shady patches on hot days and overall water use for livestock can be reduced.

The Meadow Creek Solar Farm project is committed to supporting sustainable practices on the site.

When preparing the project design, we first look at the environmental values of the site including sensitive waterways, vegetation and habitats. Through careful design, impacts on the environment can be reduced significantly.

Every effort is made to design the solar farm in a way that protects high value trees and waterways remain protected.

Once the project design footprint is finalised detailed environmental assessments are prepared. These assessments help to identify the potential impacts of the project and are included in the project Planning Application.

Solar farms make a small amount of noise when operational, this is usually from the substation or electricity inverter. Noise will be considered as part of the projects design and assessments.

We’ve completed a detailed hydrology study to understand the potential impacts of flooding on the project. The study involved mapping waterways in and around the site to identify potentially flood prone areas. The design team use this information to locate infrastructure away from potentially flood prone areas.

The solar farm will use bifacial double-glass solar panels, engineered with solar cells on both sides. These panels are specifically designed for utility-scale solar farms, and the bifacial design significantly enhances their energy generation efficiency.

For this project, we’ll use high-quality photovoltaic solar panels, made of glass, aluminium, copper, monocrystalline solar cells and sealants, to ensure durability and high performance.