Plug pulled on $70M Glenella solar farm
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THE plug has been pulled on a $70 million Glenella energy project which could have powered 11,500 Mackay homes.
New South Wales renewable energy developer Terrain Solar has withdrawn its application for the Holts Rd project.
The Mackay Regional Council development application was withdrawn on Thursday December 10 in an anticlimactic end to the two-year saga.
Terrain Solar submitted a development application to the council to build an 88ha solar farm over land at Larkins Rd, Glenella-Richmond Rd and Holts Rd, Glenella.
The project would have generated 30-40 megawatts over its 40 year lifespan and have created more than 100 local jobs for construction managers, electricians, fitters, various plant operators, mechanics and general labourers.
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In 2019, Terrain Solar director Chris Wilson said Mackay was selected for its construction and logistics industries as well as sunny climate.
Mr Wilson had hoped the project would break ground by the end of the year, but community opposition, Ergon Energy referrals, council information requests and eight extensions by agreement dragged out the process.
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Mackay resident Mary Cruickshank voiced her opposition to the development in June 2019, saying it would destroy the prime agricultural land and damage the sensitive Jane Creek catchment.
Glenella resident Frank Sheperd said he was concerned about the location of the proposed solar farm, with it 5km from the city.
"Mackay is known for its green valleys and both cane growing and tourism will be affected," Mr Sheperd said in June.
"The beautiful valley will be destroyed."
Despite withdrawing its application, Terrain Solar still states the Glenella Solar Farm is "in development" on its website.
The company is registered with ASIC.
