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The Hillston Sun Farm development site is located on open land that is around 3.5km south from the town of Hillston in the Riverina region of south-western New South Wales.
Hillston is located on the Lachlan River and is an important historical location in the pastoral development of the region with early explorers such as John Oxley and William Hovell being associated with the town. The site was identified by OVERLAND because of its location adjacent to the Essential Energy 132kV substation, the large open areas of land that have been cleared for wheat, cereal and cotton production and the high numbers of sunny days that occur in this region. The landowners are fully supportive of developing the site for solar energy and see "farming the sun" as a complement to farming the land. We would like to thank the landowners, community and Council at and around Hillston for their support during the development of this exciting project. The development site for the sun farm includes large, open areas to the west of Kidman Way - one of the main transport routes to the town which also provides good site access. The 132kV Hillston electricity transmission line passes along the eastern boundary of the land and the associated Hillston sub station is located on the northern boundary of the site.
An important factor in selecting the site for a sun farm was the availability of an expansive area of cleared land that can accomodate the construction of a solar farm of a size that matches the local grid network system but still allows for the retention of stands of native vegetation and important drainage waterways. The NSW Government has classified the Hillston Sun Farm project as a State Significant Development and therefore the NSW government planning approvals process applies. In addition, OVERLAND is working with associated government agencies, stakeholders and Carrathool Shire Council on the project. Grid network studies and applications have been submitted to Essential Energy and connection arrangements are being finalised. |
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A fact sheet on the Hillston Sun Farm can be downloaded here.
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The Hillston Sun Farm Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is available at the Major Projects Planning & Environment website.
Government assessment agencies access portal - please click here.
Government assessment agencies access portal - please click here.
