A LEADING solar developer proposes to build a solar facility this year on dairy farming land at Lower Mount Walker, but not everybody welcomes the idea.
Energy business Libra Energy, which has developed solar and wind power projects in Africa and Asia, has sets its sights on redeveloping the land at 108 Blanchs Road.
Libra Energy Director Rod Stephenson told Moreton Border News “no red flags” were raised at a meeting to discuss the proposals with Ipswich City Council Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan last year.
The renewable energy boss said he first held meetings with Ross and Steve Blanch a little over a year ago.
“It started with comments by Ross regarding another renewable energy company that had been in touch with a near neighbour; this sparked interest by myself and my colleague Chanan Deluya.”
Mr Stephenson said some residents had been alarmed that house values would dive and that nearby wildlife would be threatened.
“People are interested in renewables, but nobody ever wants it in their backyard for whatever reasons,” Mr Stephenson said.
“The fear is that a solar farm with lots of shiny panels would look ugly, but this is a part of the future if you believe in doing something about climate change.
“There is always resistance to change and not wanting new developments, but the site earmarked for this facility has been farmed for more 100 years and is ideal because it is degraded land in terms that it is just farmland.
“One concern we heard relates to the loss of agricultural land, but sheep and cattle could be successfully run with solar panels.”
He said Libra Energy vowed to operate as a “good corporate citizen”.
“The Lower Mount Walker area has about 70 homes,” Mr Stephenson said.
“We are keen to respect their concerns but also to provide community-based benefits such as electricity vouchers, support the educational costs of kids, and bring community amenities.”
A development application (DA) has yet to be submitted to Ipswich Council but – if approved – construction would start by the end of the year and connection and supply to the grid would begin during 2026.
Mr Stephenson said the solar battery pack would enable energy to enter the grid and provide extra supply for demand during peak hours.
“We can power double the population of the city of Ipswich with clean and green energy for the next 40 years,” he said.
Mr Stephenson said community meetings would soon begin to address public concern.
