Cookies help us to understand how you use our website so that we can provide you with the best experience when you are on our site. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy.
Manage Cookies
A cookie is information stored on your computer by a website you visit. Cookies often store your settings for a website, such as your preferred language or location. This allows the site to present you with information customized to fit your needs. As per the GDPR law, companies need to get your explicit approval to collect your data. Some of these cookies are ‘strictly necessary’ to provide the basic functions of the website and can not be turned off, while others if present, have the option of being turned off. Learn more about our Privacy and Cookie policies. These can be managed also from our cookie policy page.
Strictly necessary cookies(always on):
Necessary for enabling core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. This cannot be turned off. e.g. Sign in, Language
Analytics cookies:
Analytical cookies help us to analyse user behaviour, mainly to see if the users are able to find and act on things that they are looking for. They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our website when they are using it. Tools used: Google Analytics
Social media cookies:
We use social media cookies from Facebook, Twitter and Google to run Widgets, Embed Videos, Posts, Comments and to fetch profile information.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
The Dingo Lane Solar Farm project is a 5 megawatt (maximum) solar farm currently proposed for Council-owned land, next to the Resource and Recovery Centre at Dingo Lane, Myocum.
Background
In May 2019, Byron Shire Council committed to carrying out a detailed feasibility assessment for the solar farm project. Once built, the Dingo Lane Solar Farm will generate enough electricity to:
reduce Council’s carbon emissions
offset Council’s power usage; and
send additional renewable power back into the grid.
Community engagement commenced in November 2019, starting with a door knock and mail-out to local residents and neighbouring properties, followed by an on-site information session.
The detailed feasibility assessment also commenced in November 2019 and included confirming factors which will affect design risk (soil, flooding, glare) and gaining important input from the local community.
Expressions of interest were called for the design and construction/operations and maintenance of the solar farm. Five companies have been shortlisted by Byron Shire Council to participate in the early contractor involvement and progress to the design and construction documentation stage.
Current stage
Community contributions and feedback on this project are now being evaluated and incorporated into the DA documentation.
The Project Team are coordinating the procurement process for specialist consultants to carry out electricity grid modelling and preparing the DA for submission. The outcomes of the community contributions will be summarised in the DA.
In the interim, the Project Team remain available to answer questions directly via the Q&A tab.
Next steps
A DA will be prepared and submitted for public exhibition.
The Dingo Lane Solar Farm project is a 5 megawatt (maximum) solar farm currently proposed for Council-owned land, next to the Resource and Recovery Centre at Dingo Lane, Myocum.
Background
In May 2019, Byron Shire Council committed to carrying out a detailed feasibility assessment for the solar farm project. Once built, the Dingo Lane Solar Farm will generate enough electricity to:
reduce Council’s carbon emissions
offset Council’s power usage; and
send additional renewable power back into the grid.
Community engagement commenced in November 2019, starting with a door knock and mail-out to local residents and neighbouring properties, followed by an on-site information session.
The detailed feasibility assessment also commenced in November 2019 and included confirming factors which will affect design risk (soil, flooding, glare) and gaining important input from the local community.
Expressions of interest were called for the design and construction/operations and maintenance of the solar farm. Five companies have been shortlisted by Byron Shire Council to participate in the early contractor involvement and progress to the design and construction documentation stage.
Current stage
Community contributions and feedback on this project are now being evaluated and incorporated into the DA documentation.
The Project Team are coordinating the procurement process for specialist consultants to carry out electricity grid modelling and preparing the DA for submission. The outcomes of the community contributions will be summarised in the DA.
In the interim, the Project Team remain available to answer questions directly via the Q&A tab.
Next steps
A DA will be prepared and submitted for public exhibition.
Are you a resident or property owner in the Myocum area? Do you have any questions, concerns or feedback on the proposed solar farm for the 1 Dingo Lane, Myocum site?
Byron Shire Council is seeking information from Myocum residents to help shape a long-term sustainable solution for reducing Council's carbon emissions and explore in detail the feasibility of a large scale solar project in this community.
Your feedback will be considered by Council prior to a development application being submitted.
How you can provide feedback
Please leave your feedback in the field below. Comments can be left anonymously.
Comments are now closed. Ask a question or forward a submission, until 18 May 2020.
I am opposed to this size of the proposal for the following brief reasons:
1. Financially reckless for a local council that claims to be destitute. 2. No business case - who in Byron Shire will benefit? 3. Potential illegitimacy of change to BSC's function from provision of local services and infrastructure to electricity generation. 4. Not a priority for Shire residents who wanted improvement to roads, drains and other infrastructure up to minimum safety standards.
Greg Davies
about 1 year ago
Hi folks, thanks for all the comments so far just some short responses - if you would like a response directly to you please send me an email (details on the right). I will try and respond below as I am able from existing project information; 1) likely cost - current cost estimate is about $12M. 2) Payback - 10-15 years (we are currently investigating this further) 3) source of funding - Council hasn't yet identified the funding source 4) Carbon footprint of installation - we will be working with contractors to understand this and consider what we can do during the project to reduce the emissions from construction 5) Should Council be building solar farms? the construction of solar farms by councils is become more common to reduce emissions and manage the price risk of electricity. The case for a Council to build any solar installation is similar to the case for building one on your home (just at a larger scale) 6) Power line and masts. This is currently being investigated and further detail will be provided at a later stage, there are existing lines and masts to the site and it is unlikely there will be much extension 7) Glare; council has received a glare and visual impact assessment report on the proposed solar and will soon engage the local residents about the outcomes, standard practice is to reduce glare where it exists by plantings so there is no ongoing impact, in general panels are design to catch the sun, not reflect it and some panel designs will 'tilt' to follow the sun and therefor have no glare. These options are being considered by Council 8) cattle under panels; we are investigating with potential contractors about various options under the solar panels. At this stage the heights of the panels, and need to fence the farm, make cattle unlikely but this has not yet been ruled out 9) flood risk / debris loading. We have engaged specialist flood engineers to model this and are working with out contractors to ensure that the solar farm is designed to protect against this risk 10) energy grid upgrades - we have received preliminary advice from essential energy about this and are currently completing a further study 11) construction time and traffic - we are working with construction companies to understand this and will include a traffic impact assessment in our planning work 12) Australian precedents see https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/resources/project-tracker as there's lots of information there about current and existing solar farm projects
I hope that's all helpful, please contact me via email if you'd like more information or a direct response.
Andrew Swan (Project Manager for Council)
about 1 year ago
What a good idea. I wonder if you could tell us the cost and likely time it will take to repay the capital cost?
Mary Fox
about 1 year ago
PLEASE FIX ROADS! No more diversions to Dingo 😡 UPPER MAIN ARM RD is deplorable, overgrown, potholed, corrugated &C In short a DEATH TRAP
Rog
about 1 year ago
At the risk of being labeled a " Climate Denier " can I ask !/. How much will this cost, 2/. Where is the money coming from 3/. will there be a realistic payback period before it all needs replacing ? 4/. what is the carbon foot print of such an installation ? 5/. is this really what a Local council should be spending rate payers funds on ?
The same can be asked of the Council Chamber car park solar installation
Ashley Thomas
about 1 year ago
Go Byron Council! This is a great project and I wish you every success for all our sakes. Not a Myocum resident but nearby and we need this.
katrina shields
about 1 year ago
I think it's a brilliant idea to help reduce power and carbon emissions. And in no way do i think solar farms look unsightly. Go team!
Pete W
about 1 year ago
I fully support the plan for a solar farm. Just get going and work it all out ASAP. I can't comment on the specific area but please take note of what surrounding residents say.
Margie
about 1 year ago
Excellent, the sooner we reach zero emissions the better.
Sama
about 1 year ago
I love this idea and fully support any efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.
Aya
about 1 year ago
Dear council
can you please provide some images of the power line and the masts. How will that look like?
Thank you and kind regards Amie San
Amie San
about 1 year ago
I'm all for renewable energy. I live in Myocum northwest of the proposed site. My only concerns with this project is how long it will take and the increased traffic to and from the construction site, as well as any upgrades that will be needed to feed the power generated into the grid.
Jay
about 1 year ago
I fully support this. Our region uses a lot of electricity during the day when the sun is shining (air conditioners, lights, computers) - 7 days a week. As the owner of 2 solar power systems, I understand the concepts and encourage Council to push ahead.
JimByron
about 1 year ago
Great idea
Michelle Lowe
about 1 year ago
I live west of the proposed Solar farm at the west end of Dingo Lane. I support council's initiative but am concerned about potential glare along the whole doorbell/Coolamnon Scenic drive ridge. It is very important to me that I do not have constant glare from the panels. I suggest siting the panels facing due north will impact the least on most surrounding and nearby residents. Please respond.
pw
about 1 year ago
I support this proposed solar farm project
Francis Cooper
about 1 year ago
Seems like a fantastic idea. Are there any efficient and community embraced Australian precedents that we can look at to help make an informed decision?
Celiacheetham
about 1 year ago
Would be great to make sure Solar panels are able to have cattle grazing underneath.
Also flood risk washing down stream is taken into account. The plains on dingo lane can have very strong flood waters and often have debris from trees and farm fencing carried across them.
johan.kortenhorst
about 1 year ago
Have your say on the solar farm
Ask the Project Team a question (publicly) via the Q&A tab.
Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum has finished this stage
This project is currently in the community engagement stage and is open for contributions and feedback.
Procurement of Consultants
Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum has finished this stage
Glare, visual, flood, soil testing in progress. Other aspects such as town planning, traffic, noise, environmental assessment - upcoming.
Expression of Interest for Design & Construction / Operations & Maintenance
Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum has finished this stage
Expression of Interest documentation is being developed and compiled for tender.
Design and Construction documentation process
Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum is currently at this stage
Contributions and feedback on this project are being evaluated and incorporated into the design and construction documentation. The Project team will report back on key outcomes.
Energy Agreement
this is an upcoming stage for Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum
Procurement process for specialist consultants to carry out electricity grid modelling.
Preparation for DA
this is an upcoming stage for Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum
The final outcomes of the community contributions will be summarised here.
Submission of DA
this is an upcoming stage for Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum
DA Public Exhibition and Approval
this is an upcoming stage for Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum
Council decision - GO/NO GO
this is an upcoming stage for Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum
Council to make a decision on whether to progress project to the construction phase.
Design and Construction Contractor Appointment
this is an upcoming stage for Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum
Construction
this is an upcoming stage for Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum
Operation
this is an upcoming stage for Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Myocum
I am opposed to this size of the proposal for the following brief reasons:
1. Financially reckless for a local council that claims to be destitute.
2. No business case - who in Byron Shire will benefit?
3. Potential illegitimacy of change to BSC's function from provision of local services and infrastructure to electricity generation.
4. Not a priority for Shire residents who wanted improvement to roads, drains and other infrastructure up to minimum safety standards.
Hi folks, thanks for all the comments so far just some short responses - if you would like a response directly to you please send me an email (details on the right).
I will try and respond below as I am able from existing project information;
1) likely cost - current cost estimate is about $12M.
2) Payback - 10-15 years (we are currently investigating this further)
3) source of funding - Council hasn't yet identified the funding source
4) Carbon footprint of installation - we will be working with contractors to understand this and consider what we can do during the project to reduce the emissions from construction
5) Should Council be building solar farms? the construction of solar farms by councils is become more common to reduce emissions and manage the price risk of electricity. The case for a Council to build any solar installation is similar to the case for building one on your home (just at a larger scale)
6) Power line and masts. This is currently being investigated and further detail will be provided at a later stage, there are existing lines and masts to the site and it is unlikely there will be much extension
7) Glare; council has received a glare and visual impact assessment report on the proposed solar and will soon engage the local residents about the outcomes, standard practice is to reduce glare where it exists by plantings so there is no ongoing impact, in general panels are design to catch the sun, not reflect it and some panel designs will 'tilt' to follow the sun and therefor have no glare. These options are being considered by Council
8) cattle under panels; we are investigating with potential contractors about various options under the solar panels. At this stage the heights of the panels, and need to fence the farm, make cattle unlikely but this has not yet been ruled out
9) flood risk / debris loading. We have engaged specialist flood engineers to model this and are working with out contractors to ensure that the solar farm is designed to protect against this risk
10) energy grid upgrades - we have received preliminary advice from essential energy about this and are currently completing a further study
11) construction time and traffic - we are working with construction companies to understand this and will include a traffic impact assessment in our planning work
12) Australian precedents see https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/resources/project-tracker as there's lots of information there about current and existing solar farm projects
I hope that's all helpful, please contact me via email if you'd like more information or a direct response.
What a good idea. I wonder if you could tell us the cost and likely time it will take to repay the capital cost?
PLEASE FIX ROADS!
No more diversions to Dingo 😡
UPPER MAIN ARM RD is deplorable, overgrown, potholed, corrugated &C
In short a DEATH TRAP
At the risk of being labeled a " Climate Denier " can I ask !/. How much will this cost, 2/. Where is the money coming from 3/. will there be a realistic payback period before it all needs replacing ? 4/. what is the carbon foot print of such an installation ? 5/. is this really what a Local council should be spending rate payers funds on ?
The same can be asked of the Council Chamber car park solar installation
Go Byron Council! This is a great project and I wish you every success for all our sakes. Not a Myocum resident but nearby and we need this.
I think it's a brilliant idea to help reduce power and carbon emissions. And in no way do i think solar farms look unsightly. Go team!
I fully support the plan for a solar farm. Just get going and work it all out ASAP. I can't comment on the specific area but please take note of what surrounding residents say.
Excellent, the sooner we reach zero emissions the better.
I love this idea and fully support any efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.
Dear council
can you please provide some images of the power line and the masts. How will that look like?
Thank you and kind regards
Amie San
I'm all for renewable energy. I live in Myocum northwest of the proposed site. My only concerns with this project is how long it will take and the increased traffic to and from the construction site, as well as any upgrades that will be needed to feed the power generated into the grid.
I fully support this. Our region uses a lot of electricity during the day when the sun is shining (air conditioners, lights, computers) - 7 days a week. As the owner of 2 solar power systems, I understand the concepts and encourage Council to push ahead.
Great idea
I live west of the proposed Solar farm at the west end of Dingo Lane.
I support council's initiative but am concerned about potential glare along the whole doorbell/Coolamnon Scenic drive ridge.
It is very important to me that I do not have constant glare from the panels. I suggest siting the panels facing due north will impact the least on most surrounding and nearby residents. Please respond.
I support this proposed solar farm project
Seems like a fantastic idea. Are there any efficient and community embraced Australian precedents that we can look at to help make an informed decision?
Would be great to make sure Solar panels are able to have cattle grazing underneath.
Also flood risk washing down stream is taken into account. The plains on dingo lane can have very strong flood waters and often have debris from trees and farm fencing carried across them.