In a world of increasing global uncertainty, extreme weather events and wildly fluctuating commodity prices, the prospect of adding a stable income base to a farming enterprise is a welcome opportunity.
Local sheep farmers Jonathan and Rosie Koop have embraced this opportunity, planning a project that delivers strong agricultural, community and environmental outcomes.
As part of the global move toward renewable energy sources, this project would power more than 100,000 homes while still supporting the livestock currently farmed on the property.
“Unlike other farming systems such as cattle and broad acre cropping, solar panels and sheep can work together productively,” Mr Koop said.
“With some innovative thinking and careful planning pre-construction, we believe we can still run a viable sheep enterprise.
“We are energised by this new challenge to develop a best practice Agrisolar business.”
One of the very earliest considerations in the project’s lifecycle was fire safety.
Discussions held with CFA specialist fire risk and safety leaders will ensure Nioka Solar designs meet all CFA requirements including setbacks, fire breaks and access to adequate water supplies.
Steps have been taken to engage with the local CFA (District 23) to enable local Brigades the opportunity to provide guidance.
Long-standing CFA leader Garry Nash said the opportunity for the CFA, both head office and locally, to provide input and feedback at an early stage is appreciated and will lead to better fire safety outcomes.
The Yorta Yorta National Aboriginal Corporation have also visited the farm.
“It is really interesting to learn about the traditional connection to this land and to see and hear another perspective on land that you know so well,” Mr Koop said.
Still in the feasibility phase, the Koops have commenced evaluation with experts in flora and fauna, noise, landscape and visual, glint and glare, traffic and hydrology.
Early-stage discussions are also under way with Benalla Council and the Department of Transport and Planning.
Regent Honeyeater Project discussion around protecting the most valuable natural assets has also commenced and the Koops are strongly committed to protecting the environmental value of a farm on which they, and previous owners Bill and Marg Scott, have planted more than 10,000 trees over 20 years.
The Koops have retained control of their project rather than sell to a developer to embed strong fire safety, neighbourhood and environmental outcomes before introducing a construction partner.
They acknowledge that some local people oppose the project.
“Changes to our landscape are often difficult and met with trepidation, and we felt the same way when solar first arrived in Glenrowan West,” Mr Koop said.
“We have lived next to ground mounted solar for more than five years now.
“We recognise that proximity to the Glenrowan Terminal Station and existing transmission lines helps keep energy production costs down.
“It is a decision not made lightly, and we are committed to optimising the outcomes for our immediate neighbourhood in both the design and through neighbourhood benefit.
“We want this project to give back in a meaningful way that makes a real difference over the duration of the project.”
A community drop-in session for locals to learn more about the proposed project will be held at the Vintage Hall Café, 54 Gladstone St, Glenrowan from 10am-12pm and from 5-7pm on Tuesday, June 23.
Project representatives will be available for one-on-one conversations to discuss the project and hear your feedback.
For more information, visit niokasolar.com/
