How much land does the project cover?
The project footprint covers approximately 230ha of land.
Why was this site chosen for the project?
Two of the main reasons for site selection are: 1) proximity to Powerlink Orana substation (approx 10km) and it has adequate capacity to accommodate electricity supply from the proposed Everleigh Solar Farm; and 2) the project footprint has a very minimal regulated vegetation; topography is flat and less flood prone.
Is the project permanent?
The project is planned to operate for 30 years.
Under what guidelines/regulations was the project be assessed?
It was assessed under Planning Act 2016 (QLD) and Western Downs Regional Council Planning Scheme
Who is the consent authority for this project?
Western Downs Regional Council
How long will construction take?
It is expected to take up to 18 months to complete construction and commissioning.
What assessments are undertaken as part of the project development?
As part of the development approval, the project was required to include, but not limited to, ecological assessment (focusing on both State and Commonwealth regulated flora and fauna), flood impact assessment, traffic impact assessment, bushfire hazard assessment, and Aboriginal cultural heritage survey. All these assessments will inform the mitigation and management measures for any site constraints during construction and operation.
How many jobs will be created?
It will create up to 200 jobs across the lifecycle of the project.
How will the local community benefit from this project?
Everleigh Solar Park aims to deliver lasting benefits for First Nations and local communities through employment, training, and social initiatives. Key commitments include Barunggam employment roles, job readiness training, community grants, and local procurement. These will support youth employment and skills development, with ongoing review and input from stakeholders throughout the project.
What happens at the project’s end of life?
At the end of the project’s operational life, the solar farm will be dismantled and recycled, and the site will be reinstated to its previous farming use.