While Solar Installation Is On Backburner, Battery Installation Concerns Lower Mount Walker Residents
Dozens of locals met for a community barbeque at Lower Mount Walker recently to express their concerns over plans for a battery installation at Lower Mount Walker.
Libra Energy, following strong community advocacy supported by me, has put their plans for a solar installation over hundreds of hectares on the backburner – for now. They are now proposing to install at least 500 shipping-like containers with batteries installed inside them.
The proposal for a battery installation is a new proposal, and I am taking the time to consult with the community about their concerns. No development application has yet been lodged with Ipswich City Council.
Under this Labor Government’s planning laws, these applications would be code assessable – meaning the community has no formal way of objecting or making a submission with their concerns to Council about the proposed battery installation.
Our families, farmers and small businesses need affordable, reliable energy – above all else. We also need a planning process that allow communities to have real input into the process of where renewable energy projects are located, especially when it involves a conflicting land use to the existing town plan. The LNP has stated that, if elected, it will ensure communities have a voice by making these projects impact assessable under planning laws – which means everyone will have the opportunity to make submissions, objections and to have the proponents answer concerns of the community.
There should be no preferential treatment for renewable energy projects.
I commend the Lower Mount Walker community for getting on the front foot in placing their concerns front and centre with the Council, Government and Libra Energy.
