Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Local News

Proposed 85 MW solar farm with 70 MW battery storage in Bairnsdale is open for public submissions to the Planning Minister

A proposal for an 85 MW solar farm and 70 MW battery storage at 280 Bengworden Road, Bairnsdale, has been submitted. Community submissions are encouraged as the Minister for Planning reviews the project.

By news@gippsland - 14th May 2025 - Back to News

A proposal for a solar farm at 280 Bengworden Road, Bairnsdale, has been submitted to the Victorian government's Minister for Planning. The proposal is for an 85-megawatt solar installation and 70-megawatt battery energy storage system covering approximately 99 hectares.

Street view of 280 Bengworden Road, Bairnsdale

Planning proposal update

The proponent, Elgin Energy, is an international energy company operating since 2009. Under the Victorian planning system, the Minister for Planning is the decision-maker for all renewable energy facilities that are 1 megawatt or greater.

East Gippsland Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Weigall said the formal notification of the proposal to Council and the community provides the opportunity for submissions to be made to the Minister. "We are aware of community interest in the project and encourage community members to review the project documentation and consider making a submission to the Department of Transport and Planning."

"Council will be making its own submission outlining the matters that we expect to be addressed in the assessment of the proposal. Council is not the decision-maker, but we will advocate for a thorough assessment of the proposal and for community views to be fully considered by the Minister" Ms Weigall said. Further information about the proposal is available through the Department of Transport and Planning.

Pictures from Google Maps.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com