Your Questions, Answered

  • The small scale of the Gunnedah Solar farm means that visual and other impacts are kept to a minimum and the local rural landscape is largely preserved. While there will be some disruptions during the construction phase, CleanPeak Energy is committed to keeping the nearby residents informed on updates to construction activities and timelines.

  • CleanPeak Energy will work closely with the local community and ensure noise disruptions will be kept at minimum and communicated with nearby stakeholders in advance. Construction noise will be contained to working hours with vehicles accessing the site prior and after work hours for commuting purposes.

  • There will be additional traffic movements during the construction phase. However, a traffic management plan, as approved by council, will be put in place to minimise the impact on the local community. During construction, approximately twenty workers will be accessing the site during working hours using utes or small trucks.

  • Throughout our planning process, CleanPeak Energy has carefully considered the visual impact of the site from the surrounding areas. We have developed comprehensive landscaping plans to provide vegetation screening along the boundaries of the site. Once established, the native trees and shrubs will significantly reduce visibility of the solar farm and contribute positively to the local biodiversity of the site. Our plan is to integrate sheep grazing under the panels to further preserve the rural aesthetic of the site.

  • Our solar farms are designed and operated to very high safety standards and fire hazards are thoroughly considered. We engaged both a fire safety specialist and a bushfire specialist to assess the risks specific to this site and recommend the best approach to minimise them. Our risk mitigation measures include: a dedicated fire water tank; roads designed for fire truck access; Asset Protection Zones around the site; ongoing grass & vegetation monitoring and management to reduce bushfire risk. CleanPeak Energy also follows detailed safety management plans throughout the entire project lifecycle to ensure safe construction and operation.

  • CleanPeak Energy has a build-own-operate business model and will continue to operate the Gunnedah Solar Farm once construction is complete. We see our relationship with the Gunnedah community as a long-term partnership, built on mutual benefit & success.

CleanPeak Energy is committed to keeping the community informed as works progress. Community members with questions or concerns relating to construction activities are encouraged to contact the project team.

You asked, we answered

This section is where we collate recent community enquiries and our responses

What species will you be using as part of the landscaping?

We are currently working with local Gunnedah nurseries to select plant species that are suited to the local climate, integrate with the existing landscape, and meet Council requirements. The final species list will be confirmed as part of the detailed landscaping plan and can be shared once available. The project also includes compensatory planting of koala feed trees at a minimum 4:1 ratio for any required removal of mature trees, with replacements provided if any plantings do not establish within 12 months.

What will you be using to screen the site?

In accordance with the Development Approval, temporary screening will be used to reduce the visual impact of the site, with colours and finishes selected to blend with the surrounding landscape and meet Council requirements.

The final screening materials, including colour, will be confirmed through this compliance process.

Where is the site located specifically?

The CleanPeak Energy Solar Farm site is located on the corner of Bushs Lane and Black Jack Road.

Please note that all relevant Development Applications for this solar farm list the address as 262 Hunts Road, Gunnedah.