The community will enjoy significant benefits from the project.

Environmental Benefits
of The Project

Climate change is one of the current critical challenges we face internationally. As highlighted by the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, there is an urgent need to act on mitigating the risk of climate change by limiting carbon dioxide emissions.

Solar farms ensure a long-term positive contribution towards mitigating the effects of climate change as energy is sourced naturally. At Campbells Forest Solar Farm, our focus will be on preserving the local environment while helping Victoria to build a cleaner future.

At its maximum capacity, Campbells Forest Solar Farm is expected to:

  • Power approximately 71,500 Australian households;
  • Assist in reducing greenhouse gases by approximately 421,000 tonnes per year.

Relevant
Policy

The Australian Government considers renewable energy as a key element to the success of Australian sustainable future. By 2020, the Government is aiming for 23.5% of Australia’s total energy usage to be from renewable sources, while the Victorian State Government aims to achieve a higher percentage of 25% renewable usage across Victoria and 40 per cent by 2025. The Victorian Government is now in the process of increasing its target to 50 per cent by 2030. The operation of Campbells Forest Solar Farm will make significant contributions towards Victorian and Australian sustainable energy targets.

Sources:

https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorias-renewable-energy-targets

https://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/government/renewable-energy-target-scheme

 

What is "421,000 Tonnes of
Greenhouse Gas" Equivalent to?

Emission from approximately
71,500 households’ electricity
use for a year
Taking approximately 90,000 passenger vehicles off
the road each year
Approximately 208,000 tonnes of coal burned to generate the same amount of electricity
displaced by the solar farm

Economic Benefit of the Project

Employment Opportunities

The project will create many employment opportunities for the region, with nearly 300 direct and indirect contract jobs required during the construction period, including – but not limited to – jobs in:

  • Civil works
  • Electrical works
  • Concreting and steel works
  • Landscaping and fencing
  • Transportation, and more.

Upon completion, up to six permanent positions will be created to ensure effective operation of the solar farm. There will also be further contractor job opportunities available during operation for the life of the project.

Business Opportunities

During development, construction and operation of the project on a long-term basis, the influx of contractors and other workers towards Loddon Shire is expected to greatly benefit local businesses due to an increased demand for local goods and services. This includes increased demand for accommodation, food and beverage goods, material supply, fuel supply, vehicle servicing, equipment hiring, and more.

The solar farm is also predicted to attract other business opportunities in the long term. Loddon Shire could potentially see continuing visits from:

  • Tourists
  • Environmentalists
  • School and educational groups
  • Researchers, and more.

Community Investment Program

South Energy will be initiating a Community Investment Program in support of the local community upon completion of the project. This will involve an annual funding commitment for the entire life of the project.

In this program, a portion of the project revenue will be allocated and invested back into the community to support local organisations and projects that will benefit the quality of life and wellbeing of local people. More details on the program will be provided as the project progresses, and funds from this program will be managed locally with community representatives where possible.

Did You Know?

  • As at 15 March 2019, more than 13,000 Australians were employed in the large-scale renewable energy sector, with this number expected to climb. Not only are these jobs crucial to rural communities, but their positive flow-on effect is felt through local supply chains.
  • Campbells Forest Solar Farm will bring more than 300 jobs to the region, reducing local unemployment and diversifying Greater Bendigo’s economy in the process.
Around 300 contract jobs created by the project during construction
Up to 6 permanent positions open upon construction completion
Long-term local business opportunities
Annual Community Investment Program

Your Feedback

We value feedback from the local community and we always welcome the opportunity to discuss queries you may have about the project.

Please feel free to let us know if you have any queries, ideas or opinions about the project through the below form.

Feedback form

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