Section 1 - Summary of your proposed action

Submission #3441 - Girgarre Solar Farm

Title of Proposal - Girgarre Solar Farm

Section 1 - Summary of your proposed action

Provide a summary of your proposed action, including any consultations undertaken.

1.1 Project Industry Type

Energy Generation and Supply (renewable)

1.2 Provide a detailed description of the proposed action, including all proposedactivities.

The proposed action relates to a proposed solar power (PV) facility. The applicant, LeesonProjects Pty Ltd (Applicant) is developing a solar farm to be located at 1083 Mason Road,Girgarre, Victoria 3624, approximately 6 km south west of Girgarre and 200km north ofMelbourne (refer Attachment A).The land for development comprises Lot 1 LP220485K and Lot 2 LP220485, within the Shire ofCampaspe. The site is borded by Mason Road to the north, Rohan Road to the east, MorrisseyRoad to the south and Government Road to the west.The site is located in an area extensively cleared of native vegetation and been used for manydecades as irrigated grazing land– predominantly for dairy and cattle grazing (refer AttachmentA).

The proposed Girgarre Solar Farm is a 118MW (DC) renewable energy project that willgenerate clean solar electricity. The Girgarre Solar Farm would be built as a utility scale solarPV plant, with the solar panels mounted in rows on horizontal tracking or fixed tilt systems. Therows of solar panels are electrically connected into arrays before being inverted from DC to ACelectricity. Electricity is then fed, via an underground on-site high voltage power reticulationsystem, into the local electricity network.

The solar farm with solar photovoltaic (PV) modules will cover an area of approximately 252.8hectares (includes the area for site offices and electrically cabinetry), over two parcels of landthat are currently managed by a single landholder.

The solar photovoltaic modules, trackers and inverters will be transported to the site incontainers for assembly. The Traffic Management Plan will identify the on-site and on roadroutes to be used for the construction and operation phase of the project. On site constructionwill conform to the following Australian Standards:• AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand WiringRules);• AS/NZS 3017:2007 Electrical installations – Verification guidelines;• AS/NZS 3000:2007/Amdt 1:2009 Electrical installations (known as the Australian/NewZealand Wiring Rules);• AS 1428.1-2009/Amdt 1-2010 Design for access and mobility – General requirements foraccess – New building work;


• AS/NZS 1170.2.2011 Structural design actions – wind actions; and• AS/NZS 3000:2007/ADMT 2:2012 Electrical installations (known as the Australian/NewZealand Wiring Rules).

Construction on-site will be limited to the unloading and joining together of the panels to thehorizontal single axis trackers, pile driving of piers for the trackers, trenching electrical andcontrol cabling to the electricity grid and control room. The proposed project will consist ofinstalling the following components:• An array of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules arranged in a series of long rows (typically 85 m)typically no higher than 2.1 m above the ground and supported by a steel and/or aluminiummounting structure including framing, piles which are either screwed or driven into the ground. Atotal of approximately 253,000 solar panels on a east west single axis tracking mounting systemas per attached plan is proposed.• A series of 15 inverter stations will be distributed throughout the solar array. These willconnect 22,000 volts to the zone substation with a switchroom located at the southern boundaryof the zone substation in the south east corner of the site (refer attached plans).• Electrical connections between PV arrays, associated monitoring and protection equipmentand central inverters via underground or frame secured cabling.• A tracker actuation system.• Network interconnection facilities to connect the project to local electricity network, including amain power transformer, switchgear, protection, metering and communications equipment.• Site laydown area and compound.• Site entry road, internal access tracks and car park.• Site fencing and associated security equipment.

Refer to Attachments for site layout details.

Proposed activities to be undertaken include:1. Pre-mobilisation- this stage will include site fencing (three weeks) and laydown of temporaryoffices and facilities (two weeks).2. Construction- this stage will involve pile driving or screwing mounting pylons (four months),trenching or underground cabling connecting PV (two months), mounting pre-constructed PVmodules (four months), network interconnection (one week) and establishing revegetation asscreening (one to two years).3. Commissioning- this stage will involve testing of PV system prior to connection to network(two months).

1.3 What is the extent and location of your proposed action? Use the polygon tool on themap below to mark the location of your proposed action.

Area Point Latitude Longitude

Girgarre Solar Farm 1 -36.412002987373 144.90452017231Girgarre Solar Farm 2 -36.412002987373 144.91275991841


Area Point Latitude LongitudeGirgarre Solar Farm 3 -36.415836495175 144.91275991841Girgarre Solar Farm 4 -36.414178785289 144.91323198719Girgarre Solar Farm 5 -36.413004552715 144.91434778614Girgarre Solar Farm 6 -36.412348356191 144.91584982319Girgarre Solar Farm 7 -36.412037524324 144.91709436818Girgarre Solar Farm 8 -36.41210659818 144.92228712483Girgarre Solar Farm 9 -36.426265441619 144.92237295552Girgarre Solar Farm 10 -36.426299972227 144.90452017231Girgarre Solar Farm 11 -36.411968450407 144.90456308766Girgarre Solar Farm 12 -36.411968450407 144.90456308766Girgarre Solar Farm 13 -36.412002987373 144.90452017231

1.5 Provide a brief physical description of the property on which the proposed action willtake place and the location of the proposed action (e.g. proximity to major towns, or foroff-shore actions, shortest distance to mainland).

The site is located approximately 6km south west of the township of Girgarre, in northernVictoria (see Attachment A for location map). The site can be accessed from both Mason Roadand Morrissey Road. The project site consists of 2 adjoining lots, managed by one landholder,comprising approximately 252 hectares (622.7 acres).

The project site itself has been extensively cleared of native vegetation and is used for continualirrigated cropping and grazing, with a centre pivot used for irrigation in the north east of the site.The project site is positioned in a rural setting with similar land uses occurring in the wider area.The site is typical of other farming land within the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID),incorporating on farm irrigation channels, drains, residential dwellings, scattered native andplanted trees.

Build structures include a residence (1083 Mason Road) and shed infrastructure in the north,along with irrigation infrastructure.

The land topography is generally flat to undulating sandplain with existing irrigationinfrastructure, some areas have been lazer leveled to support border check gravity irrigation.

1.6 What is the size of the proposed action area development footprint (or work area)including disturbance footprint and avoidance footprint (if relevant)?

252.8 hectares

1.7 Is the proposed action a street address or lot?


Lot

1.7.2 Describe the lot number and title.Lot 1 LP220485K, Lot 2 LP220485

1.8 Primary Jurisdiction.

Victoria

1.9 Has the person proposing to take the action received any Australian Governmentgrant funding to undertake this project?

No

1.10 Is the proposed action subject to local government planning approval?

Yes

1.10.1 Is there a local government area and council contact for the proposal?

Yes

1.10.1.0 Council contact officer details

1.10.1.1 Name of relevant council contact officer.

Andrew Fletcher- Planning and Building Manager

1.10.1.2 E-mail

[email protected]

1.10.1.3 Telephone Number

03 5481 2200

1.11 Provide an estimated start and estimated end date for the proposed action.

Start date 07/2019

End date 01/2021

1.12 Provide details of the context, planning framework and State and/or Localgovernment requirements.

The project has been assessed under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (PE Act), whichprovides the legal framework for the operation of Victoria's planning system. It sets theobjectives, rules and principles for planning in Victoria. The main parts of the planning system


established by the Act include:

• The system of planning schemes that sets out how land may be used and developed.

• The Victoria Planning Provisions that sets out the template for the construction andlayout of planning schemes.

• The procedures for preparing and amending the Victoria planning provisions andplanning schemes.

• The procedures for settling disputes, enforcing compliance with planning schemes, andother administrative procedures.

The following outlines the applicable legislation:

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth): AFlora and Fauna Due Diligence Assessment was undertaken by RPS (2017), which concludedthat there would be no impacts to threatened species or any listed MNES relevant to theproposal site.

Aborginal Heritage Act 2006 (Victorian): A Heritage Due Diligence Memorandum wasprepared by RPS (2018), which gave recommendations for the managment of AboriginalHeritage on site. It was concluded that there are no listed Aboriginal heritage sites (as perACHRIS) and therefore it is unlikely that Aboriginal Heritage protected under the AboriginalHeritage Act 2006 would be impacted by the proposed works. If any Aborginal sites areuncovered work will stop and OEH will be notified.

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victorian): No Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (FFG)species are proposed to be removed and no listed FFG Act species are likely to be impacted.Works are proposed on private land and a permit is not required.

Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Victorian): The Campaspe Shire granted a PlanningPermit (with conditions) for the development of a solar farm at the site. No native vegetation,other than that exempt from requring a permit will be protected. Some areas have beenexcluded from development to reduce the requirement to remove vegetation.

Wildlife Act 1975 (Victorian): No native fauna is proposed to be handled and therefore a permitis not required.


Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2006 (as amended): outline the protection of Aboriginalcultural hertiage in Victoria.

and Aboriginal Heritage Guidelines 2007 (as amended) (the Regulations): set out the way inwhich Aboriginal cultural heritage must be protected and managed, and details when a CulturalHeritage Management Plan (CHMP) is required. Following a Heritage Due Diligenceassessment it was determined that a CHMP was not required as the site is not located within anarea of "Aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity". All work will be undertaken in accordance withthe Act and if any Aboriginal cultural heritage is identified works will stop immediately andrefered to Aboriginal Victoria. If suspected human remains are discovered, the sponsor mustcontact the Victoria Police and the State Coroner's Office immediately. If there are reasonablegrounds to believe that the remains are Aboriginal, the Coronial Admissions and Enquirieshotline must be contacted on 1300 888 544.

1.13 Describe any public consultation that has been, is being or will be undertaken,including with Indigenous stakeholders.

Public consultation by Council was undertaken as part of the planning permit process. A publicnotification period was held and applicable State Government Agencies were notified of theproposal. Due to the site being continually cropped, it was determined that no additionalapprovals or Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) was required under the AboriginalHeritage Act 2006. A Cultural Heritage Memorandum was prepared by RPS and is attached tothis referal.

Consultation to date has included:

Community consultation with local businesses in relation to: the proposed site, current land use,end of life options, environmental benefits and impacts, economic benefits to the localcommunity, pathways for business growth and employment, and opportunities for socialresponsibility within the region.

Discussions with immediate landholders/neighbours in relation to potential effects on land valueand amenity. As a result of feedback design plans were adjusted to incorporate requests for:landscaping, vegetation species selection, irrigation to landscaping, screening, setbacks fromneighbouring properties, changes to the location of the site entry and new site entry to thesouthern lot and implementation of pathway strategy for local employment opportunities.

Overall responses within the community have been very positive and the proponent hasdeveloped good relationships with the community and are committed to being a goodneighbour.

A Girgarre Community Development Group was formed by the local community with the intent


of:

- Developing cohesion throughout the communities

- Enabling committees to help themselves

- Developing facilities within the community

- Developing cooperation between tiny towns within the Shire

Peter Leeson was invited to speak at the Girgarre Community Development Group meeting onthe 27th February 2018 at 7:30pm, which was attented by multiple parties. The Girgarre SolarFarm recieved excellent community support.

A further community consultation session was held on the 12th of March 2018 on site. A list ofattendees is attached.

1.14 Describe any environmental impact assessments that have been or will be carriedout under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation including relevant impacts of theproject.

Not applicable, no Environmental Impact Assessment is required or to be undertaken underCommonwealth, State or Territory Legislation.

The development application was assessed in accordance with the Planning and EnvironmentAct 1987.

1.15 Is this action part of a staged development (or a component of a larger project)?

No

1.16 Is the proposed action related to other actions or proposals in the region?

No


Section 2 - Matters of National Environmental Significance

Describe the affected area and the likely impacts of the proposal, emphasising the relevantmatters protected by the EPBC Act. Refer to relevant maps as appropriate. The interactive maptool can help determine whether matters of national environmental significance or other mattersprotected by the EPBC Act are likely to occur in your area of interest. Consideration of likelyimpacts should include both direct and indirect impacts.

Your assessment of likely impacts should consider whether a bioregional plan is relevant to yourproposal. The following resources can assist you in your assessment of likely impacts:

• Profiles of relevant species/communities (where available), that will assist in the identificationof whether there is likely to be a significant impact on them if the proposal proceeds;

• Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental Significance;

• Significant Impact Guideline 1.2 – Actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land andActions by Commonwealth Agencies.

2.1 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the values ofany World Heritage properties?

No

2.2 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the values ofany National Heritage places?

No

2.3 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the ecologicalcharacter of a Ramsar wetland?

No

2.4 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the members ofany listed species or any threatened ecological community, or their habitat?

No

2.5 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on the members ofany listed migratory species, or their habitat?

No

http://www.environment.gov.au/webgis-framework/apps/pmst/pmst.jsf

http://www.environment.gov.au/webgis-framework/apps/pmst/pmst.jsf

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/significant-impact-guidelines-11-matters-national-environmental-significance

https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/a0af2153-29dc-453c-8f04-3de35bca5264/files/commonwealth-guidelines_1.pdf

https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/a0af2153-29dc-453c-8f04-3de35bca5264/files/commonwealth-guidelines_1.pdf


2.6 Is the proposed action to be undertaken in a marine environment (outsideCommonwealth marine areas)?

No

2.7 Is the proposed action to be taken on or near Commonwealth land?

No

2.8 Is the proposed action taking place in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

No

2.9 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on a waterresource related to coal/gas/mining?

No

2.10 Is the proposed action a nuclear action?

No

2.11 Is the proposed action to be taken by the Commonwealth agency?

No

2.12 Is the proposed action to be undertaken in a Commonwealth Heritage PlaceOverseas?

No

2.13 Is the proposed action likely to have ANY direct or indirect impact on any part of theenvironment in the Commonwealth marine area?

No


Section 3 - Description of the project area

Provide a description of the project area and the affected area, including information about thefollowing features (where relevant to the project area and/or affected area, and to the extent nototherwise addressed in Section 2).

3.1 Describe the flora and fauna relevant to the project area.

The project site comprises two lots used for irrigated cropping and grazing (predominately fordairy farming). The solar farm will be located largely across the whole site, in a well defined andhighly modified area (refer attached site layout).

Flora:

The area is located within the Victorian Riverina Bioregion, characteristed by flat to gentlyundulating landscape and red brown earths and texture contrast soils (chromosols andsodosols). Historically the site would have been a mosaic of Plains Woodland (EVC 803) andPlains Woodland/Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Weltand Mosaic and Wetland Formation (EVC267).

Presently the remaining EVC is mapped as a mosaic of Wetland Formation (EVC 74), PlainsGrassland/Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic ((EVC 267) and Plains WoodlandEVC 803). All mapped EVC’s have a Bioregional Conservation Status of Endangered.

A site inspection (undertaked by RPS) found no functional EVC’s located within the footprint ofthe proposed development. The area has been highly disturbed through continual cropping,grazing and the development of water management infrastructure. Perennial and annual nativevegetation regrowth was less than 10 years old and less than 25%, due the current croppingand grazing regime.

The Protected Matters search identified five endangered ecological communities within a fivekilometer radius of the site. An onsite field assessment however found non of these endangeredecological communities, meeting the description and condition thresholds in the areas proposedfor development.

Fauna:

Common species including Welcome Swallows, Magpies, Herons and Long-billed Corellas wereobserved on site.

The impacts to potential threatened species that could utilise the proposal area have beenassessed with the Flora and Fauna Due Diligence Report ( refer Attachment D). Theassessment found that listed species are unlikely to have critical habitat impacted, there may besome minor disruption to potential habitat to facilitate construction such as dams used by


common species, however this is insignificant in this area as many other dams occur. Ongoingfarm management practices and the lack of woodland habitat further reduces the potential forthe site to be used by threatened species.

The change in vegetation through farming practices has created a landscape which does notsupport habitat required by many of the threatened species listed in section 3.1, such as therequirement for heavily vegetated ground cover and understory vegetation, logs, and habitattrees with hollows. Many of the trees present on the site have been planted and are not matureenough to contain hollows.

The area proposed for the action will not impact on and flora or fauna.

3.2 Describe the hydrology relevant to the project area (including water flows).

The site is located within Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority boundary and theGoulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID). Existing surface water and ground water conditionsare managed primarily for cropping and dairy production. There is a GMID irrigation channelrunning parallel to Morriseey Road for approximately 450m in the south-western corner of theproject site (this is a critical carrier and cannot be decommissioned).

There are no natural creeks or streams throughout the project site and the entire property iscurrently, or had been previously developed for surface irrigation. Irrigation is distributedthroughout the property through a series of farm channels. Some of the land has been lasergraded to support border check gravity irrigation, whilst other areas show more of an undulatingterrain. The remaining land is used for surface spray irrigation via a centre pivot irrigator.Surface water movement is governed by the grade of irrigation bays in many cases, which drainto a series of on-farm re-use storage dams. Run-off that is not collected in on-farm storageenters the Goulburn Murray Water drain.

Under the Campaspe Shire Planning Scheme, the site features a floodway overlay, indicatingthat during high rainfall events, portions of the site will experience overland water movement.The installation of solar panels will alter the way in which water contacts the ground, howeverthe proposed works do not significantly alter the existing pattern and direction of surface watermovement across the property, with no changes to the natural ground surface due to thefoundations for the solar panels.

The change in land use (with Solar arrays occupying the majority of the site) will mean surfaceirrigation will no longer occur and the soil will become much drier, however is unlikely to result inadverse impacts to the natural hydology of an already extensively modified landscape.

3.3 Describe the soil and vegetation characteristics relevant to the project area.


The area is located within the Victorian Riverina Bioregion, characterised by a flat to gentlyundulating landscape on recent unconsolidated sediments with evidence of former streamchannels and wide floodplain areas associated with major river systems and prior steams.Alluvium deposits from the Cainozoic period gave rise to the red brown earths and texturecontrast soils (Chromosols and Sodosols) which dominate the Riverine Plain.

Annual average rainfall for the region ranges from 360- 672mm per annum. The average annualminimum and maximum temperature range is from 3 to 9 °C and 15 to 21 °C respectively. Thevegetation is dominated by Plains Grassy Woodland, Plains Grassland, Pine BoxWoodland/Riverina Plains Grassy Woodland Mosaic, Riverine Grassy Woodland/RiverineSedgy Forest/Wetland Mosaic, Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Plains Woodland/WetlandMosaic, Grassy Woodland and Wetland Formation ecosystems. The Victorian Riverinabioregion is associated with the eight river basin tributaries of the Murray River draining north,west and south west from the Great Dividing Range of eastern Australia. However some rivers,such as the Avoca, drain internally into a series of terminal lakes and wetlands.

The site itself contains no functional EVC's within the footprint of the proposed development.The area has been highly disturbed through continual cropping, grazing and the development ofirrigation.

3.4 Describe any outstanding natural features and/or any other important or uniquevalues relevant to the project area.

There are no outstanding natural features on site. The area is highly modified.

3.5 Describe the status of native vegetation relevant to the project area.

Native vegetation is largely non-existent on the project site. Any native vegetation present isregrowth that is less than 10 years old and less than 25% of the total perennial understorery,most likely dure to continuous grazing.

The propsoed footprint does not contain any remnant vegetation or scattered trees that need tobe removed for this project. The site footprint has been developed to negate impacts toscattered trees.

The site does contain areas of revegetation or shelterbelts, containing planted or direct seededRiver Red Gums by the current land owner. These species are understood to be exempt fromrequiring offsetting under Clause 52.17 of the Campaspe Shire Planning Scheme as follows:

Native vegetation that is to be removed, destroyed or lopped that was either planted or grownas a result of direct seeding. This exemption does not apply to native vegetation planted ormanaged with public funding for the purpose of land protection or enhancing biodiversity unlessthe removal, destruction or lopping of the native vegetation is in accordance with written


permission of the agency (or its successor) that provided the funding.

3.6 Describe the gradient (or depth range if action is to be taken in a marine area)relevant to the project area.

The landscape of the area is largely flat to gently undulating, within the Goulburn MurrayIrrigation District. The gradient of the site ranges from approximately 102m to 105m Australian Height Datum(AHD).

3.7 Describe the current condition of the environment relevant to the project area.

The project area is highly modified, has been continually cropped for the last decade and islargely absent from native vegetation.

3.8 Describe any Commonwealth Heritage Places or other places recognised as havingheritage values relevant to the project area.

There are no Commonwealth Heriage Places or places recognised as having heritage values onthe area proposed for development.

3.9 Describe any Indigenous heritage values relevant to the project area.

As per the Aborginal Cultural Heritage desktop assessment (prepared by RPS Group, 2018),there were no registered places of Aboriginal heritgage listed on Victoria's Aboriginal CulturalHeritage Register and Information System (ACHRIS). Due to previous disturbance heritagevalues are limited.

3.10 Describe the tenure of the action area (e.g. freehold, leasehold) relevant to theproject area.

The site comprises Lot 1 and Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision LP220485K. The land is freehold,operated by a Sole Proprietor.

3.11 Describe any existing or any proposed uses relevant to the project area.

The land is currently used for farming- irrigated cropping and dairy grazing.


Section 4 - Measures to avoid or reduce impacts

Provide a description of measures that will be implemented to avoid, reduce, manage or offsetany relevant impacts of the action. Include, if appropriate, any relevant reports or technicaladvice relating to the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed measures.

Examples of relevant measures to avoid or reduce impacts may include the timing of works,avoidance of important habitat, specific design measures, or adoption of specific workpractices.

4.1 Describe the measures you will undertake to avoid or reduce impact from yourproposed action.

No native vegetation, other than regrowth (less than 10yrs old) is proposed to be removed. Thedesign of the solar arrays has been developed to minimise impacts to existing vegetation.

The installation of solar arrays within an already heavility modified environment is notconsidered to cause significant adverse effects to the environment. The installation of solararrays and underground cabelling does not result in any significant ground disturbance.

The existing GMW channel will be retained in the southern boundary of the site and farm damswilll be decomissioned by allowing significant time for the water to dry up and thus time forspecies inhabiting the are to relocate to nearby waterways/dams. The decomissioning of on-farm irrigation channels and farm dams will follow the recomendations set out in the WaterReport (RPS, 2017).

Earthworks will be managed through an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) for the sitein order to mitigate impacts to surface water resources and drainage water quality fromunintended movement of sediment and other contaminants.

The limited change in nature of the property arising from the from the development ensure thatthe site can easily be rehabilitated and returned to its former agricultural land use.

4.2 For matters protected by the EPBC Act that may be affected by the proposed action,describe the proposed environmental outcomes to be achieved.

No matters protected by the EPBC Act are proposed to be affected by the development ofGirgarre Solar Farm. All threatened flora and fauna identified within 5km of the project areawere assessed within the Flora and Fauna Report (RPS, 2017) as either not being likely to bepresent on site or the habitat on site was assessed as not being vital to the ongoing survival ofthe species.

Overall the proposed development is assessed as having a low environmental impact due to its


location in an already heavily modified environment that has been cleared and farmed for manyyears.


Section 5 – Conclusion on the likelihood of significant impacts

A checkbox tick identifies each of the matters of National Environmental Significance youidentified in section 2 of this application as likely to be a significant impact.

Review the matters you have identified below. If a matter ticked below has been incorrectlyidentified you will need to return to Section 2 to edit.

5.1.1 World Heritage Properties

No

5.1.2 National Heritage Places

No

5.1.3 Wetlands of International Importance (declared Ramsar Wetlands)

No

5.1.4 Listed threatened species or any threatened ecological community

No

5.1.5 Listed migratory species

No

5.1.6 Commonwealth marine environment

No

5.1.7 Protection of the environment from actions involving Commonwealth land

No

5.1.8 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

No

5.1.9 A water resource, in relation to coal/gas/mining

No


5.1.10 Protection of the environment from nuclear actions

No

5.1.11 Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions

No

5.1.12 Commonwealth Heritage places overseas

No

5.2 If no significant matters are identified, provide the key reasons why you think theproposed action is not likely to have a significant impact on a matter protected under theEPBC Act and therefore not a controlled action.

The protected matters search (attached to this referal) indicated that there are no WorldHeritage Properties, National Heritage Places and Commonwealth Marine Areas located withinthe proposed development area. A number of listed threatened ecological communities (5),listed threatened species (23), listed migratory species (13), and wetlands of internationalimportance (6) were identified in the Protected Matters Report within a five kilometre buffer,however due to the relatively small impacts, existing cleared area and short timeframe of theconstruction works it is unlikely that these species will be impacted through loss of habitat.

Following an on site field assessment, the listed threatened ecological communities were notidenfitifed within the proposed project area.

The impacts to potential threatened species that could utilise the proposal area have beenassessed in within the Flora and Fauna Due Diligence Assessment (RPS, 2017). As shown theassessed species are unlikely to have critical habitat impacted, there may be some minordisruption to potential habitat to facilitate construction such as dams used by common species.This is insignificant in this area as many other dams occur. Ongoing farm managementpractices and the lack of woodland habitat further reduces the potential for the site to be usedby threatened species.

The threatened species listed under the EPBC act are unlikely to rely on the site for habitat,particulary for breeding as there is a significant lack of habitat resources. The surrounding areacontains habitat suitable for listed species and therefore survival is not dependant on theproposed site.


Section 6 – Environmental record of the person proposing to takethe action

Provide details of any proceedings under Commonwealth, State or Territory law against theperson proposing to take the action that pertain to the protection of the environment or theconservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

6.1 Does the person taking the action have a satisfactory record of responsibleenvironmental management? Please explain in further detail.

The Applicant is an Australian renewable energy development and investment company. Itsprimary business is the development and delivery of renewable energy facilities, including thesolar farm at this location.

The Applicant takes its environmental obligations seriously, rigorously assessing itsenvironmental impacts and executing with integrity, ideally improving biodiversity outcomes inthe process.

The Applicant has never been convicted, fined or prosecuted of any environmental breach. TheApplicant, and its development company, Girgarre Solar Farm Pty Ltd, have shown greatleadership in responsible environmental management in the development of this project andgaining the appropriate approvals.

6.2 Provide details of any past or present proceedings under a Commonwealth, State orTerritory law for the protection of the environment or the conservation and sustainableuse of natural resources against either (a) the person proposing to take the action or, (b)if a permit has been applied for in relation to the action – the person making theapplication.

N/A

6.3 If it is a corporation undertaking the action will the action be taken in accordance withthe corporation’s environmental policy and framework?

Yes

6.3.1 If the person taking the action is a corporation, please provide details of thecorporation's environmental policy and planning framework.

All actions undertaken by Leeson Projects are in compliance with their EnvironmentalManagement Procedures and Forms. The policy sets out a a range of procedures to manageworks, such as waste management, soil erosion, air quality, noise and vibration etc. The policy


also sets out the processes for environmental auditing, pre-start environmental checklists, risk-assessments and permits and approvals.

The Leeson Projects is committed to environmental management. The proposed Girgarre SolarFarm has adhered to all relevant planning legislation and a planning permit has been approvedfrom Campase Shire Council.

6.4 Has the person taking the action previously referred an action under the EPBC Act, orbeen responsible for undertaking an action referred under the EPBC Act?

No


Section 7 – Information sources

You are required to provide the references used in preparing the referral including the reliabilityof the source.

7.1 List references used in preparing the referral (please provide the reference sourcereliability and any uncertainties of source).

Reference Source Reliability UncertaintiesDepartment of Environment andEnergy (2017). EPBC ActProtected Matters ReportZ818C5. Report created22/12/17. Commonwealth ofAustralia 2017.

Very Reliable n/a

Commonwealth of Australia(2013). Significant ImpactGuidelines 1.1 - Matters ofNational EnvironmentalSignificance, EnvironmentalProtection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999.Commonwealth of Australia2013.

Very Reliable n/a

DELWP (2018). CampaspePlanning Scheme.

Very Reliable n/a

Google Earth Pro Reliable n/aDELWP (2018). VIC PlanningMaps Online.

Very Reliable n/a

DELWP (2017). NatureKit(assessed on 21 Dec 2017).

Very Reliable Frequency of data updates

RPS Group (2018). CulturalHeritage Memorandum.Girgarre Solar Farm.

Reliable Analysis of land use historyPotential for undisturbedarchaeological depositsAccuracy of Aboriginal SiteRegistration (ACHRIS)

RPS Group (2018). Flora andFauna Due Diligence. GirgarreSolar Farm.

Reliable Accuracy of Flora/FaunaRecords

RPS Group (2018). WaterReport. Girgarre Solar Farm.

Reliable Desktop analysis- reportprepared utilising databases,photography, mapping andresearch.

LANDATA 2017, Land Title Reliable History of plans and accuracy


Reference Source Reliability UncertaintiesSearch. Victorian StateGovernment 2017.

of historic records. e.g drawingof easements.


Section 8 – Proposed alternatives

You are required to complete this section if you have any feasible alternatives to taking theproposed action (including not taking the action) that were considered but not proposed.

8.0 Provide a description of the feasible alternative?

No alternatives are proposed as the action is considered to cause no significant impact to theenvironment and a Planning Permit has been approved from Campase Shire Council.

8.1 Select the relevant alternatives related to your proposed action.

Timeframes

8.2 Provide an estimated start and estimated end date for the proposed alternativeaction.

Start 12/2018

End 06/2020

8.27 Do you have another alternative?

No


Section 9 – Contacts, signatures and declarations

Where applicable, you must provide the contact details of each of the following entities: PersonProposing the Action; Proposed Designated Proponent and; Person Preparing the Referral. Youwill also be required to provide signed declarations from each of the identified entities.

9.0 Is the person proposing to take the action an Organisation or an Individual?

Organisation

9.2 Organisation

9.2.1 Job Title

Director

9.2.2 First Name

Peter

9.2.3 Last Name

Leeson

9.2.4 E-mail

[email protected]

9.2.5 Postal Address

11/23 Susan Street

11Eltham VIC 3095Australia

9.2.6 ABN/ACN

ABN

65624298728 - GIRGARRE SOLAR FARM PTY LTD

9.2.7 Organisation Telephone


Appendix A - Attachments

The following attachments have been supplied with this EPBC Act Referral:

1. community_consultation_register.pdf2. environmental_-_procedures_forms_-_leeson_solar.pdf3. girgarre_cultural_heritage.pdf4. girgarre_flora_fauna_due_diligence.pdf5. girgarre_solar_activityarea_a3l.pdf6. girgarre_solar_farm_endorsed_plans.pdf7. girgarre_solar_farm_water_report.pdf8. girgarre_solar_vegetation_a3l.pdf9. gsf-006-002-01_solar_farm_layout_reduced.pdf

10. protected_matters_search.pdf11. skm_c65818051014520_planning_permit.pdf

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Section 1 - Summary of your proposed action