Kirstie Schumacher fires back after removal from Kingaroy solar farm
A South Burnett councillor booted from the launch of a multimillion-dollar solar farm project has slammed the company for falling short of community expectations.
South Burnett
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A South Burnett councillor controversially kicked out of the launch of a private solar farm development at Kingaroy has fired back saying the company has fallen short of upholding the region’s values.
Kirstie Schumacher was removed from the Mytilineos-owned site Friday shortly after starting the induction because she had not sent an RSVP for the event.
On Monday Ms Schumacher criticised the decision to remove her from the site.
“I worked for many years in community relations, and understand the importance of maintaining a social license to operate and felt the way I was treated did not represent the values of our community or how we do things in the South Burnett,” Ms Schumacher said.
She had not sent an RSVP response “as I was unsure if I could make the event”.
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“I certainly wasn’t there for the sandwiches so I didn’t think it would be a problem,” Ms Schumacher said.
“I had hoped to meet with the Mytilineos team in person as the few meetings that I have attended have been online.
“I thought this may be an opportunity to build a working relationship with the team in person.”
Media outlets were likewise barred from the opening of the site, where earthworks have started.
Mytilineos has been contacted for comment.
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The solar farm’s development has been a lightning rod for controversy since its inception.
In 2018 the proposal for the 40MW development, located at Kingaroy-Barkers Creek Rd, was rejected by the council.
This decision was challenged in court by then-proponent Terrain Solar and in 2019 a deal allowing it to go ahead was struck.
Mytilineos bought the project in late 2020.
A number of residents in the region maintained their concerns about the development, flagging these fears with the council and Mytilineos.
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