How much Byron Shire Council has spent on plans, studies for proposed Dingo Lane Solar Farm

Council staff have said there is a “high degree of risk” with the project, which would be a “significant” step toward the shire’s net-zero target.

Byron Shire Council is progressing with plans to build a solar farm in Myocum.

A further report is to be prepared on a proposed Myocum solar farm as Byron Shire Council continues work towards getting the project shovel-ready.

The council has so far invested $658,000 on plans for the proposed Dingo Lane Solar Farm, including on a feasibility study.

Mayor Simon Richardson said a new report showed the proposed project would be “financially prudent” and would “actually generate or at least offset millions of dollars” when the matter went before the council’s meeting on Thursday.

“It will get us walking our talk,” he said.

But Cr Alan Hunter said the council would be “heavily dependant on government picking up the tab”.

Cr Basil Cameron said the council must “exercise prudent financial care”.

The solar farm, which would be built on council-owned land beside its Resource Recovery Centre, was identified as a crucial part of the council’s Net Zero Emissions Strategy and has been considered by the council in recent years.

The proposed site of the Dingo Lane Solar Farm which Byron Shire Council wants to build next to the Resource and Recovery Centre in Myocum.

The council began a detailed feasibility study on the proposal in May 2019.

“There is no doubt that Dingo Lane Solar Farm is a significant project in terms (of its) potential to assist council’s commitment to emissions reduction,” council staff said in their report.

“It is also a substantial financial commitment with a current high degree of risk and whilst considering the potential environmental benefits of the project, council must also consider the financial aspects of the project itself and to the council overall in context of other projects.”

“Council has invested $656,300 in actual and committed costs in the feasibility of the Dingo Lane Solar Farm overall.”

According to the report, the council would look to secure a $12 million loan to fund the project’s construction.

The council had an outstanding loan balance of more than $62.8 million as of June 30 last year.

The proposed layout of the Dingo Lane Solar Farm in Myocum. Picture: Byron Shire Council

An updates feasibility analysis has found the solar farm would have “a positive net present value outcome over 25 years … of $5.7 million”.

Cr Paul Spooner stressed the financial implications of the project.

“This council is not just about green energy, it is about a whole lot more than that and that’s what a sensible council would be taking into consideration,” Cr Spooner said.

Councillors voted to adopt the staff-preferred option where the council would own and operate the solar farm and to proceed with a development application process.