Solar Farm in Plenty

The development of a solar farm at the former Plenty landfill site (next to Council’s Recycling Centre at 290 Yan Yean Road) is moving to the next phase.

The 1.5MW first stage will be large enough to supply renewable energy to power all of Council’s corporate facilities including the Civic Centre, and street lighting, delivering significant environment benefits to our community.

The solar farm will also power electric vehicle charging stations.

The facility will consist of more than 3300 solar panels, which will generate approximately 2200MW/h of renewable energy each year and equal to powering more than 400 homes or 44,000 electric vehicles. It is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 2400 tonnes a year.

Council has entered into a partnership with renewable energy project company LMS Energy, who are currently designing the project and will then proceed to constructing it.

LMS Energy will be responsible for the cost of developing, operating and maintaining the solar farm and will lease the site from Council.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the Lease Agreement with LMS

In accordance with Section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act), Nillumbik Shire Council gives notice that it proposes to enter into a lease with the LMS Energy Pty Ltd ACN 059 428 474 (LMS) in respect of part of the vacant Council owned land located at 290-304 Yan Yean Road and 193-213 Heard Avenue, Plenty, known as part of the Plenty landfill site (Land).

The Land is the land shown outlined red on the plan below.

The lease is proposed to be granted on the following terms and conditions:

• Term of Lease: an initial term of 25 years with one further term of 5 years.
• Rent Amount: $2,000 plus GST per annum, to be increased by CPI annually
• Permitted use: Operating a solar farm.
• Premises: on the commencement date of the lease, the premises shall be that part of the Land shown outlined red on the above plan.

Feedback has now closed.

Next Steps

Council will review the feedback and also consider submissions at the 12 July 2022 Planning and Consultation Committee meeting, where submitters will also be able to make verbal statements. To register to speak at the Planning and Consultation Committee meeting click here

Concept design images for stage 1 of the project below;