The lobby group is campaigning against a proposed solar farm in Glenrowan West.
Nioka Solar is a landowner-led renewable energy project with a potential capacity of 250MW.
The proposal, which will consist of 420 000 solar modules and a Battery Energy Storage System, is set to go to the Minister for Planning sometime during the third quarter 2026.
Those in attendance heard the concerns of community members, local politicians and industry experts.
A petition was circulated, gaining 191 signatures, which has been submitted to Benalla Rural City Council.
Meeting organiser Libby Foubister said the meeting was attended by Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy, Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn, Deputy Mayor, Justin King and several Benalla Rural City Councillors.
During the meeting it was stressed that concerned community members are not anti-renewables, but are for renewables, in the right places.
Concerns raised at the meeting included:
- The fire risk, due to the cumulative effects and additional ignition sources.
- Environmental contamination, due to the cumulative effects of large-scale solar power stations.
- The social impact – specifically the mental health of local residents
Ms Foubister said that community members believe they are seeing a decrease in land values of between 20-40 per cent, and a reduction in the buyer pool.
“The area already covered, under construction or proposed between Glenrowan West and Goorambat is approximately the equivalent to 2000 MCG’s,” she said.
Ahead of the meeting a spokesperson from Umwelt, an environmental and social professional services consultancy, advising the Koop family, who are proposing the development on their land, have lived at Nioka for 15 years and value being part of the community.
“Respect for their community and good community outcomes has been an important part of project development and the Koops have personally contacted nearby neighbours to advise them of their intention to investigate the viability of Nioka Solar,” the spokesperson said.
“The concerns of neighbours are being taken seriously, and the Koop family are committed to ongoing two-way communication with neighbours.
“A community drop-in session is being planned mid-year to share project information; they will advise the community once confirmed.
“The project is in the early development stage, with the design currently being finalised.
“They will undertake community engagement leading up to, and following, the submission of the planning permit application.”
For more information on the development visit niokasolar.com/
For more information about No Nioka Sola find it on Facebook.
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