Community
November 2023Kingaroy Community Update
9th of May 2024
Dear Residents,
By partnering with the SES and investing in contributions that align with our values, we are committed to making a positive difference, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. We extend our sincere thanks to all SES volunteers for their invaluable contributions. Together, we are stronger, safer, and more resilient.
NOVEMBER 2023 COMMUNITY UPDATE
Our Recent Accomplishments
Planting of 24,510 Plants
We have planted a total of 24,510 plants around the solar farm site. These plants play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity in the area and will also enhance its overall appearance surrounding the solar farm. To ensure their growth, a maintenance regime with two dedicated water trucks has initiated since the 26th of October. The water drawn is from a spring-fed dam situated within our designated leased area.
Appropriate Disposal of Damaged Modules
Any damaged solar modules have been disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible manner. This reflects our commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management practices.
Road Construction
The construction of roads within the solar farm is now complete, with the final stages of trimming and tidying up in progress. This ensures that the infrastructure is in place to support the solar farm’s smooth operations.
Fiber Optic Data Connections
All fibre optic data connections have been successfully installed and terminated. We have ongoing testing ensures their functionality and reliability for efficient operations at the solar farm.
Reducing Glare with Temporary Orientation of Solar Trackers
We made manual adjustments to the trackers until the solar farm is fully operational. This temporary adjustment ensures that the solar farm operates in harmony with the local community. As part of this adjustment, the trackers, which originally faced east to capture the morning sun, have been repositioned to face west and vice versa for the west to reduce glare.
Works in November
Internal Drainage System
CCTV Installation
Shade cloth Installation
After finalising the Fence CCTV works, we will move forward with the installation of the shade cloth. The shade cloth will screen between the neighbouring properties, and our aim is to create a harmonious view of the area while we maintain the shade cloth until the trees grow to the height of the construction fence.
Hydroseeding
To promote grass growth and mitigate dust issues that may affect our neighbours, we plan to hydroseed all exposed areas on the site by the end of November. This landscaping effort also contributes to a greener and more aesthetically pleasing environment.
Ongoing Commissioning and Testing
As the solar farm progresses, ongoing commissioning and testing activities will continue in these coming months. These efforts ensure that all systems are functioning optimally and meet the highest standards.
Sincerely,
Kingaroy Solar Farm Team
If you have further inquiries, you can call: 0424 670 559.
Sign up for email updates about the progress of this project at:
https://kingaroysolarfarm.com.au/
24 August 2023 Community Update
We are thrilled to share some significant achievements from the Kingaroy Solar Farm (KSF). As of August 16th, a major milestone has been reached – the completion of the solar panel installations. Over the past three months, our dedicated teams meticulously installed a total of 90,576 solar panels by hand, only using rechargeable tools. Maintaining our construction timeline has been a priority, and we are proud of our team for achieving this.
You might enjoy reading this article by South Burnett that highlights our successful completion of the solar farm.
Historic Milestone At Solar Farm – southburnett.com.au
Dust control measures, including the use of water trucks, have effectively minimised any potential disruptions caused by wind–blown dust.
Our commitment to Corporate Responsibility
As part of our global sustainable development goal to reduce waste, recycling the solar panels involves meticulous separation of components, including metals, glass, and plastic. This thoughtful process ensures that valuable materials are repurposed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Collaboration in the delivery of services
Our commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability extends beyond construction. Collaborative efforts with Kingaroy’s NGOs and community groups have allowed us to contribute reusable materials – such as timber and cardboard. In the past six months alone, we have provided 51,436 kilograms of these materials, with an estimated value of $43,138.50.
Thank you, Robert Gardiner!
We wanted to take a moment to let you know that Robert Gardiner will be departing from our company. We are delighted to advise that we have put together a community support team dedicated to supporting our community.
1.Adolf Nita: As our on–site manager, Adolf will be the primary point of contact for direct face–to–face support. He will be readily available to address any immediate concerns or queries from our community.
2. Lluvia Murillo: As our Community Liaison Manager, Lluvia will be overseeing the delivery of community updates and donations. As well as supporting stakeholder engagement activities as needed and is committed to ensuring open lines of communication and community involvement.
3. Catherine Wong: Catherine, as the Community Engagement & Communications Coordinator, will be responsible for responding to community requests for additional information. She will also facilitate meetings with key stakeholders on behalf of the site manager to ensure that everyone’s concerns are heard and addressed.
Construction activities planned towards the end of August and September 2023
- The use of mobile water carts will continue across the site, to manage dust across the site.
- Undertaking final pad foot vibration rolling to stabilise the foundations and surrounding roads at the sub–station.
- We are anticipating a brief, three–days of pad foot rolling over a ten–day period in mid–September. We will communicate and inform residents of the specific dates closer to the time to minimise any inconveniences.
Periodic respite during ongoing operations.
In future circumstances, if you are a resident and require respite, you can contact our Site
Manager on 0424 670 559 and make a request for respite. Your request will be assessed
on a case–by–case basis.
Monitor and controlling weeds on the Kingaroy Solar Farm (KSF).
We are taking proactive steps which includes engaging with a weed eradication and control specialist that will conduct a comprehensive site–wide survey and devise a long–term strategy for monitoring and controlling any emerging weed issues.
Sincerely,
Kingaroy Solar Farm Team
If you have further inquiries, you can call: 0424 670 559.
Sign up for email updates about the progress of this project at:
https://kingaroysolarfarm.com.au/
18 July 2023 Community Update
Dear residents,
We would like to express our gratitude for your patience during this time.
Construction Activities
There are several planned construction activities scheduled for the end of July and mid-August. These activities include the continuation of trenching works for the installation of medium voltage cables and a site-wide earthing grid. We assure you that trenching works will not generate the same level of noise as the previous pile driving works.
Mitigating Impacts
- We are pleased to inform you that independent house inspectors conducted in-situ inspections of selected homes and provided pre-drilling dilapidation inspection reports to individual landowners.
- Vibration Monitor, an environmental specialist company, has provided regular noise and vibration reports, indicating that the noise generated on site has remained below the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) threshold limits.
- We want to assure you that Metlen continues to strictly abide by the noise level limitations imposed on the project by the EPA. Our noise meter will continue to monitor the construction noise for the next four weeks, ensuring compliance with EPA thresholds.
- Furthermore, we will continue to effectively manage dust across the site by utilising mobile water carts.
Monitoring and Controlling Weeds
At the Kingaroy Solar Farm (KSF), we are dedicated to maintaining a well-controlled site environment. We would like to update you on the measures we have implemented so far.
- To date, no vegetation, including any weeds, has left the KSF site during the clearing operations.
- We plan to employ a contracted weed eradication and control specialist to conduct a comprehensive weed survey across the site and develop a long-term plan to effectively monitor and control any emergent weeds.
Engagement
The health, wellbeing, and safety of the community and our workforce are our top priorities. During the recent pile driving works, we offered respite options, including lunch at our local RSL, cinema vouchers, or wellness vouchers, to residents near the construction site. We highly value the well-being of our residents, particularly those sensitive to airborne noise or vibration impacts. If you find yourself in need of respite under certain circumstances, please contact our project information line at 0484 282 115, and we will assess your request on a case-by-case basis.
We are committed to being responsive to the needs of the community. Recently, we received requests to reduce works during private functions, and we were pleased to modify our work practices to minimise disruptions to the impacted residents. Whether it involves shutting down works or adjusting the planned activities, we strive to accommodate such requests whenever possible.
Community Collaboration
We understand the importance of collaborating with our community and local organisations. We have actively engaged with several NGOs and groups to enhance our environmental performance and reduce our overall impact.
Our commitment extends to providing wooden by-products to local schools, education groups, and individuals in need. For example, we have supplied clean cardboard sheets to a local market gardener for weed prevention and timber to a resident constructing a workshop for their homebound son.
Additionally, we have donated plywood and structural timber to the local RSPCA for the construction of fixtures for orphaned dogs. Recently, we have also contributed timber to the Cherbourg Mens and Youth Shed, supporting their initiatives to build dog kennels and provide valuable woodworking and carpentry skills to the students.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we make progress with the construction of the Kingaroy Solar Farm. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Sincerely,
Kingaroy Solar Farm Team
For further information or sign up to receive email updates on the progress of this project here: https://kingaroysolarfarm.com.au/contact-us/
You can contact our community line if you require further information on 0484 282 115.
2 May 2023 Community Update
Dear residents,
We would like to express our gratitude for your patience during this time.
Construction Activities
There are several planned construction activities scheduled for the end of July and mid-August. These activities include the continuation of trenching works for the installation of medium voltage cables and a site-wide earthing grid. We assure you that trenching works will not generate the same level of noise as the previous pile driving works.
Mitigating Impacts
- We are pleased to inform you that independent house inspectors conducted in-situ inspections of selected homes and provided pre-drilling dilapidation inspection reports to individual landowners.
- Vibration Monitor, an environmental specialist company, has provided regular noise and vibration reports, indicating that the noise generated on site has remained below the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) threshold limits.
- We want to assure you that Metlen continues to strictly abide by the noise level limitations imposed on the project by the EPA. Our noise meter will continue to monitor the construction noise for the next four weeks, ensuring compliance with EPA thresholds.
- Furthermore, we will continue to effectively manage dust across the site by utilising mobile water carts.
Monitoring and Controlling Weeds
At the Kingaroy Solar Farm (KSF), we are dedicated to maintaining a well-controlled site environment. We would like to update you on the measures we have implemented so far.
- To date, no vegetation, including any weeds, has left the KSF site during the clearing operations.
- We plan to employ a contracted weed eradication and control specialist to conduct a comprehensive weed survey across the site and develop a long-term plan to effectively monitor and control any emergent weeds.
Engagement
The health, wellbeing, and safety of the community and our workforce are our top priorities. During the recent pile driving works, we offered respite options, including lunch at our local RSL, cinema vouchers, or wellness vouchers, to residents near the construction site. We highly value the well-being of our residents, particularly those sensitive to airborne noise or vibration impacts. If you find yourself in need of respite under certain circumstances, please contact our project information line at 0484 282 115, and we will assess your request on a case-by-case basis.
We are committed to being responsive to the needs of the community. Recently, we received requests to reduce works during private functions, and we were pleased to modify our work practices to minimise disruptions to the impacted residents. Whether it involves shutting down works or adjusting the planned activities, we strive to accommodate such requests whenever possible.
Community Collaboration
We understand the importance of collaborating with our community and local organisations. We have actively engaged with several NGOs and groups to enhance our environmental performance and reduce our overall impact.
Our commitment extends to providing wooden by-products to local schools, education groups, and individuals in need. For example, we have supplied clean cardboard sheets to a local market gardener for weed prevention and timber to a resident constructing a workshop for their homebound son.
Additionally, we have donated plywood and structural timber to the local RSPCA for the construction of fixtures for orphaned dogs. Recently, we have also contributed timber to the Cherbourg Mens and Youth Shed, supporting their initiatives to build dog kennels and provide valuable woodworking and carpentry skills to the students.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we make progress with the construction of the Kingaroy Solar Farm. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Sincerely,
Kingaroy Solar Farm Team
For further information or sign up to receive email updates on the progress of this project here: https://kingaroysolarfarm.com.au/contact-us/
You can contact our community line if you require further information on 0484 282 115.
