Renewables plan for farm land powers ahead

The owners of a pair of farming properties in the Central Highlands earmarked for large-scale renewable energy projects have signed a deal to co-develop the projects with a Malaysian engineering and infrastructure firm.

Gamuda will be part of the development of the Weasel Solar Farm and Cellars Hill Wind Farm, both situated around 10 kilometres north of Bothwell.

The projects are being built on land owned by the Downie Family, which has held farming property in Tasmania for more than 200 years.

Combined the developments have a capacity of 600 megawatts of energy generation.

Peter Downie said the deal would benefit all parties involved.

“We have been highly selective in finding the right partner to work with us to develop this portfolio that brings both a financial and technical contribution and is wholly committed to the strong social licence and landowner-led principles of these projects,” Mr Downie said.

“We have been in discussion with Gamuda for many months and have seen their genuine partnership approach and commitment to our community values.

“We’re excited to move forward together to deliver these projects for the benefit of Tasmanians.”

Gamuda Chief Strategy and Growth Officer Jarred Hardman said adding the two Central Highlands projects to its portfolio fitted with its energy strategy.

“This deal represents our first Australian investment and aligns with our goal to invest and construct high-quality energy projects to diversify and grow our Australian business,” Mr Hardman said.

“This builds upon our ongoing success in the Australian infrastructure market where we are delivering a $4.5 billion pipeline and is supported by our energy experience across a range of projects internationally.”

The site of the proposed Weasel Solar Farm is currently used for agricultural purposes and will continue to support sheep grazing once operational, which is expected to be in 2027.

It is one of three large-scale solar farm projects planned for construction in Tasmania.

A $500 million solar project at Connorville Estates near Cressy is expected to generate enough power for around 70,000 homes upon completion.

Meanwhile, in May a solar farm proposal at George Town was approved by the local council.