Community

Our commitment to people and sustainability

Increasing the use of solar energy is important to reduce the consumption of carbon-intensive fossil fuels, responsible for the damaging impacts of climate change.

FRV is passionate about this project and recognises the importance of ensuring the project is a success for the local community. It is important that the concerns of the local and broader community are considered and addressed appropriately.

The project is currently in the planning stage, undertaking an amendment process of the current approved permit to incorporate some recent layout changes. Adjacent residents will be notified of the project milestones and FRV will make every effort to update neighbours and the community as we progress with our plans for the solar farm – it’s important to us that residents feel they have every opportunity to talk with us at all stages of the project.

FRV invites community members of Fosterville region to provide feedback through our email: fostervillesolarfarm@frv.com. FRV will aim to respond any questions within 3 business days.

Your ongoing input is important to us. Should you have any questions about the project or have ideas on what FRV can do to provide support locally, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Community

If you are a member of the community or are interested in the project, we encourage you to share any thoughts, concerns, or suggestions you may have, and they will be considered and addressed appropriately. You can provide comments directly to FRV here. Please include accurate and complete contact information so we can get in touch to further understand your comments.

Economic and Social Benefits

Fosterville Solar Farm is expected to create job opportunities during construction and operations. FRV requires all contractors working on its solar farm developments to hire local contractors and utilise local suppliers wherever possible.

It is estimated that around 150 workers will be required to construct the project.

During operations 4 to 5 ongoing operational roles will be created. Maintenance contracts for panel cleaning, fence repair, road grading, etc. would also be required and would likely be met by local contractors.

Fosterville Solar Farm represents a positive diversification of the local economy and brings investment to the area. It delivers additional indirect economic opportunities to local businesses including local grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, accommodation providers, petrol stations, vehicle servicing, pubs, catering, cleaning companies, tradespersons, tool and equipment suppliers and many other businesses.

FRV will implement a benefit sharing program aimed at improving the local natural environment and supporting community groups or initiatives that are aligned with the project

Environmental Benefits

Located on the transmission line between Bendigo and Shepparton the project will deliver clean, zero emissions electricity to meet the region’s energy needs and helps further the development of the NSW clean energy industry. The solar farms output will be enough to supply renewable energy to more than 33,580 Victorian homes.