WHILE a multimillion dollar project won’t be going ahead at Leeton shire’s Western Riverina Intermodal Freight Terminal (WRIFT), there is still the possibility for further investment.
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Earlier this year there were reports of a $90 million development application being lodged with the state government for a major solar project at the WRIFT.
Development applications can be lodged as part of further investigations into an idea and doesn’t necessarily mean the intended initiative will get off the ground.
In this case, Photon Energy had lodged an application, but decided to withdraw it after it became apparent the appropriate funding avenues weren’t available.
Leeton Shire Council manager of economic development, events and tourism Nicola James said as with all funding opportunities there were no guarantees.
“Naturally council, Photon Energy and (the) WRIFT were all disappointed as the project would have been a world first, off-grid solar industrial park,” she said.
“Photon energy is committed to investing in Leeton and at WRIFT (located at) Wumbulgal.
“We are progressing a slightly smaller scale solar farm.
“The new project is also exploring some innovation projects that we are hoping will be more attractive to prospective business looking to relocate to WRIFT.”
Should a smaller scale project go ahead, Photon Energy will be able to lodge a development application locally through council.
“(This) will mean faster turnaround times than the funding process,” Mrs James said.
“So, council is not too disappointed (about the original project not going ahead).
“We are confident that a project will be realised in the near future.
“Photon are continuing to work with WRIFT and council.
“There has been early discussions around a pilot community solar project. Council is waiting on some energy data to progress discussions.”
Mrs James said Photon Energy could still see potential for the use of renewables in Leeton shire.
“Leeton has a large industry, 288 sunny days on average a year and there is an appetite from business and the community to decrease utilities costs,” she said.
