Frequently Asked Questions

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The site was selected because it meets several key criteria, including:

• Located within a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) with close proximity to a strong section of the electricity transmission network with available capacity
• Adjacent to several existing solar facilities and existing transmission lines
• Flat to gently undulating cleared land, well suited to solar development
• Very low potential environmental impacts
• Excellent transport access with manageable impact on local roads

Solar facilities are a proven way to help future-proof Australia’s energy supply and contribute to global efforts to address climate change. They are among the most environmentally friendly and sustainable forms of power generation, producing virtually no noise or waste and requiring minimal maintenance. At the end of their operational life, the land will be restored to its original use. Cleaner energy generation supports a healthier environment for future generations. 

A detailed visual impact assessment is currently being prepared and this assessment will be used to guide a strategy to minimise any visual impacts of the project. The combination of low- and upper-canopy vegetation may be used in certain areas to provide visual screening of the solar facility. 

Solar panels are manufactured using low-reflectivity glass and are designed to absorb, rather than reflect, sunlight to maximise energy generation. Our project uses single axis trackers to ensure the panels are reflecting back towards the sun. While minor reflection can occur at low sun angles, the average reflectivity of solar panels is less than that of a car windscreen. A detailed glare assessment confirmed that the solar facility will not pose any safety risk to motorists. 

Our solar facility has been designed in accordance with the specifications of DEECA and the CFA. A Bushfire Risk Assessment has been prepared and reviewed by the CFA, with appropriate firebreaks, water supplies and setbacks incorporated into our design. The Victorian Government has developed a specialised “taskforce” who are responsible for ensuring solar facilities comply with their fire safety responsibilities. 

During peak construction, the project is expected to create more than 300 jobs. Information sessions will be held to allow local businesses and workers to register their interest in participating in the project across a range of roles. Some local contractors have already been contacted and preference for local will be incorporated into the procurement process. Beyond the construction phase, there will be up to 3 full time operational roles required.

The solar facility is expected to operate for at least 30 years. Once decommissioned, all infrastructure will be removed and the land restored to its pre-development condition. The project will have no long-term impact on agricultural productivity or future land use. 

The Project requires assessment through a Planning Permit Application under the Benalla Rural City Council Planning Scheme. The Planning Permit Application will be assessed by the Minister for Planning, as the responsible authority for any permits which involve utility installations (any land use for the purposes of storing electricity with a capacity of 1 MW or more). The Planning Permit Application will be supported by several specialist studies including assessments relating to visual impacts, traffic and transport, air quality, noise and vibration, biodiversity, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage, surface water and groundwater, and hazard and risk.   

Nioka Solar will be submitting the Planning Permit Application in early 2026. This submission will include all required studies and assessments, as well as an engagement summary report, which provides an overview of the community feedback received about the Project to date.  Following the Planning Permit Application  submission, there will be an initial assessment which may identify any gaps in the application, and / or request further information regarding the Project.    

Submission of the Planning Permit Application will be followed by a public notice period typically lasting 14 days. During this time members of the public will have the ability to view plans attached to the proposal and submit a comment or objection. Submissions can be made any time prior to a decision being made and will be considered during the assessment process. Nioka Solar will also receive any submissions made during this process and may choose to make further changes and design refinements based on feedback received.   

 The Victorian Government is currently setting new rules to manage how renewable energy projects gain access to the state’s transmission network. The new approach, known as the Victorian Access Regime, will increase transparency about what projects must do to gain access, including expectations to engage with and deliver benefits to landholders, communities and Traditional Owners.  

Nioka Solar is within the Central North Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and will be required to apply for and receive a renewable energy scheme authority (a licence) before they can connect.