This petition of certain residents of Uriarra Village in the Australian Capital Territory draws to the attention of the Assembly plans by OneSun Capital Pty Ltd to develop a large solar farm in close proximity to our rural village, despite the overwhelming opposition of the majority of adult members of the Uriarra Village community. Our opposition is based on the loss of rural character and amenity promised in the Development Control Plan which guided the rebuilding of Uriarra Village following the devastating fires of 2003. The adverse impact of the development will also be felt by all citizens of the ACT and tourists who currently enjoy the scenic vistas of the northern view from Brindabella Road immediately in front of Uriarra Village.
Your petitioners therefore request the Assembly to call on the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development to encourage OneSun Capital to move the site of the solar farm to a site which does not adversely affect the rural character of Uriarra Village. We further request that the part of the Territory Plan which allows major utility installations to be built on rural land without regard to the interests of nearby residents, be amended to ensure a one kilometre buffer zone between such installations and residential areas.