Frequently asked questions

The project is based between Dalby and Chinchilla, adjacent to the Western Downs Substation and the Western Downs Green Power Hub. 

The project is located within Queensland’s Western Downs Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). These zones aim to coordinate development in areas of high renewable potential, simplifying renewable generation, transmission and storage and supporting the transition from traditional coal fired energy generation.  

Hopeland Solar will have the potential to generate enough independent electricity to power approximately 100,000 average-sized homes and will connect to the grid via the adjacent Powerlink 275kV Western Downs Substation.  

There will be a peak construction period of approximately three months, within the two-year construction timeframe. During this short peak period, the total workforce may rise to an estimated 300 workers, including local people employed on the project. The workforce size will fluctuate over the life of the project.

Workers who drive in and drive out to work at Hopeland Solar will be accommodated in existing workers camps located in Chinchilla and Dalby. We estimate there will be more than 200 workers in camp during the three-month peak, with smaller numbers either side of the peak period. 

Yes, there is an opportunity for sheep grazing to continue in conjunction with the operation of the solar farm (known as ‘agrisolar’). A grazing agreement may be sought during the operations phase.

Yes, Development Approval was granted by Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC) in September 2017, with an extension granted in May 2022 and further amended in December 2022. This approval included approval by all relevant State Assessment Referral Agencies (SARA) including all state environmental and EPA related approvals. The site is zoned as Rural under the WDRC Planning Scheme (2019). The project area and surrounding areas are largely used for agriculture, heavy industry and mining, with Kogan Creek coal mine located 5km to the east. 

Pacific Partnerships acquired the development rights for the Hopeland Solar project from Brisbane-based Renewable Energy Partners in 2023.  

Pacific Partnerships has established good relationships with representatives of the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Barunggam People and as a commitment to this relationship, has entered into a Cultural Heritage Management Agreement (CHMA). The CHMA aims to ensure the project’s processes for protection of aboriginal cultural heritage are best practice and align with the expectations of the Traditional Owners.  

The team has also conducted a detailed cultural heritage assessment and survey of the site to further develop their understanding of Country and agree the proposed mitigation measures. This includes approximately 16ha which will be excluded from development, to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage. 

The Development Approval stipulates that Hopeland Solar must install firefighting equipment to deal with any electric and electronic fires.

The project will develop a bushfire management plan in conjunction with the relevant fire authorities to ensure the safety of neighbouring properties and infrastructure.

Solar farms do not generate significant noise in operation. 

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) sets out the maximum recommended noise levels for commerce, industry and trade premises in regional Queensland. We will comply with the applicable criteria and keep the community informed of our works and any changes. 

There will be minimal lighting on the solar farm at night, and as such, minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. Site lighting will be fitted with suitable shields so direct light is emitted only within the site boundaries. Final lighting plans will be prepared as part of the detailed design process. 

Solar panels use low reflectivity glass and are designed to absorb as much light as possible to maximise their energy generation. When the light hits the panel at a low angle, it can reflect some light; however, the average reflection of a solar panel is less than a car windscreen. 

Pacific Partnerships is currently undertaking early works and an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process as part of the project’s development and is working with CIMIC Group company UGL to support this phase. 

During construction and operation, opportunities will be available for Western Downs contractors, suppliers and businesses. 

We are committed to developing pathways to share benefits with the local and regional community through local and social procurement, employment and training opportunities that can deliver positive social and local economic outcomes for the region. 

The project is expected to create ~300 employment opportunities during construction, including an anticipated ~50 local jobs with ongoing jobs during operation and maintenance of the solar farm.  

Community benefit sharing is about creating a positive legacy in the local community. Benefit sharing also needs to be tailored to local circumstance, culture and need. 

Pacific Partnerships is committed to ensuring its approach to engagement meets local expectations and is dedicated to sharing and exploring opportunities in the Western Downs through the life of the Hopeland Solar project.  

We want to do things right, starting with speaking to those who are part of the community and building our understanding of what matters to locals and what they need. 

We are currently developing the Hopeland Solar Benefit Sharing Framework in consultation with local stakeholders. When this is finalised, we will provide more information on the Community Partnerships page.  

If you have any questions or feedback to share regarding the Hopeland Solar project, please contact us via email at contactus_hopeland@hopelandsolar.com.au, by phone on +61 7 3543 3212.  

If you would like to register your interest to receive project updates and news, please use the webform on our Contact Us page