Table 1
Comparative Table of Solar Farm on Agricultural Land Regulations.
| POLICY AND REGULATORY AREA | QUEENSLAND | NSW | VICTORIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large-Scale Solar Farm Development Assessment | Planning Act 2016 | Environmental Planning and Assessment Act | Planning and Environment Act 1987 |
| Environmental Planning Instruments | Relevant regional planning schemes | State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 | Victorian Planning Provisions |
| Solar Farm Guidelines |
| Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline for State Significant Development Draft NSW Large-Scale Solar Guideline currently proposed | Solar Energy Facilities Design and Development Guideline |
| Mandatory consideration of Agricultural Land Protection Policy | No Regional Planning Interests Act 2014 is not triggered | Proposed Gateway Process is not triggered Detailed Agricultural Impact Assessment required for Level 3 Assessments (BSAL land and Classes 1–3) under Draft NSW Large-Scale Solar Guideline currently proposed | Yes Clause 35.07 Clause 53.13 Clause 14.01–1S |
| Proponents must consider supporting co-location | No | Proposed Only for Level 3 Assessments (BSAL land and Classes 1–3) under Draft NSW Large-Scale Solar Guideline currently proposed | Yes Solar Energy Facilities Design and Development Guideline |
| Consent Authority | Local Council | Minister for Planning and/or IPC | Minister for Planning |
[i] Source: Compiled by author.