Residents of 'serene, peaceful' village concerned over big battery plans
Locals say the company behind the proposal failed to answer questions about noise and light pollution, and bushfire safety.
A proposed 520-megawatt battery storage facility near the tiny village of Uriarra, 30 kilometres west of Canberra, has residents concerned about its impact on their tranquil lifestyle. The battery, if built, would capture excess renewable energy for the grid during high demand periods. Quinbrook, the company proposing the facility, has stated it will address residents' concerns as the project goes through environmental approval with the federal government.
Uriarra Village, situated at the foothills of the Brindabellas, is valued for its natural beauty, cultural and pastoral history, and as a gateway to the mountains. However, residents fear the battery development will introduce noise, light, and visual pollution into a landscape they cherish. Despite supporting the idea of green energy, resident Alison Thomas worries that the rural location is the wrong site for an industrial infrastructure, stating, "I'm all for green energy... but it's the right facility in the wrong location."
Fellow resident Jeremy Hagan, who has fully electrified his home with solar panels and a battery, is mainly concerned about noise. He expressed hope that the village would be consulted thoroughly about the project's effects. Quinbrook has acknowledged that its design and layouts are still being finalized to minimize impacts on the landscape and protect local heritage.
The company also assured compliance with government regulations for noise and lighting. The project is currently awaiting environmental approval.
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