Canberra’s equestrian community is fearful of the impact of a solar farm on one of the region’s prime horse agistment properties and the repercussions it will have for users of the facility.
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The Government Paddock User Group and the ACT Equestrian Association have voiced their concerns in response to the latest development application for the construction of Mugga Lane Solar Park, which will require a large portion of land used by the Rose Cottage Horse Holding Paddocks.
The 44-hectare solar farm, which will be situated on the corner of Mugga Lane and the Monaro Highway, will be the country’s biggest and is expected to be completed by September, 2014.
Although the ACT Government has committed to no net loss of territory agistment land, Government Paddock User Group secretary Jane Hedges said the organisation was concerned about the loss of valuable paddocks to the solar farm.
She said Rose Cottage, which comprises eight paddocks across 150 hectares, would lose about 70 hectares to the solar farm, while another 50hectares to the west was earmarked for a new cemetery.
Although the arena and riding trails do not appear to be under threat, horses living at Rose Cottage may need to find a home elsewhere by early next year.
“This particular area of land is best for horse grazing; it’s some of the best of any horse paddocks in the ACT,” Ms Hedges said.
“Most people have no other place to put horses than government horse paddocks. They will be able to use the facilities but it will not be nearly as convenient.”
In a submission to the DA, the group expressed concern about the precedent of losing land to development while about 150 horses remain on a waiting list for government horse paddocks.
The group is also concerned about the impact of a solar farm on the ecological health of vulnerable land, wildlife corridors and drainage.
“Hume Horse Paddocks have already been reduced in area from 109hectares to 31hectares due to industrial developments. Any further losses in this area would severely diminish an important recreational resource for residents in South Woden and Tuggeranong,” Ms Hedges said.
However, the group was glad the government had committed to finding alternative land.
“For the first time the government is recognising the importance of horse paddocks,” she said.
“This is likely to mean ... setting up similar facilities somewhere else. We hope the government is prepared to put some money into it.”
A Territory and Municipal Services spokeswoman said up to 15 horses were likely to be removed from Rose Cottage before construction begins.
She said ACT Parks and Conservation was investigating alternate sites but no final decisions had been made.
‘‘Expressions of interest have been sought from current Rose Cottage Clients that might wish to relocate their horse[s] to another horse paddock complex around Canberra. The exact changeover dates will be determined on a case-by-case basis but will need to be before commencement of the work.’’
ACTEA secretary Beth Stone said any new holding paddocks should offer the same facilities as Rose Cottage, and was concerned riders might have to cross roads or ride long distances to access the Rose Cottage arena.
To view the latest DA for the Mugga Lane Solar Farm, visit www.actpla.act.gov.au
Responses to the DA must be lodged by December 20
