ACT's energy minister has tried to quell fears that locals will not appreciate the development of large scale solar.
Simon Corbell said that while there is bound to be concerns among the community regarding the development of Australia's largest solar plant, these would fade with time.
The state is set to construct a 20 MW facility on farmland in Royalla, near Canberra, with a Spanish company in charge of the project following a reverse auction.
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures was able to pip a government-owned agency to the contract by offering the cheapest development price.
And Mr Corbell said locals would soon learn to love the benefits commercial solar can bring.
He told ABC: "I think people – once they see the details of the proposal and they realise it's not polluting, it makes no noise, it generates very little traffic and it makes very little change to the existing environment – will see that big solar is a good neighbour."
The politician also reassured nearby residents that the Royalla plant would be subject to a thorough consultation process.
This will enable anyone concerned to express their views before construction begins, he explained.
Posted by Mike Peacock