Direct neighbour consultation commenced in September 2022 with a series of one-to-one meetings with neighbours. All neighbours near to the site, and some further afield, were door-knocked. In instances where residents were not at home, material was left introducing the company, explaining the proposal, advertising the upcoming community drop-in session, and inviting contact. Consequently, phone enquiries were made by near neighbours, and then further meetings held at their residences.  Phone and meeting records confirm that BNRGL was able to engage with all neighbours who were situated in close proximity to the site prior to application lodgement via a mix of direct neighbour letters, phone calls, and meetings that were held face-to-face and onsite. Consultation activities included providing neighbours with an overview of the proposal (before plans were presented to the broader community) and the ability to ask questions of the project team.  Engagement over time has yielded neighbour feedback which has been implemented directly in the project’s design, with boundary setbacks strategically increased, landscaped buffers introduced, landscaping on adjacent land offered, project elevations reduced and procurement plans changed.

Engagement will continue as the construction management plan and environment management plan are prepared.

Engagement with key planning consultee stakeholders was commenced earlier in 2022 and is documented in the ‘Maffra Solar Farm Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report.’

A three-hour community information drop-in session was held at the ‘The Maffra Community House (31A Thomson St Maffra) on Wednesday, 14th September 2022 (4pm – 7pm). The event was advertised beforehand in the Gippsland Times, and on community noticeboards around town.

The community newsletter, direct neighbour letter and website provide a dedicated phone number and email address to enable people to provide feedback on the project and ask questions.