Next Tuesday will see local expertise and international insight brought together at an event in Armidale to explore how solar farms can support biodiversity as well as energy generation.
Leading US expert Dr Josh Ennen, from the Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute, will visit the region as part of a research partnership with the University of New England (UNE). His visit supports ongoing collaboration with UNE’s Renewable Energy Hub, which is exploring how biodiversity-friendly solar farming can be adapted to Australian landscapes.
On Tuesday 24 June, Dr Ennen will speak at a public event at NOVA, Armidale’s Smart Region Incubator, alongside UNE researcher Dr Eric Nordberg and a panel of local voices from farming, ecology, cultural land management and renewable energy. Supported by Community Power Agency, the event will bring together Traditional Owners, researchers, government, industry, and community groups.
“This is a unique opportunity to learn from international experience and shape the future of solar development in our region,” says Dr Nordberg, who will present findings from his research in regional NSW.
The event will focus on practical ways to improve outcomes for both biodiversity and communities as the renewable energy rollout accelerates. Panellists will explore strategies such as planting perennial native grasses beneath solar panels, designing for shared land use, and involving communities in planning and stewardship.
Speakers include solar grazier Richard Munsie, ecologist David Carr from Stringybark Ecological, Steve Ahoy from Iwatta Aboriginal Corporation, UNE Associate Professor Melanie Filios, and renewable energy developer Martine Holberton, whose experience spans roles at Tilt Renewables and Pacific Hydro.
Community Power Agency’s Regional Partnership Coordinator Heidi McElnea says the event is about working together across sectors.
“This event brings together those with expertise in ecology, energy, farming and cultural land management, to build knowledge and work collaboratively to design better solar projects,” she said. “We are incredibly lucky to be able to gain insights from Dr Ennen’s international experience and consider what we can implement here in regional NSW.”
As large-scale solar projects increase across Australia, the question of how best to manage land under and around panels has become more urgent. This workshop will highlight global examples and discuss how they can inform policy, planning, and practice in New England and beyond.
Attendees will hear about the role of cultural land management in solar development and how thoughtful planning can lead to better environmental, social and economic outcomes.
The Enhancing Biodiversity on Solar Farms workshop will be held at NOVA, Armidale, on Tuesday 24 June from 5.30pm. Entry is free, but registration is essential. For more information and to RSVP, visit https://events.humanitix.com/enhancing-biodiversity-on-solar-farms.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au