Property Owners Decry Solar Farm Impact on Gin Gin Community

After of a planned weekend protest, property owners near Gin Gin, west of Bundaberg, are voicing frustration over a solar farm project they claim has derailed their plans and disrupted their lives.

Michelle Hunt, who with her husband has owned a 25-acre block of rural land for 18 years, says their dream of building a retirement home has been crushed by the development.

The project, spearheaded by a global renewable energy conglomerate, has sparked outrage among locals. Ms Hunt alleges the company began construction without properly consulting property owners. She only learned of the $150 million project through a community post online.

Adding to their grievances, Ms Hunt says a new "prison fence" has been erected on their property boundary without approval, shifting the original lines and causing a loss of four to six metres of their land.

The Hunts discovered the changes in June 2024 after a neighbour alerted them to unusual activity near their property. Upon returning, they found 350 metres of their back boundary fence had been removed, with heavy machinery tracks scattered across their land.

“These contractors should never have touched our back fence,” Ms Hunt said, claiming the changes were not part of the approved development plan. Attempts to raise the issue with state and federal leaders have been fruitless, with officials citing outdated legislation that fails to protect landowners from renewable energy developments.

Once a peaceful retreat envisioned as a sanctuary from urban life, the Hunts’ property now abuts what they describe as industrial land. The presence of the solar farm, combined with strict wildlife zoning regulations, makes their dream home feel further out of reach. “We’re just a normal little family. We don’t have the funds to fight this in court,” Ms Hunt lamented, expressing frustration over the lack of action due to the project’s "green energy" status.

In response, a spokesperson for Global Power Generation stated the company is working towards a resolution with Ms Hunt, emphasising their commitment to addressing concerns through direct dialogue.

However, local dissatisfaction continues to mount. Supported by Libertarian candidate Jim Willmott, Ms Hunt hosted a rally at her property on yesterday to protest the development and advocate for better protections for rural landowners.

“We deserve a say in what happens to our land,” she said. “This isn’t just about us—it’s about standing up for the entire community.”