Townsville City Council has laid the way for a new 100MW solar farm to be built at Bluewater.

Full council this week approved a Material Change of Use (MCU) for the land, however further approvals are required before the development can proceed.

The Fotowatio Renewable Ventures solar farm is expected to create 200 jobs during construction.

Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Les Walker said the application included a proposal to lease the land to the developer for a fixed term.

“The solar farm proposal outlines the expected life of the development as 40 years,” Cr Walker said.

“We’ve approved the MCU after reviewing plans submitted by the developer and considering any concerns raised by the community during the public notification period.

“Dust mitigation, water and stormwater, bushfires, and the visual amenity of the project are all things Council have taken into consideration.”

The MCU also includes a provision that the land must be returned to a rehabilitated rural state at the end of the lease.

Local Councillor Margie Ryder said the solar farm would help create jobs for Townsville.

“This development is expected to create 200 jobs during the construction stage and support three ongoing jobs when it is operational,” she said.

“It’s important that we keep working to progress projects that will create local jobs and boost the Townsville economy.”