Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Goodnight One Solar and Storage Project?
The project owner is Goodnight One Pty Ltd, 90 Southlink Street Parkinson Qld 4115
The project development service is provided by InnoGreen Energy Australia.
What happens to the land used for solar farms?
The project will avoid high-value agricultural land, including Class A and Class B land, as well as areas with significant environmental values wherever practicable. The layout will be designed to minimise impacts on native vegetation, wildlife, soil and water.
Solar infrastructure has a relatively limited and reversible footprint. At the end of the project’s operational life, the equipment can be removed and the land rehabilitated for an appropriate future use.
How do Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) improve grid reliability?
Renewable energy generation can naturally fluctuate depending on the weather. BESS acts as a local shock absorber: it stores excess electricity produced during peak sunshine and releases it back into the grid when demand is high. This balances supply and demand, prevents blackouts, and keeps energy flowing steadily to homes and businesses.
How will you ensure your BESS is fire resistant?
The BESS will use small, self-contained battery units distributed across the site with appropriate separation distances, helping to contain any thermal event and reduce the risk of fire spreading between units.
We will select proven, Tier 1 battery technology that has undergone recognised fire and thermal-runaway testing, including large-scale testing used to assess fire propagation and required separation distances. The system will also incorporate monitoring, automatic shutdown, fire detection and emergency-response measures and will be designed in accordance with applicable Australian requirements and recognised international standards.
Do solar farms and battery storage create air or water pollution?
During normal operation, solar farms and battery energy storage systems do not produce air emissions or wastewater as part of electricity generation. The project will be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with applicable environmental regulations, with measures in place to protect soil, surface water and groundwater and to minimise environmental risks.
Can rainwater cause chemicals from solar panels or batteries to enter the soil?
Modern solar panels used in Australia are primarily made from glass, aluminium polymers and monocrystalline silicon. Less than 1% of the materials used include copper, silver, tin and lead. The chemical layer in a panel is extremely thin – about 3% the thickness of a human hair – and is sealed between two layers of heat-strengthened glass with an industrial laminate. Battery cells are enclosed within weather-resistant modules and containers.
They are designed and manufactured to meet strict safety and environmental standards. Under normal operating conditions, rainwater does not cause chemicals to leach from solar panels or battery systems into the soil.
The project will also incorporate appropriate drainage, inspection, spill-response and environmental management measures. In the unlikely event of equipment damage or an emergency, affected equipment and materials would be contained, removed and managed in accordance with applicable environmental and safety requirements.
For more information, please visit Clean Energy Council: https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/for-consumers/fact-sheets/environment-and-planning-get-the-facts/solar-panels-toxicity-myth
Why was 592 Nielsons Road selected for this project?
We chose 592 Nielsons Road in Good Night following a detailed site assessment process. This specific location offers an ideal combination of environmental suitability, infrastructure access, and minimal community impact:
Excellent Solar Exposure: Good Night receives high levels of reliable, year-round sunlight, making this site highly efficient for generating clean electricity.
Proximity to Existing Grid Infrastructure: The site was selected because of its strategic location near high-voltage electrical grid connections. Being close to existing power infrastructure means we can feed clean energy directly into the local grid without needing to construct intrusive, long-distance transmission lines across neighbouring properties.
Minimal Land and Ecological Impact: The site layout focuses on utilising cleared, non-sensitive land. By avoiding high-value ecological zones, we preserve local biodiversity while putting under-utilised rural land to a productive, sustainable use.
Minimal Impact on Neighbours: The site topography and surrounding vegetation allow for natural screening. Combined with setback buffers, visual impact from nearby roads and residences is kept to a minimum, and operational traffic is virtually non-existent once construction completes.
What capacity will the Goodnight One Solar and Storage Farm be once operational?
The technology deployed will be located away from existing waterways and will not leach into the environment.
What is being built?
A 168MW solar farm with tracker solar photovoltaic panels – these panels are enough to generate power for more than 90,000 homes.
There will also be a 200MW lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of storing and exporting electricity to the national grid.
The BESS works with the substation to regulate electricity as well as switch the voltages up and down to smooth the supply of electricity and provide stability and system strength to the Powerlink 275KV transmission grid which traverses the site.
Will any additional land need to be cleared?
The Goodnight One Solar and Storage project is being designed to minimise its footprint within the existing cleared areas of the property. These areas were previously cleared to undertake mixed use farming functions.
Whilst the project design aims to limit impact to existing vegetation, some clearing may be required. Setback zones and buffers will be established at least 50m from surrounding properties and the Burnett River to limit impact to community
Will the project affect the Burnett River and waterways?
The technology deployed will be located away from existing waterways and will not leach into the environment.
The project is designed with sustainability in mind. Environmental impact assessments have been conducted, and measures are in place to protect local wildlife, preserve native vegetation, and minimize disruption to the ecosystem, particularly the Burnett River and waterways.
How will the project be assessed and approved?
Solar farm developments in Queensland with a generating capacity of 1 MW or more are impact assessable and assessed by the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) under State Code 26: Solar Farm Development, and State Code 27: BESS Development.
Prior to lodging a development application, a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) must be completed, and a binding Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) must be agreed between the Project and Bundaberg Regional Council.
What studies are being undertaken?
A range of technical, environmental and social studies are being undertaken to understand potential impacts and inform project design and mitigation measures. Key technical studies being undertaken for the project may include:
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Agricultural Land Assessment
- Noise Impact Assessment
- Natural Hazard Assessment
- Flood and Stormwater Assessment
- Bushfire Risk Assessment
- Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
- Social Impact Assessment
- Traffic Impact Assessment
- Visual Impact Assessment and Glint & Glare Assessment
- LIDAR & GROUND survey
What steps are being taken to ensure the project benefits the local community?
On 18th July 2025, Qld Government’s new community benefit system established under the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Act 2025 took effect.
We are progressing with the Social Impact Assessment, and consultation has commenced with Bundaberg Regional Council.
Our goal is to create local jobs during both the construction and operational phases. We are committed to sourcing people, materials and services locally wherever possible.
As we continue with the planning of this project, we will reach out to the community to provide more information about our community benefit fund. We will engage with the local community about appropriate initiatives for the area.
How will this solar and battery project benefit our local community?
Our projects help create a cleaner, more reliable, and sustainable local energy supply. By replacing fossil fuels with clean solar energy, we help improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support long-term energy independence. Additionally, our battery storage systems help stabilize energy prices and protect against local power outages.
Community benefits from this project may include:
- A boost to the local and regional economy and local businesses
- Jobs for locals during construction, operations and maintenance
- Landowner and neighbour agreements
- Wider community benefit sharing
Does the project bring jobs or financial benefits to the area??
Yes. Construction creates immediate opportunities for local contractors, trades, civil workers, and equipment suppliers, along with indirect business for nearby cafes, hotels, and retail shops. Over the long term, the facility contributes to local government tax revenues or community benefit funds, helping fund local roads, infrastructure, and public services without increasing the burden on local taxpayers.
How will a project like this affect local property values?
Independent studies consistently show that well-planned solar and battery facilities have no negative long-term impact on nearby property values. Unlike industrial or fossil-fuel facilities, solar and storage operations are quiet, low-profile, generate zero odours or emissions, and create very little traffic once operational. We also design visual buffering, like native landscaping and hedging, to integrate facilities neatly into the landscape.
What is the expected timeline for construction and operation?
Construction is planned to begin in 2029 and will last approximately 2 years. It is planned the project will be operational in 2031. We are committed to minimising disruption during this time. We will provide regular updates on construction progress as we proceed. The operational phase will have minimal impact on daily life.
Will the project impact the community?
Goodnight One Solar and Storage Project will be open and honest with the local community and as the project develops, we will engage with directly affected landowners and local community.
As we progress with the Social Impact Assessment, we will consult with the Bundaberg Regional Council and locals to minimise local impacts.
If you have any issues please contact us at: info@goodnightone.com.au
How will the energy produced by the solar farm benefit the local area?
The electricity generated by the project will be supplied into the Queensland electricity network, helping to support a reliable, affordable and increasingly renewable energy supply for homes, businesses and industry.
While electricity generated by the project will be supplied into the wider Queensland electricity network, the local community will benefit from investment, employment opportunities, support for local businesses and a more resilient electricity system.
Will the project impact the community?
Goodnight One Solar and Storage Project will be open and honest with the local community and as the project develops, we will engage with directly affected landowners and local community.
As we progress with the Social Impact Assessment, we will consult with the Bundaberg Regional Council and locals to minimise local impacts.
If you have any issues please contact us at: info@goodnightone.com.au
What opportunities are there for community involvement in the project?
Where are you planning to house the workers required to construct the farm?
We expect that at its peak the construction process will require approximately 200 skilled workers. These workers will not all be working at once.
At peak construction periods we will use shuttle buses to commute to site from existing housing and accommodation in nearby townships. Additional temporary camp facilities may be considered during peak construction periods. We also aim to use local subcontractors and labourers where possible.
Can I get a job building or supplying equipment to the project? ?
Yes, please email your expression of interest to info@goodnightone.com.au. Your details will be maintained on an interested party register, and you will be contacted as we commence construction planning.
Will construction cause noise and disruption in the neighbourhood??
Construction is temporary, and we take active steps to minimize any impact on nearby residents. Most work happens during standard business hours to avoid disturbing nights and weekends. We use planned access routes to keep heavy vehicles away from residential streets where possible, implement dust suppression, and keep local neighbors informed well in advance of any major activity.
If I engage with the project team throughout development and after, how can I be sure my personal information is safe?
The information collected and stored will be done in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. Stored information may include:
- Your name and contact details,
- Details of the event/activity/interaction,
- Summary of key outcomes, including any actions required,
- Your preference for future engagement.
What will happen to this land when the Solar Farm and BESS are at the end of their natural life?
We expect that at its peak the construction process will require
Our project has been designed for long-term operation. The life span is expected to be more than 30 years.
In accordance with our decommissioning plan, we will ensure a carefully planned decommissioning and repurposing process in line with our environmental responsibilities and sustainable land use obligations.
We will be required to safely remove solar panels, inverters, and associated infrastructure. Many components, including photovoltaic panels, wiring, and metal framework, can be recycled or repurposed.
The BESS component will also undergo a similar process, where the battery system is dismantled and may be recycled or repurposed for other uses.
We will work with our neighbours, relevant authorities and regulatory parties to ensure responsible site management at the time of decommissioning.