Noel Hicks, former local member and now a concerned resident, saw a development application for a solar farm in Yoogali and was deeply worried straight away.

One of his concerns centered around the fact the proposed site was arable land with existing irrigation infrastructure in place.

"In Australia arable land is scarce, particularly irrigated land," he said.

"Regretfully similar development have been allowed in this area and have set an unfortunate precedent, this does not mean this practice should continue to the detriment of Griffith."

He also questions whether the company are liable for any payments for the upkeep of the irrigation system.

"There should also be a penalty for the loss of productive land."

With the site on Irrigation Way and Morley Road 6.5km from the city centre and 2km from existing development, he fears it would inhibit any further expansion in that direction. He is also concerned for the clean-up bill at the end of the farm's life.

Lasting from 20 to 30 years before potentially becoming obsolete, and with a companies' potential to be bought, sold or liquidated, he wants to know the provisions in place to ensure the rate-payer won't foot the bill for the clean-up.

"I'm all for clean and green - but what provision is put in place to protect our own environment here?"

Council's director Sustainable development Phil Harding said Previous State Government significant development approvals include conditions requiring the solar panels and ancillary infrastructure be decommissioned within 18 months of the cessation of operations, and the land rehabilitated.

"Council would take similar view when preparing conditions of consent."

Expressing his concerns in a letter to Griffith City Council, he has not heard back, or had his email acknowledged, thinking he had missed the boat for community submissions.

Yet the deadline as advertised in The Area News on January 25 for submissions was set for February, and his letter was sent on January 30.

"If I could see any advantage for the people of Griffith I would support it, but I can't see any."

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Mr Harding said the Yoogali development was still under assessment, and said "detailed review would have to be undertaken" to see what benefits the community would gain.

He said council would consider the permissibility of the land, the merit and suitability of the development, with consideration given to prime agricultural land and to the NSW Government Large Scale Solar Energy Guideline for State Significant development December 2018.

"Agriculture growth is a prime focus for Griffith," Mr Harding stated.

"The community benefit of ancillary development would be measured on a case by case basis. During the construction phase benefits would include employment and local business services.

"Employment during the operational phase drops considerably."

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