A Solar farm near Narromine is close to turning its first sod with NSW Planning Commission questions answered by the sealing a Voluntary Planning Agreement with Council.

The agreement helps Council fund community with projects in the LGA.

Edify Energy proponents for the State Significant project met with councillors on Thursday August 13 before a gallery in the Narromine local chamber.

 At the meeting Narromine Councillors voted to support an agreement for $85,000 a year for the project's lifetime which is projected to last between 30 to 40 years.

Of this, $72,500 is tagged for Council project and Edify Energy will use the other to support community groups.

It's understood a local indigenous group will benefit from a youth-based program.

Lynn Field Manager of Nguumambiny Indigenous Corporation says a program designed to help the town’s youth called ’Wake Up to Shake Up’’ has got support from Edify Energy.

She explained the programme was developed originally in Coonamble due its high unemployment rate and is gaining momentum in Narromine.

‘’Young people don’t understand Insurance , budgeting and workplace rights," she said.

"We try and help them plan for a better future.’’

She says the 5-day intensive program also inspires.

 “It helps give people self esteem, self care and helps overcome hurdles to employment.

‘’It's already having amazing results and gives you a power over information," Ms Field said.

IMAGE: Edify Energy

Edify Energy solar project has the potential to generate up to 120MW of clean solar electricity, and from 100MW to 400MWh of energy storage in the form of an integrated battery. Construction is anticipated in 2026/27.

A spokesperson for Edify says at peak construction the project will employ around 250 people full time, recruiting local trades, workers and businesses as much as possible.

During the build, which will take approximately 18 months, the community can expect to benefit from the positive economic flow to local hospitality, retail and general business.

Once complete, the project will employ 7 people full time.

Staff from Narromine Council said a worker’s camp would be placed in the area and may also be used as a venue for future Inland Rail employees.

Edify is working with Council to identify land or available housing.

Cr Judy Smith said at Thursday’s meeting that Narromine needed more public amenities.

‘’We need to accommodate the new people coming to the town with the solar project and we do lack public toilets.’’

Mayor Ewan Jones agreed that, with the Dolly Festival coming up and this project pending, the council would do need to do something.

Council General Manager Jane Redden said options would be looked at and a report delivered to councillors.

Options include procuring land near Coles, Port A Loos as a temporary fix or toilets inside the old ANZ Bank Site.

On a motion by Mayor Jones the toilets near the Aquatic Centre will be re-opened.