Council has endorsed the public exhibition of a DRAFT Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with ACEnergy in relation to the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at 120 Houghton Road, Yanco. The draft VPA will be on exhibition for a period of 28 days from 30 August 2025 to 25 September 2025.
The proposed BESS is classified as a State Significant Development, meaning the NSW Government, not Council, will be the determining authority for the development application.
A Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) is a formal agreement between a developer and Council that secures contributions to ensure the local community benefits from private development. VPAs are guided by NSW Government policy to ensure transparency and fairness.
If approved and when it takes effect, the VPA will deliver a range of public benefits including contributions towards:
- the maintenance and upgrade of local parks, community facilities and recreational areas in Yanco.
- the revitalisation of Yanco's main street, including upgrades to building façades.
- the Yanco Powerhouse Museum.
- community events over a five-year period, including naming rights for the Art Deco Festival.
- Roxy Community Theatre operations.
Councillor Nicholas Wright, who spoke in support of the development at Council's August Ordinary Meeting, said the agreement would
deliver both local investment and broader energy benefits.
"This project represents a positive step forward for Yanco and the wider Shire. Not only will it help stabilise our electricity grid, but it will also create valuable job opportunities during both the construction and ongoing maintenance phases. Importantly, ACEnergy's commitment to investing directly into the Yanco township ensures that our community shares in the benefits of this development," Cr Wright said.
The draft VPA is available for viewing on Council's website at leeton.nsw.gov.au, or in person between 9.00am and 5.00pm at the following locations:
- Leeton Shire Council office, 23–25 Chelmsford Place, Leeton
- Leeton Shire Library
- Whitton and Murrami Post Offices
- Yanco Newsagency
Submissions are invited and must be received by 5.00pm, Friday 25 September 2025. Community members can make submissions via:
- Council's online engagement portal 'Have Your Say' at https://haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au
