NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has released its formal assessment report for the project, and noted it would be in the public interest and benefit the local community and the State.

The project was recommended for approval with appropriate conditions and the application was referred to the consent authority, NSW Independent Planning Commission, which will review the assessment report as part of its determination process.

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The region was identified as suitable for renewable energy development by the NSW Government, the Australian Energy Market Operator and TransGrid.

The project will create up to 700 full time jobs during construction, provide work for local business and suppliers and diversify income for rural landowners.

Developer, UPC Renewables Australia, has consulted with the local community since early 2017, and head of Solar Development, Killian Wentrup, said local feedback had helped improve the project.

"We have been discussing our plans with the local community for nearly two years now, including holding over sixty face to face meetings with locals and hosting six public information sessions. This will be our seventh such public meeting," Mr Wentrup said.

"We have made a number of substantial changes to our original proposal after listening to the local community."

All members of the community are invited to a rolling information session to be held from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, January 22 at the New England Solar Farm Uralla Office at 96B Bridge Street.

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