Windfarm development well underway

Pyrenees Advocate
Friday 18/5/2007 Page: 5

Civil construction works are well underway for the 128 turbine Waubra Wind Farm. The civil works including construction of access tracks, turbine hardstands and turbine foundations are being carried out by Acciona Energy in conjunction with Leighton Contractors. Acciona Energy Construction Manager, Mr Bruce Payne said, We are very pleased that construction works are progressing well.

Leighton Contractors are doing a great job working with us to deliver the first important phase of this exciting wind farm project," he said. "We are almost finished building the internal access tracks and construction of the turbine foundations and crane hardstands are well underway. "Civil and earth works are expected to be completed in August this year. This will be followed by electrical works and the first wind turbine is expected to go up late this year." Mr Payne said. "We are using local construction and manufacturing skills and have sourced local equipment and materials wherever possible. "Currently more than 100 people are working on site.

Approximately 70% of the workers are local employees from Waubra and surrounds, either working directly for Leighton Contractors or for regional businesses that are involved as subcontractors," he said. The construction of the Wind Farm is expected to create around 200 jobs at its peak and approximately 30 permanent on site jobs for its operation plus office and management support staff.

Acciona Energy has taken great care to manage environmental issues during the development and construction phase of the wind farm. Environmental and Cultural Heritage Management Plans are being implemented to monitor and manage environment and cultural heritage matters during construction.

As part of its community relations program, Acciona Energy launched a dedicated website www.waubrawindfarm.com.au and publishes a Waubra Wind Farm newsletter on a regular basis which appears in the Pvrenees Advocate.