Work begins on $400m wind farm at Waubra

Ballarat Courier
Tuesday 15/5/2007 Page: 7

WORKS are well underway on the Waubra Wind Farm development, with the first stage set for completion in August. The 128-turbine wind farm is Victoria's second biggest, and will involve a total investment of around $400 million. The project covers an area of more than 173 square kilometres, and involves 36 landowners. The project is being undertaken by Spanish company Acciona Energy in conjunction with Leighton Contractors.

The first stage, estimated to cost around $35 million, involves the civil works and includes construction to access tracks, turbine hardstands and foundations. The second stage will involve the electrical works, while the turbines are expected to be erected later this year.

About 100 people are currently employed at the site, with 70 per cent from Ballarat and district. At its peak, the wind farm is expected to create around 200 jobs. Acciona Energy construction manager Bruce Payne said it was a fast-moving project, and considered central Western Victoria to be the "windpower capital of Australia". Mr Payne said they had overcome problems relating to rock and soil conditions, and had implemented environmental plans and a recycling program.

The company has also formed a Community Reference Group, to allow the community and landowners to keep informed about the construction. Waubra farmer Ted Harrison, whose property the turbines will go through, said he had no complaints and the company had assisted him where there was any disruption to his farming program.

All our neighbours have got them (turbines), and no doubt the majority of people are happy about it, for the simple reason, it's brought a spark of life into the little town," Mr Harrison said. "A lot of workers mean a lot of outside money, and we've only got the hotel and the little store so it's a big thing for them."