Silverton wind farm

Barrier Miner
Thursday 19/6/2008 Page: 1

Seeking to employ skilled locals up to 700 jobs on offer during construction.

DEVELOPERS of the proposed Silverton Wind Farm will be looking for local contractors to help get the project up and running, sending the message out last week at the launch of Business Broken Hill, formerly the Chamber of Commerce.

Silverton Wind Farm Developments, a joint venture between Epuron Pty Ltd and financiers Macquarie Capital, has the potential to provide up to 700 jobs during the construction phase, which company representatives say they expect to fill primarily from the Broken Hill region. Epuron executive director Andrew Durran, construction manager Andrew Wilson and project manager Donna Bolton were present at the launch held at the Musician's Club on June 10 and outlined opportunities for local businesses which wanted to participate in the $2.5 billion project.

Mr Wilson explained that a shortage of power was becoming a global problem. "Epuron is NSW's leading wind energy developer and with this project has the potential to meet 10 per cent of the government's proposed green target and supply four and a half per cent of the state's energy demand." Construction and operation of the wind farm will require a number of major contracts to be awarded in the field of turbine manufacture, on site civil and electrical works and the transmission line which will connect to Red Cliffs in Victoria.

Mr Wilson said it was possible that the tower section and blades could be locally fabricated. Local expertise will also be sought for services and supply of cable trenching and installation, design, transformer and switchgear, substation buildings and control room. The company anticipates that 120 jobs will be created at Silverton to operate and maintain the 500 plus wind turbines. There will also be ancillary services needed such as accommodation, catering, communications, office supplies, business support, freight and courier services, vehicle hire and painting.

Mr Wilson urged local businesses to register their interest and capabilities through Business Broken Hill. The development application has been lodged with the government and approval is expected by December 2008. Mr Wilson said that the wind farm would have an expected lifespan of about 20 years with an option after this time to review it. Epuron anticipates construction on the wind farm to start in July 2009 and take three to five years to complete.