Central Midlands and Coastal Advocate, Page: 7
Thursday, 30 March 2006
THE Emu Downs Wind Farm, 25 kilometres west of Badgingarra. is making good progress, with welcome input from local business. The new onsite Administration building and store, with complimentary landscaping, was recently completed by local company Swan Aussie Constructions, with assistance from Jurien Landscaping. The Shire of Dandaragan undertook earthworks for the building as well as construction of I he access road intersection with Bibby Road.
Shire of Dandaragan Deputy Chief Executive Officer, lan Rennie, said of the Emu Downs Wind Farm construction contracts, "This is a great win for local people, for the local economy, and for regional infrastructure development". Emu Downs Wind Farm Community Affairs Manager, Ken Jack, said the project's joint venturers, Stanwell Corporation and Griffin Energy, were pleased the project was creating local opportunities for businesses, tradespeople, suppliers and other service providers. "Where possible, long term employment is being created and local labour used to support the project. Accommodation and meals, fuels, vehicle servicing, plant operators and operations, roadworks and concrete supplies are all being provided locally.
"The Administration building has been designed to serve the project for the life of the wind farm, and with energy efficient environmental considerations in mind. Solar water heating, insulated walls, a reflective roof and tinted, screened windows have all been installed by local business," Mr Jack said. J&R Carter's Fine Furniture manufactured the office furniture and Jurien Bay Air Conditioning, Jurien Plumbing, ML Communications, and Jurien Bay Betta Electrical also provided their services for the fit out. Roadworks at the intersection of the access road and Bibby Road are finished.
Roadswest Engineering designed the intersection and most of the surveying onsite was carried out by FR Rodda & Co. Gravel and sand were sourced from landowners Rudi and Dot Sudholx. and Mick and Jan Ackland, while Jurien Signs, S&V Pollitt and LYNKYM Springs Fencing Contractors were responsible for signage and fencing. The Pinnacles Best Western Motel has accommodated some of the workforce and Cervantes BP Service Station meets the Project Team's fuel requirements.
Derrick's Coastal AG and Mitre 10 Jurien Bay have also supplied items to the Project. Mr Jack said Stanwell and Griffin Energy want to thank the local business community and Council for their support and show of interest in the wind farm. "The project is off to a solid start and remains on schedule and on budget," he said. Mr Jack said the $180 million, 80 Megawatt Emu Downs Wind Farm would be commissioned in Spring this year.
"We are looking forward to launching this world class project and hope the local community will continue their involvement and support as we progress construction and celebrate project milestones. We are proud to be working with the WA community to deliver secure, safe and sustainable power," Mr Jack said. Emu Downs Wind Farm will generate enough green energy to power more than 50,000 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 275, 000 tonnes annually, a significant contribution to Australia's action on climate change. Electricity from the wind farm will be purchased by State energy company, Western Power Corporation.
The project will comprise 48 x 1.65 MW turbines, a substation, interconnection to the main 132 kV grid, administration building, and a network of access roads. It also includes an adjacent car park and viewing area (on Bibby Road, Badgingarra) with educational display. With wind farms becoming increasingly popular as tourist attractions, Emu Downs Wind Farm is poised to provide a new attraction for the area and boost local tourism activity within the Shire of Dandaragan.
The project will link in with local tourism operators and the Pinnacles Visitor Centre.
0 comments:
Post a Comment