At 11.00am this morning, the first of 207 turbine blades arrived at Uungula Wind Farm – the only wind farm currently under construction in NSW – after a successful two day journey, marking a major milestone for the 414MW project in the Central West Orana region.
After leaving the Port of Newcastle in the early hours of yesterday morning, the massive 80-metre blade travelled to a rest stop near Elong Elong in the Central West, where drivers and crew rested overnight before continuing to Uungula Wind Farm this morning.
The 93-metre truck and trailer made the trip under carefully managed transport arrangements, including police escorts, pilot vehicles, detailed journey planning and road upgrades, to minimise the impact on communities along the route.
The community can view the daily schedule on the Squadron Energy website and stay up to date with any impacts along the route via www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/283808, the Live Traffic NSW app or calling 132 701.
Squadron Energy CEO Rob Wheals said a massive logistical operation was underway to safely move the blades and 700 other giant turbine components to Uungula via international waters, the Port of Newcastle and regional roads.
“Every delivery to Uungula reflects the meticulous efforts of transport operators, NSW Police, road authorities, local contractors and construction teams who are working together to safely move the blades,” Mr Wheals said.
“The first fortnight will see 6 blades moved with our logistics teams and drivers focussed on the safest way to navigating every turn, learning from each delivery and fine tuning the operation before we look to increase movements from week three.
“Projects like Uungula are building more than a new electricity system – our aim is to leave the regional communities where we operate stronger,” Mr Wheals said.
In the Central West, Squadron Energy has invested tens of millions of dollars on upgrading roads, as well as more than $6 million on legacy infrastructure and community projects.
Construction of Uungula Wind Farm is more than two thirds complete and is expected to ramp up now that the project has entered the tower installation phase.
Once complete, Uungula Wind Farm will be the largest wind farm in NSW with 69 turbines which, if placed end to end, would stretch almost 16km or from the Opera House to Bondi Beach and back.
The project is expected to support 262 jobs and contribute $41 million to the regional economy.