Identification and site selection is based on an analysis of opportunities and constraints including (but not limited to): distance to the electricity grid, wind resource and population density of the surrounding community. Our team then undertake a number of site visits and consultation with landowners in the area.
Site-specific investigations are undertaken to assess the impacts and opportunities of the project and feedback is sought from the local community.
A Development Application is made and an EIS prepared which involves a wide range of studies to address stakeholder feedback received to date and to consider the potential environmental and social impacts of the project.
The EIS is placed on public exhibition through the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Interested members of the public are invited to have their say during the exhibition period by way of formal submissions. A Submissions Report is then prepared, which aims to respond to the submissions received.
The project documents are assessed by the relevant government authorities. If determined, Development Consent is granted alongside a range of conditions specific to the project.
A lead contractor(s) to build the project is appointed and all pre-construction approvals and consents are finalised. During this phase, the lead contractor(s) is provided with a list of local businesses that have registered their interest and capabilities through the project website.
During this phase our lead contractor(s) seek tenders and engage contractors and suppliers to undertake the scope of the works. Orders are then placed for major components such as the wind turbines.
Initial site activities commence, such as minor clearing and provision of access roads along with establishing a site construction compound. Off-site detailed design works commences in parallel.
During this phase of the construction the bulk of the civil works takes place. This includes the construction of new internal access roads, excavation and construction of the turbine foundations, installation of the internal electrical reticulation system, construction of the high voltage substation and main transmission line network.
This is where the visual aspect of the wind farm starts to emerge, with large cranes lifting the tower sections, nacelle, hub and blades into place.
In order to export power to the grid, each turbine is required to undergo several performance tests. It is during this stage that you will start to see turbines spinning and ultimately the whole of the wind farm complete.
The project is operating in accordance with relevant approval conditions and management plans. Compliance with conditions of approval and management plans is monitored as required throughout the life of the project.
The design life of the wind turbines will be at least 30 years. At the end of their useful life, the wind turbines and electrical equipment will be either replaced and the wind farm repowered, or the project will be decommissioned, and the site returned to its original use at the expense of the project.
A Community Benefit Fund has been established in the form of a Voluntary Planning Agreement with the Yass Valley Council and the Hilltops Council.
Bango Wind Farm will contribute $3.9m over the life of the project. The funds will be split between the two councils according to the number of the turbines installed within each local government area.
The funds will be allocated by each council to enhance community projects and initiatives in accordance with their community plan.
Voluntary Planning Agreement documents are provided below.
The Bango Wind Farm community sponsorship program provides funds or in-kind support to community organisations and events in the Yass Valley Shire and Hilltops Council areas.
The program supports initiatives that strengthen our local community, through programs that make a positive and lasting contribution.
Key areas for the program include:
Applications are open for community sponsorship.
The purpose of a community consultative committee (CCC) is to provide a forum for open discussion.
It is a space for us to speak with representatives from the community, the council and other stakeholders about specific matters relating to the project.
The CCC follows the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Community Consultative Committee Guidelines for State Significant Projects. Meeting minutes are provided below.
If you would like to get in touch with your local CCC member, please contact the Independent Chairperson:
Lisa Andrews:
lisaandrews.ic@gmail.com
Squadron Energy is Australia’s leading renewable energy company that develops, operates and owns renewable energy assets in Australia. We are 100% Australian owned and have 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in operation and 900MW under construction. With proven experience and expertise across the project lifecycle, we work with local communities and our customers to lead the transition to Australia’s clean energy future.
Grant Stepien
Email: bangowind@squadronenergy.com
GPO Box 1858, Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: 1300 634 865
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