ANOTHER task has been crossed off the to-do list at the Macarthur Wind Farm as the project nears completion.
After 10 months of construction, the last of 140 wind turbines was installed early this week, signalling that the end of the giant project is now well within sight.
Australian and Danish flags flew side-by-side atop the central hub of the last installed turbine yesterday to signify the relationship between local workers and the Denmark-based company Vestas.
Vestas supplied the turbines, and will operate them on behalf of AGL Energy.
The Macarthur project is the biggest wind farm in Australia, and will supply renewable energy to over 220,000 homes.
Turbine construction supervisor Gary Barrett said the milestone was the result of a significant effort from all involved.
He said 1120 heavy lifts that were required to complete the project.
“These towers are the same size as the MCG light towers,” Mr Barrett said.
“But they don’t have the Melbourne CBD to shield them from the prevailing winds, so this job has certainly had it’s challenges.
“Delivering a billion-dollar project has meant a massive investment in training and work coordination with the construction site alone being one of the largest job sites in the state.
“The matching of expertise brought to the region with local expertise has been critical to getting us this far.”
The construction project has provided work for hundred of locals, as well as a multi-national workforce.
Reliability testing of each turbine is now under way and is expected to be fully completed early next year.
jwoolley@standard.fairfax.com.au
