Gullen Range Wind Farm
6 May 2012
Gullen Range Wind Farm reached a major project milestone, on Monday 6 May, with the first delivery of Goldwind wind turbine components.
The 165.5MW Gullen Range Wind Farm is the second project supplied by Goldwind in Australia and the first application of 2.5MW scale Goldwind Permanent Magnet Direct Drive wind turbines in Australia. The now operating 19.5MW Mortons Lane Wind Farm in Victoria was the first project to use Goldwind wind turbines in Australia. Both projects have been developed in response to the Australian Renewable Energy Target.
The delivery of three turbine blades and tower section to the Gullen Range Wind Farm represent the beginning of a 28 week delivery period, which will see the transportation of components for 73 wind turbines.
The delivery was assisted by NSW Police escort vehicles and safety vehicles from National Transport Services (NTS). The project team would like to this opportunity to thank the NSW Police for their assistance in the transportation of the wind turbine components.
Prior to the delivery of the wind turbine components a number of road upgrade works were completed, including altering road alignments and widened corners. These works were undertaken for the safe, efficient movement of equipment and to minimise the length of time the road is occupied and lessen delays for road users.
Transport schedule:
Following consultation with NSW Police and the haulage contractor it has been agreed that deliveries of blades and tower sections will be limited to a maximum of five per day. These deliveries will be programmed to travel through Goulburn between 6am and 7am. Additional over-sized loads, carrying smaller components, will be transported at approximately midday with a maximum number
of 7 movements per day.
Key objectives of the schedule include:
- minimised disruption to road users, travelling along the haulage route to and from Goulburn and
Crookwell;
- minimised disruption to road users travelling to schools, including school buses; and
- avoidance of the Goulburn morning peak hour traffic.
The project team will continue to consult with local stakeholders including schools, emergency services and other transport providers.
Road Upgrades and Construction Progress:
Kialla Road Upgrade Complete
The $2.3 million upgrade to Kialla Road is complete. Works have included the installation of guide markers, signage and other safety measures. The completion of this upgrade will provide the community of the Upper Lachlan Shire Council (ULSC) with improved quality roads, which requires significantly less maintenance from ULSC. The project team would like to thank the community for
their patience during these works.
Preparation of Bannister site foundations 86% complete Works at the Bannister section of Gullen Range Wind Farms, including the construction of onsite roads and foundations is nearing completion. In total, 37 foundations have now been poured with
sixteen, in the northern section of the site, remaining to be completed. As these works are completed the number of Project vehicles on Range Road will be substantially reduced. Works to repair dilapidation to Range Road will commence in the next two weeks. The reduced speed limit of 80kph will remain until Project completion.
Gurrundah Road upgrade commences the $1million upgrade to Gurrundah Road is due to commence shortly, with ULSC awarded the
contract to undertake these works.
Construction activities begin at ‘Gurrundah’ site Gurrundah site construction activities will commence in the next two weeks. These activities will include the establishment of site compounds and concrete batching plant. It is anticipated that the majority of Project activities will move south to the ‘Gurrundah’ site from the end of May 2013.
As works to build the southern section of the site commence there is expected to be an increase in traffic using the western section of Gurrundah Road and Mullins Creek Road. Installation of safety measures will be completed prior to the main works commencing. Motorists and other road users are advised to use caution when using these roads.
Keeping the community informed: The community may access regular updates through the weekly traffic notification placed on the project website each Friday. These updates provide information on:
• delivery schedule for the coming week;
• temporary road closures and diversions;
• traffic control ; and
• general information on the works being undertaken.
The Project team is committed to work closely with the community and stakeholders.
