Local Emergency Services visit White Rock Solar Farm

White Rock Solar Farm

14 September 2017

Yesterday, local emergency service professionalsfrom the local region, including representatives from Northern Tablelands Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance, Glen Innes SES and Volunteer Rescue Association, participated in a tour of White Rock Solar Farm with emergency preparedness as a key focus.

Sarah White, Unit Controller Glen Innes State Emergency Service praised the collaboration with the local emergency service bodies.

“This has been a great opportunity for members of the local emergency services to join together and experience first-hand the scale of the White Rock Solar Farm” said Sarah.

Emergency Management Committees are responsible for planning for emergencies within the local community and use a comprehensive approach to risk management. The purpose of bringing these groups together was to allow for planning for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery in the event of an emergency at White Rock Solar Farm.

Dan Ford, Owner’s Representative for White Rock Solar Farm said considerable time and resources has been spent on the development and implementation of emergency response plans for White Rock Solar Farm and an opportunity to collaborate with local emergency services was welcomed.

“Our aim for the day was to provide insight to the safety considerations when planning, designing and developing solar energy facilities. As more renewable energy projects are developed throughout the region, close collaboration with relevant local services is essential.”

“I would like to thank the local emergency services for taking the time to see how we implement safety on site and what emergency procedures we have in place. We look forward to continue to build positive working relationships into the future” said Dan.

Construction of White Rock Solar Farm, commenced in July 2017. The project is expected to be fully commissioned by early 2018. It is located on the New England Tablelands approximately 20km west of Glen Innes and 40km east of Inverell. The 20 MW White Rock Solar Farm will produce sufficient clean renewable energy to power approximately 7,000 homes annually.