Mr Speakman was invited by Local MP Adam Marshall to tour the facility to get an up to date report on the progress of construction.

The $400 million, 175-megawatt White Rock Wind Farm will be New South Wales’s largest and initially have 70, 2.5-megawatt turbines, but planning approval has been granted for 119 turbines. 

The farm is expected to have the capacity to power about 75,000 homes once fully completed.

The project will be worth about $35 million to the area around Glen Innes during construction of the 199-turbine wind farm, which is worth $400 million.

Mr Marshall said the minister was impressed with the project and amazed at the scope of the construction.

“The minister was blown away by the size and scope of the project,” he said.

Mr Speakman said he was keen to see the project for himself after Mr Marshall had been talking it up for so long.

“I was really keen to speak with John Titchen and see the progress of the project,” he said.

“I am very impressed with the project and i look forward to seeing it get under way and progress.”

Goldwind Australia Managing Director John Titchen said The White Rock project represents a significant investment for the Glen Innes and Inverell area. 

“Up to 200 people are expected to be involved during construction of the project and a 10-15 local service team will be needed once the wind farm is operating,” he said.