Glen Innes residents witnessed first-hand the size and scale of a blade at a special ‘Turbine Blade Viewing Event’​  at the Glen Innes Showgrounds on Monday, December 5.

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

Goldwind Australia, owners of the White Rock Wind Farm anticipate that for each turbine to be built, 10 oversize loads and 2 normal loads will be required. 

As over 800 loads of turbine components will be required to construct the first stage of the wind farm, the transportation of loads will be ongoing into 2017. 

Goldwind Australia Managing Director John Titchen said he was excited to see the arrival of Australia’s largest wind turbine blade in Glen Innes.

“The blade will find a home at New South Wales’ largest wind farm, the blade is 59.5 metres long and when installed it will be a part of a 121-metre diameter rotor,” he said.

“The turnout for this event from the local community was fantastic and we really appreciate the community support for this project.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy Adam Marshall said today is a red letter day for Glen Innes, the Northern Tablelands and NSW.

“People today have been given a taste of what is to come in this region and the scale of the infrastructure that is going to be built right on their doorstep,” Mr Marshall said.

“Not only does this project and the other two projects represent the future in terms of energy generation it also signals the diversification of the Glen Innes and Inverell economies.

“These projects are the perfect industry projects because they are energy generation, but they will provide a massive shot in the arm for local economies for years to come.”

Mayor Steve Toms said the wind farm was the industry the Glen Innes community had been calling for.