It takes a lot of work, but key components for the 135-megawatt Crudine Ridge Wind Farm, which is located about 45 kilometres south of Mudgee, continue to be delivered to the site along Aarons Pass Road and local businesses have been critical to the project's success so far.
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According to CWP Renewables, the project is now in the 'turbine installation' phase. This means that turbine towers and blades being brought to site and assembled to their full height.
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You might have noticed very wide loads passing through Mudgee and Gulgong recently along the Castlereagh Highway enroute to the site.
Head of Construction for CWP Renewables, Brendan McAvoy said the delivery of wind turbine blades, towers is transported on road transport trucks specifically tailored for the equipment all the way from the Port of Newcastle.
"We do ask travellers that all traffic control sign posted speed limits and directions are followed for public safety and the safety of our workforce," Dr McAvoy said.
Turbine deliveries are expected to continue through to the end of August.
The wind farm consists of 37 wind turbines and CWP Renewables says the project expects to employ up to 240 people during the construction period with 45 staff already based in Mudgee.
Among these local businesses are A1 Earthworx Mining and Civil as well as Strait Up Cranes and Rigging. These two Mudgee companies have been working with CWP Renewables, GE Renewable Energy and Zenviron on the project.
General Manager of A1 Earthworx Mining and Civil, Chris Pilley said they're thankful CWP kept its promise to employ local businesses.
"We are genuinely excited to be a part of the Crudine Ridge Wind Farm project and we are grateful that CWP, GE and Zenviron has remained true to their word and are hiring local business such as A1 Earthworx and Strait Up Cranes to be part of such a significant infrastructure project. The flow on effect for local businesses and the local economy is great," he said.
"Opportunities such as these large infrastructure projects, gives smaller local companies the ability to show their technical expertise using local equipment and workers without CWP, GE and Zenviron having to go further afield for more experienced contractors."
"With all our projects including Crudine Ridge Wind Farm it is very important to us as a company to support the local district through engaging local contractors that not only deliver a high quality service, but feed back into growing the local economy and keeping local people employed," Brendan McAvoy said.
According to the website for the project, the wind farm will provide enough power for around 55,000 homes.
Construction on Crudine Ridge Wind Farm is expected to be completed in early 2021.