Project Update Project Update
Issue 26 Issue 26
Welcome to the December 2024 issue of the Golden Plains Wind Farm Community Update
This newsletter will keep you informed about what’s happening on the Golden Plains Wind Farm and within the surrounding communities. If there’s anything you’d like to hear about, drop us a line via info@goldenplainswindfarm.com.au
Golden Plains Wind Farm - West
The second stage of the wind farm project is progressing well Excavations works are continuing with 43 of the 93 completed, while anchor cages and steel reinforcement works are also progressing.
12 of the 93 foundations have been poured, with 3 of these already backfilled See the below table for full details of the progress!
Progress Snapshot
43 wind turbine sites excavated
26 blindings complete
26 sets of anchor cages installed
Steel reinforcement installed in 26 foundations
12 foundation pours complete
3 foundations now backfilled
Foundation excavations & pours for Golden Plains Wind Farm - West
allarat Road / Two Bridges Road after upgrade
Boyles Road / Gillets Road before (left) and after (right) upgrade
Public Road upgrades
Construction update (GPWF-East)
Golden Plains Wind Farm - East
The status of the first stage of the wind farm project is summarised below Power is now being exported to the grid as we progress through the commissioning process with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) It is expected that deliveries and turbine install works will continue in early 2025.
All Civil and Electrical works have now been completed with the exception of minor tidy up and rehabilitation works.
Community Update
Community Events
Community Grants Program
ROUND 2 OPEN UNTIL 12 JANUARY 2025
The second round of Community Grants Program funding for 2024 is now open. If you have a project or initiative, an event or program that you require funding for, now is the time to apply We have seen so many fantastic projects delivered within the community and surrounds, let’s add to that growing number!
A huge thanks to all those community groups and organisations who continue to drive such strong applications and advocate for such wonderful communitybased initiatives. We look forward to seeing what the next round of applications has in store.
We continue to thank the Community Reference Group (CRG) for their time and effort in administering the Community Grants Program, and their strategic vision for the community
As you would know, the decision was made to cancel the Community Christmas Event for 2024. However, we are working with the local community to identify other opportunities to come together in the New Year, along with the Community Easter event Stay tuned! If you have any ideas and / or suggestions, please contact Mark Bruty on 0460 304 053 or markb@w-wind.com.au
COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS
FREE ENERGY AUDIT
Eligible customers can receive a free energy audit as part of the benefits program. These will be conducted by Ephe on behalf of Geelong Sustainability
An experienced assessor from Ephe, will visit your home to evaluate energy performance and provide energy assessments that are designed to understand how your home uses energy
The audit will result in tailored recommendations to help reduce energy consumption in your home
COMMITTED TO DELIVERING LOCAL BENEFITS
Golden Plains Wind Farm is committed to sharing the benefits of the project with the local community
Over the past few years, the Golden Plains Wind Farm team have been working closely with landholders, immediate neighbours, and the wider community to identify opportunities to share the benefits of the project These collaborations have led to the creation of a series of community benefit programs that respond to the needs and opportunities that the community has communicated as being the most valuable
We encourage you to contact Mark Bruty from the Golden Plains Wind Farm team with any questions about our community programs via phone on 0460 304 053 or email at markb@w-windcomau
COMMUNITY ENERGY PROGRAM
Our Community Energy Program provides electricity benefits to neighbours of the wind farm while minimising the local communities’ carbon footprint The Community Energy Program includes a scheme to offset electricity costs for registered and habitable dwellings located within 3km of a constructed turbine tower, to an amount equal to the annual usage of an average Victorian home
Participants will be required to sign-up with Energy Locals, Golden Plains Wind Farm’s preferred retail partner Once participants have processed a change to the new retail provider, credits will be added to their account monthly to offset electricity bills
LANDSCAPING PROGRAM
Owners of residential dwellings that have a view of the Golden Plains Wind Farm and are located within 5km of a wind turbine are invited to participate in our Landscaping Program This voluntary program is now available for eligible residents Please contact the team via info@goldenplainswindfarm.com to book your initial assessment now, or contact Mark Bruty on 0460 304 053 to discuss in more detail
Workers recognised for quick thinking and assistance in Rokewood
As we head into another warm summer, fire safety is once again at the forefront of safety messaging at the Golden Plains Wind Farm and also the surrounding community When a fire started on ColacBallarat Road, it had the potential to become a disaster, however some quick thinking and assistance from MPK employees working on the Golden Plains Wind Farm ensured the damage was minimal, and a potential crisis was averted
During a toolbox meeting on-site last week, the twenty people who assisted in extinguishing the scrub fire were recognised and presented with a small token of appreciation on behalf of the project and community We would like to thank the following people for their commitment to safety and the community they work in:
Greg Whitford (CCS)
Paul Drew (big al water cart)
Greg (Balwyn water cart)
Mick Jolly (MPK water cart)
Beau Ketchen (MPK water Trailer)
James Coates (MPK water cart)
Mark Spiteri (MPK water trailer)
Sam Kaye (back of fire truck)
Bob Conroy (MPK water trailer)
Cam Pitkethley (MPK water trailer)
Sam Norman (MPK water trailer)
Hunter Hayden (MPK water trailer)
Frazer Cocking (knap sac)
Josh Gamble (knap sac)
Damian Lubbe (knap sac)
Alex Lawrence (MPK tele handler)
Paul Wells (back of local fire truck)
Tom Lindsay (MPK grader)
Matt Swanwick ( MPK grader)
Robert Frazer (MPK water trailer)
Ash Green (Grader)
Just a big thank you to all the boys who attended the fire today on BallaratColac Rd Rokewood Please pass on heart felt thanks for swiftly getting it under control So very grateful to them all for the water and graders.
Thank you Thank you Thank you ��
Jill Smith, Rokewood
