the film forum library tutorial contact

Giant Turbine Blades Arrive for Macarthur Farm by Alexandra Weaver The Standard, November 17, 2011

ENORMOUS turbine blades are now making their way to the Macarthur wind farm.

The 56-metre blades have been supplied by Danish company Vestas and imported through the Port of Portland.

When assembled each turbine will have a generation capacity of three megawatts.

The $1 billion Macarthur project -- set to be among the southern hemisphere's largest -- is a joint venture between AGL and Meridian Energy.

A workforce of about 350 people is presently based at the project site, which extends across 5500 hectares of freehold agricultural land.

AGL spokeswoman Karen Winsbury said the wind farm's first turbine was due to be assembled in coming weeks.

"Construction of the Macarthur wind farm is progressing within schedule, with the first tower section being erected last Thursday," she said.

"The Tarrone North Road upgrade was completed two weeks ago and the Macarthur-Hawkesdale Road is complete subject to some remedial work being required and ongoing maintenance."

Portland's Keppel Prince Engineering is supplying 80 of the wind farm's towers, while the remaining 60 are being built by Adelaide-based RPG Australia.

Ms Winsbury said AGL appreciated the community's patience during the construction phase. The 420-megawatt wind farm is due to be finished by early 2013.