Identification and site selection is based on an analysis of opportunities and constraints, including (but not limited to): distance to the electricity grid, wind resource, potential impacts on ecology and population density of the surrounding community. Our team then undertake a number of site visits and consultation with key stakeholders and local community.
Site-specific investigations are undertaken to assess the impacts and opportunities of the project and feedback is sought from the local community.
Prior to applying for a planning permit, a referral is made to the Victorian Minister for Planning to determine if an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) is required. If required, the EES preparation is done in parallel with the planning application. If not required, a planning application is submitted, addressing environmental and social impacts, which is also assessed by the Minister for Planning.
When the Minister is satisfied that the planning application is suitable it is released for public comment. During this time the public can make written submissions.
The Minister for Planning may appoint a panel to evaluate the project. Hearings take place and project documents are assessed by relevant government authorities. The panel reports to the Minister for Planning with recommendations. If the project is approved, a planning permit is granted with project-specific conditions.
A lead contractor(s) is appointed to build the project and all pre-construction approvals and consents are finalised. During this phase the lead contractor(s) is provided with a list of local businesses that have registered their interest and capabilities through the project website.
During this phase our lead contractor(s) seek tenders and engage contractors and suppliers to undertake the scope of the works. Orders are then placed for major components such as the wind turbines.
Initial site activities commence, such as minor clearing and provision of access roads along with establishing a site construction compound. Off-site detailed design works commences in parallel.
During this phase of the construction the bulk of the civil works takes place. This includes the construction of new internal access roads, excavation and construction of the turbine foundations, installation of the internal electrical reticulation system, construction of the high voltage substation and main transmission line network.
This is where the visual aspect of the wind farm starts to emerge, with large cranes lifting the tower sections, nacelle, hub and blades into place.
In order to export power to the grid, each turbine is required to undergo several performance tests. It is during this stage that you will start to see turbines spinning and ultimately the whole of the wind farm complete.
The project is operating in accordance with relevant approval conditions and management plans. Compliance with conditions of approval and management plans is monitored as required throughout the life of the project.
The design life of the wind turbines will be at least 30 years. At the end of their useful life, the wind turbines and electrical equipment will be either replaced and the wind farm repowered, or the project will be decommissioned, and the site returned to its original use at the expense of the project.
The wellbeing of the community is a core component of our work. Our approach to engaging with the local community is both genuine and lasting. We own our projects from development right through to operations. This gives us unrivalled experience through the entire project life and provides us with a deep-founded respect for people, communities and the environment.
Our team work respectfully with the communities in which we work, are sensitive to environmental and cultural values and aims to make a positive contribution to the regions in which we operate.
We welcome your contact and feedback should you have any questions or concerns about the proposed Moreton Hill Wind Farm.
Our mission is to maximise investment in the regional economy through the engagement of local businesses. Our investment in the local community is long lasting and has a significant flow on effect within the larger region.
We hire local contractors to support our projects throughout the project lifecycle, with temporary and ongoing jobs created during the construction and operational periods.
We are committed to engaging with local businesses and contractors in the local region to present them with opportunities to benefit from the project.
Squadron Energy is Australia’s leading renewable energy company that develops, operates and owns renewable energy assets in Australia. We are 100% Australian owned and have 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in operation and 900MW under construction. We are committed to launching 14GW of projects by 2030, powering the equivalent of six million homes.
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