New tourist attraction or ‘shameless propaganda’? Bell’s ‘Big Blade’ divides Western Downs community

A regional Queensland town’s newest tourist attraction, a 67m, 22 tonne wind turbine blade, has been revealed but the ‘Big Blade’ in Bell has sliced opinions in the Western Downs community. Find out more.

Bell’s ‘Big Blade’ has been unveiled by Western Downs Regional Council but it has divided opinions since being installed.

Bell has a brand new tourist attraction with the arrival of the ‘Big Blade’ but not everyone is happy with the new installation.

Sitting more than 67m long and weighing 22,339kg, the wind turbine blade is being installed between the Railway Shed and McPhee St and is believed to be one of only three of its kind in Australia.

The ‘Big Blade’ will be mounted horizontally on steel footings above the ground to highlight the sheer size of a wind turbine to visitors.

A wind turbine blade, donated by Coopers Gap Wind Farm, Boyenside, has been installed in the Western Downs town of Bell. Photo: Dominic Elsome.

Western Downs Regional Council spokeswoman for Tourism and Recreational Spaces Kaye Maguire said the Big Blade, donated by Coopers Gap Wind Farm, was expected to generate tourism while promoting the region’s clean energy sector.

“Most people will only ever see a wind turbine from a great distance; the ‘Big Blade’ offers visitors and locals alike a unique opportunity to get up close and understand the sheer height and scale of these machines,” Ms Maguire said.

“Installation is underway, and there’s lots of excitement around being able to stand next to the Big Blade and appreciate just how huge each blade actually is.

“Our region is building its reputation as destination of choice and this project adds a new dimension to the unique experiences we have on offer here in the Western Downs.

“This attraction is believed to be one of only three of its kind in Australia.”

Ms Maguire said council had sought feedback from residents and key stakeholders to determine the new ‘big thing’.

“The Western Downs powers more than two million Australian homes every day, and our residents are proud to be recognised as the Energy Capital of Queensland,” Ms Maguire said.

“The energy sector is a crucial contributor to the region’s economy, and the Western Downs is home to two fully operational wind farms at Coopers Gap and Dulacca.

“Renewables are an important part of the region’s energy mix as we work towards achieving the state government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.”

Tilt Renewables executive general manager of operations Damien Sanford previously told the Dalby Herald the blade would highlight the growing green energy industry.

“As we embark on a new era of energy generation, wind turbine blades turned public monuments signify a feat of engineering,” he said.

“Along with our Snowtown Wind Farm blade display in South Australia, we are proud to be able to provide a wind turbine blade to the picturesque township of Bell and its community.

“Tilt Renewables would like to extend a warm thank you to the people of Bell for their hospitality and support on the project.”

Coopers Gap Wind Farm, Boyenside. Picture: Dominic Elsome

Despite the investment not everyone is happy with the new attraction.

On Facebook commenters called the attraction “shameful propaganda” and called into question the decision to place it in front of the town’s mural.

“How anyone can think they’re environmentally friendly is beyond me let alone all the other negative aspects of them and the impact on those around them,” Lauren Magann wrote.

“I stopped at Bell and went to the railway museum and track. That is far more noteworthy than the creeping spread of renewable energy over the landscapes,” Mal Irwin said.

“Shameful propaganda, how embarrassing. So sorry Bell,” Michelle Anderson commented.

Other commenters condemned its placement in front of the town’s mural.

“You can no longer see the mural on the shed as you approach Bell now. What a shame as it looked so nice. The blade completely blocks the mural,” June Wenning wrote.

Meanwhile Debra Golding and Jonelle Nielsen suggested a Bell would’ve been a more appropriate tourist attraction

“Could have thought of something nicer than a ‘blade’ for a tourist attraction for Bell,” Ms Golding wrote.

‘With a town name like Bell, surely you’d have a big … bell,” Ms Nielsen said.