Turbine edges go flying at Lal Lal Wind Farm

A wind farm north of Geelong has had bits of serrated edging fall off its blades, the second such incident to occur locally in recent weeks.

Wind turbines in Yendon. Picture: Andy Rogers.

A wind farm near Geelong has experienced serrated edging falling off its blades, just a fortnight after a similar incident occurred at another nearby wind farm.

Lal Lal Wind Farm is a 60-turbine development built across 2100ha at Yendon and Elaine, less than an hour north of Geelong.

Wind Farm Living founder and anti-wind farm activist Viva-Lyn Lenehan said she had been contacted by a neighbour informing her that serrated parts had blown off the wind turbines within the Elaine section.

“The trouble is, as these serrations deteriorate and fall off, the turbines become noisier than they would if they didn’t have them on,” she said.

Two weeks ago it was reported that the Golden Plains Wind Farm also saw serrated blades fly across neighbouring farm paddocks and roads.

Serrated parts of wind turbines help to suppress noise emissions and bring the turbines back to a higher mode of operation.

Ms Lenehan said when the turbines have missing parts it will create turbulence, which in turn creates more noise.

A wind turbine at Lal Lal has bits of missing serration. Picture: Supplied.

A spokesman for Lal Lal Wind Farm said the serrations are made of non-toxic flexible plastic, securely adhered with adhesive, and do not affect the turbines’ structural integrity or safety.

“Lal Lal Wind Farms conducts regular inspections and maintenance on all parts of the wind turbines, ensuring that any necessary repairs are carried out as part of our routine service operations,” the spokesman said.

“Additionally, the project has been undergoing noise testing since it began operations, with the most recent measurements taken in August 2024.

“Noise assessments have demonstrated that the wind farm complies with the noise limits set out in the planning permit.

“Lal Lal Wind Farm remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational integrity.”

One of the serrated segments found on a farm nearby the Golden Plains Wind Farm, north of Geelong.

A farmer who lives near the Golden Plains Wind Farm project said he and his son recently found dozens of pieces of turbine edging blown onto their property.

A Golden Plains Wind Farm spokesman said small edges from a number of wind turbine blades had detached.

“All plant personnel are safe and accounted for, the site has been secured, and there were no injuries,” he said.

“Relevant safety procedures like working with WorkSafe Victoria and informing the necessary stakeholders has been initiated.

“Vestas will continue to work with the project partners to determine the root cause and resolve this issue permanently, as soon as possible”.

A Worksafe spokesman said they would continue to monitor the issue to ensure risks to health and safety are adequately addressed.

Originally published as Turbine edges go flying at Lal Lal Wind Farm