Massive turbine parts destined for Clarke Creek Wind Farm begin trial runs through Gladstone Port
Colossal 22-tonne turbines will soon travel along Gladstone roads six nights a week, as the Mayor calls for permanent solutions to “ugly” road problems. Here’s how motorists will be impacted.
Regional News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Regional News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Massive turbine blades destined for Australia’s largest renewable energy farm will move through Gladstone’s port six nights a week as trial runs began overnight.
A roundabout has been cut in half and median strips carved away to make room for 22-tonne, 76m turbine blades en route to Clarke Creek Wind Farm, 150km northwest of Rockhampton.
The Observer can reveal trial runs began on Thursday night to assess whether further alterations are needed for roads and intersections exiting the Port of Gladstone.
The trials follow the arrival of the first shipload of turbine blades last week.
It is believed the freight will be transported at night via truck for at least 16 months from early January.
Up to six trucks per night, six nights a week will carry the cargo in the hours after10pm to minimise disruptions to local motorists.
Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett said it was exciting to play a vital role in the development of renewable energy projects, however he wanted to ensure local roads weren’t left “ugly” by the alterations.
Mr Burnett said he was giving WindLab time with trial runs but did not want to see witches hats lining major intersections and hoped for more permanent solutions throughout the transport phase.
“There will definitely be disruptions but they are being done at the most appropriate time,” Mr Burnett said.
“People would have already noticed roundabout and median strip alterations, and with the sheer size of this equipment it is required,” he said.
“However, I don’t want to see witches hats on median strips put in and taken away. Median strips that have been reduced should be painted and cleaned up.”
Mr Burnett wants remediation work to start as soon as possible.
He also said the council was working with WindLab to ensure transportation would not occur during major events in the region, such as Harbour Festival.
The Mayor confirmed no costs during the transportation phase would be borne by ratepayers.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the department liaised extensively with the proponents to identify the route from Gladstone Port to Clarke Creek via the state and local road network.
“The route assessment identified the specific measures required to assist the movements,” the spokesman said.
“(WindLab) also must undertake upgrades to the road corridor to facilitate the dimensions of the OSOM loads in consultation with TMR at their own expense,” he said.
Stage One of the project is now under construction and will host 100 wind turbines set to produce about 450MW of green energy by 2025.
Windlab is constructing the $3b Clarke Creek Wind Farm for Squadron Energy, with the project expected to inject $100m into the region’s economy.
Construction of the wind farm is expected to take at least three years and support 350 jobs, with about 25 ongoing roles following the completion of stage one, according to WindLab.
More Coverage
Originally published as Massive turbine parts destined for Clarke Creek Wind Farm begin trial runs through Gladstone Port
Premier vows to open 10 new police beats despite 42 closing
Steven Miles will attempt to open 10 new police beats if elected, despite 42 beats closing since Labor has been in power, something the Premier says was a police service decision.
‘He had no chance’: Moment wife knew husband had been killed on hwy
On hearing a motorbike and truck had crashed on the Bruce Hwy, a Qld woman desperately dialled the Bluetooth on her husband’s helmet, waiting for the answer that would never come.