Community celebrates arrival of first blades at Ararat Australia

Ararat Wind Farm welcomed its first 50-metre long turbine blade during a ceremony on 15 June at which the Premier of the state of Victoria, the Hon. Daniel Andrews, was guest of honour.

The delivery of the 225 turbine blades marks a decade of hard work by RES and its partners to bring this wind farm to fruition and will see the number of people working on site reach its peak of 165 over the next two years.

The blade arrival event was hosted by RES Australia and Ararat Rural City Council in Kokoda Park, Ararat. Matt Rebeck, COO of RES Australia was on hand to welcome the Premier, local dignitaries and many representatives from the local community.

Geoff Culbert, CEO, GE Australia and New Zealand said the project has reached a critical point in its development and showcases the potential of the renewables industry in Australia.

Geoff Culbert said:

“At a time of significant change and as Australians look towards an economic future built on the power of innovation, we think that the Ararat Wind Farm marks an exciting attitudinal shift towards renewables.

“As we anticipate the delivery of the first blade for the Farm, we’re excited to also welcome the 165 workers from the local community who are so integral to the project’s completion on time and to scale.”

As part of the celebrations, guests were invited to sign the first blade. Premier Andrews was also presented with a time capsule which will be buried beneath a turbine on the wind farm.

More information can be found at www.ararat-windfarm.com