Community Newsletter December 2021
Wind farm operations ramping up
The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm project team is working through passing its third grid connection hold point in October that allows it to test wind farm output up to 286MW into the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Hold points are assessed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Stockyard Hill Wind Farm General Manager, Jackson Hill, said the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm has been working through the hold point testing program since its initial hold point test was approved in July.
Stockyard appoints General Manager
The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Board has appointed a new General Manager, Jackson Hill. Jackson comes with a wealth of experience having worked in the wind industry for nearly two decades. He studied aerospace engineering and worked in the Royal Australian Air Force prior to joining the wind industry.
Construction activities wrapping up
Construction activities for the wind farm will be coming to an end in December, with a range of rehabilitation and commissioning activities planned during the coming months. Our operational employees have been on board for nearly two years now and have commenced the turbines 500 hours and six-monthly service routines.
Team lending a hand
Goldwind’s Service Tech Alex recently helped a commuter on his way back from Morton’s Lane Wind Farm when he came across car on fire and safely assisted putting the fire out by using the extinguisher on his service Ute. His decisive action prevented the entire car going up in flames.
In a separate incident, another Service Tech Marc stopped to provide first aid to a member of the public when he came across a two-car accident on the way to work. The accident had blocked the road completely. Marc, one of the first on the scene, and parked his Ute with hazards and flashing light on about 300 meters from the crash site to warn oncoming traffic of the accident. He then provided first aid assistance.
Search for new Community Reference Group members
Local community members have been encouraged to apply to join the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Community Reference Group for the next membership term.
Current Community Reference Group Chairman Mr Douglas Ball said he encouraged local community members to apply for the next round of membership which begins in December and runs for two years.
Noise testing
As part of next phase of the project there are a range of noise conditions we need to meet. Between commissioning of the first turbines and commissioning of the final turbine the near field testing at a single turbine will commence within five months of the commissioning of the first turbine. The near field testing at one additional turbine will be completed every six months from the date of the previous near field test until all turbines are commissioned.
Stockyard Hill Wind Farm reaches $1 million in community investment commitments
Over $1 million has been committed to the local community by Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, benefiting many services, foundations, clubs, sporting associations and causes important to the local community.
Calling all budding photographers!
Use your creative imagination and photograph a snapshot of the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm.
1st prize receives a $600 gift card… plus a community group of their choice will receive a $500 donation from SHWF
2nd prize receives a $300 gift card
3rd prize receives a $100 gift card
Competition closes on Monday 7 February 2022 at 9am (AEDT).
To enter and for further information and full terms and conditions click here >
Landscape & Visual Screening Program
The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm under the Planning Permit issued by the Victorian Minister for Planning requires an Off-Site Landscaping Plan/assessment to be offered to owners of dwellings within a 4 kilometre radius of a visible turbine.
If you have a residence within 4 kilometres of a wind turbine and is visible at your dwelling you may be eligible for either:
• A financial contribution for screening
• Landscaping to form a visual screen
If you would like to find out more information, register or check your eligibility, please contact us on:
- Telephone: 1800 753 730
- Email: stockyard@goldwindaustralia.com
- Website: www.stockyardhillwindfarm.com.au
All Expressions of Interest will be accepted until 15 December 2021.
Complaint management process
Stockyard Hill Wind Farm takes all complaints seriously and aims to acknowledge and resolve complaints in a timely manner. This document aligns with the internal Goldwind Australia Complaints and Enquiries Policy and the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Enquiries and Complaints Handling Plan.
How to lodge a complaint?
· Calling the project hotline on 1800 753 730
· Emailing stockyard@goldwindaustralia.com
· Writing to Level 4, North Tower Building, 485 LaTrobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
What happens after a complaint is lodged?
Where complaints are received, we aim to provide an acknowledgment and initial response immediately if possible, or the next working day. Where complaints are received by post, we aim to provide acknowledgement and initial response within five working days.
Following this, the project team will assess the complaint and coordinate an investigation (if required) and propose resolution measures. We aim to communicate the results of investigations and proposed resolution measures.