FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are there so many wind farm proposals?
The State government has committed to closing the publicly owned coal fired power stations at Collie and thus is in the process of transitioning the electricity supply in the state away from coal generation towards renewables supported by gas electricity and large-scale battery energy storage systems. The closure at Collie will result in an estimated demand of approximately 2,000 MW (2 GW) of new renewable energy to be built and installed across the Western Power network prior to 2030.
Beyond 2030, the State Government has worked with major electricity customers, suppliers and industry experts to forecast the increasing demand for electricity out to 2042. The study, called the SWIS Demand Assessment (SWISDA), forecast that by 2042 a total of over 15,000 MW (15 GW) of wind power would be required.
Where does the electricity go?
The power from the wind farm will be fed into the Western Power transmission network, and then on to users of electricity connected throughout the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).
The team at Lacour has strong working relationships with Western Power developed over the past 15 years and has been involved with the network connection process for three other wind farms and two solar farms with Western Power.
The network connection process is long and complex and, among other things, requires knowledge of technical engineering and Western Power processes to be successful. We are working with Western Power on options to connect the wind farm to the Western Power network.
What happens during feasibility?
During the feasibility study period, which will likely last 3 - 4 years, Lacour will be undertaking a number of studies on all of the properties involved. This is so that the wind farm design can be finalised, the approval documents prepared, approvals obtained and the design of the wind farm completed.
These studies include:
measuring the wind with a SODAR and/or tall wind monitoring mast;
and, environmental studies (flora, fauna, vegetation, visual impact assessment, noise study, cultural heritage investigations, aerial photography to get accurate topography contours, road/fence boundaries, stakeholder engagement, telecommunications links and aviation impact assessment).
Can you locate wind turbines in the trees/vegetation?
We aim to ensure that any environmental impacts are mitigated through the planning process. Avoiding clearance of trees or vegetation for locating wind turbines is the preferred approach.
Where removal of vegetation for powerline and road routes cannot be avoided, appropriate assessment, environmental approvals and mitigation will be sought.
What percentage of land do you use?
Once constructed, we estimate 2-3% of land is utilised in the development of a wind farm.
Can the access roads use existing tracks and minimise impact by running parallel/perpendicular to GPS lines?
Use of existing tracks depends mainly on track width and slope (grade) of existing tracks. Where laneways exist for sheep and vehicle movement on a property then it might be that they are of sufficient width that they can be upgraded for the wind farm.
Transport on public roads requires coordination with Main Roads WA and local council, and a Traffic Management Plan would be developed to help ensure that transportation can occur safely and mitigate any potential impacts on the local community.
The road requirements, in terms of bend radius and slope, are the most stringent during construction due to the delivery of the very long blades and very heavy generators and this may result in some temporary works on laneways - particularly at corners. Once construction is finished then, most of the time, the relevant roads are used predominantly by light vehicles or service vans.
Who pays for the upgrades to roads?
The wind farm project pays for any required upgrades to State/Local Government/landowner roads utilised in transporting wind turbine parts to site. Before construction starts, a road dilapidation survey will be carried out to determine the state of existing roads. In the event that roads are damaged in the process, the project will undertake the repairs.
For major state roads such at the Coalfields Highway/ there will be an agreement in place with Main Roads for a contribution during construction to account for the construction traffic wear and tear of these roads.
Where will you source the water needed for construction?
Water is required during construction for concrete for wind turbine footings, roads, crane hardstand formation and dust suppression. When the project is fully defined in terms of the exact number of wind turbines, road routes etc, a water sourcing study will be undertaken to identify the source of construction water. It is likely that water will be taken at multiple locations that are closest and suitable for the part of the project being constructed.
Water will not be taken from existing dams unless it is offered by a landowner. Access to underground water or stream/river water will not occur without agreement from the relevant government regulator and the relevant landowner.
Once operational, wind farms only have minimal water requirements, e.g. washing down vehicles at the Site compaund and maintaining a supply to support fire fighting.
Where will you source the gravel needed for construction?
Gravel is required for construction such as road and crane hard standing. When the project is further defined with the expected amount of roads, turbines, and location of the infrastructure, then a gravel identification study will be undertaken to identify the nearby sources of gravel, that are of a suitable quality and quantity.
Gravel will only be taken with the agreement of the relevant landowner and may be subject to approvals required by local or state government,
Prior to construction landowners that may have suitable gravel or other soil material may be contacted to seek expression of interest in supplying materials.
Can access roads be used for cropping?
To make the wind farm access roads, we may need to lay down at least 250mm of compacted gravel, in particular for transport of the heavy loads, and thus those roads cannot be cropped. However, the overall land area required will remain typically about 2% of the property and if existing laneways can be used then this may fall to 1 - 1.5%.
Generally, the landowner can use the wind farm roads at any time for farming activities, and these roads are maintained by the project operator.
How do you prevent the introduction or spread of weeds with construction?
Before any construction is undertaken there will be a comprehensive survey across all associated land parcels identifying all of the existing vegetation, including any weed species. A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is then developed to put in place a wide range of strategies to minimise impact on the land. These strategies will include avoiding wherever possible any rare or threatened species, and for weeds they will either be treated or removed before soil disturbance begins.
Any vehicle coming onto the project site will be subject to a thorough washdown before entering and ongoing weed surveys will take place throughout construction with treatment if required. Weed surveys will also continue after construction, along with treatment as necessary, until there is no evidence of any weeds associated with the construction footprint.
How do you manage livestock during construction?
Grazing from livestock may occur right up to the base of the wind turbine.
During construction we work together with landowners to ensure livestock are kept out of the construction areas.
We work with landowners to help ensure minimal impact on farming operations. The ways in which we seek to manage livestock during construction depends on what is occurring in the particular paddocks.
If sheep or cattle are grazing, then we may need to erect temporary fencing around some of the construction works e.g. excavation for the wind turbine foundation for the safety of the animals. Generally, however, animals should be able to continue grazing across the land.
If a new road is going to be installed which cuts across an existing fence or property boundary, it is likely that a gate will be installed. In some cases, and if acceptable to the landowner, a grid with a separate gate can be installed. A grid may allow for "non-stop" vehicle movement while keeping animals in their paddock. The gate design may allow for extra wide loads to pass through.
Can you still have aerial spraying with a wind farm?
Aerial application flight operations (spraying) are regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and conducted by certified companies and specially trained pilots.
Wind turbines are large and identifiable objects. We will work with landowners and neighbours as part of the proposed design to better understand options to mitigate any impacts.
We will undertake an aeronautical study to understand potential impacts to spraying and engage with landowners and neighbours to mitigate impacts where possible.
Can you explain wind turbine noise and distance from houses?
As part of any wind farm project, proponents are required to submit a development application. This submission includes a detailed review of any potential noise impacts.
West Arthur Wind Farm will align the project with the strict limits outlined in WA Legislation around noise.
The recommended distance between noise sensitive areas and a wind turbine is 1500m, which can be reduced through an agreement with the owner.
The noise levels surrounding the wind farm project will be measured before construction to establish baseline noise levels and then again once a wind farm is built. The noise studies will be prepared by an independent specialist consultant and submitted as part of the development process.
The following video demonstrates the sounds of a wind farm The sound of wind farms
Will this effect telecommunications?
As part of our Development Application for the proposed wind farm, an independent Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Assessment will be conducted. EMI can occur, for example, if a wind turbine blade cuts across the path of an existing telecommunications link between fixed telecommunications towers. The EMI assessment investigates the potential EMI impact on the project on:
Fixed point to point links
Fixed point to multipoint links
Radiocommunication assets belonging to emergency services
Meteorological radars
Trigonometrical stations
Citizens band (CB) radio and mobile phones
Wireless internet
Satellite television and internet
Broadcast radio and television
As a result of completing the EMI study the wind farm design can be altered to avoid impact of the existing telecommunications links.
In the event that mobile phone signal, for example, is interfered by the installation of the wind farm, the mitigation would be the wind farm is responsible to install sufficient alternative mobile phone towers to provide mobile phone coverage.
How does the energy get to the Western Power network for use in homes and businesses?
The electricity generated by a wind turbine travels via a medium voltage underground cable, from the base of every turbine into electrical substation. At the substation, the electricity is transformed from 33kV to typically 220 - 330kV. The electricity then travels over high voltage over head powerlines connecting to the Western Power high voltage network.
Why aren’t high voltage transmission lines underground?
The power lines that connect the wind farm substation to the Western Power network are high voltage over head lines, with the voltage expected to be 330,000 volts (330 kV). Farmers can continue to farm underneath overhead powerlines, and lines of this voltage are just about always built over head as underground cables are significantly more expensive, and require far greater ground disturbance to install. In 2021 the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)* conducted an independent report on Transmission Costing. The report specifically addresses underground versus overhead costs and states, “The costs of underground cables are approximately four to 25 times higher than overhead lines”
*AEMO, 2021 Transmission Cost Report for the Integrated System Plan (ISP), Final report, August 2021
What is Western Powers role?
Western Power is a Western Australian State Government owned corporation responsible for building, maintaining and operating an electricity network that connects customers to traditional and renewable energy sources. They operate across the South West Interconnect System and have recently created a critical projects framework to manage the submissions of wind farm developments in the South West.
Western Power design and deliver electricity substations, pole and wires to connect the renewable energy from wind farms to our homes and commercial businesses.
The power of wind (source : Western Power)
Can I buy wind farm electricity and will we get subsidised electricity?
The Wind Farm does not sell electricity direct to homes and businesses. The wind farm sells its electricity to large scale retailers and electricity large users. Therefore, the wind farm cannot subsidise electricity bills directly.
Are there any health risks associated with wind farms?
In Australia, in 2022 there were 115 operating wind farms in Australia. (https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/cec/media/background/resources/wind-turbine-recycling-report-2023.pdf)
Since 2003 there have been 25 scientific reviews* into the safety of wind farms by leading health and research organisations from all over the world, including by the World Health Organisation, Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Centre, the UK Health Protection Agency and the US National Research Council. All these studies have concluded that there is no published evidence that links wind turbines with adverse health effects.
*Professor Simon Chapman (10 April 2015). Summary of main conclusions reached in 25 reviews of the research literature on wind farms and health (Report). Sydney University School of Public Health.
What is infrasound?
Infrasound is the name given to the low frequency sound waves which are below the audible hearing range for humans, i.e. frequency < 20 Hz.
Wind turbines produce infrasound as do: ocean waves crashing, waterfalls, the rumble of thunder, whales communicating, driving with your window down, diesel engines, etc.
There have been claims that wind turbine infrasound has a negative impact on human health, but these have been challenged in various medical studies.
In Australia, a study commissioned by the National Health and Medicine Research Council, and undertaken by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, showed there were no adverse impacts from infrasound exposure to the trial participants in a double-blind study.
What is shadow flicker?
Wind turbines are large objects that create shadows
The further you are away however the more the light bends around the blade and so the shadow is not noticeable. Usually the discernible this distance is 800 – 1350m with larger blades casting longer shadows.
To see the shadow the wind turbine needs to be between you and the sun which only generally happens at a house either early in the morning (shadow cast to the west) or late in the afternoon (shadow to the east) and even then generally only a small number of days a year when the sun is in exactly the right place and there is no cloud etc.
With wind turbines being a minimum of 1,500m to any house this should not be an issue
We will conduct comprehensive modelling of shadow flicker for the whole wind farm to ensure that there is not an issue as part of the Development Application
Is there a fire risk with the wind farm?
Wind turbine blades are fitted with lightning rods to mitigate the effects of being struck by lightening.
Features of a wind turbine that may help to mitigate fire risk:
o Generally, the area immediately around the wind turbine is cleared and compacted; (Minimum 10 clearance to any combustible vegetation in the form of an Asset Protection Zone.)
o any mechanical issue may be automatically picked up by the wind turbine monitoring system setting off an alarm; and
o Access roads tend to be well maintained.
As part of the pre-construction process for a project, we will develop a Fire Management Plan.
Typically, fire brigade training takes place in advance of the wind farm being commissioned
The likelihood of a fire occurring because of a wind farm is deemed very low.
In the event of fire, turbines can be remotely shut down and blades placed in the “Y” position.
Aerial fire fighting is not limited by the presence turbines. Turbines are no different to any other infrastructure such as buildings and powerlines.
What is the approval process?
A wind farm in Western Australia requires various approvals from local, State and Federal authorities before it can proceed, key approvals are outlined below.
Development Approval – The development Application would likely be 500 - 1000 pages long and would provide a detailed assessment of all of the potential benefits and impacts of the project. A development application is required to be either assessed by Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) through the Part 11B Significant Development Pathway, or through a Joint Development Assessment Panel, with the Shire and WAPC working together on the assesment.
State EPA– If required we would refer our project to the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia (EPA). The EPA will consider any significant impacts on environmental factors (heritage, social surrounds, noise, visual impact, flora, fauna) during both construction, operational and decommissioning phases, and determine if the project is required to undergo assessment under Part IV of the Environment Protection Act 1986.
Federal – If potential impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance are identified we would submit a referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The referral would be assessed and then can either be approved, approved subject to conditions, or recommended for further studies about specific species if there could be an issue for reassessment.
How do you manage the local community & expectations?
We value community input and welcome matters to be raised directly.
Our aim is to help ensure minimal impact from the proposed wind farm and, where possible, maximise community input and benefit. Our approach to this project is guided by the below principles:
Select potential wind farm sites located on relatively large farming properties. Selecting landowners that own sufficiently large properties helps us to minimise potential impact on neighbours or the surrounding community.
Involve several landowners in the project. The more people that are involved directly, the better the overall acceptance of a project is generally. This may also enable the project to be appropriately planned, minimising any potential impacts as well as improving the potential sharing of benefits.
Consult with neighbours before a project is formally announced. At a minimum, we aim to contact every neighbour within 2km of a turbine.
We aim to ensure transparent engagement with the community. Enabling the opportunity for the community to understand the scope of the project as well as clearly communicate relevant milestones. We are focused on building genuine long-lasting relationships to help ensure mutual benefit. We will also focus on potential local content opportunities which will be further explained and engaged on as we approach construction (subject to project approvals).
Where are the wind turbines made?
There are approximately 6 major wind turbine manufacturers. They make wind turbine components in different factories all over the world.
Most of the manufacturing capacity started out in Europe but now the majority occurs in Asia, particularly in China, although there are still factories in Europe, USA and other regions.
As part of our approach to local content we aim to work with the local community and our major contractors to help facilitate local content opportunities, where possible.
How are the wind turbines transported to site?
The wind turbine components are transported via specialist trucks to site. Many of the components are designated as “over size and or over mass [OSOM]” loads and thus specific traffic management planning and scheduling is required to ensure the safe delivery from the receival port to the project site. Large wind turbine components will be transported from Port (most likely Bunbury) to the site.
The main wind turbine components are:
Steel tower sections (typically 20 – 25m long and about 5m in diameter)
Nacelle (“box” on top of the turbine containing the generator), usually in a few parts and can be the heaviest load
Blades (longest load at up to 90m) and the most difficult to transport
OSOM load movements must be undertaken in accordance with transport plans approved by Main Roads WA
Transportation is managed to minimise the impact on the local community.
Some of the strategies that will be adopted include:
A Traffic Management Plan is developed with a regular transport schedule which aims to avoid “peak” road usage times where possible, and utilises overnight movement where allowed
Communication schedule of “special loads, OSOM” to the community and provide regular updates – various channels: ie, website/shop front/email/newspapers etc.
What happens during the operational period?
The day-to-day operation of a wind farm typically requires various skillsets. It is our intention that individuals who may work at the wind farm would be based locally contributing to the economy and vibrancy of the area.
There would likely be 3 - 4 maintenance crews who work their way around the wind farm maintaining individual wind turbines (greasing, oiling, checking electronics, etc.) on a regular schedule.
Each wind turbine is usually available to generate energy 97% of the time, i.e. around 8 - 10 days per year is taken up by maintenance.
What is the energy payback from a wind farm?
It takes energy to build a wind farm. The energy used in the wind farms manufacture, transport, building and operation is typically paid back within 6-12 months of operation.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which considered the energy payback period for Wind Turbines:
“Among 50 estimates from 20 studies passing screens for quality and relevance, the median report energy payback time for wind power plants is 5.4 months, with a 25th to 75th percentile range of 3.4 to 8.5 months.”
What happens after 30 years of operations?
After 30 years of operations, we expect that either the life of the wind farm will be extended, or decommissioned.
The wind turbines are electrical and mechanical machines and thus the components only have a certain life. As the turbines reach the end of their life the maintenance costs increase and thus the decision is made to either replace the whole wind farm, or to decommission the project. The decision to keep operating therefore depends on, among other things the cost of maintenance vs the cost of energy being produced.
The high voltage powerlines and the substation may have a life of at least 50 years and thus it is possible that a new wind farm could be built if the decision is made to decommission the original one.
The wind turbines themselves contain steel and copper and therefore these components could be recycled.
A decommissioning fund is set up during the operating period many years before decommissioning starts to ensure there are sufficient funds, over and above any recycling value, to decommission the project and rehabilitate the land.
Typically, wind turbines are taken down and the foundation is covered over with ~ 1m of soil. The underground power cables may be removed, and copper and aluminum recycled, and the roads may be removed unless the landowner wants to leave them in place.
As part of decommissioning, the site may be rehabilitated to a condition similar to its state prior to project development.
How do I stay up to date with information on the project?
The best way to stay up to date on the project is to register on the website. We will let you know about upcoming events or provide updates via our regular project newsletters. We will hold information sessions about the proposed project throughout the feasibility phase, where anyone can come and meet the Lacour team and ask questions. These sessions will be advertised on the website, on local Facebook pages and in local newsletters.