General News
7 February, 2025
Answers sought following turbine collapse
MEMBERS of Parliament are calling for answers on the safety of wind farms following the collapse of a turbine at Berrybank Wind Farm on Monday night.
No-one was injured when the head of the turbine, which included the blade, hub and nacelle section of the turbine fell to the ground, landing in the paddock beside the tower.
A Vestas spokesperson said Vestas was working with WorkSafe and Energy Safe Victoria to investigate the incident.
“An Incident Management Team has been formed, and site staff will be undertaking a detailed assessment of all wind turbines at Berrybank Stage One and Stage Two,” the spokesperson said.
“As a precaution, the remaining wind turbines at Berrybank Stage One and Stage Two have been temporarily paused, while the project is safely secured, and the assessment is carried out.
“Vestas and Global Power Generation’s primary focus is the safety and well-being of all site personnel, as well as ensuring that the overall safety of the site is maintained.
“A preliminary investigation is focusing on lightning strikes in the area during severe storms on Monday February 3, which caused damage across the state. This is currently viewed as an isolated incident.
“As an investigation is underway, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Western District Newspapers approached WorkSafe Victoria with questions regarding the incident – a WorkSafe spokesperson said the incident was under investigation.
“WorkSafe inspectors have responded and will determine whether further action is required,” the spokesperson said.
Energy Safe Victoria was also approached for comment, with a spokesperson saying the incident is under investigation.
The incident is the latest in a number of safety incidents which have occurred on wind farms in recent months, which Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur has expressed concerns about.
She has previously called for safety audits of wind farms following the death of a 36-year-old technician at the Golden Plains Wind Farm near Rokewood.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Mrs McArthur called for Minister of Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio to commit to an “urgent” safety audit of all wind farms in Victoria.
“Last September, owners of the Labor-backed Golden Plains Wind Farm recommended that farmers and local CFA volunteers wear hard hats after serrated trailing edges detached from brand-new turbines,” she said.
“Tragically, a 36-year-old construction worker lost his life after being crushed by a wind turbine blade at the same Golden Plains Wind Farm.
“Now, we have a collapsed turbine at the Berrybank Wind Farm near Lismore in south west Victoria, and shockingly – due to high winds. Fortunately, no workers were on site.
“Given these ongoing safety concerns, the death of a worker and now the collapse of a turbine in high winds, the Labor government have shown that their blind pursuit of net zero continues to come at the expense of Victorians.”
Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan has also raised concerns about wind farm safety, sending a letter to Ms D’Ambrosio asking for transparency around wind farm safety.
“Will the government commit to publicly releasing reports on fire readiness following yesterday’s collapse, the full safety assessment of wind turbine towers, and an explanation for the Berrybank tower failure,” the letter said.
“Could you provide an update on the government’s strategy for fire suppression in wind farms?
“Given the increasing risk of bushfires in rural Victoria, what steps are being taken to mitigate potential turbine-related fire hazards?
“Will you release the cause of the collapse of the Berrybank Wind Farm? Will the community be advised if it was a structural design issue?
“Will the government initiate an immediate safety audit on all wind farms across Victoria to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent further incidents?”
Western District Newspapers reached out to Ms D’Ambrosio for her response to the letter Mr Riordan provided, but did not receive a response prior to publication.
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