Image The Macarthur will contain 140 wind-turbines, enough energy to generate power to 220,000 Victorian households.

Sustainable Energy AGL Energy Limited, one of Australia’s such as noise. These studies have been AGL and Meridian, through their leading renewable energy companies complemented through a panel hearing development of the , AGL Energy Limited is developing the Macarthur Wind Farm and largest private owner, operator process whereby interested stakeholders were have invested several millions of dollars with its joint venture partner, Meridian Energy, which will be the and developer of renewable generation provided with the opportunity to comment into local infrastructure, including roads. In largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere. assets is developing the Macarthur Wind on the development and provide additional particular, the Macarthur-Hawkesdale Road Farm with its joint venture partner, proposals for consideration by the panel. The has been redeveloped between Macarthur Main Construction Company : Leighton Contractors Meridian Energy. outcome of this process was the successful and the wind farm site, as has Tarrone Owners : AGL Energy Ltd & Meridian Energy Project Management : KBR issue of a planning permit to build and North Road from Woolsthorpe to Heywood Vestas Electrical Design : Consolidated Power Projects The project will become the largest wind farm operate the Macarthur Wind Farm. Road to the Tarrone site. Additional funding Civil Design : Robert Bird Group in the Southern Hemisphere and is located has also been provided directly to both Geotechnical Engineers : Coffey Geotechics approximately 16km east of the township An Engineer Procure and Construct (EPC) Moyne Shire and VicRoads to facilitate Project end Value : $1 Billion of Macarthur in Western Victoria. The Wind contract has been placed with a Leighton maintenance programs of their respective Completion : End of 2012 Farm will consist of 140 wind-turbines that Contractors / Vestas Consortium for the road assets. These upgrades, funding and can generate enough clean, green energy with delivery of the project. Leighton is a leading ongoing regular contact between AGL, capacity to generate 420 MW of renewable national construction company bringing its contractors, Moyne Shire Council and energy to power the equivalent of 220,000 substantial expertise to the construction VicRoads is just part of our commitment to average Victorian households per year, phase whilst Vestas, the world’s largest the community. with greenhouse gas emission savings of manufacture of wind turbines, brings state over 1.7 million tonnes per annum. The of the art technology, quality and reliability to AGL, Meridian and their project partners Macarthur Wind Farm will contribute to the the project to ensure the wind farm’s success continue to invest in local community governments expanded Renewable Energy over the longer term. projects and assist local community groups Targets, aimed at creating a sustainable energy with funding for equipment to support key future for all Australians, which aims to have The wind turbines will be constructed of local health care and emergency services 20% of the country’ s electricity generated materials that minimize the visual impact on groups. Long after construction is complete, from renewable sources by 2020. the landscape, including coloured finishes that AGL and Meridian will continue to support blend with the landscape and which are non- the local community through its community The Macarthur Wind Farm project has been reflective. AGL is one of Australia’s largest funding programs. subject to a wide range of comprehensive investors in renewable energy investments and studies including the potential impact on in their experience, wind farms bring significant For more information contact AGL Energy ecology, landscape, cultural heritage, visual economic growth and benefits to local Limited, 120 Spencer Street Melbourne VIC amenity and other environmental factors communities and the broader region in general. 3000, website: www.agl.com.au/macarthur

98 VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW WWW.ANCR.COM.AU VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM 99 Below Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) were contracted as the owner’s engineer on the Macarthur Wind farm project. a commitment to service and quality

Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) is working with AGL Energy Ltd (AGL) to deliver high-profile renewable energy projects, and in the process, is continually enhancing its capacity to provide high- value technical and owner’s engineering services to the wind farm sector.

By combining leading project delivery and specialist consulting skills with excellence in technology and facility management, SKM consistently delivers sustainable solutions.

As owner’s engineer for wind farms under construction, such as AGL’s 420MW Macarthur wind farm, SKM verifies the quality, quantity and performance of deliverables being undertaken by the contractor (under Engineering Procurement and Construction – EPC contracts) and ensures compliance with those EPC contracts Virtual teaming and in-house up-skilling has such as Macarthur includes: and other regulatory requirements. played a role in developing the generation • Site prospecting and pre-feasibility team’s skills. SKM has called upon its UK assessment SKM was engaged in a number of roles, from generation team with this particular expertise • Wind monitoring and energy yields the initial stages of the Macarthur Wind Farm as well as recruiting local specialists to enable • Environmental impact assessment and project, to owner’s engineer. a “one-stop shop” service to the market. consenting • Development Application for Meridian • Network analysis including connection • Pre-Construction Tender Prep for AGL Patrick Hill, SKM’s General Manager, Power studies • Connection Studies for AGL and Energy, said, “It’s an important sector • Wind farm design and specification • Preconstruction Tender Negotiation for us to continue to develop in line with • Wind farm infrastructure design and Assistance AGL our overarching renewable energy strategy. specification • Construction Owners Engineer In recent years we have delivered services • Procurement to support more than 8000 MW of wind • Construction management “SKM provides energy globally”. • Operation and maintenance • Due diligence, insurance and risk engineering solutions SKM is a leading projects firm, with global assessment capability in strategic consulting, engineering • Owner’s Engineer that cover every and project delivery. It operates in three regions: Asia Pacific, the Americas and SKM is an organisation with a proud history phase of wind farm EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), that embraces shared values and an open development” deploying some 7,000 people from more than culture. The team boasts a commitment to 40 offices. service and quality, with high standards of safety David Pollington, SKM Team Leader - and business ethics, along with a leading edge Renewable Energy said, “This kind of work SKM provides engineering solutions that approach to delivering a sustainable future. has its challenges. The complexities lay in cover every phase of wind farm development the wind farms themselves, the balance of and have undertaken work for developers, For more information contact Sinclair Knight plant (civil, roads and electrical services), constructors, operators and investors. Merz (SKM), contact: David Pollington, and providing, in partnership with sub- SKM Team Leader, Renewable Energy, consultants, renewable generation expertise The specialised range of services provided phone 03 6221 3719, email DPollington@ in an emerging market.” by SKM for the development of wind farms globalskm.com

100 VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW WWW.ANCR.COM.AU VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM 101 Below SMB’s work involved building access tracks into both sites and construction of the substation plateau and all Leading the Way associated storm water and conduit installation.

SMB Civil Pty Ltd was initially engaged by reinforcing steel, setting of bolt cluster, was waterlogged from the continuing wet rock was then interlocked using a 75mm • Wind Farm Infrastructure economically and with superior quality. Leighton’s Construction to complete the setting up Pecaform, backfill of Pecaform, conditions. The Transmission line was minus product from Holcim Quarries which • Road construction The companies demonstrated capability civil works for the Tarrone and Macarthur pouring foundation, pouring pedestal footing constructed in very varied conditions that proved to be a brilliant and highly suitable • Bulk Earthworks, Civil and Infrastructure enables them to foster lasting relations substations. The works involved building and then backfill and site clean up. included clay, mud and basalt rises along product for the application. This solution projects and partnerships with valued clients and access tracks into both sites and construction with environmentally sensitive areas where enabled the combination of all the materials • Industrial and Commercial Structural suppliers. Having offices in Adelaide and of the substation plateau and all associated With the local area experiencing a very wet the utmost care was taken to avoid Native to provide the perfect bridging layer for such concrete Mount Gambier, along with a soon to be storm water and conduit installation. season, it was challenging for SMB Civil Vegetation issues. sodden conditions. • Water, wastewater, sewerage and gas opened Victorian branch, SMB Civil can to build a roadway and hardstand in such infrastructure projects service a vast area. Following the successful completion of the adverse conditions. The 1.4km roadway into SMB Civil believed the only way to provide SMB Civil was formed in 2007 to provide • Land Development and Sub Divisions civil works, SMB Civil went on to secure the Tarrone substation was built through a successful outcome was to import oversize innovative and cost effective solutions to • Detailed Excavation works. For more information contact SMB Civil the contract to complete the Macarthur areas where water was approximately one- basalt rock to the site and place a minimum clients throughout and • A modern fleet of heavy equipment Pty Ltd, 357 Commercial St West Mount transmission line which ran from the north meter deep and created vast issues with mud base of 400mm and forming up to one metre Western Victoria. In 2008, SMB Civil merged ensures consistent reliability of assets Gambier SA 5290 phone 08 8723 6277, email of the windfarm site and headed south to and dewatering. in depth for the worst affected areas. This with Diamond Concrete and Construction and expansive range of capabilies. [email protected], SMB Civil Pty Ltd, meet the Tarrone substation. These particular rock was placed over the top of a Geofabric Australia to successfully form a fully integrated 81 King William Street Kent Town SA 5071, works involved the building of access tracks, The substation and roadway at the Macarthur layer which has certainly helped make the civil construction company which provides a SMB Civil is a progressive company that is phone 08 81 320015, email jim.crawford@ excavation of the bases, blinding of concrete, site were built on a large flat area that roads and traffic areas more secure. The diverse range of services that include: passionate about delivering projects safely, smbcivil.com.au

102 VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW WWW.ANCR.COM.AU VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM 103 Below New Era Media documented each stage of the wind farm construction process.

Technology forefront!

Vestas Australian Wind Technology Along with their documentary work, New Throughout the project, the team at New and Leighton Contractors Ltd formed Era Media supplied the consortium with two Era Media visited the site at strategic stages a consortium to deliver the Macarthur 360 Time Lapse Camera Systems. New Era to carry out documentary work, interview Wind Farm and contracted New Era Media’s “360 CAM” is a 360° panoramic a range of people making sure all stages are Media to document each stage of the time-lapse camera system, a self-contained captured. The team has also been on call for wind farm construction. ultra high-resolution photographic system. special events such as the Prince of Denmark The pictures produced are very high quality site visit. From early road building, trenching, foundation ranging between 40 and 80 megapixels, far works to transport, erection and operation of superior to other construction cameras. New Era Media brought extensive experience the turbines, New Era Media has captured high Being able to capture 360 degrees is a massive to the Macarthur Wind Farm project. The quality images and video for the consortium. advantage over conventional “construction team had previously provided their services on These images and videos have been used in site cameras” as it meant the consortium the , which is located in such things as advertising, signage, newsletters, required only two cameras to view a large South Australia south of Clare. The Waterloo internal training programs and inductions. part of the site. The 360° time-lapse camera Wind Farm features 37 turbines and has been All of the images are uploaded to an online systems can be powered by AC mains power operational since 2010. image viewer so the various companies can see or by an optional solar system and the images progress on site through a simple media gallery. are uploaded to a server over connected The team at New Era Media aim to Ethernet or 3G wireless. understand each client’s individual needs and Throughout the project, New Era Media ensure their requirements are clearly identified produced “Project Update” videos, which The camera system allowed the construction and delivered until complete satisfaction is outlined the current project status and future project management teams to track progress achieved. They take care of the entire process, goals. From feedback received, these “Project of the site from anywhere in the world with from conception of ideas right through to Update” videos were very beneficial and have the images available online. Photos from any distribution across several mediums including been used in board meetings as well as pre start selected date, at 30-minute intervals during DVD, Blu-ray, USB, print or the Internet. safety meetings. The updates were also uploaded daylight hours, can be viewed. The online to the main clients intranets and selected videos viewer has full screen and zooming functions There’s an abundance of contemporary and have been released for public viewing. and can also be made available on the client’s creative ideas amongst the New Era Media website for public viewing. The images also team to aid in delivering content in new and Following the official opening of the Macarthur provide additional site security. exciting ways. Wind Farm, a hard cover photo book will be produced. It will contain a selection of the images Over the period of the project, thousands New Era Media can be contacted by phone that have been taken including the construction of images have been captured. These high- or email to answer any questions, organise a documentary video, on Blu-ray and DVD. The resolution images are gathered and turned into meeting or to construct a custom quotation for professional and stylish book will feature foil a high definition time-lapse movie, which covers your media objectives embossing, and high quality paper. These will be the project from start to finish. It’s amazing to available to the people and businesses involved watch a large project develop as the different For more information contact New Era Media, with the project to provide a lovely reminder of seasons of the year pass by and this will form phone 08 8121 8199, email info@neweramedia. their experience on the project. part of the final video. com.au, website www.neweramedia.com.au

104 VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW WWW.ANCR.COM.AU VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM 105 Below The team from Cowland Electrical that worked on the Macarthur Wind Farm project.

Earthly Connections

Cowland Electrical provided an experienced Cowland Electrical services a wide area across all team of electricians to install the tower’s of country Victoria The company also supplies main Earthing grids at the Macarthur and services communications equipment such Wind Farm project along with a driller as GME and Uniden UHF two way radios, and drill rig to install grounding earth rods aerials, GPS units and hires satellite phones. around the base of the each wind turbine. Cowland Electrical’s staff were tasked with Cowland Electrical undertakes all electrical and the responsibility of designing, wiring & the electronic appliance repairs and services, also connection of all power services to the offices & commercial catering equipment. The Company administration buildings and site compound, as installs and services TV aerials, Car audio and in well as the connection of generators, trenching car phone installations and is the service agent underground mains power supplies and all for many well known brands including Sony, communication and network cabling. Sharp, Panasonic, LG, Electrolux, Kenwood, JVC, GME and Uniden. The use of Cad Welding was a technique that Cowland Electrical used for the connecting Cowland Electrical has been recognised as one of of the Earthing grid cables and earth rods at Australia's best providers of high quality, safe and the base of each of the Macarthur Wind Farm environmentally friendly electrical services with a towers. A new vertical drilling rig was acquired newly acquired accreditation and membership to install these Earthing rods with approximately from Master Electricians Australia. 650 rods being installed across the project. All the Earthing installation had to be Quality To be considered and approached by Master controlled with Cowland Electrical having their Electricians Australia, Cowland Electrical own Q&A staff. Contractors had to agree to be audited for safety and quality plus adhere to a strict code The Macarthur wind farm covers approximately of practice. They also had to demonstrate that 5,500 hectares of freehold agricultural land and a comprehensive safety management system is located approximately16km east of Macarthur was in place to protect both themselves and in South Western Victoria. their customer's and offer all customers a 12 month guarantee on workmanship. Cowland Cowland Electrical Contractors Pty. Ltd. is Electrical are extremely proud of their new a local contractor from Hamilton Victoria accreditations status due to the extensive and was first registered in November 1993 selection criteria in place. Only the finest by directors Barry & Melinda Cowland. Over members of the electrical industry are invited time the family business has grown to now to become Master Electricians. employ 25 full time staff and specialize in large Commercial & Industrial Electrical installations For more information contact Cowland along with & all types of repairs, vertical drilling Electrical Contractors, 8 Peck St Hamilton & horizontal directional drilling, cable trenching VIC. 3300, phone 03 5572 2766 / 0407 722 & excavating, Telstra undergrounds & Data 767, fax 03 5572 3500, email cec.electrical@ network Cabling. westnet.com.au

106 VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW WWW.ANCR.COM.AU VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM 107 Below Gellies Earthmoving was appointed as one of the earthmoving contractors to work on the site preparations for the Lifelong Ambition Macarthur Wind Farm project.

Gellie’s Earthmoving commenced work energy or enough to power 220,000 homes, second Kenworth T650 to their collection roads within the Macarthur Wind Farm site. sand & dirt around with his toys & at age 24 builders and developers. They have recently at the Macarthur Wind Farm in January with a greenhouse gas saving expected to be just prior to the commencement of A significant part of the construction was he bought his first Bulldozer. carried out work on the Eastlink Road 2011. The company was appointed as one of 1.7 million tonnes annually. works. Two bulldozers also worked at the the cut and fill work where up to 500mm project in Melbourne, which incorporates 45 the earthmoving contractors to work on the Wind Farm. of topsoil was removed in some areas. This In response to this passion, Gellie’s kilomteres of road, along with the Waubra site preparations. The project was constructed on 5,500 topsoil was stockpiled for future leveling Earthmoving was launched in 1983 with the Wind Farm near Ballarat. hectares of farmland and was lead by the In June 2011 the Komatsu D65EX-15 and some was reused around the turbine purchase of a Fiat Allis 14B bulldozer. From The Macarthur Wind Farm, which is located Leighton-Vestas consortium. commenced work onsite & in October 2011 pad sites. there, the team has grown tremendously in the Moyne Shire, Western Victoria, is a $1 the Komatsu D155AX-5 was introduced to and now employs more than 20 extremely billion green power project undertaken by the Gellie’s Earthmoving utilised two New assist with the removal of rock. Gellie’s Earthmovings Director, Ned Gellie experienced operators & owns an array of For more information contact Gellie’s AGL-Meridian Energy Joint Venture. Holland tractors (TJ450 & TJ425) & developed a keen interest for earthmoving earthmoving equipment. Earthmoving, 7507 Mortlake Ararat Road scoops to work on the earthworks side of The site preparation works involved boxing at a young age. As a child he realised a love Maroona VIC 3377,phone 03 5354 7542, The Wind Farm features 140 wind turbines the project & two Kenworth T650’s with out road formations and tower bases and for machinery & earthmoving, in particular The team has worked on many notable Ned Gellie: 0427 132 216 Jake Gellie: and is expected to produce 420mW of green semi side tippers. The Company added a included more than 100 kilometres of service bulldozers. Ned spent many hours pushing projects and has built strong ties with leading 0409 951 411

108 VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW WWW.ANCR.COM.AU VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM 109 Image Porthaul Civil Construction provided portions of road construction and electrical trenching for the Macarthur Wind Farm project Civil Solutions

Porthaul Civil Construction have been portions of road construction and electrical capable of coping with all jobs regardless of work. At Porthaul, they strive to provide customers and superior management systems. Porthaul effectively providing civil construction works trenching for the Macarthur Wind Farm project. size or complexity. • Vestas Blade Factory with the most effective and efficient way to meet prides itself on having conscious staff within for more than 18 years. The company is quickly • The new Portland RSPCA site/road works their diverse transport and construction needs. the company and have been recognised for their growing into a well-respected Civil Construction The Macarthur Wind Farm is the largest wind Some of the many projects that have been • Colac Aldi store Whether this be carting bulk goods, carrying out achievements in safety practices. They have Company who is known for providing diverse farm in the southern hemisphere, and one undertaken by Porthaul Civil Construction • 8km Casterton/Dartmoor road rehabilitation civil works or supplying various materials, they received official approval from the Industry solutions to their clients needs. of the largest wind farms in the world. It will include: • Portland Main Street - underground power work as a team to ensure prompt, efficient and Accreditation Council. For their customers, join AGL’s market leading suite of renewable • Maritime Discovery Centre. installation and price competitive services. Their management these benchmarks in employee safety practices Porthaul Civil Construction are members of energy generation assets. The wind farm is • Sub divisions throughout Victoria • Myamyn Woodchip Mill and qualified staff take great pride in the quality provide high confidence in Porthaul, and the Civil Contractors Federation and are a situated near Hamilton, 260 kilometres west • Wind farm roads and hardstands - Cape and presentation of their fleet. complete piece of mind. systems certified contractor. They also hold an of Melbourne, in the Shire of Moyne. Bridgewater & Codrington Porthaul Civil Construction is part of a larger R1 Vicroads accreditation, giving their clients the • Dutton Way Rock Wall project. entity which undertakes bulk transport, general Porthaul is highly committed to workplace assurance that each and every job will be delivered With a large range of equipment on hand • Port of Portland mineral sands foundation freight, transportation of refrigerated goods, safety. They have worked hard to achieve For more information contact Porthaul Civil successfully the first time. The team at Porthaul and an extensive team of experienced civil & surge pile. quarry materials and machinery along with their impeccable safety record, with work safe Construction, phone 03 5521 7116, email info@ Civil Construction were contracted to provide workers, Porthaul Civil Construction are • Portland to Nelson Highway rehabilitation storage solutions. practices that boast safe trucks, healthy drivers porthaul.com, website www.porthaul.com

110 VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW WWW.ANCR.COM.AU VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM 111 Below Exile Concrete Pumping Below Day's Electrical layed provided concrete pumping approximately 100,000 for the bases of the towers at meters of various size HV the Macarthur Wind farm. cables including active cable First Base Quality & Efficiency & earth wire.

Days Electrical Contracting P/L have provided their services on the Macarthur Wind Farm project by laying approximately 100,000 meters of various size HV cables including active cable & earth wire. Days Electrical Contracting also supplied a trenching contractor to assist with the installation works & were involved in the construction & installation of the switch yard on the Macarthur site. The company sourced a new self loading cable trailer which made the task much more efficient.

Days Electrical Contracting P/L successfully overcome the difficulty of dealing with large cable drums on site. The drums had a height of 4.2 metres, a width of 2.1 metres and weigh between 6-12 tonne.

Established in 1983, Days Electrical Contracting P/L have been providing an outstanding service to South West Victoria region. They perform all types of industrial electrical installation work and related repairs as well as domestic and commercial work. The team are willing to travel wherever necessary to provide their clients with a service that boasts quality and efficiency.

About 80% of the work, and the main focus of Days Electrical Contracting P/L is The Macarthur Wind Farm is set to projects such as and within industrial projects and maintenance. generate enough clean, green energy to Cape Nelson Wind Farm. Their industrial client base includes power approximately 220,000 average Leighton Contractors, Portland Aluminum Victorian households each year, with Ben Gibson, Structures Manager for Leighton (Alcoa), Incitec Pivot, Impact Fertilisers greenhouse gas emission savings of over Constructions spoke highly of Exile Concrete and GrainCorp, with projects varying in 1.7 million tonnes per annum over the life Pumping. ‘Exile Concrete Pumping have been size from $30,000 to $3.2m. of the project. an integral part of the successful delivery of the Macarthur Wind Farm Project which Days Electrical Contracting P/L have a Exile Concrete Pumping provided concrete involved pumping over 80,000m3 of concrete solid history working with Australian Wind pumping for the bases of the towers. They for turbine bases, substation footings, and Farms. They have been involved in many used a new 32 meter pump for the bulk pours, overhead line foundations,’ said Ben Gibson. projects including , which performed perfectly for the Macarthur Wind Farm, Cape Nelson Wind Wind Farm. The pump was commissioned ‘From their first day on site, all of the crew Farm and Cape Bridgewater Wind Farm. specifically for this project and featured a demonstrated a willingness to go beyond large pumping capacity. They also used their standard practice to help us deliver new Apart from the numerous Wind Farm 37, 28 and 32 meter pumps for blindings and safety initiatives and achieve fantastic projects, Days Electrical Contracting P/L substation pours. production. In all aspects of the work, specialises in the field of solar installations. Exile have demonstrated a fantastic level of The team features fully certified solar Located in Portland, Exile Concrete Pumping professionalism and their ability to join in and installers and they can arrange for the work on commercial and industrial projects. They become part of the team is a great credit to whole process to be complete including have recently completed projects such as Ararat all of the crew. They have been a pleasure to works with accredited designers. Prison and Mount Gambier Market Place. work alongside for over 12 months.’ For more information contact Days Exile Concrete Pumping is a small, family For more information contact Exile Concrete Electrical Contracting Pty Ltd, email business but has proven their ability to Pumping, 142 Cockatoo Valley Road Portland [email protected] phone 03 produce outstanding results on the largest VIC 3305 mobile 0427 236 980, email 5523 4636 fax 03 5523 6457 REC: 20439, of projects. These results were achieved on [email protected] website www.dayselectrical.com.au

112 VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW WWW.ANCR.COM.AU VIC PROJECT FEATURE MACARTHUR WIND FARM 113