Focus

Over 60 representatives from local businesses attended a supplier information briefing in Glen Innes on the 15 December. The event was hosted by White Rock Wind Farm, in partnership with the NSW Department of Industry and the Industry Capability Network (ICN).

Attendees heard from project owners, White Rock Wind Farm, and from some of the main contractors for the works. Goldwind Australia are lined up to undertake the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts. The Balance of Plant contract has been awarded to Fulton Hogan, an engineering firm with over 80 years of experience in the transport, mining, energy and water sectors. The briefing formed Stage Two of the Local Business Participation Program. The Program is designed to ensure local businesses are well informed about the project and have the opportunity to participate and benefit from the project.

Local suppliers who had registered their interest via the Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway website were invited to attend the briefing to hear an update on project status and learn more about the available work packages. The forum also covered the process of bidding for contracts or supply opportunities with the major contractors and subcontractors.

The initial development of White Rock Wind Farm will consist of 70 turbines and associated infrastructure. It is expected to inject in the vicinity of $30 to $40 million into the local economy during construction. The project is expected to involve up to 200 jobs during construction and 10-15 local jobs during the 20 year operational period of the project. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2016.

White Rock Wind Farm has adopted a three stage process to maximise local participation and local economic benefits. This process involves the Industry Capability Network (ICN), the NSW Department of Industry and local business groups.

1. Under Stage One of the Local Business Participation Program, White Rock Wind Farm sought expressions of interest for nearly 40 different work packages. The project has been listed on the ICN Gateway and companies with an ABN are encouraged to register their interest via the ICN website. The Gateway will be open till the 20th December 2015. The details of all companies that registered their interest during Stage One will be provided to the Main Contractors and Major Subcontractors.
2. Stage Two of the process involved an Industry Forum in Glen Innes for businesses who register in the first stage.
3. Stage Three is the engagement stage where the Main Contractor and / or Subcontractors engage suppliers and subcontractors. Stage Three spans the full period of the project design and construction and the transition into the operations phase.

John Titchen, Managing Director of Goldwind Australia (owner of White Rock Wind Farm), said “The Local Industry Briefing was an excellent event and we were encouraged by the range of businesses and suppliers interested in the project. As owners of White Rock Wind Farm we aim to create significant local benefit by facilitating local companies to participate throughout the 18 month construction period and by establishing a local team for the long term operation phase.”