How long will the construction process take? 

Subject to approval, construction for the Project is scheduled to commence in early 2027 and is expected to take between 2 – 3 years.   

 

How will RES manage impacts from construction?  

RES is committed to identifying potential construction impacts and managing them responsibly. A Construction Environmental Management Plan will be developed for the Project that will reflect proposed control measures to minimise impact to the environment, adjoining neighbours, road users and the broader public.  

We aim to reduce the impact of our works on the community and the environment with:  

• Standard construction hours and scheduling of work  
• Well-maintained equipment and plant  
• Monitoring and management of all construction activities, ensuring all standards and guidelines are met.  
• Regular Project updates for our neighbours and the community, including information on any changes to local traffic conditions.
• Listening to feedback and suggestions on how local impacts might be reduced.  

Prior to construction commencing, the Proponent will ensure the following is available: a postal and email address to which written complaints can be sent and a 24-hour telephone contact line.

What will be the impact to local roads?   

RES acknowledges that managing the traffic and transport impacts of the Project, during construction, is critically important to the local community. A Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) has been prepared as part of the Development Application. The TIA examines existing conditions in the locality of the site, an assessment of the likely access routes for over mass over size vehicles during the construction phase (from the port to the wind farm), an assessment of access points, and recommendations regarding measures required to enable proper access to the development site.

The assessment showed that the construction phase of the Project will result in increased traffic to and from the site including the movement of restricted access vehicles.  A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be prepared as part of the Construction Environmental Management Plan to ensure the works can be undertaken safely and with minimal disruption to local traffic. The TMP will also include details of noise and dust mitigation measures associated with construction traffic. Once operational, the traffic entering the wind farm site will be negligible.

Detailed design activities will focus on reducing the number of proposed vehicular access points to maintain safe road driving conditions and minimise required changes to the road network. 

RES will enter into an Infrastructure Deed with the Light Regional Council, Regional Council of Goyder and Mid Murray Council (if/as required) in relation to upgrades of local roads proposed to be utilised during construction of the Project.

Where will local workers be accommodated?   

To the extent possible, accommodation will be sourced locally, however we are aware of the existing accommodation shortages in the region. RES and the contractor employed on the Project will work with the local Councils to determine the best accommodation options for the Project.   

Where is the concrete coming from for the Project?   

Concrete will be batched at a temporary batching plant located on the Project site.   

Where will gravel for the roads come from?  

Gravel for access road construction is expected to be sourced from a borrow pit within the site of the development. The contractor will review options for sourcing gravel for track construction and if any extraction of gravel is proposed then appropriate approvals will be sought, both from legislative approvals and approval from the landowner.

Will construction introduce weeds to the local area?  

The Project will comply with all relevant biosecurity obligations. Controls including vehicle washdowns will be implemented to manage the potential for the introduction of weeds to the Project site.  Should material need to be sourced from outside the Project site, any material brought to the site will be assessed against the provisions of the Construction Environmental Management Plan to reduce the risk of weed introduction.

Will construction or operation of the Project need to use water?  

Water will be required for numerous construction activities such as concrete batching as well as personnel amenities. Water may also be required for dust control and equipment cleaning during construction. Water required during construction will be sourced by the construction contractor, which may incorporate on site bores or carting and storing water on site. Potential bore water source locations will be confirmed as the Project progresses through development. Any bores required would be licensed in accordance with legislative requirements.

Ongoing water usage is minimal. Water associated with the staff facilities during construction and once operational would be via rainwater storage tanks and utilise roof drainage.

Will there be any disruptions to local power supply?  

There are not expected to be any power outages during construction or when the Project is first energised through to full commercial operation activities.

Will the Project interfere with mobile telecommunications?   

An electromagnetic interference (EMI) Impact Assessment report has been prepared as part of the Development Application to identify any potential impacts of the Project on EMI services within the Project’s vicinity (including mobile telecommunications). Potential EMI impacts on services including citizens band radio and mobile phones are either considered to be minor or have been assessed through consultation with the service operators.

RES is committed to ongoing discussions with neighbours and telecommunication providers and identifying appropriate mitigation measures (where required).