Project
Community
Benefits
Project
Development
Wind Energy
Battery Energy Storage System
(BESS)
Project Construction
Operations
Decommissioning
Why did Cubico choose this site?
Cubico chose the Curyo Wind Farm project site based on various critical factors. The first of these is that the area offers a strong wind resource, essential for efficiently generating electricity. Initial desktop studies accompanied by a year of LIDAR monitoring has confirmed the strength of the wind resource and profile at the project site, ensuring the wind speeds are suitable for energy production.
Secondly, the site sits in a flat area absent of native vegetation with the land currently used for crop farming. This makes it a highly constructable site for the development of a large-scale wind farm and ensures the impact of the project on the environment and the area’s biodiversity is minimal. The project can also co-exist with current land use practices.
Finally, the site's population density aligns with strict guidelines for wind farm development, allowing for wind farm design and turbine placement to have minimal impacts on nearby homes.
Further studies through the Victorian approvals pathway, such as those on cultural and historical heritage, biodiversity, endangered species, and aviation, will further determine the area's suitability for the Curyo Wind Farm Project.
How big is the project?
The Curyo Wind Farm will comprise up to 162 wind turbines and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The Project is forecast to generate 1,000 MW of wind energy, which would power approximately 600,000 homes.
Will the community have a say in the project?
Yes. Meaningful community engagement is a fundamental part of the environmental approvals process. We will work with the community to ensure public concern is addressed and the wind farm has minimal and acceptable interactions with the existing environment.
Will there be a community benefit fund?
Yes. A community benefit fund will be in place for the project’s 35 year life, providing support for community initiatives through annual funding rounds. Community input will be key to developing the structure and goals of the community benefit fund.
What is benefit-sharing?
Benefit-sharing is sharing the wind farm’s monetary and non-monetary benefits with the local community. Benefit-sharing works best when done collaboratively. Through community engagement, we will seek to understand the unique interests and aspirations of the local community to build a benefit-sharing package that will have a legacy impact in the area.
Will there be local job opportunities during the construction and operation of the wind farm?
Yes, employees and contractors will be required to construct and operate the wind farm. We prioritise local hiring to ensure the economic benefits of the wind farm are shared with the local community. The types of opportunities available will include positions as construction workers, electricians, engineers, maintenance technicians and administrative staff.
How can I find out more?
You can contact us via the following detail
Phone:1800 282 426 (CUBICO) Email: info@curyowindfarm.com.au
Can Cubico compulsorily acquire land?
No, wind farm developers do not have the right to acquire land compulsorily. Typically, they enter long-term commercial lease agreements with landholders to host part or all of a wind farm project. Cubico will be entering agreements of this kind for the Curyo Wind Farm.
What planning and approvals are needed for the project?
Wind farm projects in Victoria must obtain multiple planning and environmental approvals. In seeking to obtain these approvals proponents must adhere to strict legislative, planning and regulatory requirements, which include:
Pre-application consultation with key stakeholders including the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), local councils and the community.
Engaging in strong, ongoing community engagement.
Undertaking multiple, detailed environmental, cultural heritage and impact (e.g. noise, visual, fire) assessments.
Developing an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) Referral and potential EES and undertaking the associated studies.
Developing a planning permit application and undertaking the associated studies.
Undergoing the review, analysis and decision-making process administered by the Minister for Planning.
As part of the planning process the BESS will also be subject to stringent approval processes. These processes will include meaningful community engagement to ensure public concern is addressed and designing the BESS to ensure it has minimal, acceptable interactions with the existing environment.
Will the Cultural Heritage of the area be protected?
Yes. Traditional Owner engagement is a vital component of the wind farm planning process. It is essential that the cultural heritage values of the region’s First Peoples are protected and any impacts are considered in the early planning phases.
Cubico is committed to fully understanding First Nations peoples’ relationship with and use of the land to minimise any impact on the cultural heritage importance of our proposed site.
Listening to and learning from all First Nations people is a cornerstone to the Cubico development process. Cubico works with First Nations people from the early stages of projects to explore opportunities for genuine partnerships and long-term benefits.
Is the Cubico Wind Farm Project related or connected to the Rare Earth & Mineral Sands mining projects in the region?
No. There is no relation or connection between Cubico and any of the Rare Earth & Mineral Sands projects in the region or anywhere else.
How does wind energy work?
Wind energy uses turbines to generate electricity from the naturally occurring wind. As air passes the blades of a wind turbine, the blades spin, driving an electrical generator that produces electricity, which can then be transported into the grid and carried to homes and businesses across the eastern States of Australia. Technological advances mean that wind turbines are becoming increasingly efficient and can capture more energy per turbine. Wind energy is one of the lowest-cost energy sources, and as Australia transitions to net zero emissions, it will play an essential role in generating clean electricity for Australians.
For more information visit the Clean Energy Council at www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au and ARENA at www.arena.gov.au/renewable-energy/wind
What is the lifecycle of a wind farm?
A wind farm lifecycle contains four key phases:
Project development and approvals (3 - 5 years)
Construction and commissioning (2 - 3 years)
Operation (up to 35 years)
Decommissioning and rehabilitation (6 months - 2 years).
What is the expected lifespan of the wind farm and battery project?
Generally, a wind farm is expected to have an operational life of 30+ years, and a Battery Energy Storage System facility is expected to operate for 15 to 20 years.
What is a Battery Energy Storage System?
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a rechargeable battery system connected to the distribution/transmission grid. It reduces the imbalance between energy demand and energy generation. Renewable energy is intermittent in nature, and at certain times, more energy is produced than needed. A BESS allows surplus power to be stored and discharged at peak times.
What are the benefits of using a BESS?
Storing renewable energy improves the balance between supply and demand. As a result, the delivery of renewable energy is more stable, providing greater security across the grid. This means consumers can benefit from a more efficient grid, reducing system costs and lowering energy prices.
What does a BESS look like?
As technology advances, BESS facilities are becoming more compact. They typically resemble a substation, with a series of modular structures that house the batteries, inverters, and transformers necessary for operation. Vegetation can be used to screen a BESS facility and minimise its visual impact.
What studies are required to develop a BESS?
The studies required to develop a BESS correlate to its impact on the environment and surrounding communities. Noise, ecology and flood risk studies are all required to develop a BESS, ensuring it is developed and operates safely and with minimal impact. BESS facilities are designed in consideration of a range of technical, community and environmental factors including:
Proximity and connectivity to the grid
Noise impacts
Safety, including fire and flood risk
Relevant standards, guidelines and legislations
Constructability – whether the design is practical to build
Potential environmental and heritage impacts
Operations and maintenance requirements
How long does it take to build a BESS?
While the size of a BESS significantly influences its construction timeline, construction can typically take between 12 and 18 months.
How long does it take to construct a wind farm and BESS facility?
Once the necessary approvals have been obtained, construction of the wind farm can begin. While construction generally takes 2 to 3 years, actual build time will depend on the number of wind turbines built, their size and factors outside the contractor’s control such as the weather.
It takes approximately 12 to 8 months to build a BESS facility, depending on the project size.
Will there be increased traffic and dust during the wind farm construction?
Yes, there is increased traffic during the construction of a wind farm. A traffic management plan will be developed during wind farm planning to ensure traffic is appropriately managed. In some instances, roads may be upgraded to ensure they meet the required standards for carrying construction vehicles.
At certain times during the construction process, dust may form. Mitigation measures such as water carts will minimise dust and ensure the project meets environmental requirements.
Will there be jobs available during construction?
The construction of the Curyo Wind Farm would create over 300 jobs during construction in the following fields:
Engineering
Electrical
Mechanical
Construction
Transport
Equipment operation
Consulting
Project management
Administration
How do you make sure construction is undertaken responsibly?
At Cubico, the health and safety of our employees, contractors, and the community is our highest priority. We are committed to responsible construction practices that meet strict government regulations and industry standards.
To ensure construction is undertaken safely:
Qualified workforce: All construction workers and contractors must be appropriately trained and qualified.
Strict safety requirements: We comply with all government regulations and best practice standards to maintain a safe work environment.
Comprehensive management plans: A Construction Management Plan (CMP) is developed to outline key aspects such as working hours, safety measures, traffic management, noise and vibration controls, and water and dust management. Additional plans, including an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP), ensure compliance with environmental and safety requirements.
Community engagement: We actively seek feedback from the community on how to minimise local impacts and incorporate this input into our construction and environmental management strategies.
Cubico is committed to maintaining high safety standards and minimising disruptions to the community throughout the construction process.
How will local roads be affected during the construction of the Curyo Wind Farm?
To accommodate the transportation of large equipment and materials during wind farm construction, several changes may be made to local roads:
· Widening: Roads may be widened to accommodate the passage of oversized loads.
· Strengthening: Major investments may be made into reinforcing existing local roads to support the weight of heavy equipment.
· Traffic control: Traffic control measures, such as stop signs or flaggers, may be used to manage traffic flow.
These changes are coordinated with local authorities to minimise disruptions to traffic and ensure the safety of both construction workers and community.
What are the visual impacts of a wind farm?
The planning process requires a wind farm developer to undertake landscape and visual studies to understand the project’s visual impacts. These studies provide the community with an objective assessment of the potential landscape and visual effects of the wind farm. The studies will look at local viewpoints, including residents’ homes and community points of interest.
How do wind farms affect the health of nearby landowners, neighbours and the community?
Reviews conducted by leading health and research organisations worldwide, including Health Canada, the Australian Medical Association and Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, have found no direct link between wind farms and health effects.
In Australia, to ensure safety, strict guidelines are designed to ensure that wind farms do not negatively impact landowners, neighbours, and the broader community, including mandatory setback distances. Meaningful community engagement is an essential aspect of wind farm design to ensure public concern is addressed and there are minimal and acceptable interactions with the existing environment.
This information was sourced from the Clean Energy Council Australia. For more information visit:
https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=b0c779b3-00f8-4fe7-930e-84c377c8b809&subId=351098#:~:text=Reviews%20conducted%20by%20leading%20health,wind%20farms%20and%20health%20effects.
What are the noise effects of a wind farm, including infrasound?
Wind turbines create a sound often described as a ‘swishing’. They also generate infrasound, being sound waves with frequencies below the limit of what humans can hear sometimes called ‘silent sound’. The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research published a study in 2023 that found that the infrasound generated by wind turbines is not harmful to human health, and there is no evidence to suggest it impacts sleep.
Wind Farms in Victoria, Australia, are subject to the following noise regulations under the Environment Protection Authority (EPA):
Noise Limits: Must comply with noise standards and adhere to an upper limit of 45 dB(A) or background sound plus 5 dB for properties with stakeholder agreements.
Post-Construction Assessment: Required to conduct a noise assessment within 12 months of commencing operations.
Noise Management Plan and Reporting: Must implement a plan including a system for managing noise complaints, followed by submission of an annual report detailing compliance efforts and noise monitoring every 5 years.
Specialist technical consultants conduct detailed noise studies during project development and after a wind farm’s construction to measure noise levels and ensure they do not breach strict noise guidelines.
For more information visit www.woolcock.org.au
Do wind farms start bushfires or affect firefighting capabilities?
Wind farms are developed in close consultation with appropriate fire authorities and do not pose a significant bushfire risk. While there have been incidents where wind turbines have caught on fire, these are rare, caused by defective turbines and have not resulted in a bushfire in Australia.
Modern wind turbines are fitted with automatic fire detection and internal suppression systems which stop fires inside turbines and reduce the risk of fires propagating from the turbine housing. There are monitoring systems in wind turbines that slow or stop the turbine if temperature and wind speeds are above safe levels.
Turbines are also constructed on cleared, concrete pads. As these sit below all turbines, in the unlikely event of a fire, there is little fuel for the fire to spread.
Operating a wind farm during fire danger periods is not considered a high-risk activity. Wind turbines automatically shut down in high winds, usually on extreme fire ban days. If a fire is nearby, the project operations manager can also turn the turbines off quickly. The blades are locked in a Y position so they are safer for aerial firefighting crews to fly around. The turbines are like any other tall infrastructure in the landscape, including transmission and meteorological towers, and their coordinates are logged with airspace authorities.
In some instances, wind farms may reduce the risk of lightning fires, as the lightning tends to hit the turbines instead of the ground. Furthermore, the access roads constructed around a wind farm can benefit the community’s firefighting capabilities and may also provide fire breaks.
Are BESS facilities noisy?
While a BESS facility produces some sound, its noise level is intermittent and contingent on operational circumstances. As the noise of a BESS facility mainly comes from its cooling system, it is loudest when the battery is in heavy operation and the outside temperatures are high.
During the development and operation of a BESS specialist consultants conduct detailed noise studies to measure noise levels and ensure they do not breach strict noise guidelines. These studies are factored into placement decisions and impact the design and location of the BESS.
Meaningful community engagement is an essential aspect of BESS design to ensure public concern is addressed and there are minimal and acceptable interactions with the existing environment. This may include using mitigation measures to limit noise impacts, such as noise walls.
Are BESS’ safe, and do they pose risks of electromagnetic radiation (EMF)?
The technology used in BESS facilities is the same as that used in batteries in our everyday lives, such as mobile phones. Technical and engineering experts, including the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), have found no known or documented impacts of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) associated with big batteries. A BESS must meet rigorous health, safety, and environmental standards designed to protect the safety of personnel, neighbours, and the broader community.
The EMF produced by BESS is believed to be similar to that of a substation. Stringent design and location standards, such as minimum setbacks, work to limit EMF exposure to the general public.
To read more from ARPANSA, visit https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/reducing-exposure-to-mobile-phones/emf-frequently-asked-questions
Are BESS facilities a fire risk?
Strict fire planning and management policies are implemented during the development of a BESS facility to mitigate certain fire risks. BESS facilities integrate levels of fire protection systems that work to identify a fire risk and automatically shut down a facility before issues progress further. Compulsory guidelines dictate how a facility monitors and controls fire risk.
During the planning phase of a BESS facility, a fire management plan is developed in consultation with local fire authorities to ensure that the impacts are minimised in the unlikely event of a fire. Furthermore, the strategic position of batteries is designed to reduce the risk of spread within the facility.
What is the decommissioning process?
The decommissioning process is the responsibility of the project owner, not the landholder. If the Project owner wishes to re-energise the project, this can only be done with agreement from the host landowner. If agreement is given the project lifecycle will begin again with the planning and approvals process.
This process will occur at the end of the project’s lifecycle and is the project owner’s responsibility. It includes:
Removing the wind turbines and dismantling their components;
Recycling of up to 90% of the turbines’ components (where possible);
Removing the site office and other infrastructure; and
Rehabilitating and revegetating the site.
If any part of the wind farm can continue to serve a functional purpose and the landowner would like it to remain, this can be negotiated.
When a BESS reaches the end of its operational life, it can also be decommissioned. This process involves:
Removing the batteries, site office, fencing and other facility infrastructure;
Rehabilitating the site to restore it to its previous use; and
Reclaiming and recycling around 60% of the batteries’ materials (where possible), including the critical minerals and steel.
Are wind turbines recyclable?
In Australia, approximately 85 to 90% of wind turbines are recyclable. They are predominantly made of steel, aluminium, copper, and cast iron, all valuable recyclable materials. A wind turbine’s blades are the most significant hurdle the wind energy sector faces in reaching zero waste. They are made of composite materials such as fibreglass and carbon fibre, and there are currently limited options for recycling these materials in Australia. However, turbine manufacturers are investing heavily in developing blade recycling solutions, which may become available in Australia in the future.