Construction of the 220kV underground connection line to connect ACCIONA’s Mortlake South Wind Farm to the National Electricity Grid via the Terang Terminal Station has started.

After extensive community consultation, ACCIONA decided in install the 15km connection line underground to create the best outcome for the local community.

“ACCIONA is committed to working with local communities in which we operate, to provide tailored solutions to sustainable development”, said Mortlake South Wind Farm Project Manager Andrew Tshaikiwsky.

“ACCIONA is unique in that we develop, construct, own and operate our wind farms which means we are embedded in the local community for the long-term life of our assets”

“The underground connection has no visual impact on the landscape, and it demonstrates our commitment to working closely with communities to develop and deliver bespoke local solutions.”

“It’s more expensive, but it’s the right thing to do for this project,” said Brett Wickham, ACCIONA Energy Australia’s Managing Director.

With construction commencing, the community can expect traffic controls in place when works are occurring within the road reserves on Riley’s Road, Bramich Lane and Keilambete Road.

“Construction activities will commence from Tapps Lane within the Mortlake South Wind Farm construction area, with staged works progressing towards the Terang Terminal Station,” Mr Tshaikiwsky said.

“The cable route follows the disused rail corridor between Mortlake and Terang, turning into the road reserves on Bramich Lane, Keilambete Road and Riley’s Road. The cable then progresses through private land into the Terang Terminal Station”

“We will continue to work closely with Moyne and Corangamite Shires, local landholders and services providers throughout construction to ensure they are informed about the construction method and progress”

Construction of the underground connection line is expected to be complete within six months. Further information about ACCIONA’s Mortlake South wind farm can be found at http://www.acciona.com.au/mortlake