Retail and hospitality businesses in Bombala will benefit from last week's announcement that the multi-purpose wharf at Eden will be used to import wind turbine components.
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That's according to Eden-Monaro MP Mike Kelly, who says components for the 120-turbine Boco Rock wind farm will be transported up Imlay Rd, through Bombala, and on to the site 10km south of Nimmitabel.
Dr Kelly says Bombala businesses will benefit as truck drivers break there for refreshments. Truck movements through Bombala are expected to cause minimal disruption and have been negotiated with the council and business community, he added.
Dr Kelly – who has been negotiating the arrangements for the past two years – said the first phase of imports would begin later this year and involve an estimated 10 ships and 800 truck movements.
Contractor Downer EDI was originally going to ship the components in through Port Kembla but, at the urging of Dr Kelly, the company explored the possibility of Eden.
After working with Downer EDI and all other stakeholders – including Wind Prospect, Sydney Ports, NSW Roads and Maritime Services, Essential Energy, Customs and Quarantine, Bega Valley Shire Council and Bombala Shire Council – Dr Kelly last week confirmed that Eden had been selected.
Dr Kelly said stevedoring and other associated jobs would be created, with the potential for this work to be ongoing.
“I can’t tell you how many steps there have been in this process, and I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to win this project for Eden,” he said.
“The beauty is that, once Downer EDI have proved the concept with Boco Rock, I have been talking to other wind farm proponents at Bungendore, Yass and Collector, and they are all interested in using Eden.
“As wind farms regularly replace and upgrade components, we could see a steady flow of ships and work at the Navy Wharf for years to come.”
