A delegation of women in local government from across New South Wales has visited the Sapphire Wind Farm near Inverell, getting an up-close look at how large-scale renewable energy projects operate.
Ten members of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association travelled to the wind farm as part of a broader visit to the region. The Australian Local Government Women’s Association supports and promotes women in local government through advice, advocacy, connecting and mentoring, and has been involved in supporting our record number of women serving on local councils in the region, including our six female mayors.
The group included mayors and councillors from Wagga, Cumberland, Randwick, Lithgow, Forbes, Blacktown, Ku-ring-gai and North Sydney.
Hosted by Squadron Energy, the visit included a guided site tour and the opportunity for members to stand beneath – and inside – one of the turbines.
ALGWA NSW President and Ryde Councillor Penny Pederson said the experience provided valuable insight into wind energy operations.
“For many of our members, it was their first time standing beneath – and inside – a wind turbine,” Clr Pederson said.
“There was genuine surprise at how quiet the turbines are, contrary to some of the misinformation floating around about renewable energy.”
Sapphire Wind Farm Site Operations Manager David Williamson said the visit was an opportunity to showcase the project to local government leaders.
“Having the opportunity through ALGWA to showcase Sapphire Wind Farm to Local Government representatives from across New South Wales was a fantastic opportunity,” he said.
The visit was led locally by Kate Dight, Mayor of Inverell Shire Council, who hosted the delegation during their time in the region.
Cr Pederson said Mayor Dight “really made an effort to show us the town and experience firsthand the innovation happening in regional New South Wales”.
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