News Archive

March 24, 2020

Wind turbines temporarily switched off for scheduled Biala Wind Farm connection works to substation

You might notice that our wind turbines at Gullen Range Wind Farm will not be spinning for a few days from March 25^th. That’s because we’re doing some work on our electricity substation. We’re getting ready to pass electricity from our Biala Wind Farm on to the electricity grid. Biala Wind Farm isn’t ready to produce electricity yet, but it is important that we get these works completed. We expect everything will be back to normal by April 1^st. Please let us know if you have any questions. To contact us, click here.

March 24, 2020

BJCE Australia implements new measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the local community.

In response to COVID-19 pandemic, in recent weeks we have proactively implemented the following changes to our public engagement measures:

• Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm public tours have been suspended. If you would like to be notified when these tours will recommence, please register here.
• Our school visits and tours to site have been postponed until further notice. As an Industry Partner with the STEM Industry School Partnership (SISP) Program, we are working closely with the SISP coordinators to continue supporting the Program in 2020.
• Gullen Range Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund grant workshop has been postponed.  We are planning to deliver a rescheduled workshop via an online webinar. If you are interested and would like to know more please call 1800 509 711.
• Gullen Range Wind Farm’s Clean Energy Program’s household energy efficiency audit visits are now on hold. We are currently exploring other ways of conducting the audits. If you have any questions, please call 1800 509 711.
• Biala Wind Farm’s monthly community BBQ’s have been cancelled for the time being.
• All Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meetings will be held via teleconference or postponed.

At this point in time, our project and construction sites continue to operate but they are only open to our staff and contractors and they are subject to strict controls to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. More details are available in our recent media release which can be downloaded here.

We are still available to answer your project queries. You can contact us by calling the numbers below, by emailing us or through our website enquiry page:

• Biala Wind Farm – 1800 370 045
• Gullen Range Wind Farm – 1800 509 711
• Gullen Solar Farm – 1800 725 270

March 23, 2020

Turbine component deliveries are expected to commence on Wednesday this week

Turbine component deliveries are expected to commence on Wednesday this week. Up to 20 deliveries per week are expected to occur from Mon-Sat. Deliveries will travel from Port Kembla to Goulburn via the Hume Hwy, onwards to Crookwell via Crookwell-Goulburn Road, bypassing the Crookwell town centre via Grange Rd, Cullen St, Kialla Rd and Range Rd through to Grabben Gullen Rd and arriving at site. A route map can be downloaded from here.

Deliveries of oversize components are expected to arrive in Goulburn at 5:30am. Between 6am and 9am they will travel from Goulburn to the wind farm site. Please consider using alternative routes where possible during these times to avoid delays. We are grateful to the community for their patience. For more information call 1800 370 045.

March 18, 2020

Turbine component deliveries have been delayed

BJCE Australia would like to advise the local community that turbine component deliveries scheduled to arrive tomorrow (19/03/2020) have been delayed until next week. We will continue to keep you updated. For more information about the turbine deliveries, click here or call 1800 370 045.

March 16, 2020

Biala Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meetings postponed 

The decision has been made to postpone the CCC meetings due to the Covid-19 situation until further notice.

March 13, 2020

Turbine component delivery is expected to commence Thursday 19th March

Turbine component delivery is expected to commence Thursday 19th March. Approx 350. components will be delivered on specialist trucks from Port Kembla to the wind farm for 20 weeks. Up to 20 deliveries per week are expected to occur from Mon-Sat. We will continue to provide regular updates. A fact sheet can be downloaded here.

Deliveries will travel from Port Kembla to Goulburn via the Hume Hwy, onwards to Crookwell via Crookwell-Goulburn Road, bypassing the Crookwell town centre via Grange Rd, Cullen St, Kialla Rd and Range Rd through to Grabben Gullen Rd and arriving at site. A map can be downloaded from our here. Delays can be expected and we are grateful to the community for their patience.

Deliveries of oversize components are expected to arrive in Goulburn at 5:30am. Between 6am and 9am they will travel from Goulburn to the wind farm site. Please consider using alternative routes where possible during these times to avoid delays. For more information call 1800 370 045.

March 12, 2020

Transportation of oversize turbine delivery components

Biala Wind Farm is currently being constructed 6km south of Grabben Gullen Road, 8km east of Biala and 14.5km south west of Crookwell in the Southern Tablelands of NSW. Transportation of the 31 turbines to the project site is required for the ongoing construction of the project. Delivery of wind turbine components is expected to commence in mid-March. The deliveries are expected to arrive in Goulburn and travel through Crookwell bypassing the town centre between 6am-10am Monday to Saturday over the next six months. Delays are expected along the Goulburn-Crookwell Rd, Grange Rd, Cullen St, Kialla Rd, Range Rd and along Grabben Gullen Rd. You can view a map showing the oversize turbine delivery route (light purple route) here.

We will make every effort to minimise disruptions during the six month period. Please consider travelling by alternative routes where possible during these times to avoid delays. Residents can contact us to register for the FREE text message service for updates on the delivery schedule, temporary road closures and diversions, traffic control and general information on the works being undertaken. We will provide further delivery details on our website, our newsletter subscription and through newspaper advertisements.

March 10, 2020

February Community Newsletter

February Community Update now available to read and download here.

March 04, 2020

BJCE Australia – a proud sponsor of the 2020 Rose Tournament at Goulburn Railway Bowling Club

BJCE Australia proudly sponsored the 2020 Rose Tournament, which was held at Goulburn Railway Bowling Club last week. Simon Zhao, Gullen Range Wind Farm’s Site Manager, was honoured to attend the award ceremony and present the prizes to the winners of the men’s and women’s competitions. Well done to the ladies from the Illawarra and Sydney area and the men from Merimbula, Taralga and Goulburn who placed first in their competitions. BJCE Australia also wishes to congratulate all the people involved in making the bowling tournament such a success.

March 02, 2020

Turbine delivery trial run 

Local intersection widening roadworks to enable turbine deliveries to site are now functionally complete. We will be conducting a turbine trailer trial run tomorrow morning to ensure the truck and trailers can safely navigate through the intersections and access the wind farm site. Subject to a successful trial run tomorrow, turbine deliveries are expected to commence from next week. More delivery details to follow. For more information, call 1800 370 045.

February 27, 2020

BJCE Australia thanks local community for their ongoing support for the community fundraiser BBQs.

BJCE Australia teamed up with the Grabben Gullen Rural Fire Service last week for our monthly fundraising BBQ outside the Crookwell IGA. The BBQ raised over $500 for the Grabben Gullen Rural Fire Service (RFS). It was also an opportunity for members of the community to chat with our team about renewable energy, our public tours and the progress on Biala Wind Farm. BJCE Australia would like to thank all those who stopped for a sausage, chatted with us and made donations to the Grabben Gullen RFS. The next community BBQ will be held on Thursday 12 March 2020.

February 26, 2020

Electrical Transmission Line Works Update

Transmission line installation is now occurring between Humes Creek and Biala Wind Farm, finishing 1.5km to the west of Grabben Gullen Road, where it will connect to the wind farm electrical cables. Our contractor has agreed delivery routes with Council for the electrical transmission line works. These differ from the wind farm delivery routes. Some trucks delivering materials for these works will pass along Kialla Road, Range Road and/or Grabben Gullen Road. No road closures are expected for this stage of the works. For more information, call 1800 370 045.

February 24, 2020

CCC meeting date announced

The next CCC meeting will be held on Tuesday, 31 March 2020, from 6pm – 8pm at Grabben Gullen Hall.

February 17, 2020

Next Community Fundraiser BBQ announced

We’re hosting another community BBQ on Wednesday 19th February. You can find us out the front of Crookwell IGA alongside Grabben Gullen RFS from 9.30am to 2pm. The RFS will be cooking the sausage sandwiches and you can grab one for a gold coin donation. 100% of all donations goes to the RFS and we match every donation dollar for dollar. Our project team will be on hand to answer any questions about our Biala Wind Farm project, which is currently under construction. You can also ask questions about our Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm or renewable energy in general. Be sure to stop by and say hello!

February 14, 2020

BJCE Australia is a proud Red Ribbon sponsor of the 2020 Crookwell Show

Our team braved the wet weather last weekend at the Crookwell Show. In spite of the rain, our face painter brightened lots of faces with the proceeds donated to the Grabben Gullen Community Progress Association’s ANZAC Memorial project. We answered a lot of good questions about our projects, our renewable energy tours and Gullen Range Wind Farm’s Clean Energy Program, as well as general queries about renewable energy. We always enjoy the show and would like to say thank you to everybody who made it out in the weather and came to our stand for a chat.

February 14, 2020

Transmission Line trench crossings on Bannister and Prices Lane are now complete.

Transmission Line trench crossings on Bannister and Prices Lane are now complete.No more road closures are planned. The trenching works have now moved to the section west of Humes Creek closer to the Biala Wind Farm site. Some rehabilitation works will continue on the eastern side of Humes Creek. BJCE Australia would like to thank the local community for their patience during the transmission line road crossings. For more information, call 1800 370 045.

February 7, 2020

January Community Newsletter

January Community Update now available to read and download here.

February 6, 2020

BJCE Australia is delighted to be a Silver Sponsor of the inaugural 2020 Gunning Arts Festival

BJCE Australia’s Biala Wind Farm is proud to be a Silver sponsor of the community-led Gunning Arts Festival, which will be held on 17^th and 18^th April.  With the theme of ‘Celebrating Nature’, the multi-event Festival will feature an impressive line-up of local talent. Events will include a Gala opening on the evening of 17^th April, followed by art and craft exhibitions, music performances, play and book readings, workshops, fashion parades, competitions and much more on 18^th April. For bookings and further information, you can visit the 2020 Gunning Arts Festival website here.

February 5, 2020

BJCE Australia is excited to be part of the STEM Industry Schools Partnership Program (SISP) again in 2020

BJCE Australia is delighted to return as an Industry Partner for the STEM Industry Schools Partnership Program (SISP) in 2020. Funded by the Department of Education and coordinated locally by Regional Development Australia Southern Inland, the SISP is a program linking industry with local schools, focused on how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) skills and knowledge can solve real-world problems. 

As part of the SISP Program in 2019, BJCE Australia hosted more than 110 primary students at Gullen Range Wind Farm and assisted students from five local schools with their STEM classes.

To watch an overview of the SISP pilot program in different regions of NSW, including the Upper Lachlan Shire, please click here.

We’ll keep you updated on the upcoming 2020 SISP events!

January 31, 2020

BJCE Australia will match donations for the Grabben Gullen Rural Fire Service (RFS) at our community BBQs

We’re hosting another community BBQ on 13th February. You can find us out the front of Crookwell IGA alongside Grabben Gullen RFS from 9.30am to 2pm. The RFS will be cooking the sausage sandwiches and you can grab one for a gold coin donation. 100% of all donations goes to the RFS and we match every donation dollar for dollar. Our project team will be on hand to answer any questions about our Biala Wind Farm project, which is currently under construction. You can also ask questions about our Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm or renewable energy in general. We’ve been running these BBQ’s monthly since November and so far more than $1,700 has been raised for the RFS. Be sure to stop by and say hello!

January 20, 2020

Update on the Bannister Lane trenching works

The third cable trench crossing of Bannister Lane for the transmission line is expected to occur today at approximately midday. Traffic will not be able to pass the crossing point on Bannister Lane for between 30 minutes and 1 hour while the machinery is crossing, unless there is an emergency which requires access. Road traffic control will be in place when the road crossing is underway. Please consider travelling by alternative routes where possible during this time to avoid being delayed on Bannister Lane. There will be one final cable trench crossing of Bannister Lane in approximately one week from now. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

January 18, 2020

BJCE Australia is proud to be a Platinum sponsor of the Crookwell Senior Green Devils in 2020

BJCE Australia’s Biala Wind Farm is delighted to be a Platinum sponsor of the Crookwell Senior Green Devils Football Club in 2020. It’s a special season ahead as Crookwell Rugby League celebrates its 100 year anniversary. BJCE Australia wishes the talented players every success for the centenary year!

January 08, 2020

In 2019, Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm generated enough clean energy to power an average of 80,700 homes

In 2019, Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm produced enough clean energy to power an average of 80,700 typical homes—enough power for six cities, the size of Goulburn! This calculation was made by taking the average daily output of the wind and solar farm over the year and comparing it to the daily average consumption of electricity by a typical home.*

* Based on 17.7kWh per house sourced from Energy Made Easy using inputs of: 2580 postcode, 4 people per house, no pool, no gas, no slab heating; total dwelling count in Goulburn Mulwaree Council area was sourced from 2016 ABS census data here.

January 07, 2020

Bannister Lane Trenching Works 

Happy New Year!

We hope you had a safe and enjoyable Christmas period. Works on site have commenced again this week. The next cable trench crossing of Bannister Lane for the transmission line is expected to occur this afternoon Thursday 07 January 2020. Traffic will not be able to pass the crossing point on Bannister Lane for between 30 minutes and 1 hour while the machinery is crossing, unless there is an emergency which requires access. Road traffic control will be in place when the road crossing is underway. Please consider travelling by alternative routes where possible during this time to avoid being delayed on Bannister Lane. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

December 20, 2019

Site Works Christmas Update 

There will be no machinery operating onsite during the Christmas and New Year break. Works will recommence on Monday 6 Jan 2020. BJCE wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

December 19, 2019

December Community Newsletter

December Community Update now available to read and download here.

December 18, 2019

Control Building Delivery

The control building for Biala Wind Farm is expected to be delivered to the Gullen Range substation extension between 10am-12pm on Wednesday 18th of December.  The control building is an oversized load and will be transported via a truck with an escort vehicle. No road closures are expected, however minor traffic delays could be experienced. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

December 17, 2019

Bannister Lane Trenching Works 

It is expected the second cable trench crossing of Bannister Lane for the transmission line will occur tomorrow morning Wednesday 18th of December. The crossing point is the same as the previous crossing: approx. 3km southwest of the Leary’s Lane / Price’s Lane / Bannister Lane junction or 6.5km north of the Gurrundah Road / Bannister Lane junction. Traffic will not be able to pass this crossing point on Bannister Lane for between 30 minutes and 1 hour while the machinery is crossing. Road traffic control will be in place when the road crossing is underway. Please consider travelling by alternative routes where possible during this time to avoid being delayed on Bannister Lane. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

December 17, 2019

BJCE Australia was excited to join the Southern Inland SISP STEM Awards ceremony

BJCE Australia was delighted to celebrate the impressive student achievements at the inaugural Southern Inland STEM Industry School Partnership (SISP) Awards in Goulburn last week. Derek Powell, Deputy General Manager of BJCE Australia, joined more than 100 students, teachers, industry partners and special guests at the event, which was opened by the Honourable, Wendy Tuckerman MP. Congratulations to all the winners!

BJCE Australia is proud to have been an Industry Partner for the SISP Program in 2019. Funded by the Department of Education and coordinated locally by Regional Development Australia Southern Inland, the program aims to provide primary and high school students (years 5-8) with age appropriate Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills and pathways to STEM careers. As part of the SISP Program in 2019, BJCE Australia hosted more than 110 primary students at Gullen Range Wind Farm and assisted students from five local schools with their STEM classes.

December 16, 2019

BJCE Australia team up with Grabben Gullen Rural Fire Service (RFS) to raise funds
Last Thursday, we teamed up with Grabben Gullen RFS for a fundraising BBQ out the front of Crookwell IGA. The BBQ raised over $350 for the local RFS to support their ongoing initiatives. It also allowed members of the community to chat with our team about renewable energy and the progress on Biala Wind Farm. The next community BBQ will be held on Thursday 16th January 2020.

BJCE would like to thank all those who stopped for a sausage, chatted with us and made donations to the Grabben Gullen Rural Fire Service.

December 13, 2019

BJCE Australia announces 2020 wind and solar farm tour dates

BJCE Australia is excited to announce the 2020 Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm tours taking place between January and June. The first tour will run on Tuesday, 17th March. Tour dates between July and December 2020 will be announced in April. The tours are a great opportunity to visit Australia’s first co-located wind and solar farm and learn more about renewable energy. Click here to download the 2020 Tour brochure (January to June) or contact Crookwell Visitor Information Centre for more information.

December 11, 2019

Transformer delivery to Gullen Range Wind Farm update

The transformer for the substation extension at Gullen Range Wind Farm is expected to be delivered between 11:30am-1:30pm on Thursday the 12th of December. The transformer will be transported via Crookwell-Goulburn Road, Kialla Road, Range Road, then up Bannister & Storriers Lanes to GRWF. The transformer is an oversized load and will be transported via a truck with an escort vehicle. No road closures are expected, however minor traffic delays could be experienced. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

December 9, 2019

Range Road final seal update

The first stage of final bitumen sealing for Range Road is expected to occur from Wednesday 11th December to Friday 13th December. These sealing works will include the intersections on Range Rd at Kialla Rd and Grabben Gullen Rd, and on Bannister Hill. One lane will be sealed at a time. There will be a stop/go in place, drivers may encounter delays of several minutes. Line marking works are then scheduled to commence on Tuesday 17th December. Traffic during line marking works will be managed by an escort behind the line marking vehicle. Please drive slowly and carefully in the road upgrade sections.

December 7, 2019

November Community Newsletter

November Community Update now available to read and download here.

December 6, 2019

Update on the substation extension at Gullen Range Wind Farm

Our new power transformer for the substation extension at Gullen Range Wind Farm is schedule to arrive next Thursday afternoon on the 12th of December 2019. The transformer will be transported via Crookwell-Goulburn Road, Kialla Road, Range Road, then up Bannister & Storriers Lanes to GRWF. The transformer is an oversized load and will be transported via a truck with an escort vehicle. No road closures are expected, however minor traffic delays could be experienced. We will update you again next week on the transformer delivery. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

December 4, 2019

BJCE Australia joins the buzz of creativity at the Goulburn Schools STEM Showcase

BJCE Australia wishes to congratulate Bradfordville Public School, Wollondilly Public School and Goulburn Mulwaree High School on their impressive Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) projects, which were on display at the Goulburn Showcase last week. As part of the STEM School Industry Partnership program (SISP), students were tasked with developing products that enhance the use of renewable energy in everyday life. Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm’s Site Manager, Simon Zhao, was honoured to assist with judging the renewable projects at the STEM Showcase event. The students had clearly put a lot of effort and creativity into their products, which ranged from a solar- powered cooker and tent to a house powered by the wind and sun. Well done to all the winners! It was great to see so many students excited about STEM.

Funded by the Department of Education and coordinated by Regional Development Australia Southern Inland, the SISP is a program linking industry with local schools, focussed on how STEM skills and knowledge can solve real-world problems. BJCE Australia is proud to be a part of the Program.

December 4, 2019

BJCE Australia presents award at the Crookwell Public School Presentation Night

Last Friday, BJCE’s Simon Zhao (Site Manager at Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm) was honoured to present a school prize at the Crookwell Public School Presentation Night. BJCE Australia proudly donated $100 for the award. Congratulations to all the students and staff who have worked very hard this year and achieved so much!

November 26, 2019

Update on Bannister Lane trenching works

The trenching machinery for the Biala Wind Farm transmission line did not cross Bannister Lane this afternoon and will now cross tomorrow morning. The machinery will wait on the eastern side of the road until the school bus has completed its pick-ups on Bannister Lane before trenching across. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

November 29, 2019

BJCE Australia enjoys tasty local food at Australian Agricultural Centre Design Awards dinner.

Last Friday night was a lovely evening to have dinner outdoors, hosted by the Australian Agricultural Centre at their new premises in Roslyn near Crookwell. Smoked potatoes courtesy of Garry Kadwell and delicious roasted lamb courtesy of Ken and Jennifer Hewitt were served to a group of thirty supporters of the proposed new centre. BJCE Australia Deputy General Manager, Derek Powell, attended alongside community members, local businesses and Councillors. CEO of the project, Jo Marshall, announced the winner of the competition to develop a concept design for the complex, which is proposed as a multi-purpose facility to educate and showcase agriculture and renewable energy.

November 26, 2019

Transmission Line Works Update – Bannister Lane trenching works

We are expecting our trenching machinery for the Biala Wind Farm transmission line to cross Bannister Lane later this afternoon. The crossing point is approx 3km southwest of the Leary’s Lane / Price’s Lane / Bannister Lane junction or 6.5km north of the Gurrundah Road / Bannister Lane junction. The machinery will wait on the eastern side of the road until the school bus has completed its drop-offs on Bannister Lane before trenching across. Traffic will not be able to pass this crossing point on Bannister Lane for between 30 minutes and 1 hour while the machinery is crossing. Road traffic control will be in place when the road crossing is underway. Please consider travelling by alternative routes where possible during this time to avoid being delayed on Bannister Lane. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

November 25, 2019

Gullen Range Wind Farm – a major sponsor of the 2019 Crookwell Women’s Bowling Club District Open Fours and the 2019 Men’s Triple Classic Tournament.

Gullen Range Wind Farm recently sponsored the 2019 Women’s Open Fours and the Men’s Triple Classic Bowling Tournament. Simon Zhao, Site Manager at Gullen Range Wind Farm attended the award ceremony and presented the women’s competition winners. Congratulations to all the winners.

November 24, 2019

Transmission Line Works Update

Our trenching machinery for the Biala Wind Farm transmission line in now expected to cross Bannister Lane on Tuesday 26/11 instead of today. Traffic will not be able to pass this crossing point on Bannister Lane for between 30 minutes and 1 hour while the machinery is crossing. Road traffic control will be in place when the road crossing is underway. We will schedule to undertake this work after 9am and before 3:30pm to avoid commute and school bus times. We will monitor our progress and will send an update text closer to the time that these works across Bannister Lane will take place. Please consider travelling by alternative routes to avoid being delayed on Bannister Lane.  For more info, call 1800 370 045.

November 22, 2019

Transmission Line and Wind Farm Works Update

We have commenced trenching and cable laying works for the underground electricity transmission line to connect Biala Wind Farm to the existing substation at Gullen Range Wind Farm. It is expected that our machinery will need to cross Bannister Lane at some stage this weekend. It is most likely this will occur on Sunday 24/11 though it could happen Saturday 23/11 if the machinery is able to make quick progress. The crossing point is approx 3km southwest of the Leary’s Lane / Price’s Lane / Bannister Lane junction or 6.5km north of the Gurrundah Road / Bannister Lane junction. Traffic will not be able to pass this crossing point on Bannister Lane for between 30 minutes and 1 hour while the machinery is laying the cable underneath the road. Road traffic control will be in place when the road crossing is underway. We will monitor our progress and will send an update text closer to the time that these works across Bannister Lane will take place. Please consider travelling by alternative routes to avoid being delayed on Bannister Lane. Works are progressing well at the Biala Wind Farm Site on Grabben Gullen Road south of Grabben Gullen. Works will continue on Saturday and low impact works will be performed on Saturday afternoon this weekend. For more info, please call 1800 370 045.

November 19, 2019

BJCE Australia keeps Bannister Hall connected.

BJCE Australia recently funded the installation of a mobile phone booster for Bannister Hall. The booster ensures the community and visitors at the Hall have mobile coverage. This is also a bushfire assembly area for nearby residents so there are safety benefits too. This is the second booster we have provided the local community to enhance mobile connectivity in the area.

Leo, Isabel and Dimity enjoying the new mobile coverage at Bannister Hall.

November 18, 2019

BJCE Australia joins the Music in the Park celebrations in Crookwell.

On Saturday 16th November, Simon Zhao, Gullen Range Wind Farm Site Manager, joined members of Kiamma Creek Landcare Group for their annual celebration – Music in the Park. The event boasted notable local and interstate performances, kids activities and family fun. The Kiamma Creek Landcare group was successful in the 2019/2020 Gullen Range Wind Farm Community Enhancement Funding round. The group received a grant of $10,000 towards the heritage rock wall entrance off Laggan Road.

November 15, 2019

BJCE Australia team up with Crookwell Men’s Shed to raise much needed funds for the NSW and QLD bushfire appeal

On Thursday 14th November, we teamed up with Crookwell Men’s Shed for a fundraising BBQ out the front of Crookwell IGA. The BBQ raised over $900 for the bush fire appeal. It also allowed members of the community to chat with our team about renewable energy and the progress on Biala Wind Farm. The next community BBQ will be held on Thursday 12 December 2019.

November 13, 2019

October Community Newsletter

October Community Update now available to read and download here.

November 12, 2019

Next Community Fundraiser BBQ announced

BJCE is hosting a BBQ fundraiser in Crookwell outside the IGA on Thursday 14 November from 10am. It’s a great chance to grab a sausage and chat with a couple of our team members about renewable energy or the progress on Biala Wind Farm. We plan to host a community fundraiser BBQ each month, throughout the Biala Wind Farm construction phase, in partnership with local community groups. All proceeds raised will be donated back to the group we team up with. Community groups interested in partnering with Biala Wind Farm, please call 1800 370 045 to find out more information.

November 11, 2019

BJCE Australia joins the 2019 Relay for Life community celebrations.

BJCE Australia recently joined the 2019 Goulburn Relay For Life fundraising event, which raises money to help the fight against cancer. BJCE Australia’s Derek Powell (Deputy General Manager) and Simon Zhao (Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm’s Site Manager) attended the event to support the amazing efforts of over 500 participants. Derek also enjoyed chatting with radio host, Banksy on Goulburn’s 2GN radio show. BJCE Australia was delighted to be one of the major sponsors for the event. You can read more here.

November 1, 2019

CCC meeting date announced

The next CCC meeting will be held on Tuesday, 28 January 2020, from 6pm – 8pm at Grabben Gullen Hall.

October 28, 2019

Clean Energy Council Wind and Solar Farm Open Day – a success!

October 28, 2019

BJCE Australia impressed by the STEM Showcase of student renewable projects

Students from Crookwell High School and five local primary schools recently enjoyed showcasing their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) projects to the local community and industry. As part of the STEM School Industry Partnership program (SISP), students were tasked with developing products that enhance the use of renewable energy in everyday life. Isabel Nelson, BJCE’s Community Engagement Officer, was honoured to assist with judging the impressive renewable projects, which ranged from solar-powered boats and wheelchairs to energy efficient homes powered by wind and solar. Isabel was also proud to present the ‘Creativity Prize’, which is awarded to student projects with the most innovative designs. A range of local community leaders came along to the Showcase event including staff from Upper Lachlan Council and Mayor John Stafford, as well as some of the other SISP Industry partners: Pearson Engineering, Cullerin Wind Farm, Go Terra and Woodlawn Bioreactor. Read more here.

Funded by the Department of Education and coordinated by Regional Development Australia Southern Inland, the SISP is a program linking industry with local schools, focussed on how STEM skills and knowledge can solve real-world problems. BJCE Australia is excited to be a part of the Program.

October 21, 2019

Site Entrance Works Update

We have been upgrading the two site entrances where the wind farm tracks intersect with Grabben Gullen Road. These intersections are 6km and 8.5km south of Grabben Gullen. The final spray seal for both intersections is scheduled for tomorrow. The more southern entrance will be completed first and then we will move onto the more northern one. Grabben Gullen Road will be reduced to a single lane in the vicinity of the works. Traffic may be stopped for up to 10 minutes when we spray the sections closest to the road. A STOP-GO system will be in place for this. Reduced speed limits will remain in place following the works but are expected to be removed in approximately 1-2 weeks. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

October 15, 2019

More than 50 homes now benefit from cheaper electricity bills because of Gullen Range Wind Farm’s Clean Energy Program

Today, BJCE Australia’s Gullen Range Wind Farm announced a funding milestone, having successfully delivered more than 50 Clean Energy Program grants, totalling over $345,000, to local homes. The first of its kind in Australia, the Clean Energy Program enables residents and businesses, within 5 km of the wind farm, to apply for grants to make their homes more energy efficient. Read more here.

October 12, 2019

Range Road works are now complete subject to a final seal

Range Road works are now complete subject to a final seal. Final revegetation works will be completed on Monday. Traffic controls and lights have now been removed. Please drive safely when using the upgraded road and abide by the speed limits.

October 01, 2019

September Community Newsletter

September Community Update now available to read and download here.

September 27, 2019

Site Entrance Works Update

We have been upgrading the two site entrances where the wind farm tracks intersect with Grabben Gullen Road. These intersections are 6km and 8.5km south of Grabben Gullen. The bulk of earthworks and gravelling has now been completed. In the next two weeks fencing and gates will be installed and a final spray seal will be implemented. Grabben Gullen Road may need to be reduced to a single lane for one or two days with a STOP-GO system in place at the southern entrance. No further lane closures are expected for the northern entrance. Reduced speed limits will remain in place at both entrances until the work is complete. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

September 24, 2019

BJCE Australia is proud to be a major sponsor of the 2019 Goulburn Relay For Life.

BJCE Australia is proud to announce we will be a major sponsor for the 2019 Goulburn Relay For Life fundraising event. BJCE has joined forces with Goulburn-Mulwaree Council, Veolia, Goulburn Soldiers Club, Goulburn Workers, BBQs Galore and Mazda Goulburn to provide funding support for the event. Relay For Life brings communities together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost and raise money to help the fight against cancer. The event runs from Saturday 2nd through to Sunday 3rd November 2019 at Eastgrove Park in Goulburn NSW. For more information and to help a great cause, click here.

September 20, 2019

Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm Open Day Tour!

On Sunday, 27th October, Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm is hosting a special public tour to celebrate the 2019 Clean Energy Council Open Day! To secure your seat on the guided tour, which starts and finishes in Crookwell, please click here. 

Wind and solar energy are playing a major part in Australia’s transition towards a renewable energy future. The Clean Energy Open Day tour is a great opportunity to get up close to a wind turbine and solar array and find out more about renewable energy.

Please note that advance bookings on the tour bus are essential. You cannot self-drive to Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm for safety reasons.

September 12, 2019

BJCE Australia and Grabben Gullen Rural Fire Service host information stand and fundraising BBQ

On Tuesday 3rd of September, BJCE Australia and Grabben Gullen Rural Fire Service hosted an information stand and fundraising BBQ outside the Crookwell IGA.

The information stand provided a face-to-face opportunity for the local community to discuss renewable energy and ask questions about BJCE’s newest local development Biala Wind Farm.  BJCE Australia team members, Robbie Williamson and Elizabeth Picker handed out Biala Wind Farm newsletters and spoke with those who stopped to chat about the community activities and initiatives that BJCE are involved in. A number of people were particularly interested to hear about the public tours of BJCE’s Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm which can now be booked through the Crookwell tourism office.

September 9, 2019

Crookwell High School win award for an Outstanding School Initiative

The STEM Industry School Partnership (or SISP) Program has been recognised as an Outstanding School Initiative at state Level. Academies of STEM Excellence, Crookwell, Cessnock and Canobolas High Schools, received their awards for an outstanding school initiative at the NSW Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence on 27th August. Funded by the Department of Education and co-ordinated by Regional Development Australia offices, the SISP is a program linking industry with local schools, focussed on how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) skills and knowledge can solve real-world problems. BJCE Australia is proud to be one of the first SISP industry partners. Since the program was piloted in 2018, BJCE Australia has hosted 6 local schools at Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm and assisted the schools with several STEM classroom activities. BJCE Australia would like to congratulate the staff and students of Crookwell High School on winning this well-deserved award. To read more, please click here.

September 7, 2019

Site Entrance Works Update

We are currently upgrading two existing intersections on Grabben Gullen Road. This week we made good progress on the junction approximately 6km south of Grabben Gullen. On Monday works will be limited to within the road shoulder of the junction allowing traffic in both directions on Grabben Gullen road.

Works will also continue next week on the second junction located approximately 8.5km south of Grabben Gullen. On Monday works are expected to start on the eastern shoulder of Grabben Gullen road and traffic will be reduced to one lane with a stop/go system in place during the day when works are in progress. We will provide further updates on works at both junctions next week. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

September 4, 2019

BJCE Australia impressed by Wollondilly and Bradfordville Public Schools’ student STEM projects

Wollondilly and Bradfordville Public school students were buzzing with creativity when BJCE Australia recently dropped in to see how their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Industry School Partnership (SISP) projects were progressing. The Year 5 and 6 students are tasked with developing products that enhance the use of renewable energy in everyday life. From solar-powered tents to solar-powered cookers, the products taking shape were very impressive. Isabel Nelson (Community Engagement Officer) enjoyed chatting to the students about their projects and seeing their excellent problem-solving skills in action. We can’t wait to see the finished products in Term 4!

Funded by the Department of Education, the SISP is a program linking industry with local schools, focussed on how STEM skills and knowledge can solve real-world problems. BJCE Australia thanks Regional Development Australia Southern Inland for inviting us to be a part of their exciting program.

August 30, 2019

August Community Newsletter

August Community Update now available to read and download here.

August 28, 2019

Biala Wind Farm teams up with Grabben Gullen RFS to raise funds to support their ongoing initiatives.

BJCE has teamed up with Grabben Gullen Rural Fire Brigade to host a BBQ fundraiser on Crookwell High Street (outside the IGA) next Tuesday, the 3rd September, from 9am. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Grabben Gullen RFS to support their ongoing initiatives. It’s a great chance to grab a sausage and chat with a couple of our team members about renewable energy or the progress on Biala Wind Farm.

August 26, 2019

CCC meeting date announced

The next CCC meeting will be held on Tuesday, 22 October 2019, from 5pm – 7pm. Location TBC.

August 23, 2019

Site Works update

We are currently upgrading two existing intersections on Grabben Gullen Road. This week’s works took place on the western shoulder at the junction approximately 6km south of Grabben Gullen. On Monday works will also commence on the eastern shoulder of this junction and Grabben Gullen road will be reduced to one lane. A stop/go system will be in place during the day when works are in progress. Works will also commence next week on the second junction located approximately 8.5km south of Grabben Gullen. Initially works will take place within the western shoulder and reduced speed limit signage will be erected. When works start on the eastern shoulder Grabben Gullen road will be reduced to one lane and a stop/go system will be in place during the day when works are in progress. We will provide further updates on these works next week. For more info, call 1800 370 045.

August 16, 2019

Biala Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meeting coming up 

On Tuesday 20^th August, the Biala Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee (CCC) will meet in Gunning at 5pm. The purpose of the CCC is to provide a forum for open discussion between representatives of the wind farm, the community, Upper Lachlan Shire Council and other stakeholders on issues relating to the wind farm.  If you have questions you would like raised at the meeting, you can contact one of the community representatives. Member contact details are available here.  You are also welcome to attend as an observer, but you need to first contact the Independent Chair, Nic Carmody, on 0429 354 582. More information on the CCC is available here.

August 16th, 2019

BJCE Australia attends Crookwell High School’s positive education breakfast

BJCE Australia representative, Simon Zhao, recently attended the Crookwell High School positive education breakfast, which aimed to promote the better mental health and well-being of students. The breakfast enabled community groups and local businesses, like Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm, to understand what challenges young people in our area are facing and how they are dealing with them. For more information click here.

August 15th, 2019

Biala Wind Farm Site entrance works to commence.

We are upgrading two existing intersections on Grabben Gullen Road. Work will be required to the western and eastern road shoulders in order to widen the junction. The timeframe for these works has been revised and we will start work on the western shoulder imminently. This junction is around 6 km south of Grabben Gullen. Reduced speed limit signage will be erected today. Both lanes of Grabben Gullen Road will remain open during the initial works. When works are undertaken on the eastern shoulder of this intersection, Grabben Gullen Road will be reduced to one lane. A stop/go system will be in place when works are in progress during the day. We will provide a further update to let you know when the stop/go system will start.

August 13th, 2019

Earthworks set to start this week within the site for the construction compound and the main access road. 

Deliveries to the wind farm site commenced last week with several items of plant and equipment arriving in preparation for the start of the civil works. Earthworks will start this week within the site for the construction compound and the main access road. The road upgrades on Grabben Gullen Road for the central site entrance will likely begin in two weeks but we will confirm this closer to the time. For more information, please call 1800 370 045.

August 12th, 2019

BJCE Australia supports cultural excursion for Crookwell High School students’ Education Week

BJCE Australia was thrilled to subsidise travel costs for Crookwell High School Year 10 and 11 students to see an iconic Shakespeare play at Sydney’s renowned Opera House. The students were treated to a performance of Macbeth, a play they are currently studying – with front row seats, plus a visit to the nearby botanical gardens! The Opera House is close to our Sydney office, so Isabel Nelson, our Community Engagement Officer, had a chat to the students and sampled their excitement on the steps of the Opera House before the play began.

August 5th, 2019

Accomodation provider opportunities available

As a new community initiative, we have set up a spot on our website where locals can put forward potential accommodation for wind farm staff. Perhaps you run a B&B or have a house on your property you’d like to rent. We will pass your details on to our contractors and they will contact you directly if they are interested. To access the form click here.

August 1st, 2019

Construction Works commencement date revised

We have revised our commencement date to Monday 5^th August. Works will commence with deliveries to site and the construction of a temporary site office. From Wednesday, earthworks will begin for the access tracks inside the site and the site office compound. Roadworks on the site entrances on Grabben Gullen Road are likely to commence in mid-August. For more information, please call 1800 370 045.

July 26th, 2019

Construction Works planned to commence

As announced in our July newsletter, works are planned to commence on the wind farm mid-late next week. The first works will be to upgrade the two intersections on Grabben Gullen Road where the wind farm access tracks will join the road.  Works will also start on a temporary construction compound and an access track connecting it to the more northern intersection. We will provide further updates early next week once the start date is confirmed. For more information, please call 1800 370 045.

July 24th, 2019

July Community Newsletter

July Community Update now available to read and download here.

July 19th, 2019

Range Road upgrade update

Approx. 1.1km of road has now been sealed. Next week road upgrades will progress to the next section of the road. Sealing will then recommence in two weeks. Over the weekend, traffic lights will be removed. Drivers are required to reduce their speed to 40km/h throughout the upgrade areas. The traffic lights will be reinstated on Tuesday. For more information please call 1800 370 045.

July 16th, 2019

Range Road upgrade 35% complete

We have completed 35% of the road upgrade. Due to wet weather and poor pre-existing subgrade road material, the works are slightly behind schedule. If possible, drivers are advised to consider alternate travel routes after rain or snow as sections where there is loose exposed gravel can be quite dirty when it is wet. For more information please call 1800 370 045.

July 11th, 2019

Bradfordville Public School students energised by their visit to Gullen Range Wind Farm

To complement their renewable energy studies in the classroom, Year 5 and 6 students visited Gullen Range Wind Farm, as part of the STEM Industry School Partnership Program (SISP). Guided by Gullen Range’s experts, Leo Pearce (Asset Manager) and Simon Zhao (Site Manager), the students learned how electricity is generated by the wind turbines and passed onto the electricity grid to power homes across Australia. The tour started in the Operations and Maintenance building, where the students found out about the farm’s electronic monitoring system and met a few of the fourteen local staff. Afterwards, the students got up close to a wind turbine and watched the Gullen Range team demonstrate how changing the angle of the rotor blades can stop and start the wind turbine. Before departing, the students were shown several wind turbine components on display, such as an anemometer and wind vane, which measure wind speed and direction. The Gullen Range team were very impressed with the questions the students asked during the tour.

Funded by the Department of Education, the SISP is a program linking industry with local schools, focused on how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) skills and knowledge can solve real-world problems. BJCE Australia thanks Regional Development Australia Southern Inland for inviting us to be a part of their exciting program.

July 3rd, 2019

STEM Interactive learning with Binda, Bigga and Laggan Public Schools

Binda, Bigga and Laggan Public School students were blown away by their recent lesson on wind energy by BJCE Australia, which formed part of a Shared Learning Day between the schools and the STEM Industry School Partnership (SISP) program. Led by Gullen Range’s Community Engagement Officer, Isabel Nelson, the students were tasked with making and testing their own anemometer, which is an instrument that measures wind speed. Working in small groups, the students demonstrated great teamwork and problem-solving skills. By the end of the lesson, there were lots of anemometers whirling round!

Funded by the Department of Education, the SISP program links industry with local schools to focus the narrative on how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) skills and knowledge can solve real world problems. BJCE Australia thanks Regional Development Australia Southern Inland for inviting us to be part of the exciting SISP program.

July 1st, 2019

Bitumen sealing to commence this week

It is expected that bitumen sealing will start on the first kilometre of the Range Road upgrade this week. Drivers may encounter delays of several minutes at the traffic lights installed at each end of the works. The traffic lights have an orange flashing countdown timer which flashes at the same time as the red light. Drivers should only proceed when the light turns green. Please drive slowly and carefully in the road upgrade sections.

June 27th, 2019

June Community Newsletter

June Community Update now available to read and download here.

June 27th, 2019

BJCE Australia appoint construction contractors for Biala Wind Farm

Construction of the $200 million Biala Wind Farm, located 45-minutes from Goulburn NSW, remains on track for a July 2019 start after BJCE Australia announces it has selected the contractors for the project.

This announcement follows the Southern Regional Planning Panel approval of a development application for an underground transmission line, in January 2019. The transmission line will link the wind farm to the electricity grid at BJCE Australia’s existing Gullen Range Wind Farm substation.

Read more here.

June 17th, 2019

May Community Newsletter

May Community Update now available to read and download here.

June 14th, 2019

Range Road upgrade work is underway.

Range Road upgrade work is underway. So far work has been concentrating on the section of road closest to Grabben Gullen, with 20% completed. Removal of the two culverts across Humes Creek has commenced and it is expected this work will take two weeks to complete. Bitumen sealing of the first two kilometres of road will commence in late June.

June 6th, 2019

Hands on learning at Wollondilly and Bradfordville Public Schools

We were excited to kick off our 2019 school incursion program by dropping in on Wollondilly and Bradfordville Public Schools this week. Under the instruction of our Community Engagement Officer, Isabel Nelson, students made their very own anemometer, a wind speed measuring device. The students’ many technical questions on how our wind farms work were answered by Simon Zhao, the expert Site Manager of our Gullen Range Wind Farm. Everybody, including our staff, had a great time.

BJCE Australia thanks Regional Development Australia Southern Inland for inviting us to be a part of their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Industry School Partnership (SISP) program, funded by the Department of Education. SISP is a program linking industry with local schools, focussed on how STEM skills and knowledge can solve real-world problems. We are proud to be involved.

Read more here.

May 30th, 2019

CCC meeting date announced

The next CCC meeting will be held on Tuesday, 20 August 2019, from 5pm – 7pm at the Gunning Council Chambers.

May 27th, 2019

April Community Newsletter

April Community Update now available to read and download here.

May 24th, 2019

Our Neighbour Program

Biala Wind Farm has announced a benefit sharing program with neighbours located in close proximity to the project. The Neighbour Program incorporates recommendations made by the Office of the National Wind Farm Commissioner regarding community enhancement and sharing the financial benefit of a wind farm beyond those whose land the turbines are constructed on.

The voluntary Neighbour Program allows eligible landholders to share in the financial benefits through an annual payment, for the life of the project. To be eligible, neighbours must be located within 3km of a Biala Wind Farm turbine. As part of their participation in the program, neighbours are requested to acknowledge that during construction of the project, there will be some minor impacts. Although all neighbours within 3km are eligible for the voluntary program, neighbours can elect not to be part of it. Landholders who will have turbines constructed on their property are not eligible. The Neighbour Program is split into three payment bands depending on the distance between the neighbour’s residence (or landholding if these is no residence) and the nearest wind turbine. Annual payments range from $1,500 to $5,000.

The Program will sit alongside the Biala Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund, which will provide approximately $90,000 per annum for community projects during wind farm operations. For the first three years of operation, community projects within a 5km radius of Biala Wind Farm will be the main funding priority for the Community Enhancement Fund.

All eligible landholders have been contacted and we are in the process of meeting with those who are interested. For more information about our Neighbour Program, please contact us

May 21st, 2019

May CCC meeting date announced.

The next CCC meeting will be held on Tuesday 28th of May 2019 at 5pm at the Gunning Shire Council Chambers. For more information, please click here.

May 21st, 2019

Range Road upgrade work has commenced.

The work is expected to take about three months. The upgrade works covers the section of Range Road between the intersections with Kialla Road and Grabben Gullen Road.

Traffic lights will be in place and one lane will remain open to help minimise disruptions. Drivers may encounter delays of several minutes at the lights and will be required to reduce speed in the sections between the lights.

Occasionally drivers may experience slightly longer delays when both sides of the road need to be closed. Attempts will be made to schedule these longer delays outside of peak travel periods.

At all other times, traffic lights will be in place and one lane will remain open. If you would like more information please call 1800 370 045 or email [email protected].

May 18th, 2019

BJCE Australia supports Grabben Gullen Hall

BJCE Australia is excited to fund the installation of a reverse cycle air-conditioning unit at the Grabben Gullen Community Hall. The hall is of great value to the community. We hope to host some of our project meetings there. The air-conditioning unit will both cool the hall in summer and warm it in winter.

May 14th, 2019

BJCE Australia is an Industry Partner for the 2019 STEM Industry Schools Partnership Program (SISP).

On Wednesday 8th May, the second year of the STEM Industry School Partnership Program (SISP) was launched. Crookwell High School hosted five primary schools from the Upper Lachlan area to participate in ‘Hook Day’. The day was designed to introduce students from Crookwell High School and their feeder schools to the SISP Program and engage them in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Isabel Nelson, Community Engagement Officer at Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm attended ‘Hook Day’ on behalf of BJCE Australia.

Read more here.

May 6th, 2019

Range Road upgrade work to commence this week.

Range Road upgrade work will commence this week. The work is expected to take about three months. The upgrade works covers the section of Range Road between the intersections with Kialla Road and Grabben Gullen Road.

The upgrade to Range Road will be completed in sections of 500 to 1,000 metres. Traffic lights will be in place and one lane will remain open to help minimise disruptions. Drivers may encounter a delay of up to three minutes and will be required to reduce speed in these sections.

Occasionally drivers may experience longer delays of up to five minutes when both sides of the road need to be closed. Attempts will be made to schedule these occurrences outside of peak travel periods. At all other times, traffic lights will be in place and one lane will remain open.

If you would like more information please call 1800 370045 or email [email protected].

May 2nd, 2019

Students from the University of Wollongong (UOW) enjoy a visit to Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm

BJCE Australia recently enjoyed hosting students from the University of Wollongong Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Branch Chapter and the Power and Energy Society at Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm.

April 18th, 2019

March Community Newsletter

March Community Update now available to read and download here.

March 25th, 2019

BJCE Australia is proud to be part of the STEM Industry Schools Partnership Program (SISP) again in 2019

BJCE Australia is excited to be back as an Industry Partner for the STEM Industry Schools Partnership Program (SISP) in 2019. Funded by the Department of Education and coordinated locally by Regional Development Australia Southern Inland, the program aims to provide primary and high school students (years 5-8) with age appropriate Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills and pathways to STEM careers. Research suggests that an estimated 75% of future jobs will require STEM skills, so we are proud to be involved!

As part of the pilot SISP Program in 2018, BJCE Australia hosted five local schools at Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm and assisted students with their STEM projects during school visits.  To watch an overview of the SISP program in different regions of NSW, including the Upper Lachlan Shire, please click here.

We’ll keep you updated on the upcoming 2019 SISP events!

March 12th, 2019

February Community Newsletter

February Community Update now available to read and download here.

March 6th, 2019

Crookwell Show Society – a long term agreement

BJCE Australia has announced a long-term agreement with the Crookwell Show Society. The agreement allows BJCE Australia to access sections of showground land to safely deliver over-sized components, during construction and for the life of Biala Wind Farm. This agreement provides long-term financial support for the Society which allows the community to continue to benefit from the grounds.

February 25th, 2019

CCC meeting date announced

The next CCC meeting will be held on Tuesday, 28 May 2019, from 5pm – 7pm at the Gunning Council Chambers.

February 14th, 2019

BJCE Australia supports 141st Crookwell Show

BJCE Australia attended the annual Crookwell Show with an information stand and a face painter last weekend. The stand provided a face-to-face opportunity for the local community to discuss renewable energy and ask questions about the local wind farm projects. Local children enjoyed having their faces painted by Rainbow Faces with proceeds being donated back to the Grabben Gullen community.

February 12th, 2019

January community newsletter

January Community Update now available to read and download here.

February 5th, 2019

Next CCC meeting date announced

The next CCC meeting will be held in May 2019, date is TBC. For more information click here.

February 4th, 2019

Biala Wind Farm Underground Transmission Line approved

The Development Approval (DA) for the Biala Wind Farm Transmission Line connection has now been issued by Upper Lachlan Shire Council. The Southern Regional Planning Panel held a public meeting on 17th January and determined to approve the DA subject to conditions. You can view the DA and the conditions of consent here and find out more information about the Southern Regional Planning Panel on the Planning Panel’s website here.

The proposed 12km transmission line will transmit the electricity generated from Biala Wind Farm across to our existing substation at Gullen Range Wind Farm, where it will be placed on to the electricity grid. In order to minimise environmental impacts, the existing substation at Gullen Range Wind Farm will be used and the transmission line will be placed underground. A minor extension to the existing Gullen Range substation will be constructed.

We appreciate the efforts of the Council, Southern Regional Planning Panel and all the people who attended the public meeting. Our team is currently updating our timeline for the construction of the wind farm. We will provide you with more information as it becomes available. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact us here.

February 1st, 2019

Met mast installation to commence this week.

As noted in our previous monthly newsletters, we will be installing four met masts at Biala Wind Farm in order to assist with performance testing of the turbines. Installation will begin this week and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

January 14, 2019

BJCE Australia helping to inspire the next STEM generation.

BJCE Australia is investing in renewable energy as well as in the future of young Australians, through its educational initiatives and interactive tours for local school and university students.

Well-known for being Australia’s first co-located project, Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm (GRWSF), is also becoming recognised as a hub for ideas and creativity. During 2018, BJCE Australia hosted 5 local schools including Crookwell, Laggan, Binda and Bigga Public Schools and Crookwell High School. Read more here.

January 11, 2019

Reminder: Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) meeting next Thursday, 17th January 2019

As noted in our news update on 13th December 2018, the second public meeting for the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) to determine the Transmission Line Development Approval will take place at 1.30pm on 17th January 2019 at the Goulburn Mulwaree Council Chambers in Goulburn.

NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s peer review of the Council’s supplementary assessment report to the JRPP is now available on the JRPP’s website. You can visit the Planning Panel’s website to view the peer review and further information on the proposed development by clicking here.

If approved, the proposed underground line will transmit the electricity generated by Biala Wind Farm across to our existing substation at Gullen Range Wind Farm, where it will be placed onto the electricity grid. We will continue to keep you updated.

December 20, 2018

GRWF shares in success of local project.

BJCE Australia was invited to attend the opening of the new toilet block and storage facility at Clifton Park in Crookwell on Monday 17th of December. The new facility was opened by the Hon. Angus Taylor, MP, Minister for Energy and Member for Hume.

Clifton Park is a fantastic new sports park for the community and BJCE Australia is very proud to have been able to fund this new facility. The Lions Club of Crookwell applied for a grant for this project through the Gullen Range Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund. Since the wind farm commenced operation in 2014, more than $280,000 has been committed to funding local community projects.

While financial support such as ours can enable local towns to thrive, projects like these cannot happen without the hard work of community members, other valuable stakeholders and local suppliers. We would like to thank everyone involved including Upper Lachlan Shire Council as well as other financial contributors such as Veolia – Australia’s first waste to energy facility operator and the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program. Thank you for letting us share in the success of this local project.

December 13, 2018

Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) meeting date announced.

The second public meeting for the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) to determine the Transmission Line Development Approval has now been announced on the Planning Panels website. The hearing will take place at 1:30pm on the 17^th January 2019 at the Goulburn Mulwaree Council Chambers in Goulburn.

The first public meeting took place on 14th March 2018, the decision was deferred and the JRPP requested more information from BJCE Australia. Since then we have submitted additional information which was reviewed by Upper Lachlan Shire Council who then submitted a supplementary assessment report to the JRPP. Following this, the JRPP requested the NSW Department of Planning and Environment arrange a peer review to further clarify some points.

You can visit the Planning Panel’s website for more information by clicking here.

If approved, the proposed underground line will transmit the electricity generated by Biala Wind Farm across to our existing substation Gullen Range Wind Farm, where it will be placed onto the electricity grid. We will continue to keep you updated.

December 13, 2018

BJCE Australia spend the morning with Hon. Angus Taylor, MP, Minister for Energy and Member for Hume.

BJCE Australia’s General Manager, Weiwei Shi, and Deputy General Manager, Derek Powell, were privileged to meet with the Hon. Angus Taylor, MP, Minister for Energy and Member for Hume, in Canberra last week. Discussion focused on Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm and the proposed Biala Wind Farm project, both located in the Hume electorate.

BJCE Australia would like to thank Mr Taylor for his time and for sharing his views on local issues and the energy market with Weiwei and Derek.

December 10, 2018

TV Signal Survey Update

The Biala Wind Farm Conditions of Consent require us to correct any disruptions to television broadcasting services in the area which are impacted by the development. This month, an independent specialist consultant will undertake a digital TV signal survey of the greater Grabben Gullen area to determine the existing condition of the signal and the direction the signal comes from.

December 6, 2018

November Community Newsletter

November Community Update now available to read and download here.

December 6, 2018

BJCE Australia presents award at the Crookwell Public School Presentation Night

On Friday 30th November, Simon Zhao presented an award at the Crookwell Public School Presentation Night. Gullen Range Wind Farm also donated $100.00 for the award. Well done to all of the students who attended.

November 28, 2018

Email service is now restored.

Please be advised our email service is now restored. You may contact us via [email protected].

November 22, 2018

Next CCC meeting date announced

The next CCC meeting will be held on Tuesday 29th January, 5pm till 7pm. More details here.

November 12, 2018

Met Mast modification approved. 

NSW Department of Planning & Environment have approved our minor modification to Development Application to allow four meteorological masts to be erected instead of the three previously planned. The masts are used to verify the turbines are producing the power they are supposed to. We don’t plan to erect the masts until we know the outcome of our development application for the transmission line.

November 09, 2018

Key management plans approved for Biala Wind Farm

Four key Management Plans have been approved by the Department of Planning and Environment for Biala Wind Farm. BJCE Australia is committed to delivering the project under the requirements set out in each plan. The four plans include: Environmental Management Strategy, Traffic Management Plan (Stage 1) Biodiversity Management Plan and Heritage Management Plan.

The four plans are:

• Environmental Management Strategy – required under condition S4.1 of the wind farm development approval. This plan provides a framework for environmental management of the development and describes the roles and responsibilities of key personnel involved. It includes description of the monitoring and reporting obligations and outlines a plan for how these will be carried out in relation to the development.
• Traffic Management Plan – Condition S2.15 of the wind farm development approval allows us to submit plans in stages. Condition S3.28 requires a Traffic Management Plan to be in place. This Traffic Management Plan will be submitted in two stages. The first stage covers all of the traffic associated with construction of the civil and electrical works for the wind farm. The second stage relates to the delivery of the wind turbine components. We have received approval for the first stage of the Traffic Management Plan. The second stage is due to be submitted soon.
• Biodiversity Management Plan – required under condition S3.20 of the wind farm development approval. This plan has been prepared in consultation with the Office of Heritage and Environment and outlines measures that will be implemented to manage the impact to vegetation communities and key fauna habitat within the project site. It also includes a detailed program for monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of these measures.
• Heritage Management Plan – required under condition S3.23  of the wind farm development approval. This plan has been prepared in consultation with Aboriginal stakeholder groups and  the Office of Heritage and Environment. It presents key information from archaeological and heritage surveys which were performed on the project site, and outlines measures that will be implemented to minimise and manage the impacts on areas of significance. The programme for monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of these measures throughout the development is also outlined within this plan.

The plans can be downloaded here and the wind farm development approval here. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have on these plans. Use the details on the Contact Us page of our website to reach us.

November 1, 2018

CCC meeting date announced 

The next CCC meeting will be held on Tuesday, 13 November 2018, from 12noon – 2pm at the Gunning Council Chambers.

October 30, 2018

October Community Newsletter

October Community Update now available to read and download here.

October 24, 2018

National Wind Farm Open Day

BJCE Australia is proud to have participated in the Clean Energy Council National Wind Farm Open Day on Sunday 21st of October.

October 15, 2018

September Community Newsletter

September Community newsletter is now available to read and download here.

September 28, 2018

Minor Wind Farm DA Modification

As discussed at the last CCC meeting, we need to install 4 met masts in order to collect wind data and assess the performance of the wind farm. These masts need to be erected for a number of months before the turbines are erected. We can only erect these masts after we have an approved DA for the Transmission Line. Our wind farm EIS only discussed 3 met masts for the development. Given we need 4 masts for performance testing, we have submitted a minor modification to DP&E for a fourth met mast. The modification has not been determined yet however we would expect it to be determined in the next 2 weeks.

The details of our submission can be found on the planning website.

September 10, 2018

Crookwell Green Devils secure 2018 George Tooke Shield in grand final victory.

The Crookwell Green Devils defeated North Canberra Bears 22 – 16 to become the Premiers of the 2018 George Tooke Shield. Congratulations boys! BJCE Australia has been a proud sponsor of the Crookwell Devils for the last three years with Gullen Range Wind Farm and Biala Wind Farm.

September 7, 2018

Biala Community Consultation Meeting No.8 is deferred.

The Biala Community Consultation Meeting No.8 has been deferred. The original meeting was to be held on Tuesday 11th of September but will now be postponed until a new date is set.

September 6, 2018

Biala Wind Farm attends Grabben Gullen Community Progress Association meeting.

Biala Wind Farm attended the monthly community meeting last night to discuss local topics and gather feedback about our project.

September 2, 2018

Biala Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee Meeting

Biala Wind Farm CCC Meeting will be held on Tuesday 11th of September at 12pm – 2pm at the Gunning Council Chambers.

September 2, 2018

Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm will open it’s gate on Sunday 21st of October 2018 for National Wind Farm Open Day

This FREE tour at Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with Australia’s clean energy future.

The tour has sold out – you can register on our waitlist via link.

August 30, 2018

August Community Newsletter

August Community Update now available to read and download here.

August 14, 2018

Biala Wind Farm teams up with Crookwell Neighbourbood Centre Inc to raise funds for the community

On Saturday 28th of July, Biala Wind Farm and Crookwell Neighbourhood Centre hosted an information stand and fundraising BBQ outside the Crookwell IGA. This initiative followed the project information stand held at the Crookwell Devil’s home game.

Download release here

August 1, 2018

BJCE Australia recognised for excellence in the Clean Energy Council Annual Awards

BJCE Australia was acknowledged as one of only three finalists for the 2018 Business Community Engagement Award for their co-located Gullen Range Wind Farm Clean Energy Program.

Download release here

July 31, 2018

Clean Energy Council’s launches their Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Development

BJCE Australia is delighted to be a founding signatory of the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Developments. The charter is a voluntary set of commitments that reflects our commitment to advance and develop projects in a socially responsible way. It demonstrates our commitment to engaging respectfully with the communities in which we plan and operate projects, being sensitive to environmental and cultural values, and making a positive contribution to the regions in which we operate.

Download Best Practice Charter here

July 27, 2018

July Community Newsletter

July Community Update now available to read and download here.

July 17, 2018

Biala Wind Farm roars for Crookwell Devils rugby league teams on Sunday!

Biala Wind Farm showed their full support for the Crookwell Devils against the Harden Hawks on Sunday 15th July 2018 with an information stand at their home game. Learn more here.

July 12, 2018

BJCE Australia announced as a finalist in the 2018 Clean Energy Council Awards.

Gullen Range Wind Farm has been announced as a finalist for our Clean Energy Program (CLEP) in the Business Community Engagement Award category. The Clean Energy Council Awards recognise excellence in the clean energy sector.

July 3, 2018

Biala Wind Farm Voluntary Planning Agreement now on public display

As set out in the Development Approval, Biala Wind Farm will establish a Community Enhancement Fund providing approximately $90,000 per annum for community projects, which would begin when the wind farm commences operation. The fund will be CPI adjusted.

The Biala Wind Farm Approval requires Upper Lachlan Shire Council to manage the funds through a Section 355 Committee. A Voluntary Planning Agreement or VPA sets out the way in which Upper Lachlan Shire Council will manage the funds. The VPA is a legal agreement between Biala Wind Farm and Upper Lachlan Shire Council.

We have negotiated the terms of the VPA with Upper Lachlan Shire Council and the Council has placed it on public display for 28 days. Members of the public can submit comments on the VPA to the Council during this period, which will end on Wednesday 25th July 2018.

To download the PDF submission online, please visit this link.

To view the submission online, please visit this link.

June 26, 2018

June Community Update

June Community Update now available to read and download here.

May 21, 2018

Biala Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee Meeting

The next Biala Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 22nd May 2018 at 12pm in Gunning.

Further enquires regarding the CCC meeting can be directed to Chairperson, Nic Carmody on 0429 354 582.

May 17, 2018

The Development Approval for the wind farm does not include the infrastructure required to connect the wind farm to the electricity network. For this reason, a new development application was submitted to Upper Lachlan Shire Council in November 2017 for an underground 33kV electricity connection to the existing Gullen Range Wind Farm substation in Bannister. An extension to the Gullen Range Wind Farm substation is part of the application. The Statement of Environmental Effects submitted with this application can be found here. The Statement of Environmental Effects sets out what we are planning to do and assesses any impacts to the environment.

The transmission line development application was referred to the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) by Upper Lachlan Shire Council. The JRPP reviewed the application on 14 March 2018 and requested more information from Biala Wind Farm. Biala Wind Farm submitted this additional information to Upper Lachlan Shire Council and it was exhibited by council from 17th April 2018 to 15th May 2018. A copy can be downloaded here

Upper Lachlan Shire Council is now preparing a final report to be submitted to the JRPP. Once JRPP has received this report, they will arrange a date to sit to further consider the transmission line development application.

May 9, 2018

Crookwell Devils secure much-needed funds from Biala Wind Farm

Crookwell Devils senior and ladies rugby league team has secured $5,000 in funding from Biala Wind Farm allowing both teams to run out this season in brand new jerseys.

Media release – Crookwell Devils secure much-needed funds from Biala Wind Farm

May 3, 2018

You can download our latest community update below:

May 2018 – Community Update

April 27, 2018

New Project Update Available

The main reason for this update is we wanted you to know the additional information we have provided to the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) is now on public exhibition.
Download update here.

April 26, 2018

Local Road Upgrades Begin

Work is underway to replace seven culverts on Kiala Road, between Range Road and Crookwell. Traffic controls will be in place until expected completion in the middle of May. These upgrades are part of the development approval requirements for Biala Wind Farm. It’ll be great for all to have less dips on Kialla road.

April 17, 2018

Transmission Connection DA on Exhibition

April 17, 2018

On 11th April we made our supplementary submission to Upper Lachlan Shire Council for the transmission line development. This submission is intended to address the Joint Regional Planning Panel’s request for further information, as detailed in the deferral notice issued by the panel. The Council will now assess our submission and produce a supplementary report which will be submitted to the panel. Following this, the panel will review the Council’s supplementary report and then schedule a new hearing date to determine the Transmission Line DA. Our supplementary submission can be found on our ‘Project Approvals and Documents’ page.

March 16, 2018

The Joint Regional Planning Panel met on 14th March to consider our application for an underground transmission line connecting Biala Wind Farm to Gullen Range Wind Farm substation. The panel requested we provide more information on the exact route of the transmission line and deferred their decision until this information is provided. We are now assembling that information. Upper Lachlan Shire Council will put the additional information on public exhibition after we have provided it to them. We’ll provide further updates here as they become available.

February 28, 2018

We welcomed the NSW Minister for Energy and Utilities, Hon. Don Harwin, on a guided tour of our co-located Gullen Range wind and solar farm today. To find out more, please click on the media release below:

Media release – Energy Minister admires co-located solar and wind farm during Gullen Range visit

Face Painting

Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy (BCJE) raises much-needed funds for Grabben Gullen community

February 01, 2018

We officially launched Australia’s first co-located wind and solar farm today, Gullen Range Wind Farm and Gullen Solar Farm. Weiwei Shi, General Manager of BJCE Australia said, “This is a historic moment for clean energy in Australia. Gullen Solar Farm is an important demonstration project -right at the forefront of renewable energy integration technology. It proves the advantages of co-locating energy infrastructure, which effectively minimises costs and environmental impacts. Together with our 73-turbine wind farm, the combined facility can power more than 70,000 average homes”.  To find out more, please click on the media release below:

Media release – Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy (BJCE) launch Australia’s First Co-located Wind and Solar Farm 

December 19, 2017

According to the Australian Energy Market Commision (AEMC), electricity prices are forecast to fall over the next two years as more renewable generation, such as wind and solar, comes online. Find out more about the AEMC’s report by clicking here.

November 30, 2017

You can download our latest community update below:

November 2017 – Community Update

November 03, 2017

Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy (Australia) Holding Pty Ltd (BJCE Australia) has successfully completed its acquisition of the proposed 31 turbine Biala Wind Farm.

Media release: Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy expands portfolio with purchase of Biala Wind Farm