Calls for Safety Audit After Wind Turbine Collapse in Western Victoria

Introduction
A wind turbine at the Berrybank Wind Farm in western Victoria collapsed during a night of heavy thunderstorms, prompting calls for a statewide safety audit of wind farms. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, with strong winds gusting up to 70kph recorded in the area. While no injuries were reported, authorities, including WorkSafe and Energy Safe Victoria, have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse.

Details of the Incident
Photos from the scene show the blades of the wind turbine detached and crashed into the paddock below. Naturgy, the Spanish company operating Berrybank Wind Farm, temporarily shut down all operations at the site as it works to ensure the safety of its personnel. An exclusion zone was established around the collapsed turbine, and Global Power Generation Australia halted all generation activities pending further investigation.

The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that wind gusts reached up to 60kph at Berrybank on Monday night, with even stronger winds recorded the previous evening. Despite this, questions remain about the structural integrity of the turbines and whether additional safeguards are needed to prevent future incidents.

Community Concerns and Political Response
Local farmers and residents expressed growing concern about the safety of wind farms in the region. Adam Walton, a local farmer, criticized the durability of the turbines, stating, “I thought they were called wind turbines, not gentle breeze turbines.” He warned that more collapses could occur unless action is taken.

Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan echoed these sentiments, highlighting a string of recent incidents involving wind farms in Victoria. In less than 12 months, there have been reports of uncontrolled fires, a fatal accident at Golden Plains Wind Farm, and now the Berrybank collapse. Mr. Riordan called for an immediate audit of all wind farms across the state, emphasizing the need for accountability and better safeguards.

“This isn’t about stopping wind farms,” he said. “It’s about ensuring the government listens to communities and prioritizes safety over rushed project approvals.”

Previous Incidents and Broader Implications
The collapse follows the tragic death of a worker at Golden Plains Wind Farm in November last year. Investigations revealed numerous safety complaints had been raised prior to the incident, raising concerns about oversight and compliance within the industry. Additionally, parts of another wind turbine at Golden Plains fell to the ground after stormy weather earlier this month, underscoring the urgency of addressing structural vulnerabilities.

As renewable energy projects expand across Victoria, balancing rapid development with robust safety standards remains a critical challenge. Community trust hinges on transparent communication and proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with wind farm operations.

Facility Details
Berrybank Wind Farm is located west of Geelong and operated by Naturgy, a global energy company based in Spain. The facility contributes significantly to Victoria’s renewable energy goals but has faced scrutiny following this latest incident. Nearby Golden Plains Wind Farm, also in western Victoria, has similarly drawn attention due to recent safety issues and community backlash.