April 10, 2013
Australia

Range Rd rigs at it again

Just days after the trailer of a supply truck bound for the Gullen Range Wind Farm rolled over on Kialla Rd, another incident involving a vehicle associated with the development has taken place.

At 6.45am, on Wednesday, April 3, a car collided with a heavy vehicle on Range Rd.

The motorist was on his way to Goulburn when he allegedly pulled over to the left hand side of the road to avoid an oncoming truck.

As he did, he heard a loud bang as he clipped side of the rig and noticed his vehicle’s mirror had been folded back as it passed up the right-hand side.

Police say the driver continued on his journey but when he got to Goulburn he inspected the car for further damage. He discovered scuff marks on the bumper.

After seeing this, he approached the Gullen Range Wind Farm site office and told the manager what had happened.

The pair then travelled to Crookwell Police Station together to report the incident.

At this point, the identity of the truck driver is not known, however, police say they will continue to investigate. Highway Patrol will also continue to monitor the situation.

Last month, Member for Burrinjuck Katrina Hodgkinson wrote to the company asking that all drivers servicing the site adhere to the road rules.

She also sent copies to Roads Minister Duncan Gay, Police Local Area Commander Gary Worboys and Police Minister Michael Gallacher.

It’s understood the company is in discussions with Upper Lachlan Shire and Goulburn Mulwaree to signpost the haulage route with lower speed limit signs for windfarm construction traffic.

The Post contacted Goldwind for comment, however, no response was provided before the time of print.

Over the past few months, the Post has received a barrage of complaints about both the condition of Range Rd, particularly its narrowness due to broken edges, and the manner in which some truck drivers negotiate it.

There have been repeated calls for the proponent, Goldwind, to fulfil its duties under the state government’s consent conditions.

When the company gained approval for the 73 turbine development, it agreed to not only perform upgrades on the road both before and after the construction phase was complete but also to monitor and maintain it throughout the process to ensure continued safety.

In March, Upper Lachlan Shire mayor John Shaw voiced his concerns about the state of the road, saying its rate of deterioration was becoming dangerous.