Aviation Project’s Airspace Safeguarding Specialist, Brad O’Connor, recently embarked on a trip from Melbourne, Victoria to central New South Wales to conduct site inspections related to prospective projects in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and beyond.
The Central-West Orana REZ is currently thriving, with both constructed and proposed renewable energy projects including solar, pumped-hydro, battery storage systems, and wind generation.
Brad's first stop in the REZ was Stuart Town, a small town on the Central Western Slopes of NSW, poised to benefit from the increased economic growth resulting from renewable investment in the area.
Traveling south to Euchareena at the southern border of the REZ, Brad inspected an uncertified aerodrome on the outskirts of the township. Should any nearby projects be proposed in the region, such aerodromes would be considered for potential impacts on aviation operations. Aviation Projects is prepared to assist local and aerodrome operators alike to assess potential impact on aerodromes and the greater aviation community.
The next site inspection took Brad to Cobar. Cobar has been a mining town since the 1870s; recently turning toward a greener future with investments in renewable energy generation. The landscape in Cobar lends itself well to solar and wind generation technologies. A stop to see what activity was being conducted at Cobar aerodrome revealed a pristinely sealed runway with a small club house and hanger nearby. Aerodromes such as these provide integral connections to vital health and economic resources for outback townships like Cobar.
Finally, Brad travelled to a potential renewable project site outside Mudgee, before heading back toward Dubbo. Much of the established land use to the east of Dubbo has been used for grazing sheep and cattle, with a spattering of crop fields in the mix. The abrupt presence of ridge lines appears well suited to wind generation in the area.
To Brad, this collection of site visits and interaction with local aviation operations was a clear validation of why we do what we do. At Aviation Projects, we provide trusted advice about airport planning, development and operations and aerodrome safeguarding. Contact us today.
Tags: Renewable Energy, Wind Farm, Aviation Safeguarding, Aviation Projects
