On Monday morning the blade passed Armidale as it made its journey up the New England Highway.

The $400 million, 175-megawatt White Rock Wind Farm will be Australia’s largest and initially, have 70, 2.5-megawatt turbines, but planning approval has been granted for 119 turbines. 

Goldwind Australia, owners of the White Rock Wind Farm anticipate that for each turbine to be built, 10 oversize loads and two normal loads will be required. 

As more than 800 loads of turbine components will be required to construct the first stage of the wind farm, the transportation of loads will be ongoing into 2017. 

Goldwind Australia Managing Director John Titchen said he was excited to see the arrival of Australia’s largest wind turbine blade in Glen Innes.

“The blade will find a home at New South Wales’ largest wind farm, the blade is 59.5 metres long and when installed it will be a part of a 121-metre diameter rotor,” he said.

“The turnout for this event from the local community was fantastic and we really appreciate the community support for this project.”

Glen Innes residents witnessed first-hand the size and scale of a blade at a special ‘Turbine Blade Viewing Event’​  at the Glen Innes Showgrounds yesterday afternoon.

Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy Adam Marshall said yesterday was a red letter day for the Northern Tablelands and NSW.

“People today have been given a taste of what is to come in this region and the scale of the infrastructure that is going to be built right on their doorstep,” Mr Marshall said.

White Rock is one of three wind farms being developed along the Gwydir Highway between Glen Innes and Inverell.