A Cobar Shire councilor says she wants to see more information on the end-of-life cycle for WestWind's proposed Cobar Wind Farm.

Lillian Simpson told the Western Plains App she is open to the project, which would include 30 wind turbines covering around 7800 hectares up around 25 kilometers north west of the Cobar township.

However, she is concerned over the wind blades' recyclability.

"I'm a little bit of a sceptic underneath, but I don't have a closed mind. It's a new industry in Cobar, which is going to be good," Cr Simpson said.

"It's just that I worry for the day when they do wear out. From what I see, they can't be recycled, they've got to be buried."

Wind turbines generally last around 20-30 years, although it can vary depending on the quality of maintenance.

Most wind blades are largely made with fiberglass, which is non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle, meaning they tend to end up in landfill.

However the disposal challenge is far into the future.

A screenshot of the project map for the Cobar Wind Farm. SOURCE: Australian Government

WestWind anticipates the project will be up and running by 2030 and operate for around 25-40 years.

Cr Simpson said she hasn't been approached by locals about the wind farm, which is currently carrying out an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). 

WestWind Senior Project Developer, Tom Walker, said he expects the statement to be completed by mid-2025.

"It will involve the assessment of several areas of study in the environmental and planning space such as aviation, cultural heritage, biodiversity, noise, visuals, traffic and community," Mr Walker said.

"We’ve met with local residents, the neighbouring mining companies and Council and the conversations we’ve had to date have been broadly supportive."

WestWind expects the project to power an average 130 000 NSW homes annually.

The company has also committed to paying $2500 per year, per turbine constructed, into a local community benefit fund.

WestWind Senior Project Developer, Tom Walker. PHOTO: suplied 

In their July project update, WestWind said it conducted an on-site visit with landholders, representatives from the Cobar Local Aboriginal Land Council and Cultural Heritage Advisors from Austral Archaeology.

Cobar mayor Jarrod Marsden said he has received "mixed" community feedback about the project.

"Wind farms are good as far as renewable energy goes, but there's some stuff that comes with them. Obviously there's some negative stigma," Cr Marsden said.

"Through the construction phase they're going to bring people to the town, so there's good and bad I guess."

WestWind held a community consultation session on 13 September 2023 at the Cobar Bowling and Golf Club, as well as a meeting with top Council staff the same day, including the shire's General Manager Peter Vlatko. 

Mr Walker said West Wind will hold more local consultations in 2024.

"We will be hosting a stand at the upcoming Cobar Public School Spooky Spring Fair on 13 September," Mr Walker said.

"We’re also planning to have a stand at the Festival of the Miner’s Ghost on 27 October. We attended this event last year.

"Another way the community can stay updated on the project – including future opportunities for engagement – is by subscribing to our Cobar Wind Farm updates via the webpage.

"As the project progresses, we’ll continue to offer more opportunities for locals to ask questions and provide input."