The safety of workers and the integrity of renewable energy projects across the state has been called into question last week, after a nationwide audit was launched following the discovery of asbestos in wind turbine components.

The finding points to a lapse in compliance with Australian import laws, and has raised concerns the future of planned energy project development in the Hay and Balranald region.

The contamination was traced to brake pads used in wind turbine lifts, supplied by a third-party manufacturer, 3S Industry, to Goldwind Australia. Turbines containing the asbestos, identified as white asbestos, have been deployed across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia. While the components are internal to the turbine’s mechanism and not exposed to the public, any involvement of local businesses or workers in construction, maintenance, or logistics at these sites means safety must be the priority. Access to affected turbines has been strictly restricted to sampling activities, with personnel required to use appropriate personal protective equipment as advised by occupational hygienists. Goldwind operates or has supplied turbines at 475 of the more than 2,000 turbines in Australia, though the exact number of units containing asbestos remains unknown.

Goldwind said that independent occupational hygienists have assessed the occupational health risk to be "very low" and that the issue was identified through proactive testing.

Despite this assurance, the discovery has triggered immediate regulatory action. WorkSafe Victoria and other state and federal authorities are now working on a coordinated response plan to assess risks and determine safe removal procedures. Goldwind is also proposing construction of 45 wind turbines at Baldon Wind Farm.

The proposed Baldon Wind Farm is located 13 kilometres north of Moulamein, 55 kilometres east of Balranald, and 75 kilometres southwest of Hay.

Stage one of the project is fully located within the Murray River Council area. In the Hay region, two wind farms have been approved for further development.

The Pottinger Energy Park, owned by Someva in partnership with AGL, proposes up to 115 wind turbines. Bullawah Wind Farm, owned by BayWa r.e will construct up to 143 wind turbines.

Both developments are planned for construction south off Hay. “BayWa r.e. takes worker and community health seriously,” Bullawah’s community engagement manager Marteena Mackenzie told The Riverine Grazier.

“We are aware of the issue in another operator’s Tasmanian wind farm, and that it is being addressed. “The renewables industry is now actively and transparently sharing lessons learnt to prevent future issues. “Asbestos is banned in Australia, and no BayWa r.e project will use components containing asbestos, including the Bullawah Wind Farm.”

Someva was also contacted for comment. The importation of asbestos or goods containing asbestos into Australia has been strictly prohibited since 2003. The situation follows a recent incident where asbestos-contaminated coloured sand, imported from China, led to the closure of several schools and childcare centres elsewhere in the country. Goldwind says a program of checks and planned replacement works is underway, with all relevant authorities notified. The revelation coincides with the Australian Government’s urgent efforts to pass reforms to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act through the Senate before Parliament adjourns.