The NSW Nationals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to order an immediate audit of all operational and planned wind turbines after asbestos was found at multiple sites across Australia.
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said this commonsense approach is about protecting our regional communities and workers who operate and maintain these assets.
“No worker should ever be asked to unknowingly risk their health on the job,” Mr Singh said.
“Access, operation, maintenance, and servicing of all wind turbines should be suspended until they have been inspected for, and cleared, of containing asbestos.”
Safework NSW last week revealed it was investigating operators after asbestos was found in turbines, while Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has suspended work on all wind turbine lifts and hoists until they are inspected.
Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, James Griffin, said you can’t build new energy infrastructure without community confidence, and right now that confidence is collapsing under NSW Labor.
“Instead of ignoring community concerns and pushing ahead blindly, the Minns government should be lifting standards, improving oversight, and earning the social licence needed to keep the lights on,” Mr Griffin said.
“Whether it’s a lack of certainty around decommissioning, or poor community-impact management, this government is failing when it comes to energy policy in NSW.”
