SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY TO REAP MAX GAINS FROM NEW MAX CRANE
A giant heavy-lifting crane launched in Port Augusta today is expected to boost jobs and help maximise the environmental gains to be made from investment in South Australia’s renewable energy industry.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, who attended today’s event, said the Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government’s assistance in the purchase of a 1,200 tonne Liebherr Telescopic Mobile Crane for Max Cranes Pty Ltd, will help to meet the rising demand in the state for large cranes.
“As the number of commercial windfarms in South Australia has spread, so too has their height and weight,” Mr Ramsey said.
“Consequently there has been an increase in demand for cranes which can accommodate increasingly large wind turbines.
“Previously the largest crane in Max’s fleet was 500 tonnes – this new $13.45 million crane, at a significantly larger 1,200 tonnes, is the strongest telescopic crane on the market with the world’s longest telescopic boom, measuring 100 metres in length.
“That extra reach will accommodate the tallest of the windfarms.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government’s $4.75 million investment will help do the heavy lifting and support the creation of long-term job opportunities in Port Augusta.
“Significant investments such as this produce a range of flow-on effects, in this case creating 18 high-skilled long-term jobs in maintenance, engineering, crane operations and commercial management, which is a huge coup for the region,” Mr McCormack said.
“This purchase will support the growth of the renewables sector in South Australia by expanding the industry’s capacity to construct and maintain wind towers, helping to create more ‘green’ industrial jobs while expanding Australia’s renewable energy capacity.”
This project was jointly funded with the Liberal and Nationals’ Government investing $4,750,000 and Crane Max Pty Ltd $8,704,843.
