Local group raises concerns after asbestos-containing parts found in wind turbines

25th Nov 2025

ReD4NE (Responsible Energy Development for New England) Chair Susan Newey says the organisation is deeply concerned by emerging reports that wind turbines operating in Australia may contain asbestos-affected components.
The issue has sparked alarm among communities in the New England region, where several large-scale wind projects are already operating and many more are proposed.
The concerns follow national news reports that white asbestos has been detected in lift brake pads inside wind turbine generators (WTGs) at the Cattle Hill Wind Project in Tasmania, prompting urgent calls for safety reviews across the country’s wind industry.
According to those reports, the asbestos was found in lift components supplied by 3S Industry—described by the ABC as one of only a few brake pad suppliers to the Australian wind sector. This raises the possibility that a significant proportion of turbines nationwide may be affected.
A spokesperson for Goldwind Australia, which operates the Cattle Hill project, confirmed that staff access to any turbines containing 3S lifts has now been restricted “across the entire Goldwind Australia fleet.”
Ms Newey said the situation warrants immediate clarification from wind farm operators in the New England region.
“Given the limited number of suppliers for these brake pads, it is reasonable to question whether local projects are impacted,” she said.
ReD4NE has formally requested comment from companies running wind farms in the area. Ms Newey also noted that public statements issued to date fail to address potential risks to host landholders, neighbouring properties, livestock, or soil—particularly if asbestos-affected components were present during construction.
ReD4NE is urging landholders and residents living near existing or proposed wind projects to ask operators directly whether their turbines use components sourced from 3S Industry.
The organisation is also encouraging anyone with concerns about asbestos exposure or safety standards to lodge an enquiry with SafeWork NSW.
The SafeWork NSW customer enquiry form is available at:
https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/list-of-all-forms/html-forms/customer-service-centre-enquiry-form
“Submitting a report is quick,” Ms Newey said, “and SafeWork NSW must investigate all enquiries.”

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Local group raises concerns after asbestos-containing parts found in wind turbines

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