CWFA scheme development

CWFA has been developed with a steering committee comprised of Clean Energy Council Board members and industry stakeholders representing the legal, planning, construction and operations aspects of wind farms. Wide consultation has been undertaken with planning authorities, communities, developers and operators of wind farms, and key contractors.

Critical milestones in the development of the CWFA scheme are outlined below.

2005

  • A presentation was held at the Auswind Wind Energy Conference in Sydney, October 2005 to raise initial awareness and seek feedback on the concept of the scheme. Feedback from users indicated preference for a scheme that was flexible and responsive to industry needs.

2006

  • Auswind Best Practice Guidelines were technically revised for content, and requirements identified as mandatory or non mandatory in consultation with developers and stakeholders. This facilitated development of the CWFA specification and resources
  • Auswind advised relevant Regulatory Authorities of intention to develop Scheme
  • PB engaged as a consultant to manage development of the CWFA scheme
  • Steering committee established comprising industry stakeholders
  • Preparation of 'Scheme toolkit' commenced - a suite of ISO14001 compliant procedures and resources geared towards the wind industry.
  • Presentation at the Global Wind Energy conference in Adelaide, September, 2006 to further raise awareness and outline initial development steps.
  • Final draft of the CWFA toolkit circulated to steering committee

2007

  • Scheme specification, resources and tools finalised
  • Panel of certification bodies established
  • Appointment of the CWFA Administrator
  • Scheme officially launched on 11 July 2007
  • RABQSA Wind Energy training module developed
  • July 2007 - amalgamation between Auswind and the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) agreed.

The Steering Committee comprised representatives from a range of industry stakeholders. The role of the Steering Committee was to review all scheme documentation prior to finalization. Representatives included:

  • Jenniy Grgeory (Former Clean Energy Council)
  • Dominique La Fontaine (Former Clean Energy Council)
  • Donna Bolton (AGL)
  • Doreen Marchesan (Wind Prospect)
  • Andrew Richards (Pacific Hydro)
  • David Rogers (PB Environmental)

A separate steering committee has been established for the development of the wind energy auditor training module. This comprises:

  • Rob Jackson (Clean Energy Council)
  • David Rogers (PB Environmental)
  • Terry Teoh (Pacific Hydro)
  • David Pollington (Roaring 40s)

Role of the CWFA administrator

To ensure smooth implementation of the the CWFA scheme, Auswind has appointed to act in the role of CWFA Administrator. The CWFA Administrator is the primary contact for all enquiries relating to the CWFA scheme. The role of the CWFA Administrator also encompasses the following key tasks:

  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Ongoing review of certification requirements
  • Ongoing review and development of CWFA resources, policies and procedures
  • Review and processing of applications
  • Review of complaints and appeals
  • Liaison with certification bodies and CWFA partners
  • Issue of certificates
  • Maintenance and development of the CWFA website
  • Coordination of annual review and feedback from participants and certification bodies.
  • Management of the Wind Energy auditor training module
  • Integration of the landscape project requirements to CWFA

Certified organisations

Participating members