Updated at 2:50 PM, Friday 19 December 2025
The following is attributable to William Churchill, Clean Energy Council Chief Policy and Impact Officer:
"The Clean Energy Council is continuing to work with wind industry manufacturers, regulators and our members on the discovery of asbestos within brake pad components of internal service equipment of some wind turbines supplied by third-party manufacturers.
"Members are continuing to carry out thorough due diligence across multiple sites and states to identify any potential impact, with each organisation managing assessments according to their own processes. As a result of this work, all manufacturers now have clarity on the scale of impacts across their own affected sites and are responding accordingly to put safety first and rectify the issue.
"Some members are reporting slight delays in test results coming back due to Australian laboratories also testing recalled coloured educational sand products.
"Regulators are satisfied that industry has responded to this issue swiftly and safely, conducting environmental testing on-site as soon as this issue became known.
"Where traces of asbestos have been identified in the brake and clutch pad components of some internal service equipment, affected components have been isolated, and exclusion zones established where necessary, until testing is complete.
"Air quality testing has been conducted by independent hygienists across impacted sites and, to date, has confirmed no detection of airborne asbestos, beyond the detectable threshold, in any affected turbines and therefore zero risk of community exposure. The risk to maintenance workers has also been assessed as being either ‘very low’ or presenting ‘no quantifiable risk’ or exposure to personnel working in the wind turbines."
Remediation
"Our members are working closely with all State-based authorities to remediate impacted sites safely and in the correct manner as set out in their asbestos management plans.
"The replacement of the brake pad components impacting some wind turbines is underway, guided by qualified occupational hygienists and experts. Work is progressing to remediate and replace the affected brake pads in a way that puts the safety of workers and community first.
"The Clean Energy Council is engaging regularly with members to track the progress of this work and can confirm manufacturers are going beyond State-based testing requirements for added-peace of mind.
"Each manufacturer is at a different stage in the remediation process. This is detailed work being carried out in alignment with regulators according to rules which differ across States. Therefore, timelines for the completion of this work will vary between manufacturers and between States. We expect work to continue into 2026.
"Comprehensive testing and supplier certification programs are in place to ensure replacement brake pads entering Australia are free from contamination, maintaining industry’s zero-tolerance policy on asbestos and our commitment to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.
"Manufacturers of these parts generally have global operations and service a range of industries that involve working at heights.
"The industry and relevant Government authorities are in the process of reviewing how asbestos-containing materials were able to enter Australia and make their way into project supply chains.
"The Clean Energy Council and our members take safety extremely seriously. We have zero tolerance towards any asbestos being on any project anywhere in Australia and will continue to work with regulators and governments to resolve the issue.
"We will continue to support members, share information across the industry, and work with authorities to ensure this issue is fully resolved and safeguards are strengthened where required.
"We will provide further updates as investigations and remediation works continue."
Fact check - Quarantined turbines docked at Geelong Port
- Recent media reports referring to wind turbine lift brakes containing asbestos docking at the Port of Geelong recently, as reported in the ABC on 12 Dec 2025, insinuates the manufacturer did so willingly and knowingly. This is not the case.
- These orders were placed prior to instances of asbestos in brake pads becoming known to industry. The ship was already in transit once this information came to light and the products were immediately quarantined upon docking at the Port of Geelong.
- The brake pads are sealed inside the lift within the tower section and are not exposed. They do not pose a risk to people and will be safely removed and replaced by trained professionals.
- The wind turbine manufacturer has confirmed that all new shipments of the affected brake pads to Australia have been re-ordered. The supplier has taken full responsibility and will replace them with alternative, non-impacted brake pad products. All future brake pad orders will be certified, with a testing regime implemented to ensure compliance and safety.
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Danielle Tricarico
Clean Energy Council General Manager - Media
Liam Straughan
Clean Energy Council Media Officer
+61 409 470 683
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