Ausgrid is seeking community feedback from community members of the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), set to become the country’s first REZ to upgrade existing distribution poles and wires.
The New South Wales Government appointed Ausgrid as the preferred network operator for the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the network infrastructure.
Upgrades to the existing distribution poles and wires aim to minimise impact on surrounding communities and the environment, with the proposed upgrades to facilitate more than 1GW of energy into the grid.
Ausgrid is holding drop-in sessions in Singleton, Muswellbrook and online to discuss the project and hear feedback from community members, with more opportunities for engagement to come.
Ausgrid has also begun early works for the project in the Upper Hunter to finalise its design for regulatory and environmental planning approvals.
Construction will create an estimated 175 jobs, including roles for engineers, electricians and labourers.
The New South Wales Government said that by fast-tracking the connection of new renewable energy projects, the Hunter-Central Coast REZ will play a critical role in ensuring a reliable supply of power to homes and businesses and putting downward pressure on bills.
It is also expected to help New South Wales meet its 2030 renewable energy and net zero targets.
The State Government said it is delivering on its energy plan, including supporting enough renewable projects to get the state more than halfway toward its 2030 generation target and a quarter of the way there on its long-duration storage target.
New South Wales Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, said the Hunter-Central Coast REZ is powering ahead.
“This will be the first REZ to replace lower-capacity power lines with higher capacity ones – we’re essentially putting fatter lines on the poles – which will reduce the impact on the community and the environment.
“The start of community consultation is another milestone in the transformation of the state’s energy system. It’s great to be in the region to see how this project will deliver critical energy for New South Wales households and businesses.”
Ausgrid Group Executive Transmission Development and Growth, Kelly Wood, said Ausgrid is committed to working with landholders and EnergyCo to finalise details of the design, with the aim of minimising impacts and maximising benefits for the local communities.
“We are proud to see our people bringing this project to life, supporting the communities they and their families live in.”
For community consultation dates and information, visit https://yoursay.ausgrid.com.au/hccrez
