Transgrid has released the Preferred Route Report on the proposed Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade Project for public consultation, encouraging members of the community to provide feedback.
Transgrid said the new transmission line is critical to delivering cleaner, cheaper and more reliable electricity from New South Wales’s first Renewable Energy Zone in the state’s central west.
Transgrid Executive General Manager of Delivery, Craig Stallan, said, “Transgrid is delivering the critical transmission infrastructure identified by the Federal and New South Wales governments to realise their clean energy vision.
“The Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade Project will strengthen and reinforce the grid in the state’s Central Tablelands, supporting the delivery of 3,000MW of new generation from the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone to consumers.
“Following extensive community and stakeholder consultation, we have identified a preferred route with the lowest possible impact on landowners and the environment, utilising an existing transmission line corridor.
“Transgrid encourages residents, landowners, community organisations, First Nations people, local councils and other key stakeholders to have their say as we continue to plan this critical transmission infrastructure to support our clean energy future,” Mr Stallan said.
The project will see a new 8km, 330kV transmission line built between existing substations at Mount Piper and Wallerawang utilising an existing transmission line corridor part of which borders land between Centennial Coal and the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
Transgrid followed a rigorous route selection process that analysed technical, environmental, social and economic factors. This critical project will be subject to an environmental impact assessment. It will also support local businesses and jobs during construction.
“We recognise the vital role that landowners and the community play in the planning and delivery of this project and encourage everyone to share their views and local knowledge to help us shape the best possible solution,” Mr Stallan said.
Community information events will be held in Wallerawang and Lithgow in March for local residents to ask questions of the project team and provide their feedback.
Feature image: Mount Piper to Wallerawang existing easement.
