Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell has urged the government to take the time to get the planning and community consultation associated with the Hunter Transmission Project right, rather than fast-tracking its construction.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
EnergyCo on Monday released a preliminary route map for the 115km-route project to connect Bayswater and Eraring power stations.
The project is a vital link in the state's clean energy transition and will transfer renewable energy from the New England and Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zones to the Hunter, Sydney and the Illawarra.
An infrastructure project of this scale would normally take the best part of a decade to go from consultation to construction, however, the government insists the transmission line be operational by early 2028.
EnergyCo is working with 80 landholders along the proposed route, which incorporates a combination of mining and industrial land, state forest and private property.
Landowners who host transmission infrastructure will receive increased payments under the state's Strategic Benefit Payments scheme.
Elsewhere in NSW, landholders have complained fait accomplis regarding renewable energy infrastructure placement.
Mr Layzell said it was essential that the consultation process be allowed to run its course without putting pressure on landholders.
"Infrastructure projects can sometimes require the benefits of us all to be borne by just a few. We need to understand their issues, mitigate impact where possible and compensate where necessary," he said.
"I fiercely reject any proposals by the federal or state government that wish to fast track transmission and renewable energy projects.
"We have a robust planning system but these projects should not be given any preferential treatment or short cuts within the system."
Between Bayswater and Broke, the corridor runs mostly through land owned by power stations and mining companies.
It then heads into the Pokolbin, Corrabare and Olney state forests (which are primarily used for growing commercial and native timber), before following the existing 500kV transmission line to Eraring.
Hunter Community Environment Centre coordinator Johanna Lynch said the group was carefully studying the preliminary route map.
"If it has impacts on Pokolbin that are hard to bear we will be proposing some other offsets to ensure there are significant gains for the Hunter," she said.
"We empathise with the people who will be disturbed. We hope that EnergyCo comes to the table in good faith to achieve a good outcome for the Hunter."
The proposed route will remain on public exhibition until Monday, 18th December 2023.
For details about the project and consultation, visit energyco.nsw.gov.au/htp
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
