EnergyCo is moving part of the corridor for new transmission lines that will connect the REZ to the existing grid at Muswellbrook.
A new study area has been identified between Bayswater Power Station in Muswellbrook and the central south energy hub (substation) near Walcha. The study area covers a broad area up to 3km wide, allowing EnergyCo to find the best possible route for the lines.
The study area is intentionally wide to enable further investigation and consultation with landowners and communities over the coming months, with a narrower 1km-wide corridor expected to be confirmed in early 2026. The final easements would be narrowed to 140 metres wide (generally 70 metres for each line).
The new route provides improved access, allowing for safer construction, reduced clearing of vegetation, and better construction outcomes for local roads. The initial corridor crossed steep terrain which was difficult to access in parts.
The change will result in less private land being impacted by construction access tracks. It will require less earthwork and excavation to construct the transmission tower foundations and access tracks, which means fewer trucks on local roads.
The move will also ensure the transmission lines do not affect aerial firefighting operations around Chaffey Dam and Lake Glenbawn. This follows extensive consultation between EnergyCo, local community groups and people, NSW Rural Fire Services and aviation stakeholders to develop aerial exclusion zones around the dams.
EnergyCo is already on the ground talking to around 100 landowners in the new study area so the transmission lines can be planned with the least impact on existing land uses and business operations.
EnergyCo also wants to hear from communities about important considerations in this new study area. Communities are invited to provide input on this initial study area until Friday 28 November as we work to identify where the transmission lines will be located.
Quote attributable to EnergyCo chief executive Hannah McCaughey:
“The New England REZ is a critical part of our plan to keep the lights on and build a reliable energy system for NSW.
“We’re focused on delivering this project the right way – with strong community input and careful planning. We are committed to acting on new information we’ve learned through consultation and detailed technical and environmental studies.
“After careful consideration following further design work, we’ve identified a better route for part of the transmission line corridor that has fewer impacts and sets the project up for long-term success.”
Quote attributable to New England REZ Project Director, Doug Parris:
“The new study corridor is better for bushfire management and we’ve prioritised avoiding Chaffey Dam and Lake Glenbawn which are important for water-bombing aircraft. It is more accessible for firefighting and crosses fewer areas of high bushfire prone land.
“Building in a more accessible area will make it easier to build and will require less earthworks and excavation to construct the transmission tower foundations and less private land will be impacted by access tracks to get to the towers. That means fewer trucks on local roads and reduced noise impacts on surrounding communities.
“Route refinements are a necessary part of delivering large, complex infrastructure in a way that balances community, technical, environmental and economic factors.
“We understand communities will have questions and local knowledge to share with us, and we look forward to speaking to people on the ground and hearing feedback over the coming months.”
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