Property owners have until this Friday, 12 December, to provide feedback on EnergyCo’s revised transmission corridor for the New England Renewable Energy Zone.
EnergyCo says local input will help refine the route, with further consultation planned when the Environmental Impact Statement is exhibited in the second half of next year.
Field studies are already underway, including road surveys between Muswellbrook and Armidale, and a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment using photographs taken from public vantage points.
However, the proposed changes have sparked strong opposition in the Upper Hunter. “It’s a shocking decision to me that we wouldn’t run this on state-owned land and ridgeline country where we don’t have farms,” said Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell.
“Instead, they’ve decided to run it straight through our community and through our farming land at the bottom of the valley.”
Upper Hunter Mayor Morris Collison echoed those concerns, warning the impact could extend beyond the region. “It’s going to have a real impact, not just locally, but also across the state as well with the farming output going to be reduced,” Collison said.
Critics argue EnergyCo has ignored lessons from previous projects where transmission lines were moved to minimise community impact. “No one wants transmission lines, but people can understand if you work with them,” said Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell.
“This project team have no interest in that… they’ve blocked out people like me. It’s like trying to have a discussion with your eyes closed.”
Visit energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne for latest updates and fact sheets, alternatively, call 1800 061 114 (toll free) or send feedback by email to: nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au.
