Hunter Transmission Project Update: Refined path to ease community impact
EnergyCo has refined plans for the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) based on extensive community feedback and technical studies, reducing the number of private properties directly affected by the project and prioritising ongoing consultation with local stakeholders.
The Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) will involve constructing a new 500-kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission line stretching approximately 100 kilometres between Bayswater and Olney, near Eraring.
The HTP includes the construction of a double-circuit transmission line and two switching stations. This infrastructure aims to enhance electricity capacity and reliability in New South Wales by facilitating the transfer of renewable energy from the state’s renewable energy zones to consumers, thus helping to meet NSW’s increasing electricity demands. The project is considered urgent by both state and federal governments and is expected to be operational by 2028.
A 'Hunter First Approach'
In addition to providing clean and reliable electricity, the HTP will support economic growth in the Hunter to leave a positive legacy. EnergyCo plans to harness and build on the region’s diverse economic skill base, ensuring the Hunter community shares in the project’s benefits. This approach includes:
- Collaborating with councils and the community to fund local projects
- Providing benefit payments to private landowners hosting transmission infrastructure, in addition to compensation for easements
- Increasing income and employment opportunities for local Aboriginal communities in line with the First Nations Guidelines
- Employing as many locals as possible
- Prioritising the purchase of goods and services from Hunter businesses
- Creating education and training opportunities for the local community
- Delivering offsets to improve biodiversity values in the region
- Enhancing recreational facilities in state forests
Environmental and Technical Studies Progressing
The HTP’s environmental impact statement (EIS) will include findings from ongoing biodiversity, Aboriginal cultural heritage, and social impact studies. Additional assessments on visual impacts, roads, and traffic are also underway. Spring 2024 and summer 2024/2025 biodiversity surveys will provide essential data for evaluating the project’s impact on local plants and animals.
Originally planned for late 2024, the EIS is now scheduled for submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in mid-2025, with the revised timeline allowing more time to consider ongoing community feedback in several locations.
Once lodged, the EIS will be available on the NSW Planning Portal for public exhibition and formal community submissions. This will mark the beginning of the formal assessment process by both state and federal governments.
EnergyCo anticipates further refining the transmission line alignment through community and technical consultations. Land acquisition processes for easements will continue concurrently, with a focus on reaching agreements that address landowner concerns.
