New England REZ environmental impact statement on exhibition

The environmental impact statement for the New England Renewable Energy Zone network infrastructure project is now on public exhibition, with New England and Upper Hunter communities encouraged to have their say.

The project includes new transmission lines and energy hubs that will connect renewable energy generated in the zone to Bayswater Power Station near Muswellbrook. EnergyCo says it is critical to maintaining a secure and reliable electricity supply for NSW as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.

The EIS has been placed on display by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure until Thursday 12 November. It examines the potential impacts of the proposed infrastructure and outlines measures to avoid, minimise and manage them. Submissions can be made through the NSW Planning Portal.

EnergyCo says it previously refined the corridor in response to community feedback to reduce the number of directly affected landowners, reduce the number of dwellings within 500 metres of the corridor, and avoid environmentally sensitive areas at Timor Caves and near Barry.

Project Director Doug Parris said the project was a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will support jobs, boost local economies and leave a long-term legacy.

An online webinar, Understanding the EIS, will be held on Tuesday 20 October from 4pm to 5pm, explaining how to find relevant information and make a submission. Further webinars will cover how the REZ will be built and biodiversity.

EnergyCo will also hold information sessions where residents can view the EIS and speak to the project team:

Walcha : Tuesday 27 October, 12-3pm, Walcha Vet Supplies

Kentucky : Wednesday 28 October, 3-6pm, Kentucky Memorial Hall

Gundy : Monday 2 November, 3-6pm, Gundy Soldiers’ Memorial Hall

Rouchel : Wednesday 4 November, 3-6pm, Rouchel School of Arts Hall

Scone : Thursday 5 November, 3-6pm, Scone Motor Inn Conference Centre

Muswellbrook : Friday 6 November, 11am-2pm, Muswellbrook Library Seminar Room

Walcha : Monday 9 November, 4-6pm, Walcha Central School Hall

Uralla : Tuesday 10 November, 3-6pm, Uralla Courthouse

Armidale : Wednesday 11 November, 3-6pm, Armidale Town Hall

Tamworth : Thursday 12 November, 12-2pm, Tamworth Community Event Centre