Wollar to Wellington 330 kV Transmission Line

Reinforcing the Electricity Network in Western New South Wales

Reinforcing the Electricity Network in Western New South Wales
The Central Western Area of New South Wales continues to experience steady load growth. As part of a process of consultations and investigations that have been underway since 2001, TransGrid has developed a proposal to improve reliability of supply to the area, by constructing a 330 kV transmission line to the existing Wellington substation, from a new substation at Wollar, north east of Mudgee.

TransGrid has identified the Wollar to Wellington transmission line as the most efficient way of meeting customer's supply reliability expectations in the Central Western Area of NSW.

The route for the proposed transmission line was selected in late 2003 following an extensive community consultation program. The final alignment for the transmission line has been negotiated with the individual property owners affected.

On the 19 December 2006 the Minister for Planning granted environmental approval for the transmission line subject to certain conditions. One of those conditions was that TransGrid complete its investigations and assessment of the viability of non-network alternatives with the potential to defer or replace the transmission line proposal.

Following a call for alternative proposals and a thorough assessment TransGrid has concluded that the transmission line investment was the best solution on technical and economic grounds.

Also included in the Minister's approval is a requirement that TransGrid implement a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

The EMP was included in draft form in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which went on public exhibition in August/September 2005. An updated version responding to issues raised in submissions was provided to the Department of Planning with TransGrid's formal application in March 2006 and again in October 2006.

The EMP specifies measures to be undertaken in both the construction and operational phases of the project across all environmental and community issues.

It includes management strategies covering Soil and Water, Noise and Vibration, Flora and Fauna, Weeds, Visual Impact, Heritage, Waste, Traffic and Transportation, Dust and Community Consultation.

The approval conditions included the requirement that TransGrid appoint an independent Environmental Management Representative and to prepare a range of Compliance and Audit Reports.

TransGrid has secured a significant area of land (130 hectares) with endangered ecological grassy woodland communities as compensatory habitat and dedicate it to the National Parks estate as Compensatory Habitat.

Following the planned further contact, negotiation and agreement with affected property owners TransGrid has secured the route for this important transmission line, completed the competitive tendering and procurement processes and awarded a Contract for its construction. Transgrid has also appointed the Environmental Management Representative with the approval of the Director General.

Construction work commenced in February 2008 and the transmission line will take approximately 18 months to construct. Works began from the area near the township of Gulgong, and are proceeding towards Wollar. Following the completion of this stage, work will resume at Gulgong proceeding towards and finishing at Wellington.

This approach was taken to avoid expected inclement weather, maximising protection of the environment from erosion and run-off.

Construction for this Project is running to schedule.

The customers who will benefit from this significant reinforcement of electricity supply to Central Western NSW include residential and business customers at Wellington, Dubbo, Parkes and Nyngan.

For more information on this project, please call 1800 222 537