The Central Western area of NSW is experiencing steady load growth. We have been investigating and holding talks with stakeholders since 2001 to develop a proposal to improve reliability of supply to the area, by constructing a 330kV transmission line to the existing Wellington Substation, from a new substation at Wollar, north east of Mudgee.
We identified the Wollar to Wellington transmission line as the best way to meet customer's supply reliability expectations in the central western area of NSW.
The route for the proposed transmission line was selected in late 2003 after consulting with the local community. The final alignment for the transmission line has been negotiated with the individual property owners affected.
On 19 December 2006 the Minister for Planning gave environmental approval for the transmission line subject to certain conditions. One of those conditions was that TransGrid complete its investigations and assessment on whether there were any possible non-network alternatives. This was done to see whether we could postpone or replace the transmission line proposal.
Following a call for alternative proposals and a detailed assessment we concluded that the transmission line investment was the best solution both technically and economically.
The Minister's approval also required that we implement a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
A draft EMP was included in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which went on public exhibition in August and September 2005. An updated version, responding to issues raised in submissions, was given to the Department of Planning with our formal application in March 2006 and again in October 2006.
The EMP gives specific measures for 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 required that we appoint an independent Environmental Management Representative to prepare a range of Compliance and Audit Reports.
TransGrid has secured a large area of land (130 hectares) with endangered ecological grassy woodland communities which has been dedicated to the National Parks estate as Compensatory Habitat.
Construction work began in February 2008.
The customers who will benefit from reinforcing the electricity supply include residential and business customers at Wellington, Dubbo, Parkes and Nyngan.
Project Updates
| Final Report |
August 2003 |
 PDF |