REF publication

Section 171(4) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 requires the publication of a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for certain activities that meet prescribed criteria, including where the estimated development cost (EDC) exceeds specified thresholds.

On 8 August 2025, the Planning Secretary issued an exemption for activities with an EDC of less than $20 million carried out by or on behalf of an authorised network operator (ANO) for the purposes of an electricity transmission or distribution network.

Following determination of a REF where the proposed activity has an EDC of ≥$20 million, the REF, Submissions Report (if applicable) and Decision Statement will be published on the NSW Planning Portal or Transgrid’s website before the activity commences, or as soon as practicable but no later than one month after the activity commences.

These REFs are available via links below.