Communities invited to co-create legacy benefits of HumeLink

With main construction works beginning mid-year, the nation-critical HumeLink project will create up to 1,600 jobs and drive $6.3 billion of direct and indirect investment into the regional economy.

To further build on these benefits, Transgrid and its delivery partners have developed a Community Investment and Benefits Program for communities within the HumeLink infrastructure corridor, which will connect Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle.

Transgrid General Manager of Community, First Nations and Social Legacy Michael Johnson said: “We’re working with local communities to make HumeLink more than a new energy project - we want it to deliver lasting, positive benefits for the people and places across the region.

“We have consulted with local communities to create a Community Investment and Benefits Program and identify initiatives that make a positive, lasting difference to the lives of local residents.

“Transgrid would like to thank everyone who helped identify the areas of focus for the program, namely community connection, care for country, local education and skills development, local industry development and social legacy initiatives.

“We’re now asking community groups and individuals to lodge an online Expression of Interest so we can begin a conversation about eligibility, feasibility and potential to create social legacy. Sizeable project investments are available for initiatives that fit within the identified themes of the Community Investment and Benefits Program.

“We’ll work closely with the community to identify and prioritise projects that provide the greatest positive impacts and enduring benefits. Eligible projects will be shortlisted, and the community will be invited to have their say, to prioritise them in line with the community’s focus areas.”

HumeLink is a once-in-a-generation investment in Australia’s energy security, essential to the delivery of Australia’s energy transition, net zero targets and providing millions of consumers with access to more affordable and sustainable energy.

The project will provide social and economic benefits to regional communities, including jobs, support for local businesses, education and training opportunities, and community grants and partnerships.

It consists of 365km of 500kV transmission lines and new or upgraded infrastructure at four substations to enable connection of renewable energy to support the state. Construction is being delivered in two sections: HumeLink East and HumeLink West. 

Communities along the HumeLink alignment include Bannaby, Goulburn, Crookwell, Yass, Tumut, Adelong, Batlow, Tumbarumba, Tarcutta and Wagga Wagga.

More information about the Community Investment and Benefits Program and how to lodge an Expression of Interest is available now.

Media enquiries: James Atkinson – 0475 965 030