Overview

Since 2020, Transgrid has been working with the NSW Government to plan new transmission infrastructure for Australia’s first coordinated Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the State’s Central-West Orana region.

Investment in new infrastructure will allow renewable energy providers from the region to connect to the grid and enable more affordable, reliable and clean energy for New South Wales customers.

In January 2022, the NSW Government, acting through Energy Corporation NSW (EnergyCo NSW) took responsibility for the development of the new transmission infrastructure for the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission. This includes community and stakeholder consultation, property negotiations and environmental planning approvals.

Transgrid continues to support the NSW Government's delivery of the Central-West Orana REZ, including through upgrades to our existing network. 

Wollar substation upgrade

Transgrid is currently working with EnergyCo to determine whether Wollar substation will be upgraded as part of the Central-West Orana REZ.

Wollar diagram

Mt Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Network Project

Transgrid is planning upgrades to our existing network in the State’s Central Tablelands to support the Central-West Orana REZ. More information on this project can be found here.

Landowner and community engagement

Community engagement is vital to the success of the Wollar substation upgrade project and the local community is being consulted at each stage of the project.  

In December 2020 and February 2021, information about the project was mailed to landowners adjacent to Wollar substation.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently being prepared and community consultation will continue through 2022.

People will have opportunities to get involved and have their say including:

  • COVID-safe meetings with landowners and community groups
  • Check this page for project updates and information.
  • Call the project hotline 1800 313 212 (free call) or send an email to cwo@transgrid.com.au.

Office of the Landowner and Community Advocate

The Office of the Landowner and Community Advocate has been established within Transgrid to help us implement the best possible landowner and community engagement practices across all of our major transmission projects, including the Transmission project.

The office is led by the former Commissioner for NSW Fair Trading, Rod Stowe, who as Landowner and Community Advocate has agreed to advise us on project engagement practices and processes.

Mr Stowe’s advice will ensure we uphold best practice engagement and treat everyone fairly and with respect.

Approval

An Environmental Scoping Report has been prepared for the Wollar substation works and was lodged with the Department of Planning in September 2021. We have since received the Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the substation upgrade, which set out the requirements that must be addressed in the EIS. Read more on the Planning Portal.

The planning process is outlined in the diagram below:

Central West Orana REZ planning process

In November 2021, the Wollar substation upgrade was determined to be a 'controlled action' under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. This means that the upgrade will require Commonwealth and NSW planning approval.

Resources

Fact sheets and guides

Document

Community Engagement Feedback Report

PDF 1.17 MB

Contact us

If you have questions regarding the development of new transmission lines and substations please visit www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/renewable-energy-zones/centralwest-orana-renewable-energy-zone or contact EnergyCo NSW’s Central-West Orana REZ team on 0482 061 006 or email info@cworez.net.au.