BY CAMERON TARAGEL
The state's energy transition has reached a critical milestone with the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) officially being approved.
The project enables construction of a new 110-kilometre, 500 kilovolt transmission line which will improve energy security and and strengthen NSW's electricity grid.
The line will now follow a new route with 90 per cent of it being located on mining, energy and government-owned land in order to reduce the amount of private properties affected.
Upper Hunter Nationals MP Dave Layzell is backing the now approved HTP, despite previously opposing the project.
"We have done the best we could do to be able to weave it through and minimise the impact on landholders," he said.
The MP said his initial opposition was due to the projected impacts on landholders along the route from Bayswater to Olney near Eraring.
However, after lengthy deliberations with community members, only 10 per cent of the project will now be located on private land.
It's dropped the estimated impacted properties from 70 to around only 20.
Mr Layzell said while it's not perfect, it's better than the initial proposal
"I believe they have listened where they can," he said.
"They have looked at options."
Project coordiantors EnergyCo said the new route will bypass sections of vegetation critical to the endangered Littlejohns' Tree Frog.
The line's Executive Project Director Peter Redwin said they've kept local habitats in mind.
"We have changed the design to decrease the amount of impact on known habitats of various species," he said.
"We will continue to refine that process as we go through the final design phase in the next couple of months." he said.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said the project is an important step in the transition from coal-fired power stations.
"The project is the missing link between the renewable energy being build in Central-West Orana and New England," she said.
"Planning approval means we can get on with building the infrastructure needed to secure NSW's energy future."
The project is expected to support around 1,500 direct and indirect jobs across the state.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the HTP's approval is a major win for the region.
"We've got the R&D, the infrastructure, the funding, the skills," she said.
"This is a major vote of confidence in the Hunter, creating jobs, backing local businesses and driving investment.
"The Hunter has always been a powerhouse of NSW and this project shows that our region is open for business and ready to lead the energy transition."
Construction is expected to commence later this year and be completed by late 2029, subject to Commonwealth Government approval.
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| Proposed transmission line. Picture: EnergyCo |
