Local residents of Warrumbungle Shire are being encouraged to have their say on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone Transmission (REZ) project which is now on display.

The local REZ project is one of five in NSW, with the others located in New England, Hunter-Central Coast, Illawarra, and South West NSW near Hay. Their locations have been chosen because of their connection to existing transmission infrastructure.

 The project aims to facilitate the connection of renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and solar installations, to the electricity grid. This allows for the efficient transport of electricity generated by these renewable sources to homes and businesses.

It is primarily situated in the local Central-West Orana region of New South Wales, which is known for its excellent renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind resources. One of the primary objectives of the project is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by allowing more renewable energy to be integrated into the grid, replacing fossil fuel-based power generation.

Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Ambrose Doolan said the NSW Government’s EnergyCo is proposing to construct and operate new energy transmission lines between Wollar and the proposed substations at Merotherie and Elong Elong in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

"The EIS for this stage of the project currently out on exhibition for the public to be able to make submissions.” Mr Doolan said.

“The project incorporates parts of a number of Local Government Areas in the Central West Orana region, the main ones affected being Warrumbungle, Dubbo and Mid-Western. The REZ will impact our LGA, but particularly the localities of Coolah, Leadville, Dunedoo, Birriwa, Cobbora and surrounds."

 The Central-West Orana REZ transmission exhibition can be found on the NSW Planning Portal. Documents on exhibition, which can be accessed on the Planning Portal, include the full Environmental Impact Statement.

At its peak, the REZ is expected to support over 6,000 construction jobs in the region, however this could be as high as 8,000.

“Many of the proposed projects are located across LGA boundaries, with delivery of projects potentially clashing and generating cumulative impacts to our communities, including

impacting housing and accommodation, roads, labour and workforce, and social aspects,” Mr Doolan said.

It is important to note that the REZ transmission line and associated wind farms, solar farms and battery energy storage systems are either State Significant Infrastructure or State Significant Development requiring approval from the NSW State Government.

“I would urge interested persons to take this opportunity to have a say on the transmission project and also to keep abreast of what is going on with this and follow the Central-West Orana REZ website," Mr Doolan said.