“This is an answer to people power.’’ 

Federal MP Andrew Gee says the pause on preparations for a transmission line in the Central West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is a community win for land holders, community. 

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt has referred the alleged REZ problems on Methourie Road near Gulgong on 12 December to his Department of Compliance and Enforcement who will investigate if any breaches have occured under the Environment and Bio Diversity Conservation Act.  

Energyco, who administers the Central West Orana Regional Zone, says it will pause work on its 230-kilometre transmission line after coming under heavy criticism from community, politicians, and environmentalists for the clearing of the first section of roadside vegetation near Gulgong. 

Nearly 700 trees were torn down and native species were de-homed, including a large number of newborn birds that taken to vet hospitals in Mudgee, Dubbo and Bathurst. 

Federal MP for Parkes Jamie Chaffey says it is unacceptable. 

"It's ironic that a project that's meant to lower our emissions to save the planet but is coming at the cost of the environment and destroying native bird habitats in the process. 

"This is what's going to happen right across the country if we continue down Labor's reckless renewables-only path to net zero.’’ 

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe says she has spoken with authorities but progress will continue.  

Federal MP Andrew Gee with local landholder Pilly Armstrong. [IMAGE: A Gee]

Landholders near the road says are upset.  

Grazier Pilly Armstrong says she fears for the communities further west. 

''This rapid rollout of the Renewable Energy Zone is devastating us and this is ground zero so what happens to other areas when this continues, I fear for them.'' 

A sign on the road saying the area is an environmental protection zone has stunned locals, Ms Armstrong says she is bewildered. 

ACEREZ is the company contracted by Energyco to work on the Methorie Road.   

“ACEREZ is liaising with WIRES and working with carers to care for any birds displaced by clearing required for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone transmission project," they told the Western Plains App.  

“The required vegetation clearing is taking place on private property in accordance with the project’s Environmental Impact Statement, Planning Approval and Biodiversity Management Plan. 

“Ecologists and fauna spotters are also onsite to ensure the birds can be safely relocated or taken to vets or wildlife carers.”  

Warrumbungle Council says the transmission line goes through four sections. 

The proposed construction route associated with the EnergyCo Transmission Line impacts some 60 km of Warrumbungle Shire Council-owned roads.  

Council’s affected roads within or serving the project include: Spring Ridge Road Sandy Creek Road. Dapper Road Lincoln Road , (Upper) Laheys Creek Road, Brooklyn Road, Barneys Reef Road Avonside Road Bald Hill Road,Merotherie Road,Tucklan Road Ross Crossing, South Road, Spir Road, Blue Springs Road, and Cliffdale Road. 

EnergyCo has stated that the REZ requires the haulage of more than 1,500,000 tonnes of construction materials.  

Council staff estimate that in reality the quantity will be much greater, with likely more than 1 million tonnes needing to be hauled on Warrumbungle Shire-owned local rural roads.   

At its December 12 meeting councillors said they were concerned about trouble on Merotherie road but didn't want to enter the debate for now.

Warrumbungle Shire Council LGA which carries a large burden With Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ) but its general manager Lindsay Mason says activity increasing across the region.  

Warrumbungle shire will be home to more than 10 projects.

‘’Warrumbungle Shire Council remains focused on monitoring impacts, engaging in key planning discussions, and working to keep local communities informed," he said. 

"During October, Council participated in a wide range of meetings with EnergyCo, the network operator ACEREZ, Transport for NSW, the Independent Planning Commission (IPC), and multiple project proponents including Origin Energy."

Mr Mason says Council lodged submissions with the NSW Department of Planning during this period, including the Cobbora Solar Farm Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the Sandy Creek Solar Farm Amendment Report.  

‘’These submissions outlined Council’s concerns regarding cumulative traffic impacts, road upgrade requirements, telecommunications capacity, water management and construction impacts. 

"Council has also provided detailed feedback on multiple design packages as part of ongoing REZ design coordination."

A growing number of REZ projects are now in the post-approval phase, requiring Council to review Management Plans, Transport Strategies and Road Design Packages within statutory timeframes, placing substantial pressure on staff resources he said. 

“The scale of REZ activity across our region is unprecedented, and the cumulative impacts on our roads, workforce, housing and services are significant. Council is advocating strongly to ensure the costs and consequences are not shifted onto our communities. We continue to push for coordinated planning, clearer communication, meaningful mitigation, and firm commitments to the road upgrades needed to support these projects.” 

Residents can keep up to date with information and stay informed on the latest news about REZ projects by visiting the Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) section on the homepage at www.warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au.