Transgrid has released a proposed transmission line corridor for the NSW section of the VNI West electricity network project.
This 200m-wide corridor is the next stage before narrowing it to a final 70m-wide easement, within which the 239km NSW section of this critical project will be built.
It also nominates the proposed location for the new transmission line crossing of the Murray River near Murrabit.
At this crossing, it links to the Victorian section of VNI West, which is being developed by Transmission Company Victoria (TCV).
The proposed route has taken in community concerns about the proximity of the network of large overhead powerlines to the township of Moulamein in particular.
In original documents released at the start of this year, the network was to come within 1.8km of the Moulamein township.
Community feedback forced a revision, which has resulted in the distance being pushed out to 7km from Moulamein Post Office in this newest document.
Transgrid has said VNI West is “essential to providing consumers with access to cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy by unlocking electricity from existing and future renewable energy zones in NSW and Victoria, as coal-fired power stations retire”.
Transgrid VNI West project director Colin Mayer said the project will also increase capacity for energy sharing, improving reliability and security of electricity supply for both states.
“Transgrid will continue to work closely and engage with the local community, landowners and key stakeholders as we advance planning for this nation-critical project,” he said.
“Transgrid has consulted throughout this year with the local community and landowners to get to this preferred route.
“This will provide further certainty to local communities and landowners along the New South Wales section of the project.
“It follows a significant change to the preferred route which resulted in a move of the proposed transmission line further away from Moulamein, by extending the distance from the township.”
The 200m-wide corridor will now undergo assessment for the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Areas located outside the transmission line corridor but required for work compounds, workforce accommodation camps and access tracks will also be included in the EIS assessment.
The corridor will be further refined to a final 70m-wide transmission line easement through detailed technical and environmental studies and negotiations with landowners.
Transgrid and Transmission Company Victoria have worked together and independently to assess a proposed border crossing for the project.
They have identified a location south of Cobramunga Road, about 9km west of the historic Murrabit Winch Bridge.
“We will continue to engage with directly affected landowners and work closely with them to establish comprehensive property management plans to address specific requirements and reduce impacts,” Mr Mayer said.
VNI West will connect major projects EnergyConnect in NSW and Western Renewables Link in Victoria.
It is recognised by the Australian Energy Market Operator as a priority project in its 2024 Integrated System Plan to deliver the best options for electricity customers in the long term.
The NSW Government has recognised VNI West as Critical State Significant Infrastructure essential for economic, social or environmental reasons.
Project early works are being funded by $700 million from Transgrid security holders and $140 million in concessional financing support from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
The project is expected to generate up to 1,000 jobs and provide millions of dollars in community investments and benefits for regional NSW.
For more information about the project visit www.transgrid.com.au/vniw.