Get revved up to find out about the REZ
Energy NSW is the government body managing Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the state, including the Central West-Orana REZ (that’s us!) They also have responsibility for the development of the new transmission infrastructure – ie the grid! (Transgrid have advised they are no longer carrying out work to locate the new transmission lines and substation/s, however they will retain responsibility for upgrades to their existing network, including Wollar substation.)
Energy NSW (EnergyCo) will be visiting our district next week. Come along and find out about the REZ and the revised transmission line. See the maps and ask the questions.
Have they avoided Hands on Rock and vegetation along Ulan Road? They want our feedback!
Drop in sessions are below – no need to RSVP. See you there!!
| Venue | Dates and times |
| Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club 73 Arthur Street Wellington NSW 2820 |
Tuesday 8 March 2022
|
| Dunedoo Jubilee Memorial Hall 154 Bolaro Street Dunedoo NSW 2844 |
Wednesday 9 March 2022
|
| Gulgong RSL Club 64 Herbert Street Gulgong NSW 2852 |
Thursday 10 March 2022
|
What has happened so far in the REZ?
These projects are all at various stages of development, from very early scoping to lodging Modifications on approved projects.
| Projects within Mid-Western Regional Council listed in the DPE Planning Portal | |
| Solar | Wind |
| Beryl-solar-farm Beryl Road | burrendong-wind-farm Burrendong Dam Road, Yarrabin |
| tallawang-solar-farm Puggoon Road | liverpool-range-wind-farm Coolah – Cassilis Region East Of Coolah and Northwest Of Cassilis |
| bellambi-heights-solar 696 Castlereagh Highway and 79 Puggoon Road, Beryl | valley-winds-wind-farm Coolah |
| stubbo-solar-farm Blue Springs Road, Stubbo | barneys-reef-wind-farm Castlereagh Highway, 16 Km North Of Gulgong |
| wollar-solar-farm 96 Maree Road, Tichular
|
crudine-ridge-wind-farm Crudine Ridge Wind Farm, Central Tablelands, 45 Km South Of Mudgee and 45 Km North Of Bathurst, Sofala |
| birriwa-solar-farm Barneys Reef Rd, Birriwa | |
| There are other nearby projects outside MWRC such as at Wollar (Goulburn River Solar Farm), Cobbora, Burrendong, Wellington and Bathurst. | |
If you wish you can sign up with Dept Planning for updates on any Major Projects of interest (including Moolarben, Ulan and Wilpinjong coal mines.) Create an account to make your submissions easy and/or sign up for updates. https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects
Whoa! Is there a simple way to get that REZ info? YES!!
RE-Alliance is a community-based organisation that works to ‘secure an energy transformation that delivers long-term benefits and prosperity to regional Australia.’ They have developed a CWO REZ Project Tracker. Check it out.
RE-Alliance recently launched the CWO REZ Community Network The first project of the REZ Community Network will be to put together a plan that identifies what’s important for our region and what opportunities would create the most meaningful and long lasting social and environmental benefits. Some of the local benefits the Network could advocate for are outlined in the RE-Alliance Community Benefits Handbook.
Attend a Community Plan Workshop https://www.re-alliance.org.au/events Be part of the action – share your ideas! Two options available, on-line Monday 7th March 6.30, and in-person Wednesday 9th March 12.30 at Dunedoo. Flyer attached. (Maybe make a day-trip and attend the EnergyCo drop-in followed by the Community Plan Workshop, both at Dunedoo next Wednesday – that’s what I’m doing!…see you there?!)