As work on the state’s first Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) continues in the Central-West Orana (CWO) region, spanning an area that includes Dubbo, Dunedoo, Gulgong, Mudgee, Wellington, Gilgandra and Narromine, the NSW Government will hold a community roadshow next month so residents can learn more about what it means for them.

Taking place between August 11-15, the roadshow sessions will visit Coolah (Tuesday, August 11, 3-6pm), Mudgee (August 12, 4-7pm), Dubbo (August 13, 4-7pm), Dunedoo (August 14, 3-6pm) and Wellington (August 15, 9-11am).

Hosted by EnergyCo, the sessions will bring government agencies, infrastructure providers and industry experts together in one place. Residents will be able to access the latest information, speak directly with government and industry representatives, as well as independent advisers, and discuss local jobs, business opportunities and benefits for communities.

Residents can drop in at any time during the sessions to speak directly with project representatives, raise local issues, ask questions and receive updates on work happening in their area.

Information will be organised around key community interests:

• Regional growth and opportunities: Jobs, business opportunities and community funding.

• Property and land: What energy projects may mean for landholders and neighbours,

including access, compensation and protections.

• What’s being built: An overview of REZ projects and other infrastructure upgrades.

• Looking after land and culture: How land, biodiversity and Cultural heritage will be

protected.

• Rights and support: How to raise concerns, seek advice and access support services.

• Understanding the planning process: How projects are independently assessed, approval

timeframes, compliance requirements and how to make a formal submission.

EnergyCo spokesperson Ash Albury said a wider upgrade of NSW’s electricity infrastructure is needed to maintain reliable energy supply and keep the lights on, as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.

“Communities hosting this infrastructure are playing a vital role and we are making it easier for people to find out what this means for them – from the opportunities available to the work in the pipeline – and get answers to any questions they may have,” he added.

“People can access clear, local information without having to navigate multiple organisations or processes,” Mr Albury concluded.

To find out more about the community roadshow, visit energyco.nsw.gov.au/roadshow.

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About the REZ

The REZ groups new wind and solar power projects into locations where the generated electricity can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW.

By concentrating renewable energy infrastructure within REZs (five zones have been identified, including CWO-REZ), the government can, it says, reduce the need for new transmission lines, minimise impacts on communities and create stronger regional economies.

ACEREZ, a partnership of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy, was appointed network operator by EnergyCo to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the transmission network for the CWO-REZ.

Transmission lines for the CWO-REZ will travel 240 kilometres and the easement will take in 0.04 per cent of the total agricultural land in the four local government areas it covers, the government says.