Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade Project

Subscribe for email updates

The Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade Project comprises of the construction and operation of approximately 8 km of new 330 kV transmission line between the Mount Piper and Wallerawang 330 kV substations, on the lands of the Wiradjuri people. 

The Project will strengthen and reinforce the grid in the State’s Central Tablelands region, helping to ensure that power from the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ) can be reliably transmitted to consumers. 

If approved, the project will deliver a range of benefits including:

• Cheaper electricity – improving the affordability of electricity for consumers by increasing supply and driving down electricity prices
• Improved reliability – by delivering large amounts of new energy and, strengthening and reinforcing the grid in the local region
• Reduced emissions and a greater mix of renewable energy in the National Electricity Market
• New local jobs – opportunities for local workers and businesses during construction

Transgrid listened to feedback from community and stakeholders in identifying and assessing routes for this project and are grateful for feedback provided. Following Transgrid’s route selection process, community input and assessment of route options, we have identified a preferred route.

The preferred route minimises visual impact for community and the local township and balances landowner preferences and various constraints including engineering, constructability, environmental impacts and cost, to ensure that the outcome is prudent and efficient. The report can be accessed in the resources section on this page.

Transgrid recognises the vital role that stakeholders, landowners and the community have in the planning and delivery of its projects. We are committed to engaging with stakeholders to understand what’s important and work out the best possible solution.

Critical State Significant Infrastructure

On 3 July 2024, the Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade Project was declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI). CSSI projects are declared when a project is essential for NSW for economic, environmental and social reasons. All CSSI project applications must be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

Transgrid submitted a referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The EPBC Act is Australia’s main environmental law and provides a legal framework to protect matters of National Environmental Significance. The project has been decided as a ‘controlled action’ and will need Commonwealth approval. You can view the referral on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) website by searching for EPBC Number 2024/09855.

The Project will follow a comprehensive environmental assessment process. Transgrid has begun the technical environmental assessments such as heritage, biodiversity, water, land use, noise, traffic and transport, visual amenity and much more. The assessment will be documented in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and placed on public exhibition in late August 2025. We will keep you updated as the EIS is developed.

This document will be available to view on the NSW Major Project Planning Portal at: Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission | Planning Portal - Department of Planning and Environment (nsw.gov.au)

The image below shows the approvals pathway the project will follow up to 2026.

Community Information Line: 1800 222 537 (free call)
Email: network.solutions@transgrid.com.au 

We recognise that our transmission projects may have increased the level of stress and anxiety experienced by landowners, and have engaged an external service provider – Assure Programs – to provide landowners with short-term support and counselling.

For further details on this service, click below: 

Our landowner support and advocacy page

Our Community Partnerships Program is designed to help not-for-profit groups to deliver initiatives that will have a tangible and lasting impact on local communities.

Local community groups can apply for grants of up to $5000. For more information about eligibility and how to apply, click below:

Community Partnerships Program