Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade Project

Subscribe for email updates

Transgrid is proposing to deliver a new 330 kV (kilovolt) transmission line between the existing Mount Piper and Wallerawang substations, located in the LGA of Lithgow and on the lands of the Wiradjuri people.

The Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade Project will carry out upgrades to our transmission network in the State’s Central Tablelands to support the NSW Government’s delivery of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

We are proposing to build a new 330 kV transmission line approximately 8 km in distance between our existing substations located at Mount Piper and Wallerawang.

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 Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade Project will follow a comprehensive environmental assessment process. Transgrid has begun the technical environmental assessments such as heritage, biodiversity, water catchments, land use, air quality, 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.

Transgrid have competed the first step in the environmental assessment process and have submitted the Scoping Report to the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure. This document is 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 

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

EnergyCo is building a new switching station at Barigan Creek as part of the Central West Orana REZ transmission project. The project has secured planning approval. Transgrid will construct 500 kV towers to facilitate cutting-in of Barigan Creek, and is proposing upgrades at Transgrid substations located at Wollar, Bayswater and Mount Piper to enable these works.

If you have questions regarding the development of new transmission lines and substations for the Central-West Orana REZ please visit the EnergyCo website or contact EnergyCo on 0482 061 006 or email cwo@energyco.nsw.gov.au.