TransGrid has confirmed a 900km power transmission line from South Australia to Wagga will proceed after funding was secured for the $1.8 billion project.
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The project, which was first floated in 2019, will see high voltage power lines transmit electricity across the state, but the exact route west of Wagga has not been finalised.
TransGrid said the project would generate up to 1500 jobs during the construction phase and result in cheaper power bills for residents.
"EnergyConnect will be Australia's biggest electricity interconnector built to date in the National Electricity Market and it will help to accelerate Australia's energy transition by connecting customers with more renewable generation," TransGrid CEO Paul Italiano said.
"EnergyConnect will also help to abate an estimated one million tonnes of carbon emissions each year contributing significantly to meeting Australia's climate change targets."
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The exact route of the transmission line hasn't been confirmed in much of the Western NSW corridor, but a proposed route would start in Wagga and pass south of Uranquinty and further on towards Lockhart.
Some landowners have expressed concern over the impact the towers could have on their land, and in the past have criticised TransGrid for a lack of community consultation.
"They've approached us and said they want to put the powerline through and a land valuer has come," Mr Alexander said.
"They're going to pay us for the value of the land that the easement covers, but we haven't heard how much. We just hope it's fair."
Mr Alexander doesn't currently have any power lines through his farm and has concerns about disruption to his work.
"My first concern is, will it devalue our farm?" he said. "And then it's the day to day issues of every time we sow or harvest or spray weeds, we'll have to go around these towers."
Member for Wagga Joe McGirr said he's supportive of the project overall but agreed appropriate payment and planning was vital.
"I'm a supporter of upgrading our electricity grid to allow access to renewable energy," Dr McGirr said.
"We can have cheap renewable energy, but we need to be able to move it across Australia.
"While we recognise the importance of this project and it's good they're able to finance it, the final route chosen has to respect the land owners, the environment and the community and there's got to be adequate compensation."
TransGrid said they have consulted with every landowner involved, offered extensive community information and feedback sessions and would continue to do so while finalising the route.
"TransGrid has been working closely with landowners and communities for the NSW component of the project, and we will continue to consult with communities as the project develops," a spokesperson said.
"We have met with every landowner with land in the project corridor, and held 16 public information sessions in towns including Wagga Wagga, Uranquinty, The Rock, Lockhart and Urana."
"Community consultation has helped shape the potential route, including consideration of land use, environmental and ecological values, and requirements for building and operating new transmission lines."
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