The NSW Government has announced $128.5 million for 320 kilometres of road upgrades and ancillary works, to make may for its “net zero ambitions”.
Detailed maps are now available to outline the 19 highway upgrades from the Port of Newcastle to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The upgrades will enable the transportation of wind turbines and other components needed for wind and solar farms, and the transmission network that connects them.
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison explained: “Transport for NSW is supporting the eight councils along the route with resources and information to help guide them in the rollout of the REZ in preparation for new wind and solar power operations.
“We are working closely with councils who are the local road authorities in their respective areas, responsible for the management of local road networks, including road safety, road funding, road maintenance and heavy vehicle access.
“Additionally, Transport for NSW and EnergyCo are currently carrying out a review of roads across the designated renewable energy corridors to determine if any roads should be reclassified as state roads.”
The ‘Port to REZ’ upgrades are funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) and Transport for NSW are now working together to deliver the improved roads, to ensure they can comfortably accommodate these huge loads.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe added: “As the Renewable Energy Zones progress, we’re working to ensure that local infrastructure such as roads, are in a good enough state to accommodate extra demands.
“This is part of our commitment to the long term prosperity of communties hosting Renewable Energy Zones as we continue the transformation of our state’s energy system.”
The 19 specific locations identified as pinch points are on the Golden Highway between the Port of Newcastle and Elong Elong, as well as a section of the Castlereagh Highway.
The maps can be found here.
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