The NSW Government is investing $183.2 million, to deliver critical road upgrades to support the safer movement of oversize and overmass vehicles transporting components for wind and solar projects, helping drive the renewable energy transition in regional NSW.
Regional communities are at the centre of the renewable energy transition, with areas like the Central-West Orana playing a critical role as the powerhouse of the state’s future energy system.
“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a ‘once-in-a-generation upgrade’ of the state’s electricity system,” minister for energy Penny Sharpe says.
“As part of this, we are upgrading our road network to help deliver the renewable energy zones and a once in a generation road upgrade.
“NSW has the most advanced plan for the rollout of renewable energy in Australia – today’s investment in our road network is the next stage of that.”
The investment recognises that as these regions drive the transition, they must also be backed with the infrastructure to support their communities, industries and future growth.
The funding will be shared across three of the five designated Renewable Energy Zones (REZ):
- $50 million for Central – West Orana REZ for safety and capacity upgrades primarily along the Golden Highway, as well as between the Port of Newcastle and the Central West
- $65 million for South – West REZ to start work on six intersection upgrades to allow components to be moved through the western Riverina region between the Dinawan and the Buronga substations)
- $68.2 million for New England REZ to begin upgrades at Rix’s Creek Bridge and Liddell Interchange, plan for safety and capacity upgrades between Muswellbrook and Armidale and develop an OSOM route around Tamworth on the northern end.
Design work is already underway for critical upgrades on the Sturt and New England highways and started delivery of town entry safety treatments on the Golden Highway at Dubbo, Dunedoo, Jerrys Plains Denman and Sandy Hollow.
In coming months, Transport for NSW will complete community consultation and provide more information and expected timelines as the program develops, while fast tracking project concept design so that this vital road work can move ahead quickly.
Extensive planning is already underway to minimise impacts on local communities and road users, with oversize and overmass movements carefully coordinated – typically departing ports at night and travelling along designated Renewable Energy Zone routes under pilot or escort where required.
The previous green energy joint funding commitment of $128.5 million has crews already working to upgrade 19 areas along the Central-West Orana REZ route.
These upgrades and road treatments are at identified pinch points and vary from road widening, relocating traffic signs, installing new turn lanes and extending drainage and culverts.
With this new $183.2 million in funding, there is a total of $216.9 million available ($211.9 million NSW Government funding, $5 million Australian Government funding) for REZ road upgrades across regional NSW.
This includes $10 million for the development of infrastructure upgrades associated with the Central- West Orana REZ project, which is funded 50/ 50 with the NSW and Federal governments, and $23.7 million to deliver an overtaking lane west of Merriwa.