Key details

Some private land will be needed to help build the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) and unlock renewable energy generated in the Central-West Orana and New England Renewable Energy Zones. 

Since October 2023, our local community team has been working with landowners to explain the project, listen to feedback and reduce impacts where possible. 

The number of landowners affected by a permanent easement acquisition of land to host the transmission line has been reduced from 78 in the preliminary corridor to fewer than 20. 

We’re also working with a number of landowners to acquire easements for access tracks or construction leases for laydown areas, intersection upgrades and road widening. 

Engagement with landowners is ongoing to help minimise impacts and provide support through the acquisition process. 

Transmission line - Hunter region

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  1. Initial landowner contact

    In October 2023 we began engaging with potentially affected private landowners to discuss our plans for the project, followed by early community consultation on the Hunter Transmission Project’s preliminary corridor.

  2. Ongoing landowner engagement

    Our place managers have been working with landowners to understand how their land is used, minimise potential impacts where possible and arrange access for technical investigations.

  3. Formal negotiations

    Where acquisition is required, EnergyCo has commenced the formal property and easement acquisition process under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991. Negotiations with affected landowners are ongoing.

What we're building for the Hunter Transmission Project

The Hunter Transmission Project involves building a new 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line of around 110 kilometres between Bayswater in the Upper Hunter and Olney in the Lower Hunter. 

To minimise impacts on people and the environment, around 87% of the Hunter Transmission Project corridor runs through mining, energy and government land.  

Construction will take place in a temporary easement of about 140 metres, with a permanent easement of around 70 metres needed for ongoing operation. 

The line will be supported by transmission towers up to 85 metres tall, generally spaced 300 to 600 metres apart. The transmission line alignment (including location of towers) will be confirmed later in the project during the detailed design phase. 

As part of the project, we’ll also build or upgrade access tracks, improve roads, upgrade existing power stations and build 2 new switching stations.

Transmission lines looking up from the ground

Understanding the land acquisition process

Easement acquisition is a common practice in Australia to support the delivery of transmission lines and other infrastructure like roads and rail. 

Where the Hunter Transmission Project crosses private property, our priority is to work directly with the landowners to negotiate an easement. The easement agreement will outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties for the ongoing use of the land, as well as compensation. 

In NSW, land acquisition follows the Just Terms Act, which sets out the process and how compensation is decided. 

Every potentially affected landowner has a dedicated local place manager who is available to meet, provide information and offer ongoing support. 

Mature couple using a laptop computer on the verandah of their farm in rural Australia

Learn about the key steps in the land and easement acquisition process

Landowner compensation and benefits

If your land is needed to support NSW’s transition to renewable energy, you’re entitled to both compensation and benefit payments. Valuation and compensation takes place before construction can start. Compensation is based on market value and includes reimbursement of reasonable legal and valuation fees. Once construction is finished and the project is operational, landowner benefit payments are paid out in annual instalments over 20 years.

Pointing to a place on a map Photo Credit: Ian Tyley Photography

Learn about the compensation you’re entitled to under the Act if EnergyCo acquires an interest in your land.

People looking into forested land with sun shining through the trees

In addition to compensation paid under the Act, landowners hosting new transmission lines are entitled to payments under the strategic benefit payments scheme.

Impacts on property and land use

The Hunter Transmission Project will be built on corridors of land known as transmission easements. Easements are essential to making sure EnergyCo can deliver secure, safe and reliable energy infrastructure. Explore what to expect when you live and work near a transmission line easement. 

For more information about living or working near easements, view Living and working near transmission line easements

Get qualified, confidential support

The property acquisition process can be emotional and stressful. Call 1300 089 551 to speak to a qualified psychologist or social worker 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no referral needed. This free service is available to property owners, their families, business owners and employees directly affected by property acquisition. Support for all EnergyCo property matters, like access agreements is also available.

Support for landowners

Project updates

Get in touch with the HTP community team

Email us

Send the local HTP community team an email at [email protected]  

Call us

Phone us on 1800 645 972 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)

Get in touch with EnergyCo

Email us
Phone us

1800 118 894 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)

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