New England Renewable Energy Zone and managing bushfire risk

EnergyCo will ensure the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) infrastructure does not disrupt any firefighting operations, and is working closely with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to ensure important water sources remain accessible to all firefighting aircraft.

EnergyCo understands the serious risk of bushfire in regional NSW and the critical role of aerial firefighting efforts in safeguarding communities. 

These aerial firefighting operations use a number of reservoirs in the region to access water for firefighting, including Glenbawn Dam near Scone and Chaffey Dam near Tamworth. 

We are working with the NSW RFS and aerial firefighting providers to review real-time flight data generated during recent and historic firefighting operations, as well as understanding how dams are accessed in a variety of conditions to ensure operations can continue. 

This work is ongoing and is likely to result in some refinements to the current study corridor in these areas. We will keep the community informed as this work progresses.

Landowner engagement also plays a key role in this process. Local knowledge has already led to refinements and alternative routes being identified throughout the alignment, and we are applying the same approach around Chaffey Dam and Glenbawn Dam to ensure that our infrastructure is designed with the community’s needs at the forefront.

We remain dedicated to using the best available data and insights to inform our planning and will continue to collaborate with the RFS and other stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes for the community.

EnergyCo appreciates the invaluable input of all stakeholders and will continue to work together to deliver this critical state-significant infrastructure project while protecting the safety and wellbeing of the community.

Read the latest updates from the New England REZ network infrastructure project