Environmental impact statement (EIS) public exhibition coming soon
We are preparing for the public exhibition of our EIS. Please check back soon for updates.
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Early engagement
We began consulting with the Aboriginal community about the project in November 2023. EnergyCo continues to seek regular input from Aboriginal stakeholders to inform key aspects of the project, including cultural heritage assessments, local employment and participation initiatives for the broader REZ.
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Consultation on the environmental impact statement (EIS)
We’re consulting with the Aboriginal community on potential impacts as we plan the New England REZ Network Infrastructure Project.
Ninety-nine RAPs have been consulted on the draft Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment report prepared for the EIS, with RAPs involved in cultural heritage field surveys to gather data and identify areas where there are items of heritage and sites of significance.
The EIS for the New England REZ Network Infrastructure Project will be placed on public exhibition in the second half of 2026. During the EIS exhibition period, communities and stakeholders will be able to make formal submissions, which EnergyCo will respond to in a submission report
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Project delivery
As the New England REZ Network Infrastructure Project progresses through project approvals, detailed design and construction, we’ll continue to engage with Aboriginal organisations, groups and individuals to minimise impacts and maximise opportunities.
Region-specific guidelines
We are working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Water to draft region-specific First Nations guidelines for the New England renewable energy zone.
The guidelines will document how local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want to be engaged by energy proponents and their income and employment aspirations from the investment in renewable energy infrastructure in New England.
First Nations Coordination and Outcomes team
Our First Nations Coordination and Outcomes team is facilitating these discussions with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The team also acts as the central point of contact between EnergyCo, energy proponents, and the community to ensure local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a culturally respectful and safe environment to provide feedback about the development of the REZ.
We have a dedicated Aboriginal Engagement Officer located in the New England region to answer questions, provide information, understand concerns and involve the Aboriginal community in the planning of the project.
Get in touch with the team at firstnationsoutcomes@energyco.nsw.gov.au or 1800 118 894, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Income and employment
Many energy proponents are working to fulfill their Industry Aboriginal Participation Plans and have work packages and jobs available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Work packages
You can view the work packages available in the New England renewable energy zone on the Gateway by ICN.
Employment opportunities are also available on the websites of the energy proponents operating in your region.
Aboriginal community engagement hub
The EnergyCo Aboriginal Community Engagement Hub outlines how EnergyCo works with Aboriginal communities across NSW renewable energy zones (REZs) and provides information on engagement, employment, business, funding and community benefits.
How we’re minimising impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage
Avoiding impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage has been a key principle guiding route selection from the start. No World, National, Commonwealth or State heritage items, and no declared Aboriginal Places, are affected by the project.
Two design changes made a substantial difference:
- The transmission line and East Hub location shown in the July 2024 Scoping Report were moved away from the archaeologically complex Atchesons Gully area, avoiding a nearby silcrete quarry likely used as a source of stone for tool-making.
- The corridor into Central Hub A was redesigned to avoid a large part of the archaeologically sensitive Spring Creek landscape.
We've also designated "no-impact areas", which are places we've committed to avoid entirely. Where impacts can't be avoided, they'll be managed through an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan developed with Heritage NSW and Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs). This will cover physical protection of avoided sites, surface artefact collection, archaeological salvage excavation, and community-led decisions on the long-term care of recovered objects.
An Aboriginal heritage assessment is being prepared as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.
The assessment has involved engagement with Aboriginal communities and RAPs and detailed investigations including desktop studies, cultural mapping, field surveys and test excavations.
More information
Find out how you can get involved and share your feedback as we plan this critical infrastructure, with opportunities to participate through community events, surveys and webinars.
Learn how we’re delivering lasting benefits for local communities as we plan and build new energy infrastructure in the New England regions.
View project documents and resources, including updates, fact sheets, work notifications and reports.
Learn about how we work with Aboriginal communities and explore training, employment and grant opportunities.
Learn more about the New England REZ
Contact the New England REZ team
Phone 1800 061 114 (toll free), Monday to Friday, 9am to 5 pm
Send us an email at: nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au
Join our information sessions to learn more about the project and speak directly with the project team.
Sign up for the New England REZ e-newsletter
Contact EnergyCo
1800 118 894 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Sign up for our Powering NSW e-newsletter.