Key details

Following consultation, field investigations and technical assessments, we have refined the proposed transmission corridor for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) between Muswellbrook and Walcha from 3 kilometres to 1 kilometre wide. The refined corridor extends approximately 300 kilometres across the New England and Upper Hunter regions and reduces the number of affected landholders from around 200 to 150.

A refined 250 metre-wide corridor is currently being assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The corridor will continue to be refined through ongoing technical studies and community consultation ahead of the EIS lodgement, which is expected in the second half of 2026.

As the corridor narrows, the number of impacted landholders is expected to reduce further. The final easement width will be approximately 140 metres for dual lines, or 60 to 70 metres for single lines.

View the interactive map
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  1. Initial landholder contact

    In June 2023 we began engaging with potentially affected private landholders to discuss our plans for the project, followed by early community consultation on the New England REZ Network Infrastructure Project’s preliminary corridor.

  2. Consultation as we refine the corridor

    We're on the ground carrying out technical and environmental assessments, and engaging with landholders and the community to refine the new study area to 1 kilometre-wide. We have completed this refinement to a 250 metre-wide corridor for the environmental impact statement (EIS).

  3. Consultation on the environmental impact statement

    The EIS for the New England REZ Network Infrastructure Project will be placed on public exhibition in the second half of 2026. During the exhibition period, communities and stakeholders will be able to make formal submissions, which we'll respond to in a submission report.

Next steps

We're now sharing the proposed 250 metre-wide EIS corridor with landholders to provide a clearer picture of where transmission lines could be located and what this may mean for individual properties. The proposed corridor has not yet been finalised or approved. We'll continue working with landholders to better understand local impacts and explore opportunities to reduce them where possible.

To build and operate the REZ transmission lines, we'll need to acquire property rights known as easements. If we acquire an easement on your property, you'll continue to own and use your land, although some restrictions may apply to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the transmission network.

Figure 1 below illustrates how easement widths are typically configured. It includes single and dual-line arrangements across three common scenarios. Download an accessible version of the construction easement diagram.

We expect to begin discussions with landholders about transmission line construction easements later in 2026. This process will start with an opening letter and a sketch plan showing the proposed construction easement location. We'll keep landholders informed as we move closer to this stage.

new-england-rez-EGC14386_EnergyCo_Website_Infographic Diagram_Easement Diagram_June 2026_V5
new-england-rez-EGC14386_EnergyCo_Website_Infographic Diagram_Easement Diagram_June 2026_V5. 
Figure 1: Figure not to scale and represents indicative maximum heights and minimum easement widths. In some instances, dual towers may not be positioned side by side. Final easement dimensions and locations will be discussed directly with landholders.
500 kV towers may be operated at a lower voltage. Easement widths may vary and can increase in areas of long spans. The final transmission easement may not be centred within the 250 m easement.

Understanding the land acquisition process

We aim to minimise land use impacts by engaging early with communities during project planning.

In most cases, we do not acquire land outright. Instead, we work with landholders to establish easements for transmission lines.

An easement is a legal right that allows us to access and use part of the land to construct and operate a transmission line, while placing some limits on how that land can be used.

For certain infrastructure, we may need to acquire the whole property or a significant portion of your land. This is known as a freehold acquisition. These cases are less common and are managed separately. Your dedicated acquisition manager will contact you to provide further information if this is required.

We are committed to working respectfully with landholders throughout this process by listening to concerns, communicating clearly and openly, and taking the time to understand local circumstances.

Did you know?

  • If your land is impacted by acquisition you are entitled to compensation for the acquisition.
  • In most cases the acquisition will only impact part of your property.
  • We’ll contact you directly and work together to reach an agreement on the amount of compensation you will receive.
  • We’ll assign you a dedicated acquisition manager to help you at every stage of the process.
  • You can continue to use the land as the landholder, subject to certain restrictions to ensure public safety and network reliability.

Understand key steps and your options as an impacted landholder

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Landholder compensation and strategic benefit payments

If your land is needed to support NSW's transition to renewable energy, you're entitled to both:

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20231030_NewEnglandREZ_MetzSolarFarm_TZ-2784 (1). 
Valuation and compensation explained

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

Two land managers working
Strategic Benefit Payments Scheme

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

Support for landowners

Check out our landholder information session webinar

On 10 June, we hosted a webinar for landholders on EnergyCo’s easement acquisition process for transmission infrastructure. We covered easement acquisition, compensation under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991, and Strategic Benefit Payments, with a Q&A from our land and property team.

Thanks to those who attended. The recording is available to view on this page.

Get qualified, confidential support

Call 1300 089 551 to speak to qualified psychologists and social workers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need a referral. 

This service is available to property owners, their families, tenants, commercial property and business owners, and employees directly affected by property acquisition and other EnergyCo property discussions, like access agreements.

Learn more: Support for landholders

Explore the New England REZ engagement portal

Learn more about the project, provide feedback to help shape our plans and stay informed on upcoming events near you. 

Explore the portal
New England Engagement Portal Mockup 260501- Edited
New England Engagement Portal Mockup 260501- Edited. 

More information

Community benefits

Learn how we’re delivering lasting benefits for local communities as we plan and build new energy infrastructure in the New England regions.

Community reference groups

Learn more about Community Reference Groups (CRGs) and their role in helping to shape our project.

Frequently asked questions

Find key information and answers to frequently asked questions about the project.

Project documents and resources

View project documents and resources, including updates, fact sheets, work notifications and reports.

Learn more about the New England REZ

Project information
Community
Resources
General resources

Contact the New England REZ team

Call us

1800 061 114 (toll free), Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Email us

nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au

Explore the REZ engagement portal

Learn more, see upcoming events and provide feedback

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