About the project
We're responsible for leading the delivery of renewable energy zones (REZs) and enabling infrastructure.
Delivery of projects in REZs requires the transportation of large and heavy renewable energy components from ports such as the Port of Newcastle. These can include wind turbine components and transformers for generation and transmission infrastructure.
We're working with Transport for NSW to upgrade road intersections and pinch-points along the state-road network to allow large components to be moved safely across the state-road network to renewable energy projects. We are the proponent leading the Port to REZ road upgrades, while Transport for NSW is the road authority and lead agency for the operation of the road network.
The first stage of Port to REZ upgrades includes 19 intersection upgrades between the Port of Newcastle and Elong Elong in the Central-West Orana REZ. These upgrades will be funded by the NSW and Australian Governments with $128.5 million announced towards road upgrades and ancillary works.
Oversize over-mass (OSOM) deliveries to the Central-West Orana and New England REZs will use a common route from the Port of Newcastle to Muswellbrook, before diverging and continuing towards their respective REZs. We are investigating the most suitable, low-impact OSOM route from Muswellbrook to the New England REZ, and are actively working with state and federal governments to secure funding.
Road upgrade benefits
The road improvements needed to cater for OSOM vehicles are part of the evolution of the state road network as Transport for NSW responds to changing needs of industry, businesses, the community and travelling public.
The Port to REZ road upgrades will:
- Reduce the impact on road users by building pullover bays and coordinating the timing of deliveries
- Enable the safe delivery of large components essential to construct and operate renewable energy projects in the REZ
- Be carried out in a well-planned and holistic manner to optimise efficiency and coordination
- Improve pinch points and intersections along the OSOM route.
Working with Transport for NSW
We have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Transport for NSW to manage transport related projects and impacts for REZ development.
Read more about the 'Port to REZ' MOU between EnergyCo and Transport for NSW.
Latest news
Contractor chosen to deliver first stage of Port to REZ
BMD Constructions Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the first stage of works under the Port to REZ Program. These works will include upgrades at 19 locations from the Port of Newcastle to Elong Elong to unlock access to the Central-West Orana REZ. Construction work is set to start in April 2025.
The upgrades will include pavement widening, drainage adjustments, new turning lanes and relocation or adjustment of utilities, depending on the location.
Once delivered, the upgrades will benefit all motorists by reducing delay times, easing travel through intersections, and improving road safety outcomes.
Most upgrades will be completed by the end of 2025, while overall construction is expected to take around 12 months.
The Port to REZ Program will continue to investigate further works across the State, including any additional pullover bays that may be required to move oversize overmass equipment to the Central-West Orana REZ.
Planning the route to the New England REZ
Since early 2024, we've been working with Transport for NSW to investigate the most suitable, low-impact OSOM route to unlock access from Muswellbrook to the New England REZ.
The route will include sections of the New England Highway and Oxley Highway, as well as some local roads.
We're working closely with local councils to understand road use and to seek feedback on route design options. The design will consider options that minimise traffic impacts to Tamworth, Uralla, Walcha and Armidale town centres.
From April 2025, field work will be carried out in the Tamworth area to inform route planning.
Details about upcoming investigation work and community engagement activities are available on the New England REZ page.
Port to REZ route
The map below shows locations for 19 highway upgrades from the Port of Newcastle to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) which make up the Port to REZ upgrade.
More resources
Engaging with community and stakeholders
We have been actively consulting with stakeholders including local Councils in the Hunter, Central-West Orana, and New England regions.
Councils within the Hunter region have been directly briefed on the proposed intersection designs and interactions.
Both ourselves and Transport for NSW have engaged community and road users regarding impacts during design investigations – this has included traffic alerts and notifications to residents and stakeholders near areas of work.
More information about upcoming consultations will be provided in the coming months. We will provide communities with sufficient notice ahead of any upcoming engagement activities.
Delivering the road upgrade
To ensure the state road network can accommodate OSOM vehicle movements for renewable energy and transmission projects in the REZs, minor road work and corridor modifications are required along the Port to Central-West Orana REZ route.
We worked closely with Transport for NSW to determine the design, construction methods, planning approval pathway, and timing for the first stage of the road upgrades.
We continue to work closely together to support our contractor, BMD Constructions, who are delivering the first stage of the upgrades and we remain committed to engaging with the community as the project advances.
To find out more about the construction work, read our work notifications.
Travelling through the REZs
The initial Port to REZ routes involve three REZs – the Central-West Orana REZ, New England REZ and the Hunter Central Coast REZ. It also crosses the area identified for the Hunter Transmission Project. You can learn more about these by clicking the cards below.
Contact us
EnergyCo is the proponent of the Port to REZ project. Stay informed about the project and receive construction updates by joining the EnergyCo mailing list. If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 1800 849 794 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)