​​Training in Hay strengthens biosecurity for renewable energy projects​

Protecting farmland and livestock while delivering critical energy infrastructure is at the heart of new biosecurity training underway this week in Hay, supporting projects in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

As renewable projects progress to secure the state’s energy future, these sessions are helping developers and major contractors get up to speed on the biosecurity requirements needed to work alongside local farmers and protect the environment.  

Delivered at TAFE NSW on 9 June, the program reinforces that strong biosecurity controls are a vital part of safely delivering upgrades to the grid -ensuring projects not only meet energy demands, but also safeguard agricultural productivity, land integrity and community confidence.

EnergyCo is delivering the biosecurity education program, with support from Regional Development Australia – Riverina and Charles Sturt University. This training builds on a successful session held in Wagga Wagga in November last year.  

Renewable project representatives will take part in classroom activities, which will include information about practical field instruction protocols.

EnergyCo recognises the importance of stringent and effective biosecurity controls when operating in REZs. Measures taken include:

• Property access plans: Plans contain property specific biosecurity measures or controls.  
• Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP): Contractors must address weed and pest control, soil hygiene, and vehicle wash down procedures.
• Vehicle and machinery hygiene protocols: Wash down procedures to prevent the transfer of weeds, seeds, and soil pathogens between sites.
• Soil and vegetation management: Controlled stripping, storage, and rehabilitation of topsoil to reduce contamination risks and prevent weed invasion.
• Landholder engagement: Information packs and ongoing consultation ensure landholders are aware of biosecurity responsibilities and can raise concerns.  
• Compliance with NSW Biosecurity Act 2015: EnergyCo projects comply with the state’s “general biosecurity duty” to prevent, eliminate, or minimise risks.
• Monitoring and reporting: Biosecurity risks are monitored during construction and operation phases, with reporting mechanisms to ensure issues are addressed promptly. 

Quote attributable to EnergyCo South West REZ Project Director Michael Oppermann:

“Renewable Energy Zones are essential to securing NSW’s clean energy future, but they must be delivered in a way that respects and protects our farming communities.

"This training is about making sure developers and contractors understand their responsibilities on the ground—from managing weeds and pests to maintaining soil health and protecting livestock.

"By working closely with farmers and investing in practical training like this, we’re making sure renewable energy projects support regional communities, protect productive land, and deliver long-term benefits for NSW.” 

Quote attributable to Regional Development Australia Riverina Rachel Whiting: 

“By combining Charles Sturt University’s biosecurity expertise with RDA Riverina’s strong community links, these workshops are designed to deliver real outcomes for landholders in the state’s renewable energy zones. They are vital in ensuring renewable energy developers have the right information to protect the rural environment and build trust with landholders from the outset.” 

About the South West Renewable Energy Zone:

The REZ will initially unlock 3.56 gigawatts of clean energy generation capacity within the next decade. It will be capable of powering up to 1.6 million homes.  

The REZ stretches from Dinawan Substation in the east to Buronga Substation in the west and will include:    

• 4 renewable energy projects, including wind, solar and battery storage infrastructure that will connect to new network infrastructure
• 2 new transmission lines - Project EnergyConnect (under construction) and Victoria NSW Interconnector West (VNI West) (under development)

The REZ is expected to attract more than $17.8 billion of private investment and is forecast to support an average of about 1,690 direct jobs per year in the local area during construction, with hundreds of ongoing operational jobs from 2031. It will also create additional demand for workers in local manufacturing, retail, transport and the supply of goods and services.