Hunter Transmission Project

Attached is a submission regarding the HTP

Reference the Hunter Transmission Project and the proposed 500kV powerline near Warkworth Airfield, as President of the NSW Gliding Association I’d like to impression upon the NSW Governement the relevance of the Hunter Valley Gliding Club (HVGC) and their airfield at Warkworth.

HVGC is one of the larger and more important clubs within NSW, it’s of particular importance to the NSW gliding community for the following reasons:
• Warkworth is in a central location for gliding clubs across NSW;
• HVGC, being centrally located, hosts numerous NSW Gliding Association activities held for the collective benefit of the NSW gliding community, including Instructor Courses, Junior Development events and Maintenance and Safety events – to which the NSW Government Office of Sport provides grants;
• HVGC has a gliding scholarship program for youth in the Hunter region – a program which encourages young people to be active in sport and to pursue careers in the aviation industry, including the aviation industry at Williamtown;
• HVGC is located close to RAAF Base Williamtown and is a contributor to the broader defence aviation community that exists within the Hunter region;
• HVGC hosts an annual vintage gliding regatta which brings scores of gliding members from across the east coast of Australia to the Singleton District for a 9-day period every easter; and
• The events at HVGC brings income to the Singleton District.

The proposed routing of the 500kV powerline near Warkworth Airfield poses significant risks to the safety and viability of HVGC’s operations. High-voltage transmission lines in proximity to airfields create potential hazards for launching and landing gliders, and may restrict vital airspace needed for safe flight operations. It is essential that the planning process fully considers the operational requirements of HVGC and the safety implications for club members, visiting pilots and their contributions to the Singleton and Hunter region community and industry.

The proposed power lines, are going to be near an an active AIRFIELD, any obstructions to an airfield pose a serious risk to life and aircraft. The Hunter Valley Gliding Club host an annual Vintage Gliders Australia regatta, with lower performance aircraft being flown. Your proposed power lines will impede, and create a hazard for all aircraft, and especially the lower performance aircraft. The regatta is of considerable benefit for the local community, and surrounding districts. Thankyou for your consideration. John Marshall. President, Vintage Gliders Australia.

To Whom It May Concern,

As a Hunter Valley resident, I wish to formally object to the proposed Hunter Transmission Project (HTP). The Environmental Impact Statement confirms what our community has feared – this project will cause irreversible harm to our environment, threaten our safety, and diminish our quality of life.

As a long-term Hunter Valley resident, I am appalled at the proposal to run high-voltage transmission lines from the Upper Hunter to Sydney through our community. While the project is dressed up as "essential infrastructure," the reality is that the impacts on our environment, community safety, and health are devastating and cannot be justified.

Environmental Destruction
The Hunter Valley is one of the most biodiverse regions in NSW, home to millions of animals, birds, and reptiles – including species already listed as endangered. The construction and maintenance of an 85-metre-high tower corridor through Mount Baker, Cedar Creek, and the Corrabare Range will result in catastrophic habitat destruction.

Endangered gliders, owls, and reptiles will be displaced or killed.
Nesting sites will be destroyed.
Wildlife corridors will be permanently fragmented, making survival for many species impossible.
The sheer scale of clearing and blasting in bushland cannot be brushed aside with “offset” claims in a technical appendix. Once this land is destroyed, it is destroyed forever.

Traffic and Safety Impacts
The EIS proposes up to 850–1,000 vehicles per day on Wollombi and Mount View Roads during construction. These are narrow, winding country roads with no footpaths. Our children walk, ride bikes, and wait for school buses on these roads daily. Heavy construction vehicles and semi-trailers are completely incompatible with the safety of local families.

The risk of accidents, including with children, is unacceptable.
Road degradation will make conditions dangerous even outside peak construction periods.
Residents face years of noise, dust, and delays simply trying to leave their homes.

Health Impacts of High Voltage Lines
Mounting research highlights the potential health impacts of living near high-voltage transmission lines, including increased risks of certain cancers, neurological effects, and other long-term health concerns. To deliberately route such infrastructure through residential and sensitive rural communities is irresponsible and dismissive of public health.

Visual and Social Impact
The towers, at 85 metres high, will dominate the skyline. The visual impact assessment admits most local properties are classed as “sensitive locations.” Our quality of life, property values, and rural character will be irreparably diminished. Once these towers are in place, there is no undoing them.

This project sacrifices the Hunter Valley’s environment, community safety, and health for the sake of pushing power to Sydney as cheaply as possible. The costs borne by our community and ecosystems are far too high.

I strongly oppose the HTP proposal and urge the Minister, Department of Planning, and EnergyCo to reconsider this destructive route.

Regards,
Allison Murray

Referring to the current AIA the basic risk assessment for flying operations at the airfield post the installation or the transmission lines is inadequate and poses an unacceptable risk to pilots operating out of the HVGC site.
The risk assessment should be reviewed and mitigation strategies implemented to manage the hazard.
This has NOT been done.

To Whom It May Concern,

Re: Formal Objection to EnergyCo Transmission Project

I write to object to EnergyCo’s proposed transmission project. The impacts on our community, environment, and safety are severe, unnecessary, and inconsistent with NSW planning and environmental obligations.

Existing Infrastructure Ignored

EnergyCo has refused to consider upgrading the existing northern transmission corridor, despite this being a feasible alternative that would significantly reduce environmental and social impacts. Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (EP&A Act, s.5.5), proponents must demonstrate that all reasonable alternatives have been considered. EnergyCo has failed to do so.

Human Impact and Community Disruption

Residents — including elderly and vulnerable landholders — have been subjected to intimidation, trespass, and unfair compensation offers. This disregards the principles of fair treatment under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (NSW).

Traffic impacts have been grossly underestimated. Nearly 1,000 heavy vehicle trips per day through towns such as Millfield for over a year would breach acceptable thresholds under local traffic and noise provisions, undermining community safety and residents’ right to quiet enjoyment of their properties.

Environmental and Biodiversity Impacts

The proposal will clear extensive areas of native bushland that provide habitat for threatened flora and fauna species, including those listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW) and the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999.

Species of concern in this region include, but are not limited to:

Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami)

Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis)

Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)

Various threatened orchid species and native understory flora


EnergyCo’s reliance on biodiversity offsets is inadequate and inconsistent with the “like-for-like” offset rules under Part 6 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW). Numerous studies — including findings cited by the NSW Audit Office — show that offsets often fail to achieve genuine ecological outcomes. The only effective way to protect these threatened species and their habitats is to avoid clearing bushland altogether.

Fire Risks Ignored

EnergyCo has failed to properly assess the project’s impact on bushfire resilience. High-voltage lines will obstruct dams used by firefighting helicopters, restrict ground crew access, and pose ignition risks in high-wind events. Under the Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW, s.63), developers must not increase fire danger to communities. This project, as designed, will do exactly that. No mitigation or funding has been committed to strengthen firefighting capacity.

Conclusion

This project breaches NSW obligations for biodiversity conservation, fair acquisition, and fire safety. It ignores feasible alternatives, threatens legally protected flora and fauna, and imposes unacceptable burdens on rural communities.

For these reasons, I strongly object to the project in its current form and urge decision-makers to reject it. EnergyCo should be required to utilise the existing northern corridor, consistent with the principles of least environmental harm, biodiversity protection, and community safety.

Hunter Valley Gliding Club (HVGC) objects to this project on the grounds that the consultation process has not been fairly conducted, the Aviation Impact Assessment (AIA) misrepresents the Hunter Valley Gliding Club's operations, and the AIA is not an independent and objective assessment of the impact of the project on the safety of aviation at Warkworth Airfield. The attached document details our position.

I object to this project and the processes to which it has been undertaken. There is a distinct lack of community consultation AND sorely lacking consultation with impacted land-holders.
I object to the proposed widening of roads and land-clearing, i object to not re-using or re-purposing existing access roads, and I wholeheartedly object to the impact on our environment, the local flora and fauna.

I fully support the Hunter transmission project

See attachment

Submission on the Hunter Transmission Project EIS
Opposition to Proposed Transmission Line Route through Central and South State Forest Sections

I write to register my strong objection to the proposed transmission line route through State Forests in the Central and South sections of the Hunter Transmission Project.

The Biodiversity Assessment within the EIS makes clear that the project will cause severe, irreversible destruction and long-term impacts to biodiversity values. Most alarmingly:

The proposed route will directly impact over 60 listed threatened flora and fauna species protected under state and federal legislation.

It will require the clearing of 365 hectares of endangered and critically endangered ecological communities (EECs/CEECs).

These ecological communities are already under extreme pressure from fragmentation, climate change, invasive species, and land-use change. Further destruction of this scale amounts to an act of ecocide.

This level of habitat loss and fragmentation cannot be offset or mitigated. Once destroyed, these ecological communities and the species that depend upon them cannot be restored within any reasonable timeframe. I question the efficacy of “avoid, minimise, offset” hierarchy of environmental management considerations in this proposal.

The loss of 365 hectares of EECs inc CEECs should ring alarm bells for any government considering approval. Allowing such widespread destruction is entirely inconsistent with:

The objectives of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW),
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and
Australia’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The Hunter region is a biodiversity hotspot and a refuge for many species already facing extinction pressures. Pushing ahead with this route will not only undermine national and state conservation targets but will set a dangerous precedent for future infrastructure projects in sensitive landscapes.

Alternative transmission line routes that avoid high-value biodiversity areas must be investigated and prioritised. The community expects energy transition projects to be designed responsibly, in a way that accelerates renewable energy while safeguarding our natural heritage—not destroying it.

For these reasons, I strongly oppose the proposed transmission line route through the Central and South State Forests and urge the Department of Planning and Environment to reject this alignment.

Respectfully submitted,
Danielle Lloyd-Prichard
24/09/2025

A project for the future of our community. Yes it might cause some disruption but it is important for the growth of our nation.

Please see attached

Introduction:
The Hunter Transmission Project was introduced to the local community in November 2023.Pokolbin Mountains Road (PMR) and Brokenback Road were identified as an essential access to part of HTP Central. This road is located wholly within the World renown and Nationally recognized Hunter Valley Vineyards District.
Pokolbin Mountains Road is regularly used by tourists, residents, walkers, trail bikes, 4X4 vehicles, sightseers, service vehicles and mountain bikers. A number of local families and current residents have historical connections dating back to its planning and construction in 1910. (refer ATTACHMENT C).
Despite ongoing engagement and consultation with EnergyCo over the past 21 months leading up to public exhibition of the EIS, there appears to be little, if any, evidence of input or acknowledgement of the points presented by the PMR Group or any other individuals impacted by the HTP Central Access. (ATTACHMENT B)
The expectation of the community was that the EIS would at least identify the requirements to bring PMR up to, and maintained at, a satisfactorily engineered and safe standard for the expected increased traffic flows.
The EIS makes very general non-specific reference to access roads/tracks. The lack of acknowledgement indicates a failure on the part of EnergyCo to acknowledge and pass on community consultation on this highly significant project and indicates a neglect of individuals and community most impacted by the installation of the essential Renewable Infrastructure.
It is believed that this may be a common theme felt for impacted individuals and communities.
Comments on Pokolbin Mountains Road (Access to HTP Central)
Refer to ATTAHCMENT B.
Pokolbin Mountains Road (PMR) is gravel access road to the construction sites for 13 towers (towers 60-72) as indicated in the EIS. Priority must be given to condition of, and necessary improvements to, PMR including:
• Carriageway width
• Drainage
• line of sight vision
• additional pipe drains
• traffic planning
• repairs to existing pavement
• Safety of multiple users
• Additional HTP traffic
There appears to no details for PMR in the prepared EIS, except for being identified as an access track.
The SIA does acknowledge the negative impacts on residents, community and businesses on PMR. This acknowledgment is both physical and emotional impacts. This is a positive and appreciated by those the SIA assessor engaged with. Other impact statements make no mention of any details for PMR. It is encouraging to note general statements on access roads/tracks are made on pg. 5 of the Traffic and Transport Impact Assessment.
Access Through MYRTLEDALE BEEF CATTLE Property.
Introduction: I own property known as "Myrtledale" which provides access to HTP via 3 kilometres of forestry road known as Brokenback Road. I have provided constant feedback and consultation with EnergyCo. It is very disappointing that the details of engagement have not appeared in the EIS. The SIA identifies the impact this project on individuals such as myself, my family, my farm operation and management and my tourist accommodation units.
Refer to ATTACHMENT A – For full context and photos.
Comments:
The EIS fails to address issues relates to noise, dust, vibration, disruption from traffic. Traffic is estimated in the EIS as substantial. Despite this, there is little comment on how this substantial impact will be mitigated. Suggestions for tar sealing a section of road, sound and vibration barrier, road and farm safety signage and speed limitations have not been addressed.
Issues related to maintaining the historic family-owned farm way of life are deeply entrenched in the local residents and family. These issues include:
• Management of stock during traffic movements for construction of infrastructure
• Biosecurity as a result of traffic tracking between sites and areas
• The disruption to the accommodated guests, livestock and family members.
• Loss of property value and ecological value
• Impact of traffic on biodiversity of flora, fauna and agricultural crops
The opportunity and offer for biodiversity offset strategies has not been followed up by EnergyCo, despite the impact on biodiversity of the HTP being well recognized in the community.
Communication and security have been flagged in engagement with EnergyCo with needs for better mobile reception, security surveillance cameras and secure gates to side tracks from the access roads.
Current HTP EIS information does not adequately address the serious safety concerns raised.
The included attachments form an important part of this submission as they outline previous communication and engagement with EnergyCo, which has not been addressed sufficiently. Refer to ATTACHMENT D.
Specific Comments Related to the EIS.
• Landscape Character and Visual Assessment
Assessment points on Wollombi Road, Millfield avoid the open landscape west of Millfield and south of Congewai Creek. Assessment points give a poor indication as they are located south of Wollombi Road.
• Traffic and Transport Impact
No specific details on access tracks, such as Pokolbin Mountain Road and Brokenback Road, in terms of improvements to current passageway condition prior, during and after HTP implementation.
• Agriculture Impact
Refer to pg.58 “During construction there would be no direct or indirect impacts to agriculture land use and production”. As a directly affected landholder, this would not be factual.
• Social Impact Assessment
Identifies impacts raised by individuals and makes it clear impacts occur outside the corridor.
• Noise and vibration
Construction traffic on Brokenback Road through Myrtledale to access towers 60-72 does not been addressed and mitigated to consider the items related to our family property.
Traffic movements indicate the following:
 7am – 10pm Light Vehicles 164, Heavy Vehicles 188.
 10pm – 7am Light Vehicles 30, Heavy vehicles 20.

These vehicle movements will increase noise, dust, vibrations and air quality concerns. There is serious concern for resident and tourist safety including pedestrian traffic of these public and private access roads. Tourist accommodation on Myrtledale will be subject to injurious affectation leading to loss of income and long-term impacts to tenancy rates.
(SEE ATTACHED FULL DETAIL WITH PRIOR COMMUNICATION AND SUBMISSION JUSTISITICATION).

Submission on the Hunter Transmission Project EIS (SSI-70610456)

Submitter: Marlien Brandjes (Owner Glamping Estate)
Location: 427 Pokolbin Mountains Rd, Pokolbin
Interest: Local resident and business operator (glamping accommodation provider) directly reliant on Pokolbin Mountains Road for guest, resident, and service access.

1. Primary Concern: Reliable Access via Pokolbin Mountains Road
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) identifies Pokolbin Mountains Road as a key construction access route. As a resident and business owner whose property depends exclusively on this road for all guest, resident, and supplier access, I am concerned about the potential impacts of construction traffic, temporary closures, and road upgrades on safe and reliable travel.

Request:
That Pokolbin Mountains Road remain accessible at set times each day to allow residents, visitors, tourism operators, and service providers to travel reliably. These “open windows” should be aligned with peak travel periods (e.g. 7–9am, 12–2pm, 4–6pm) when guests typically check in or out, and when school, work, and supplier trips occur. Any full closures should be programmed outside these windows.

2. Advance Notice & Communication
Construction works and road closures will create uncertainty for residents and guests. The success of local tourism and the safety of local residents depends on predictable travel times.

Request:
• That the proponent provide a minimum of 14 days’ notice of any planned closures or detours.
• That real-time updates be provided through NSW Live Traffic and via a direct notification system (SMS/email) for local residents and businesses who register.
• That a 24/7 contact number be established for access issues and emergencies.

3. Alternative Access via Watagan Track
Currently, Pokolbin Mountains Road is the sole access to properties and tourism businesses at the top of the ridge. Any closure leaves residents and guests isolated. The botton part of Watagan Track, which connects to the lower valley, is an existing but degraded route that could serve as a safe alternative if upgraded, even if this would be one way only.

Request:
That the proponent fund or co-fund the upgrade of the lower section of Watagan Track (including grading, drainage, and sealing critical sections). This would:
• Provide a reliable secondary access or exit route for residents, guests, and emergency services.
• Reduce pressure on Pokolbin Mountains Road during construction.
• Deliver long-term community benefit beyond the construction period, improving resilience of access for the local area.

4. Ongoing Coordination & Liaison
Given the number of residents, tourism operators, and visitors who rely on Pokolbin Mountains Road, ongoing communication is essential.

Request:
That a Local Access & Tourism Liaison Group be established, including residents, Cessnock Council, and local businesses, to review traffic management plans, monitor impacts, and ensure access arrangements are upheld.

Conclusion
The Hunter Transmission Project will have significant construction traffic impacts on Pokolbin Mountains Road. Without mitigation, these impacts pose risks to resident access, guest safety, tourism viability, and emergency response. The requests above are reasonable, practical, and community-focused solutions that balance project needs with local access and safety.
I respectfully ask that these measures be adopted as Conditions of Approval.

Signed:
Marlien Brandjes
24 September 2025

We object to the project in its current form as the proposed alignment through the Singleton Military Area (Figure 3.9, Western option) is the one that impacts the community the most as evident in Table 3.10 of the EIS Main Text (Page 96). It is clear that the Eastern option shown in Figure 3.9 has acceptable impacts on the community with substantially less visual, noise, Built heritage and traffic impacts. It is only the Department of Defence’s unsubstantiated view that has led to the selection of the Western option.
See attached document.

The Warkworth airfield is owned and operated by Hunter Valley Gliding club and has NOT been included in the EIS - Aviation impact.
The Airfield WILL be significantly impacted by the HTP and it has been used by the Hunter Valley gliding club continuously for over 60 years. As i regularly fly gliders from Warkworth airfield the HTP WILL potentially impact my safety and ability to operate out of the airfield due to its close proximity.
There is similar aviation activity as occurs in Cessnock, Maitland which HAVE been included in assessment.
The assessment NEEDS to include impact on Warkworth airfield as an important and active aviation airfield within 30NM of transmission lines. The airfield is already adversely impacted by the surrounding mining activity so HTP needs to consult with Hunter Valley Gliding Club to ensure the same consideration is given it as that of Maitland and Cessnock airport to allow continued, safe operations.

This project enables at least 1000 jobs for people in the Hunter region. The impact would be negative on the Hunter region if this did not continue to go ahead.

I am concerned that the project does not take into account the impact on the endangered Littlejohn's Tree Frog
There appear to be construction that will destroy breeding areas of the frog.

I didnt know what this is until 2 seconds ago when got asked to sign something else the basketball arena one but this sounds more important cant cap yk.