Chris White
Object
Chris White
Object
MILLFIELD
,
New South Wales
Message
HTP EIS Submission
We are the proprietors of “Millbrook Estate” a boutique winery / distillery at Hunter Road Millfield. We also have a tourist cottage and our private dwelling on the property with access from Mount View Rd about 1km west of Millfield. We are the first winery / cellar door on the sign posted Mount View tourist route / wine trail.
We are currently on holiday overseas (until end September) and only became aware of the EIS exhibition courtesy of advice from neighbours. We are rather stunned that so little time is available for affected parties to review the EIS. EnergyCo has been working on this scheme for 3 years and told us the proposal would be on display in early 2025. This is dreadfully unfair and it seems obvious they are not really interested in a community response. In fact we hear that they have already started purchasing affected properties, doing road test investigations and have commenced the construction tender process.
In the present circumstances we have no practical opportunity to review the documents (which we understand to be enormous) nor to make any comprehensive feedback. However, we offer the following limited comments that indicate our worry that this project will have a serious impact on our business and also on the quality of our living environment. If the building of the project is like this EIS review stage then we feel like our business will be steamrolled
Being on a low ridge above Wollombi Brook, the property has spectacular sweeping views to the west and right around to the north east, including an outstanding skyline formed by the Mt Baker ridge and the Corrabare and Watagan ranges. The attached photo provides an indication of the landscape view from the cellar door. All indications are that we will see some of the towers and cables and that will be an unwelcome impact on these views which are a key feature of the cellar door experience.
Our business is heavily reliant on car based visitors and small bus groups (less than 10 people). Repeat business and word of mouth referrals from those customers is very important. We understand Wollombi Rd and Mount View Rd will be have a big increase in construction traffic including many heavy vehicles and this will continue for up to three years. The ability to access the property during that time will be essential and with the minimum of disruption or delay. We are very concerned that tour operators will simply seek other winery stops if access becomes a hassle, as they need to work to carefully planned day circuits through the valley.
The condition of Mount View Rd is another aspect that gives us real concern. It currently takes very low traffic numbers (probably less than 100 vehicles a day) as it only serves a quiet rural area and tourists heading over Mount View. The sealed surface is in poor condition and the heavy traffic increase for construction will very quickly cause the road to break up. Unless there is a clear responsibility for EnergyCo to firstly improve and then regularly maintain Mount View Rd we would expect our winery visitation to quickly decrease.
Our customers come to the winery and cottage for an enjoyable experience and we need them to go home with a positive perception – so they will come again and also relay the experience to others. Views of parts of a transmission line on the spectacular ridgelines, disrupted access, construction related traffic noise and a crumbling road are not the ingredients for the success of our business – on the contrary, these issues present a serious risk to our business and livelihood and hence a lot of stress.
There are many wineries in the Hunter Valley, MIllbrook Estate being situated on the edge of the Hunter relies on the beautiful location surrounding our property. All of the visitors comment on this stunning location. Attached is a snapshot that will be very sadly compromised. We are very fearful regarding the disruption to accessing our Winery both short and on completion long term. We believe this will disruption is going to have a huge impact to our financial situation, with currently no suggestion from anyone regarding compensation.
We would like to be assured the above issues can be managed with real commitment by EnergyCo in consultation with Cessnock Council. We also request that any approval by your Department has strict requirements about the responsibilities of the construction company appointed.
Chris & Paula White
We are the proprietors of “Millbrook Estate” a boutique winery / distillery at Hunter Road Millfield. We also have a tourist cottage and our private dwelling on the property with access from Mount View Rd about 1km west of Millfield. We are the first winery / cellar door on the sign posted Mount View tourist route / wine trail.
We are currently on holiday overseas (until end September) and only became aware of the EIS exhibition courtesy of advice from neighbours. We are rather stunned that so little time is available for affected parties to review the EIS. EnergyCo has been working on this scheme for 3 years and told us the proposal would be on display in early 2025. This is dreadfully unfair and it seems obvious they are not really interested in a community response. In fact we hear that they have already started purchasing affected properties, doing road test investigations and have commenced the construction tender process.
In the present circumstances we have no practical opportunity to review the documents (which we understand to be enormous) nor to make any comprehensive feedback. However, we offer the following limited comments that indicate our worry that this project will have a serious impact on our business and also on the quality of our living environment. If the building of the project is like this EIS review stage then we feel like our business will be steamrolled
Being on a low ridge above Wollombi Brook, the property has spectacular sweeping views to the west and right around to the north east, including an outstanding skyline formed by the Mt Baker ridge and the Corrabare and Watagan ranges. The attached photo provides an indication of the landscape view from the cellar door. All indications are that we will see some of the towers and cables and that will be an unwelcome impact on these views which are a key feature of the cellar door experience.
Our business is heavily reliant on car based visitors and small bus groups (less than 10 people). Repeat business and word of mouth referrals from those customers is very important. We understand Wollombi Rd and Mount View Rd will be have a big increase in construction traffic including many heavy vehicles and this will continue for up to three years. The ability to access the property during that time will be essential and with the minimum of disruption or delay. We are very concerned that tour operators will simply seek other winery stops if access becomes a hassle, as they need to work to carefully planned day circuits through the valley.
The condition of Mount View Rd is another aspect that gives us real concern. It currently takes very low traffic numbers (probably less than 100 vehicles a day) as it only serves a quiet rural area and tourists heading over Mount View. The sealed surface is in poor condition and the heavy traffic increase for construction will very quickly cause the road to break up. Unless there is a clear responsibility for EnergyCo to firstly improve and then regularly maintain Mount View Rd we would expect our winery visitation to quickly decrease.
Our customers come to the winery and cottage for an enjoyable experience and we need them to go home with a positive perception – so they will come again and also relay the experience to others. Views of parts of a transmission line on the spectacular ridgelines, disrupted access, construction related traffic noise and a crumbling road are not the ingredients for the success of our business – on the contrary, these issues present a serious risk to our business and livelihood and hence a lot of stress.
There are many wineries in the Hunter Valley, MIllbrook Estate being situated on the edge of the Hunter relies on the beautiful location surrounding our property. All of the visitors comment on this stunning location. Attached is a snapshot that will be very sadly compromised. We are very fearful regarding the disruption to accessing our Winery both short and on completion long term. We believe this will disruption is going to have a huge impact to our financial situation, with currently no suggestion from anyone regarding compensation.
We would like to be assured the above issues can be managed with real commitment by EnergyCo in consultation with Cessnock Council. We also request that any approval by your Department has strict requirements about the responsibilities of the construction company appointed.
Chris & Paula White
Attachments
Brian Burrows
Comment
Brian Burrows
Comment
Cessnock West
,
New South Wales
Message
Submission on the Hunter Transmission Project – Environmental Impact Statement
Brian Burrows
Lot 138 Cedar Creek Road, Pokolbin
16 September 2025
To: The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Via NSW Planning Portal – Hunter Transmission Project
Re: Comments and Submission on the Hunter Transmission Project EIS
Dear Sir/Madam,
We make this submission in relation to the Hunter Transmission Project EIS, which is currently on public exhibition. Our property is Lot 138, Cedar Creek Road, Pokolbin, on Pokolbin Mountain, directly affected by the proposed alignment. While we recognise the importance of energy infrastructure, the EIS fails to adequately address a range of impacts that will significantly and permanently affect our property, cultural values, and quality of life.
In accordance with the Planning Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), we wish to raise the following key concerns.
1. Visual Impacts, Property Devaluation and Compensation
• The EIS does not clearly identify the exact location or number of towers on Pokolbin Mountain. Without this clarity, it is impossible to properly assess the visual impact on Lot 138.
• Our property is valued for its off-grid seclusion, free from visible infrastructure and main roads. Transmission towers will irreparably change this character and reduce property value.
• The Transmission Guideline requires a rigorous assessment of visual amenity. The current EIS does not demonstrate how visual impacts on nearby residences have been avoided or minimised.
We therefore request:
o Clear identification of all proposed tower locations near Lot 138.
o A revised visual impact assessment including photomontages from our property.
o Formal compensation for the permanent devaluation of Lot 138 arising from the project.
2. Traffic, Access, Dust and Air Quality
• Construction traffic on Broken Back Trail will cause significant dust, safety risks, and restricted resident access. The road is already fragile and narrow.
• The EIS does not provide a clear traffic movement plan. Key questions remain unanswered:
o What are the proposed hours of operation for construction traffic?
o Will traffic occur on weekends?
o How will resident access be maintained during roadworks or truck movements?
• Dust and air pollutants from heavy vehicle movements will be substantial. While the EIS acknowledges this, it does not commit to regular on-site monitoring near affected residences such as ours.
We therefore request:
o A Traffic Management Plan that guarantees resident access at all times, including during peak construction.
o Restrictions on construction traffic movements to weekdays only, within standard working hours.
o Continuous dust monitoring near Lot 138, with results made publicly available.
3. Noise and Vibration
• Noise and vibration from both construction and operation will negatively affect residential amenity and local fauna.
• The SEARs require an assessment of biodiversity impacts. Increased vibration and noise will affect native animals in this sensitive habitat.
We request that noise modelling be re-run to include nearest residences and that strict operational noise limits be enforced.
4. Bushfire Risk
• The Pokolbin region is a high bushfire risk area. The introduction of heavy machinery, construction traffic, and vegetation disturbance increases this risk significantly.
• The EIS does not provide sufficient detail on bushfire management.
We request a site-specific Bushfire Risk Management Plan, developed in consultation with residents and the RFS, prior to approval.
5. Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Line Voltage
• The EIS provides inadequate information on the electrical characteristics of the proposed transmission lines. We know the land very well as being owners for some years and know the westerly winds is the dominant wind at gusts of over 50km/ph. We are concerned about the winds, impact of EMF and the relative location of our property to the proposed towers.
We request:
o Disclosure of the minimum and maximum voltages to be transmitted across Pokolbin Mountain and Broken Back Mountain Trail.
o Modelling of EMF exposure levels at residential properties, including Lot 138 (as the proposed towers will be within 1km of our property).
o Assessment of EMF impacts on both human health and animals.
The EIS, in its current form, does not adequately address or mitigate the project’s impacts on Lot 138. The project will have significant negative effects on visual amenity, cultural values, access, environmental quality, and property value.
We, therefore:
1. Request that the above issues be addressed in detail, including revisions to the EIS.
2. Request that compensation be provided for the devaluation of Lot 138 arising from the Hunter Transmission Project.
3. We would like to be informed about the project commencement prior to construction dates and regular communication of the project and its timelines.
We thank you for considering this submission and look forward to your detailed response.
Yours sincerely,
Brian Burrows
Brian Burrows
Lot 138 Cedar Creek Road, Pokolbin
16 September 2025
To: The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Via NSW Planning Portal – Hunter Transmission Project
Re: Comments and Submission on the Hunter Transmission Project EIS
Dear Sir/Madam,
We make this submission in relation to the Hunter Transmission Project EIS, which is currently on public exhibition. Our property is Lot 138, Cedar Creek Road, Pokolbin, on Pokolbin Mountain, directly affected by the proposed alignment. While we recognise the importance of energy infrastructure, the EIS fails to adequately address a range of impacts that will significantly and permanently affect our property, cultural values, and quality of life.
In accordance with the Planning Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), we wish to raise the following key concerns.
1. Visual Impacts, Property Devaluation and Compensation
• The EIS does not clearly identify the exact location or number of towers on Pokolbin Mountain. Without this clarity, it is impossible to properly assess the visual impact on Lot 138.
• Our property is valued for its off-grid seclusion, free from visible infrastructure and main roads. Transmission towers will irreparably change this character and reduce property value.
• The Transmission Guideline requires a rigorous assessment of visual amenity. The current EIS does not demonstrate how visual impacts on nearby residences have been avoided or minimised.
We therefore request:
o Clear identification of all proposed tower locations near Lot 138.
o A revised visual impact assessment including photomontages from our property.
o Formal compensation for the permanent devaluation of Lot 138 arising from the project.
2. Traffic, Access, Dust and Air Quality
• Construction traffic on Broken Back Trail will cause significant dust, safety risks, and restricted resident access. The road is already fragile and narrow.
• The EIS does not provide a clear traffic movement plan. Key questions remain unanswered:
o What are the proposed hours of operation for construction traffic?
o Will traffic occur on weekends?
o How will resident access be maintained during roadworks or truck movements?
• Dust and air pollutants from heavy vehicle movements will be substantial. While the EIS acknowledges this, it does not commit to regular on-site monitoring near affected residences such as ours.
We therefore request:
o A Traffic Management Plan that guarantees resident access at all times, including during peak construction.
o Restrictions on construction traffic movements to weekdays only, within standard working hours.
o Continuous dust monitoring near Lot 138, with results made publicly available.
3. Noise and Vibration
• Noise and vibration from both construction and operation will negatively affect residential amenity and local fauna.
• The SEARs require an assessment of biodiversity impacts. Increased vibration and noise will affect native animals in this sensitive habitat.
We request that noise modelling be re-run to include nearest residences and that strict operational noise limits be enforced.
4. Bushfire Risk
• The Pokolbin region is a high bushfire risk area. The introduction of heavy machinery, construction traffic, and vegetation disturbance increases this risk significantly.
• The EIS does not provide sufficient detail on bushfire management.
We request a site-specific Bushfire Risk Management Plan, developed in consultation with residents and the RFS, prior to approval.
5. Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Line Voltage
• The EIS provides inadequate information on the electrical characteristics of the proposed transmission lines. We know the land very well as being owners for some years and know the westerly winds is the dominant wind at gusts of over 50km/ph. We are concerned about the winds, impact of EMF and the relative location of our property to the proposed towers.
We request:
o Disclosure of the minimum and maximum voltages to be transmitted across Pokolbin Mountain and Broken Back Mountain Trail.
o Modelling of EMF exposure levels at residential properties, including Lot 138 (as the proposed towers will be within 1km of our property).
o Assessment of EMF impacts on both human health and animals.
The EIS, in its current form, does not adequately address or mitigate the project’s impacts on Lot 138. The project will have significant negative effects on visual amenity, cultural values, access, environmental quality, and property value.
We, therefore:
1. Request that the above issues be addressed in detail, including revisions to the EIS.
2. Request that compensation be provided for the devaluation of Lot 138 arising from the Hunter Transmission Project.
3. We would like to be informed about the project commencement prior to construction dates and regular communication of the project and its timelines.
We thank you for considering this submission and look forward to your detailed response.
Yours sincerely,
Brian Burrows
Attachments
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
CESSNOCK
,
New South Wales
Message
I am concerned of the visual impact this project will have for millfield residents.
Additionally, I have immediate family who live on Pokolbin Mountain Rd.
This roadway is gravel and poorly managed. It most places on this track it is one way. There will be significant increase to traffic and accessibility for emergency services will be impacted.
Several of the property owners along Pokolbin Mountain Road are business owners and make profits from using their property. If this is impacted I feel they will be disadvantaged for a long period.
The high traffic for 24-36 months while the project occurs will be a significant disruption to the road surface.
I believe more thought on the route could be done. Consultation with those affected has been a tick box exercise with no active listening in the genuine concerns of those local people.
Additionally, I have immediate family who live on Pokolbin Mountain Rd.
This roadway is gravel and poorly managed. It most places on this track it is one way. There will be significant increase to traffic and accessibility for emergency services will be impacted.
Several of the property owners along Pokolbin Mountain Road are business owners and make profits from using their property. If this is impacted I feel they will be disadvantaged for a long period.
The high traffic for 24-36 months while the project occurs will be a significant disruption to the road surface.
I believe more thought on the route could be done. Consultation with those affected has been a tick box exercise with no active listening in the genuine concerns of those local people.
Emma jane
Object
Emma jane
Object
TIGHES HILL
,
New South Wales
Message
No
Lake Macquarie City Council
Comment
Lake Macquarie City Council
Comment
SPEERS POINT
,
New South Wales
Message
To whom it may concern
Please refer to the attached submission from Lake Macquarie City Council.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on [email protected] or 0407 621 697
Regards,
Dayne Harris
Please refer to the attached submission from Lake Macquarie City Council.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on [email protected] or 0407 621 697
Regards,
Dayne Harris
Lake Macquarie City Council
Comment
Lake Macquarie City Council
Comment
Speers Point
,
New South Wales
Message
Please find attached Lake Macquarie City Council's council endorsed submission. Council staff have also made a submission on technical matters separately.
Craig Hargrave
Support
Craig Hargrave
Support
EAST MAITLAND
,
New South Wales
Message
I fully support this project
Name Withheld
Comment
Name Withheld
Comment
POKOLBIN
,
New South Wales
Message
This submission relates specifically to ‘Pokolbin Mountains Rd’ and the impact the HTP will have on local residents living along this road.
Attached are 3 documents, 1 containing our initial issues and concerns as submitted in 2024.
The other 2 documents relate to the Environmental Impact Statement, the ‘Technical report 6 Social impact assessment’ and the ‘Technical report 4 Traffic and transport impact assessment’.
The attachments are self-explanatory and highlight the lack of detail in the EIS to address concerns raised regarding safety and the social impact on residents.
Attached are 3 documents, 1 containing our initial issues and concerns as submitted in 2024.
The other 2 documents relate to the Environmental Impact Statement, the ‘Technical report 6 Social impact assessment’ and the ‘Technical report 4 Traffic and transport impact assessment’.
The attachments are self-explanatory and highlight the lack of detail in the EIS to address concerns raised regarding safety and the social impact on residents.