NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully has responded to Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan’s assertions that residents, farmers and councils have inadequate time to review and respond to the Environmental Impact Statement for the New England Renewable Energy Zone transmission project.
On Friday, Mr Moylan stated the NSW Government’s has given 29 days to provide feedback with Mr Scully saying the NSW Government does not expect the community to be technical experts on any planning proposal as it’s the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure responsibility to assess the technical details of the project and all submissions raised during the public exhibition.
Mr Scully is inviting the community to review the proposed project and raise any issues with the proposal as part of a full merit-based assessment being undertaken by the Department through community consultation sessions being held later this month and November.
EnergyCo is hosting information sessions and webinars in October and November so the community can view the EIS, speak to the project team and ask questions:
- Walcha: Tuesday 27 October, 12-3pm, Walcha Vet Supplies
- Kentucky: Wednesday 28 October, 3-6pm, Kentucky Memorial Hall
- Gundy: Monday 2 November, 3-6pm, Gundy Soldiers’ Memorial Hall
- Rouchel: Wednesday 4 November, 3-6pm, Rouchel School of Arts Hall
- Scone: Thursday 5 November, 3-6pm, Scone Motor Inn Conference Centre
- Muswellbrook: Friday 6 November, 11am-2pm, Muswellbrook Library Seminar Room
- Walcha: Monday 9 November, 4-6pm, Walcha Central School Hall
- Uralla: Tuesday 10 November, 3-6pm, Uralla Courthouse
- Armidale: Wednesday 11 November, 3-6pm, Armidale Town Hall
- Tamworth: Thursday 12 November, 12-2pm, Tamworth Community Event Centre
Registration is open for the first webinar, understanding the EIS, being held at 4pm – 5pm, Tuesday 20 October.
This session will explain the purpose and structure of the EIS, how to find the information relevant to you and how to make a submission. Community members can register on the project’s engagement portal: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/nerezevents.
Additional webinars will explore topics including how the REZ will be built and biodiversity.
