While a shock to many it is no surprise to Walcha Energy. Walcha Energy have been lobbying the government for years to bring powerlines to the Walcha district. Make no mistake - these powerlines are following the Walcha Energy projects based on advice from Walcha Energy. And this is just stage one. We understand there are likely to be more powerlines coming through the Walcha LGA in later stages of development.
Why is the Walcha district becoming the powerline capital of the state?
Because Walcha Energy have told EnergyCo that ... “It would be realistic to provide for the development of 10,000MW of renewable energy and pumped hydro generation in this area alone.” *
This is the equivalent of over 14 Winterbourne Wind Projects around Walcha.
It is because Walcha Energy are touting the ... “Walcha Energy Project” as a “a mini-REZ within the recently declared New England REZ.” **
The map (below) defines Walcha Energy’s ... “ultimate development concept”, from a submission made to AEMO in 2022. **
Note ... this is a recommendationfrom Walcha Energy, not EnergyCo.
If EnergyCo follow recommendations by Walcha Energy, we are likely to see 2 double 500kV lines and a double 330kV line traversing our LGA. This is what 330kV and 500kV towers look like, up to 80m high (right).
We have real concerns that Walcha Energy are facilitating the construction of the main Queensland NSW Interconnector Line through the Walcha Plateau. Rather than following the existing path from Queensland via Armidale and Tamworth down to the Hunter, the double 330kV Line would go via Inverell, through the Uralla Hub and down through the Walcha LGA.
Did Walcha Energy consult with the Walcha community about this?
Walcha Energy have suggested changing the route “due to its sensitive terrain and impacts on threatened species, forested land, small rural communities, and rural residential areas near Armidale.” ***
What about the impact on Walcha??
