$183.2 million is being invested by the Minns Labor Government to transform key parts of the state's road network, delivering lasting infrastructure and economic benefits for regional NSW.
The funding will deliver critical road upgrades to support the safer movement of oversize and overmass vehicles transporting components for wind and solar projects, helping drive the renewable energy transition in regional NSW.
Regional communities are at the centre of the renewable energy transition, with areas like the Central-West Orana playing a critical role as the powerhouse of the state's future energy system.
The investment recognises that as these regions drive the transition, they must also be backed with the infrastructure to support their communities, industries and future growth. The funding will be shared across three of the five designated Renewable Energy Zones (REZ):
- $50 million for Central - West Orana REZ for safety and capacity upgrades primarily along the Golden Highway, as well as between the Port of Newcastle and the Central West
- $65 million for South - West REZ to start work on six intersection upgrades to allow components to be moved through the western Riverina region between the Dinawan and the Buronga substations)
- $68.2 million for New England REZ to begin upgrades at Rix's Creek Bridge and Liddell Interchange, plan for safety and capacity upgrades between Muswellbrook and Armidale and develop an OSOM route around Tamworth on the northern end.
Design work is already underway for critical upgrades on the Sturt and New England highways and started delivery of town entry safety treatments on the Golden Highway at Dubbo, Dunedoo, Jerrys Plains Denman and Sandy Hollow.
In coming months, Transport for NSW will complete community consultation and provide more information and expected timelines as the program develops, while fast tracking project concept design so that this vital road work can move ahead quickly.
Extensive planning is already underway to minimise impacts on local communities and road users, with oversize and overmass movements carefully coordinated - typically departing ports at night and travelling along designated Renewable Energy Zone routes under pilot or escort where required.
The previous green energy joint funding commitment of $128.5 million has crews already working to upgrade 19 areas along the Central-West Orana REZ route.
These upgrades and road treatments are at identified pinch points and vary from road widening, relocating traffic signs, installing new turn lanes and extending drainage and culverts.
With this new $183.2 million in funding, there is a total of $216.9 million available ($211.9 million NSW Government funding, $5 million Australian Government funding) for REZ road upgrades across regional NSW.
This includes $10 million for the development of infrastructure upgrades associated with the Central- West Orana REZ project, which is funded 50/ 50 with the NSW and Federal governments, and $23.7 million to deliver an overtaking lane west of Merriwa.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe:
"The Minns Labor Government is delivering a 'once-in-a-generation upgrade' of the state's electricity system.
"As part of this, we are upgrading our road network to help deliver the renewable energy zones and a once in a generation road upgrade.
"NSW has the most advanced plan for the rollout of renewable energy in Australia - today's investment in our road network is the next stage of that.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
"These upgrades recognise a simple reality. Our regional communities are at the heart of our renewable energy future and for too long they've had to bear the brunt of the transition without the infrastructure to support it.
"The Central-West Orana and surrounding regions are the powerhouse of our state's energy transition. They have long powered NSW through a mix of energy sources. As we transition, they will continue to play that critical role.
"I know how important the Golden Highway is for both communities and industry alike. These upgrades will ensure it can safely and efficiently support the movement of energy infrastructure, while continuing to serve the people who rely on it every day.
"This $183.2 million investment is about recognising the role regional NSW plays in powering the state - and making sure communities see lasting benefits through stronger, safer and more resilient roads."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Temora Shire, Rick Firman:
"Our remote and rural communities often carry the load of work when it comes to major transitions like this, so this investment is a very welcome commitment to making sure we are properly supported.
"As large renewable energy components are transported across our region, these upgrades will help keep people safe, maintain vital connections, and leave a lasting legacy of better infrastructure for our community.
"Regional councils look forward to continuing to work productively with the Minister on corridor planning for upcoming REZ movements in their local government areas."
"This is about making sure our communities are not only part of the transition, but benefits from it as well."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Josh Black:
"This significant investment in the Golden Highway will provide a lasting legacy for residents of the Dubbo Region, particularly when travelling to Newcastle and the Hunter.
"In regional areas like ours, roads are the connections between towns - essential to keeping people, goods and services moving seamlessly. These upgrades will improve safety, support local businesses and industry, and ensure our community can continue to grow and thrive."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Muswellbrook, Jeff Drayton:
"Muswellbrook has long been at the centre of NSW's energy story and as that story evolves, it's essential our community is supported.
"As a key hub in the Upper Hunter, we're seeing firsthand the increased demand on our local roads as large renewable energy components move through the region. For our community, that means balancing this important work with keeping our community connected and safe.
"This investment will strengthen our road network, reduce pressure on key routes and ensure Muswellbrook continues to play a leading role in powering the state."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Warrumbungle Shire, Kathryn Rindfleish:
"In small regional communities like those across Wurrumbungle Shire, our road network is our lifeline and connection to the rest of the state. It's how we access services and keep our local economy running.
"The roads are placed under significant pressure from the transportation of renewable energy infrastructure - impacting safety, accessibility and day-to-day life for our community.
"The $183.2 million investment in roads in Renewable Energy Zones acknowledges those challenges, and I'm very pleased to see regional communities recognised and supported through the transition."
Quotes attributable to Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody:
"The Minns Labor Government's renewable energy rollout is a generational, nation building, freight and logistics task.
"The Port of Newcastle is the only port on the East Coast of Australia capable of handling such a massive and complex operation, and as the entry point for these components, we recognise and welcome the unprecedented scale of works and investment the government is making to ensure the road network is equally ready.
"Recognising the critical role the Port of Newcastle will play in the government's successful rollout, we are laser focused on ensuring the Port is capable and ready to receive the first REZ components in 2027."
