Premier Chris Minns of New South Wales has announced that the proposed “undergrounding” of the HumeLink transmission line project is off the table.
The HumeLink project, which aims to connect renewable energy zones and facilitate the transmission of clean energy across the country, has faced strong opposition from local communities and property owners.
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They argue that overground lines may bring significant fire risks, ecological damage, and disruptions to farming activities.
On Thursday, Mr Minns said that “It is (off the table), and the reason for that is the cost”.
“I mean, we’re already seeing extensive increasing coast for energy prices in NSW,” he said.
The Australian Energy Market Operator has estimated that the country requires extensive new transmission lines and an increase in renewable energy capacity to meet energy demands.
A parliamentary committee report on the viability of the project recommended proceeding with overground transmission lines, a recommendation supported by the Premier.
However, Nationals MPs and the Greens criticised the report and said it was “a missed opportunity and a box-ticking exercise”.
Community spokesperson Michael Katz accused the government of favouring private interests and ignoring potential alternative solutions.
“The Minns government has failed to bring any innovative policy change on this important issues and, instead, has been captured by the vested interests of a private company,” Mr Katz said.
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