Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone – August 2023

Things become a little clearer day by day with the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone being established by the NSW Government.

“The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is the State’s first of five renewable energy zones in NSW and will cover approximately 20,000 square kilometres”, said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “This zone incorporates parts of a number of Local Government Areas (LGA’s) in the Central West Orana region, the main ones affected being Warrumbungle, Dubbo and Mid-Western.”

“The REZ will impact our LGA, but particularly the localities of Coolah, Leadville, Dunedoo, Birriwa, Cobbora and surrounds,” said Cr Doolan.

This project is expected to bring up to $5 billion in private investment to the Central-West Orana region by 2030. At its peak, the REZ is expected to support around 6,000 construction jobs in the region, however this could be as high as 8,000.

“Many of the proposed projects are located across LGA boundaries, with delivery of projects potentially clashing and generating cumulative economic impacts. Some impacts will benefit our local economy greatly with things such as housing and accommodation, labour and workforce, telecommunications and social aspects,” Cr Doolan explained. 

Recently, Council has been involved in a number of matters relating to the REZ including attended meetings both online and in-person with potential REZ project developers regarding matters of concern to Warrumbungle Shire LGA and the impacts on the communities.

“As well as participating in Department of Planning and Environment update meetings, taking part in REZ Steering Group with councils, EnergyCo and other government agencies, preparing and lodging submission on draft SEARs for Orana Windfarm and participating in Power Purchasing Agreements workshop hosted by EnergyCo and the Business Renewables Centre Australia," said Cr Doolan. 

It is important to note that the REZ transmission line and associated wind farms, solar farms and battery energy storage systems are either State Significant Infrastructure or State Significant Development requiring approval from the State Government, not Council.

“The REZ will have a huge impact on the Warrumbungle Shire, and no doubt the will be both benefits and many negatives. I would urge interested persons to keep abreast of what is going on with this and follow the Central-West Orana REZ website”, concluded Cr Doolan.

Last Updated: 11 Aug 2023