Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ) Projects

The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) has a large number of projects progressing that will have impacts on our local communities. Community members are urged to keep up to date with the projects as they unfold. 

“The NSW Government’s EnergyCo is proposing to construct and operate multiple new renewable energy projects directly impacting the southern end of the Warrumbungle Shire,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Community members are encouraged to make themselves familiar with these projects and the progress which is being made across the region.” 

“These renewable energy projects incorporate parts of a number of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Central West Orana region. The REZ will impact our LGA, but particularly the localities of Coolah, Leadville, Dunedoo, Birriwa, Cobbora and surrounds,” said Cr Doolan.

“There are currently 11 different renewable energy projects commencing across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone which will impact our local government area (See Table 1)”, said Cr Doolan. 

“At its peak, the REZ is expected to support over 6,000 construction jobs in the region, however this could be as high as 8,000.”

Council has been involved in many stakeholder meetings regarding the REZ and has prepared and submitted a number of submissions regarding these developments. Council’s submissions can be found on its website under the REZ tab at the top of the home page. 

EnergyCo has also recently advised plans to amend the CWOREZ declaration to increase the intended network capacity from 3 gigawatts (GW) to 6GW in line with the NSW Network Infrastructure Strategy, more information on this can be found on the EnergyCo website.

“Many of the proposed projects are located across Local Government Area (LGA) boundaries, with delivery of projects potentially clashing and generating cumulative impacts to our communities, including impacting housing and accommodation, roads, labour and workforce and social aspects,” Cr Doolan explained. 

“I would urge interested persons to take this opportunity familiarise themselves with these projects and keep up to date with information out on public exhibition allowing you to have a say on these projects via Central-West Orana REZ website”, concluded Cr Doolan.

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Last Updated: 26 Oct 2023