ElectraNet interconnector to NSW to undergo environmental assessment

The $1.53bn electricity interconnector to NSW will need to pass environmental tests as well as prove to electricity regulators that the ElectraNet-led project is worthwhile. Concerns about the black-eared miner are one of the issues to be checked.

The $1.53 billion electricity interconnector from South Australia to NSW will undergo rigorous environmental tests.

The Federal Government will declare the project needs assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Concerns have been raised about the proposed route of the interconnector going through Calperum Station, near Renmark, with Birdlife Australia saying it was concerned the route skirts the edge of an area which is home to the black-eared miner, an endangered species.

The station is also habitat for the red-lored whistler and regent parrot.

The interconnector proposed by SA transmission company ElectraNet and NSW counterpart TransGrid would cut SA residential electricity bills by an estimated $66 a year.

The Federal Government declaration that the SA section of the project is a “controlled action” requires an environmental assessment in addition to the approval process already underway by electricity authorities on whether the project is necessary and the investment justified.

An ElectraNet spokesman said it expected the SA would run the environmental assessment in terms of the bilateral agreement between the State and Federal Government.

“We are now awaiting a decision from the SA State Commission Assessment Panel on the environmental impact assessment guidelines that must be followed for the project,” the spokesman said.

“ElectraNet will continue its proactive engagement with the community and stakeholders as part of the project.”

Last month, the SA Government granted the interconnector Major Project Status.

It also is underwriting some studies on the project.