Construction of the western alignment of Australia’s largest transmission project EnergyConnect is providing a major economic boost to communities and local businesses across Sunraysia, according to Transgrid.
Transgrid and its construction partner Elecnor Australia are building the 700km NSW section of the project from the energy hub of Wagga Wagga to the South Australian border, with a connection to Red Cliffs in Victoria.
Construction began in 2022 and work between Buronga and the South Australian border is now well advanced.
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EnergyConnect will enable the sharing of electricity between NSW, South Australia, and Victoria for the first time, integrate cheaper and cleaner renewable energy into the grid, and help Australia achieve emissions reduction targets.
Transgrid executive general manager of major projects Gordon Taylor said, “We are committed to maximising the positive social and economic benefits of these projects for communities by supporting local businesses to create jobs and economic growth.
“Through EnergyConnect we have so far invested more than $125 million with over 180 local and First Nations businesses across the Riverina, Murray and Sunraysia regions.
“The bulk of local spending to date has been centred in the Sunraysia with $59 million invested with 65 local suppliers in Mildura and another $12 million with 20 businesses in the Wentworth Shire.
“That is a direct investment of more than $71 million flowing into the pockets of local suppliers and businesses across the Sunraysia, which is money that stays in the community and supports the local economy,” he said.
EnergyConnect is creating up to 1,500 jobs, most in regional NSW, and contributing $4 billion in net economic benefits.
The project includes a 16ha substation at Buronga, which will be the main hub for the connection between NSW, South Australia and Victoria and will be one of the largest and most complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
One of the local delivery partners working on the project is the Garraway Group based in Mildura, which was founded in the Sunraysia more than 90 years ago.
Garraway Group carried out earthworks including site clearing and installation of the access points into the substation and site amenities.
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Garraway Group managing director Russell Garraway said, “Our business has enjoyed working with Transgrid and Elecnor Australia and we’re proud of the work that’s been achieved on this project.
“We’ve been part of the Sunraysia community for decades and by working on EnergyConnect we’ve have been able to grow our team and, in particular, our First Nations workforce, and we’re immensely proud of that.”
Business benefits from EnergyConnect are now in focus for the Riverina as well as construction moves east.
