Hunter Transmission Project | EnergyCo

Is Your Land Affected by the Hunter Transmission Project?

If your property is along the proposed route of the Hunter Transmission Project, which stretches between Bayswater and Eraring, you may be affected by one of the largest new transmission lines in NSW. It’s vital to understand what this could mean for your home, land or future plans. Large infrastructure projects can be stressful, but with expert advice, you can protect your rights and secure fair outcomes.

What is the Hunter Transmission Project?

The Hunter Transmission Project is a major initiative led by Transgrid, and operated by EnergyCo, to support the state’s shift to renewable energy. As part of the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, this new transmission line is set to provide cleaner and more reliable power to homes and businesses throughout the state.

Running from Bayswater in the Upper Hunter to Eraring on the Central Coast, the project involves building around 200 kilometers of high-voltage transmission infrastructure. The route will pass through several local government areas, including Muswellbrook, Singleton, Cessnock, Maitland, Dungog, and Lake Macquarie.

Key features of the project include:

  • New transmission towers and substations
  • Easements across private rural and semi-rural land
  • Ongoing maintenance access requirements
  • Potential impacts on land use, amenity, and property value

This development may result in compulsory acquisition or negotiated easements for affected landowners.

What is Compulsory Land Acquisition?

Compulsory acquisition, also known as land resumption, occurs when government authorities acquire private land for public infrastructure projects like the Hunter Transmission Project. This process ensures that the government can secure the land needed for development. While compulsory acquisition is a legal procedure, there are strict guidelines to ensure property owners are treated fairly and compensated appropriately.

The compulsory acquisition process typically includes:

  • Notification: The acquiring authority provides notice that your land is required for a public project.
  • Valuation: Independent valuations are conducted to determine the market value of your property and any additional entitlements.
  • Negotiation: The government makes an initial compensation offer, which can be reviewed and contested if necessary.
  • Compensation and Settlement: Once an agreement is reached, compensation is paid, and the property is transferred to the government.
  • Dispute Resolution: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, legal action may be required.

Understanding your rights and entitlements during the compulsory acquisition process is crucial to securing the best possible outcome.

How Hones Lawyers Supports Property Owners

At Hones Lawyers, we specialise in guiding property owners through the compulsory acquisition process for major infrastructure projects. If your property is being affected by the Hunter Transmission Project, we can provide expert legal assistance at every step:

  • Understanding the Process: From the initial notification to the final settlement, we’ll keep you informed and help you navigate the complex acquisition process.
  • Securing Fair Compensation: We’ll work to ensure you receive the full market value of your property, along with additional compensation for relocation costs, business disruption, and financial losses.
  • Representation and Negotiation: We advocate on your behalf during negotiations with government authorities to secure the best possible compensation for your land.
  • Assessing Business Losses: If your business is impacted, we can help you claim compensation for losses related to income reduction, relocation, and operational disruptions.
  • Dispute Resolution: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’ll guide you through mediation or legal proceedings to protect your rights and interests.

Property acquisition for infrastructure projects like the Hunter Transmission Project can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. If your property or business is being affected by the acquisition, contact Hones Lawyers today to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and the legal support you need.

Compulsory Acquisition FAQs

What is compulsory aquisition, and how does it affect my property?

Compulsory acquisition, also known as resumption or compulsory purchase, is the process where the government acquires private property for public projects. If your property is affected, you may need to vacate the land, but you are entitled to fair compensation.

Compensation is based on the market value of your property in Sydney, along with other factors such as relocation costs, loss of income, and additional entitlements related to the NSW project. We can help ensure that your compensation fully reflects the value of your property and the impact of the acquisition.

Yes, you have the right to challenge certain aspects of the compulsory acquisition process, such as the amount of compensation or the justification for the NSW project impacting your land. Our expert team can guide you through the appeals process to protect your rights.

The timeline for land acquisition for NSW projects can vary. Typically, the process starts with a formal notice and includes valuation, negotiation, and settlement stages. Any disputes may extend the timeline.

We provide comprehensive support to property owners affected by NSW projects, including explaining the process, securing fair compensation, handling negotiations, and resolving disputes. Our goal is to make the acquisition process as straightforward as possible while ensuring your rights are upheld.

Customer Testimonials

We’ve helped thousands of clients throughout NSW with their legal matters.