NSW Renewable Energy Zones | EnergyCo
Is Your Land Affected by the NSW Renewable Energy Zones?
If your property is located on or near one of the five identified NSW Renewable Energy Zones, including the Central-West Orana, New England, Hunter-Central Coast, South West, or Illawarra regions, you may be affected by one of the largest renewable energy infrastructure developments in NSW. It’s vital to understand what this could mean for your home or land.
Compulsory land acquisition for large infrastructure projects can be stressful, but with expert advice, you can protect your rights and secure fair outcomes.
What are the NSW Renewable Energy Zones?
Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) are the equivalent of modern power stations that combine new renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar or wind farms, storage, and high-voltage transmission infrastructure. The five identified zones will keep NSW electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations start to close, delivering large amounts of new energy to power our regions and cities.
The NSW Government has identified five key locations for these renewable energy zones across the state, each requiring significant infrastructure to connect renewable energy projects and deliver electricity to properties across NSW.
Key features of the REZ projects include:
- New high-voltage transmission lines connecting renewable energy generation
- Easements across private rural and semi-rural land for transmission infrastructure
- Ongoing maintenance access requirements for transmission corridors
- Wind farms, solar farms, and energy storage facilities
- Potential impacts on land use and property value
The development of Renewable Energy Zones may result in compulsory acquisition of affected properties in the proposed areas.
What is Compulsory Land Acquisition?
Compulsory acquisition happens when government authorities acquire private land for public infrastructure projects like the NSW Renewable Energy Zones. This process makes sure that the government can secure the land it needs for any NSW project. While compulsory acquisition is a legal process, there are still strict guidelines to ensure property owners are treated fairly and given the compensation they are entitled to.
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 find 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 needed.
- 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 important to securing the best possible outcome.
How Hones Lawyers Supports Property Owners
At Hones Lawyers, our team specialises in guiding property owners through the compulsory acquisition process for major infrastructure projects. If your property is being affected by any of the NSW Renewable Energy Zones, 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 or any financial losses.
- Representation and Negotiation: We advocate on your behalf during negotiations with government authorities to secure the best possible compensation for your land.
- 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 NSW Renewable Energy Zones can be overwhelming and confusing, but you don’t have to face it alone. If your property is being affected by land acquisition, contact Hones Lawyers today to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and the legal support you need.
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