More than 15,000 hectares of wildlife habitat across the Central-West Orana region will be protected and restored as the Minns Labor Government reforms deliver better outcomes for nature alongside the transformation of the state's energy system.
One year after introducing a new approach to invest up to $140 million in conservation efforts, the NSW Government is delivering lasting conservation outcomes across more than 20 sites, protecting habitat for at least 13 native plant and animal species as well as endangered woodland habitats and native vegetation communities.
This includes more than 1,400 hectares of regent honeyeater habitat, nearly 1,000 hectares of eastern pygmy-possum habitat and 670 hectares of koala habitat. The protected areas are also home to the large-eared pied bat, masked owl, southern myotis, squirrel glider and eastern cave bat.
New power lines being built in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) to connect solar, wind and energy storage projects to the electricity grid are carefully designed to avoid and minimise impacts on the environment wherever possible.
The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone Transmission Project is expected to disturb less than 1,200 hectares. In response, more than 15,000 hectares across the broader region will be protected and restored through stewardship sites connected with the project, delivering conservation benefits well beyond the project footprint.
The Minns Labor Government changed the way conservation is delivered alongside major renewable energy infrastructure projects to secure these lasting outcomes. Biodiversity protection is now guided by a Conservation Investment Strategy for the REZ, which ensures conservation funding is coordinated and directed to the places where it can make the biggest difference.
The new approach enables conservation to be planned across the region, rather than project by project. This supports larger, better-connected habitats and directs conservation action to where it can deliver the greatest benefit for wildlife.
It is also creating opportunities for landholders to generate income by protecting and restoring native vegetation on their properties.
Minister for Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe said:
“We've changed the way conservation is delivered in NSW, and we're already seeing better results for wildlife. Instead of taking a piecemeal approach, we're protecting and restoring habitat at a much larger scale.
“That means bigger and better-connected habitats for threatened species.
“This is a practical example of how we can build the energy infrastructure NSW needs while improving outcomes for the environment.”
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Secretary Anthony Lean said:
“This approach allows conservation to be planned across whole landscapes rather than property by property.
“The result is larger conservation areas, stronger wildlife corridors and better long-term protection for native plants and animals.”
EnergyCo Chief Executive Officer Hannah McCaughey said:
“The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is critical infrastructure that will help connect new renewable energy generation to the grid.
“EnergyCo has worked to avoid and minimise environmental impacts wherever possible. Stewardship agreements are helping ensure habitat protection and restoration is delivered in a coordinated way across the region, creating lasting benefits for wildlife and local communities.”