The proposal aligns with the Australian Government's ambition of achieving 82% renewable energy share in electricity generation by 2030. The proposal contributes to the goals of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy and the Australian Government's Infrastructure Policy Statement, to improve freight efficiency and supply chain resilience. 

The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is identified by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in its 2026 Integrated System Plan and as a priority in New South Wales’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), areas with high quality renewable energy resources such as high solar irradiance and wind, have been identified in New South Wales as locations that would optimise renewable energy generation. 

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION  

Enabling infrastructure is needed to support the development of the Central-West Orana REZ. This proposal would address port capacity, port access and road network constraints for transporting renewable energy generation components to the Central-West Orana REZ. 

The Port of Newcastle is the primary port of entry for most large-scale wind projects in New South Wales. However, the port is not equipped to support the expected growth and simultaneous delivery of multiple projects in the Central-West Orana REZ. 

Road routes to the Central-West Orana REZ cannot accommodate the over-size, over-mass (OSOM) vehicles required to transport large renewable energy components.  

Investigation of upgrades to the road network between the Port of Newcastle and the Central-West Orana REZ including the Golden Highway are needed to address height, width and mass constraints, level crossing pinch points at Denman and Dunedoo, and ensure adequate pull-over bays are provided on the corridor. This includes detailed loading assessment of bridge structures, widening and reconfiguration of intersections and narrow road corridor sections to allow transport of turbine blades, and regrading roads or raising of bridge structures to address height constraints on the Hunter Expressway and New England Highway. 

INVESTMENT RECOMMENDATION   

The Australian Government should note this proposal as a potential future investment opportunity within the 2-4 year pipeline. 

OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES  

This proposal has the potential to:  

• Support Australia’s renewable energy transition – by supporting the development of renewable energy projects. 
• Increase productivity and sustainability outcomes – improved and efficient use of port and freight infrastructure networks would reduce barriers for the development of the Central West Orana REZ. 
• Increase road freight efficiency – addressing geometric and asset performance constraints along transport routes would support improved freight productivity and reliability. 
• Improve Australia’s regional transport network – the proposal would support the safe, efficient, timely and coordinated delivery of generation, transmission and firming infrastructure, while minimising disruption to other transport network users, leaving a legacy of an improved transport network and road safety outcomes. 
• Support energy system resilience – by enabling timely delivery of generation, transmission and firming infrastructure.  

NEXT STEPS  

Proponent to develop potential investment options (Stage 2 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework), including: 

• consideration of opportunities to efficiently manage the import of renewable components at ports, including the potential need for port capacity and access improvements 
• road network assessments that consider detailed loading assessment of bridge structures, widening and reconfiguration of intersections, road alignments and level crossings, and regrading roads or raising bridge structures to provide sufficient height clearances
• a programmatic approach, helping to ensure upgrades are coordinated along the preferred route.