The Cobb Highway camp at Booroorban is the last of six self-contained accommodation facilities to open along the 700km NSW alignment of EnergyConnect, which is linking the electricity grids of three states.
EnergyConnect says the project will help improve reliability and security of electricity supply for millions of Australians across NSW, South Australia and Victoria and allow for future connections from renewable energy sources to support the Federal Government’s clean energy vision.
It will see a transmission line of large overhead powerlines installed between Buronga and Wagga Wagga.
Transgrid executive general manager of major projects Gordon Taylor said the 10ha Cobb Highway camp site accommodates 250 transmission line workers who are helping to deliver this “nation-critical project” as construction moves east towards Wagga Wagga.
“A lot of planning goes into providing high quality worker accommodation as it is a key step in progressing construction and ensures people are safe and comfortable,’ he said.
“Facilities like the Booroorban site allow the project to bring workers into communities without taking up housing local families may need. It’s one way we can help ease pressure on accommodation in the Riverina.
“These camps also mean workers can stay closer to where they are working, which reduces travel times to construction sites and helps ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our personnel.”
Similar camps along the EnergyConnect route are providing housing for more than 1500 workers for the mega project, including at Lockhart, Dinawan (between Jerilderie and Coleambally), Balranald and Buronga.
The camps provide quality living amenities, including bedrooms with ensuites, a kitchen and dining mess, gym and recreation room.
Transgrid and its construction partner Elecnor Australia are delivering the 700km NSW section of EnergyConnect.
Elecnor Australia site administrator Hayley Morris is among the first workers to stay at the new camp.
“The camp has a nice family vibe, and I love it here,” she said.
“When you work away, and spend so much time with people, it can quickly start to become like a big family.
“I really like the gym set up, and the food some nights is amazing.”
The facility is also supporting local businesses. A bus service runs from the camp three times a day to Griffith where workers fly in and to take workers into town for meals, shopping and local activities.
“The team regularly travels into both Hay and Deniliquin. Even though dinner is served at the camp every night, it’s nice to go into town for a change of scenery sometimes and do something different,” Ms Morris said.
More than 1000 people are currently working on the delivery of two new transmission lines and a major substation at Dinawan, for the 540km eastern section of EnergyConnect between Buronga and Wagga Wagga.
EnergyConnect is providing an economic boom for regional NSW, with more than $200 million invested to date with local businesses, supporting jobs and commercial growth across the Riverina, Murray and Sunraysia regions.
Transgrid is also delivering the VNI West line of overhead powerlines between Dinawan near Jerilderie and to the Murray River near Kerang.
Still in the planning stages, this line will also connect with the Energy Connect project.
The NVI West project does have some opposition from landholders, particularly in the Conargo and Moulamein areas.
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