Light Regional Council and Grain Producers SA (GPSA) have both issued reminders that the current community engagement phase for ElectraNet's proposed Northern Transmission Project (known as NTx) is looming, with feedback concluding this Friday, October 31.
ElectraNet is proposing a new high-capacity transmission line extending from the Mid North to Adelaide – with four possible corridor options that could potentially include areas of Light Regional Council, among others, including farmland.
If it proceeds, the proposed project would establish a major network upgrade to transfer electricity between the Upper Spencer Gulf and Greater Adelaide.
Early planning on NTx suggests two new transmission lines would need to be constructed: NTx South, which would run from the Mid North (Bundey substation near Robertstown) to Greater Adelaide and NTx North, which would run from the Mid North (Bundey substation near Robertstown) to Whyalla.
ElectraNet has confirmed that investigations are underway to help develop a cost-benefit analysis for the proposed project, known as a "Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T)" which is required before a determination is made whether to proceed.
Light Regional Council Mayor Bill Close is encouraging residents to provide feedback directly to ElectraNet regarding the proposed routes and the overall project plans.
While advising that local government's influence on the project is limited, Council will also submit its views to ElectraNet in an effort to minimise the impact of transmission towers and lines within the district and said it will advocate for fair and consistent treatment of landowners affected by the project.
Concurrently, Grain Producers SA (GPSA) is calling on growers and regional communities across the Upper Spencer Gulf, Mid North, Barossa and Adelaide Plains to also have their say on the proposed NorthernTransmission Project (NTx).
The Northern Transmission Project Corridor Identification Report identifies multiple options traversing grain-growing regions, near Roseworthy, Kapunda, Eudunda and Riverton (among others).
GPSA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said, "With project leader ElectraNet still assessing multiple route options for the new transmission line, GPSA is encouraging any grain producer who may be affected by the proposal to make their voice heard by providing feedback.
"While we recognise the importance of a reliable power supply and the role renewable energy plays in South Australia's future, we cannot continue to lose prime cropping land to alternative developments.
"ElectraNet must work closely with landholders to minimise the impact on broadacre operations, avoid high-value grain-growing zones, and provide fair and transparent compensation."
GPSA is urging grain producers along the proposed corridors to review the maps and lodge feedback directly with ElectraNet through its Northern Transmission Project consultation platform online before the current round of engagement closes on Friday.
Representatives from GPSA have attended multiple ElectraNet workshops and community forums on the proposed routes and will also provide feedback directly to ElectraNet on behalf of grain producers on the current proposed corridors.
Mr Perry said, "In community forums, such as at Riverton...grain producers still have many questions about the project and the potential impacts both now and into the future."
ElectraNet last week confirmed that the next steps for NTx include "route development, planning assessments and a range of approvals before the project is confirmed to go ahead, which is expected to be known by mid-2027."
In terms of how NTx would impact farmers and farming land use, ElectraNet information advised: "For more than 60 years, ElectraNet's transmission lines have safely operated side-by-side with farming operations, accommodating a range of practices, from grazing, cropping, horticulture, viticulture and even irrigated pastures."
While ElectraNet has advised there are four potential corridors currently identified for the NTx South proposal, there is also an online community petition circulating calling for a fifth option, East of Eudunda, to be considered.
