Construction activity on the HumeLink transmission project is increasing demand for quarry materials, earthmoving services, and regional contractors across New South Wales’ Riverina and Southern Tablelands.
According to Transgrid, delivery partners on the project have invested more than $90 million through 348 local and First Nations businesses as work ramps up on the major transmission infrastructure development.
The HumeLink project involves 365km of new transmission lines linking Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle, alongside new and upgraded substations at four locations.
Transgrid HumeLink program director John Burke said sourcing goods and services locally was helping regional communities benefit directly from the project.
“Regional communities are at the heart of the clean energy transition and are in the box seat to capitalise on local investment and employment opportunities from the transition to renewable energy,” Burke said.
“As HumeLink progresses, it will continue to power local businesses, helping them expand their workforces, skills and machinery, while securing Australia’s clean energy future.”
Burke said construction was progressing across the project’s eastern and western sections.
“Transgrid and our delivery partners are progressing with the construction of HumeLink which comprises 365km of new transmission lines that connect Wagga Wagga, Bannaby, and Maragle, and new or upgraded substation infrastructure at four locations,” he said.
“We are grateful to be working with regional communities and businesses to deliver this essential project, which will provide access to cleaner and cheaper renewable energy for families and businesses locally and across NSW.”
Regional contractor Divall’s Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage, based in Goulburn, has been involved in bulk earthworks for HumeLink East sites, including the Yass worker accommodation facility and the Maragle substation. The company has also supplied concrete to the project from its Tumbarumba operation.
The family-owned business has operated for more than 50 years and employs around 350 people.
Company director Andy Divall said the project had delivered valuable local work for regional contractors and suppliers.
“It’s good that HumeLink is using local input and not bringing Sydney companies to the bush to give locals the first crack at the job if we can do it,” Divall said.
“We really appreciate the chance to work on the project. For our business, it’s great that it is local work – we don’t have to travel out of the area for work, so we keep everyone at home each night.
“They get home to see their family, their kids and that’s what we build our business on.”
Divall said the project would continue supporting demand for quarry products and labour across the region.
“With the project, obviously there’s going to be lots of local quarry products and labour input. I think it’s going to be an uplift to the region for the next couple of years,” he said.
Other regional suppliers involved in the project include Tumut-based Wyangle Quarry, which is supplying construction materials, alongside plant and equipment hire provider Grantrax in Tumbarumba and All-Flo Plumbing in Bookham.
The project is being delivered in two sections by ACCIONA and GenusPlus Group Joint Venture for HumeLink East, and UGL and CPB Contractors Joint Venture for HumeLink West.
Indigenous business Ironbark Training, based in Wagga Wagga, has also been engaged to provide workforce training for personnel working on the HumeLink West alignment.
Training includes working at heights, crane and plant operation, rigging, dogging, tower rescue and remote-area 4WD operation.
Ironbark Training chief executive officer Dave Joyce said the project was contributing to skills development and business growth in the region.
“Being part of HumeLink West is genuinely exciting for Ironbark Training,” Joyce said.
“Our trainers are proud to be out on site. Our staff are proud of the work they are doing, and our business is growing because of HumeLink and having this opportunity to contribute to such an important national infrastructure project.”
HumeLink is projected to create up to 1,600 construction jobs and contribute an estimated $6.3 billion in direct and indirect economic activity across regional communities.
.jpg){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
