Landowners sue to void New England Renewable Energy Zone over missing cost report

Three landowners, including GC Pastoral Pty Ltd owned by Walcha grazier Anna Young, have lodged a judicial review in the NSW Supreme Court to overturn the New England renewable energy zone. Their affidavit alleges that the previous state administration did not produce the statutory report on the zone's impact on electricity costs, a prerequisite under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act. Without that report, the energy minister could not have lawfully declared the zone, making the order void or voidable.

The plaintiffs argue the transmission line will cross their properties, exposing them to compulsory acquisition, loss of land value, visual intrusion and economic loss. Federal One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, speaking outside parliament, called the multi-billion-dollar scheme illegitimate and cited the missing documents as evidence of improper authority. The court is set to hear the matter on September 21.