Site Investigations: Geurie to Dubbo

Corridor where works will likely take place - current easement is 45m in width

Site investigations will commence between Geurie and Dubbo in November 2025 to understand local ground conditions, and any cultural and ecological sensitivities. Surveys will take place predominantly in Essential Energy’s existing easements and powerline corridors. However, at times, access to the easements may be required via private land. If this is the case, Essential Energy will contact landowners and seek landowner consent before accessing the property. This would include an understanding of any requirements such as biosecurity restrictions, and preferred access procedures and locations.


Site investigations will involve taking soil and rock data or samples using low-impact methods, such as small diameter borehole drilling and cone penetration tests. Visual inspections will also be carried out, focusing on ecology and Indigenous heritage. These investigations will also allow Essential Energy to better understand how to configure any future network upgrades to minimise impacts on affected landowners.

Depending on individual site characteristics, equipment used in site investigations may include:

  • Track-mounted drill rigs

  • Support Trucks

  • Float Trucks

  • Light commercial vehicles

Investigations will likely result in some noise and dust. At the conclusion of the investigations, sample holes will be backfilled, capped and covered. The time for each borehole varies, with works generally completed in one day. If the work extends beyond a day, the drill rig may remain onsite overnight (with owner’s permission).

In the event that rock core drilling is required (rather than just an auger), water will be used. When the hole is finished, the water used during drilling is poured down the hole and the small amount of excess is tipped on the ground.

Work hours will be 7am – 5pm.