Site Investigations: Dubbo to Narromine and Dubbo to Burroway via Mendooran Road
Initial site investigations will commence in May 2026, between Dubbo and Narromine and between Dubbo and Burroway via Mendooran Road to inform proposed upgrade works in the area. Once approved, construction will most likely commence in 2028.
Surveys will take place predominantly within Essential Energy’s existing easements and powerline corridors. However, at times, additional access to the easements may be required. 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.
Essential Energy employees and contractors will be engaged to conduct land surveys, geo-technical investigations ecological and cultural heritage studies, followed by construction once the design has been approved.
Consultation with affected landowners, community groups and key stakeholders has commenced and will continue throughout these works.
During site investigations:
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.
Site investigation 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
