TranGrid commences construction of Lockhart accommodation camp as they begin work on EnergyConnect

Construction on TransGrid's EnergyConnect project began erecting the first of 1500 steel towers in Buronga, near Mildura.

The towers will run along the 700km stretch between Wagga and the South Australian border, with a connection to Red Cliffs in Victoria.

The transmission company has also begun construction of a workers camp near Lockhart for Energy Connect's eastern section.

It's one of six camps that will be set up along the project's route in order to minimise pressure on regional housing supplies.

"We are getting on with the job of delivering the critical infrastructure needed to provide Australian households and businesses with cheaper, more reliable and sustainable energy," TransGrid chief executive Brett Redman said.

"The raising of our first transmission towers on EnergyConnect is yet another significant milestone in building the energy superhighway to accelerate the nation's clean energy future."

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The transmission line is set to pass through the southern edge of Wagga, with towers projected to be 30 to 65 metres high, and spaced between 400 and 600 metres apart.

However the project faced controversy recently when a Gregadoo resident recently spoke out against the $1.8 billion project, telling The Daily Advertiser they had not received any communication from TransGrid despite his home's location with the impacted area.

It's also expected the towers will be visible from the shores of Lake Albert.

Despite this, the benefits of the project include lower energy bills and is expected to contribute billions to the economy.

"In addition to providing backbone infrastructure supporting Australia's transition to a renewable energy future, EnergyConnect will save NSW customers $180 million per year or $64 per household, on average," Mr Redmand said.

"The project is also creating up to 1500 jobs, primarily in regional NSW and contributing $4 billion in net economic benefits."

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