Community Pressure Pays Off as ElectraNet Agrees to Explore New Eastern Route
The Mid North has chalked up a hard-fought win this week, with ElectraNet confirming it will shift its investigations to new land east of the four original Northern Transmission Project corridors.
The shift affects communities across Eudunda, Manoora, Riverton, Saddleworth, Freeling, Kapunda, Two Wells and surrounding districts.
A Win Worth Celebrating
This decision follows months of meetings, surveys and coordinated pushback from farmers, residents and regional councils who argued the first four options cut straight through high-yield cropping country.
Member for Frome Penny Pratt MP says the community effort made the difference.
“This is a win for common sense.”
Ms Pratt says the outcome is the direct result of strong, united advocacy.
“As a result of local coordinated advocacy, ElectraNet has been forced to shift its focus to explore a new corridor east of the four proposed so far.”
Hundreds of families and landholders raised concerns that the previous routes would have placed high-voltage transmission infrastructure across some of SA’s best farmland. Ms Pratt says the community stood firm.
“The community came together to defeat a bad idea.”
Concerns Too Big to Ignore
ElectraNet has now confirmed that no preferred corridor has been selected and that a final decision will not be made until at least March 2026. More investigations are now underway with farmers, traditional owners and local businesses in the newly identified eastern areas.
Ms Pratt says the level of feedback her office helped collect pushed the project back to the drawing board.
“I am pleased the voices of farmers and country town residents have been heard and ElectraNet has acknowledged the weight of those concerns.”
“The volume of surveys my office collated for the community has triggered new investigations with farmers before any final decisions can be made.”
ElectraNet has also sought a six-month extension from the Australian Energy Regulator, giving the company more time to assess new land and ensure the project is designed with the lowest possible impact.
More Work Ahead
Ms Pratt says she’ll stay involved as the process continues.
“I will continue to liaise with ElectraNet to ensure that our priorities are factored into future decisions, and I want to thank all the agricultural leaders throughout the Mid North for leading the charge.”
A draft “What We Heard” report is due in the coming months, with a final round of community input to follow before the report is finalised. A virtual forum will take place in early 2026.
For now, locals can take a well-earned win. Their persistence has shifted the conversation and forced a wider search for a fairer, less damaging corridor.
For more information visit ntxproject.com.au.
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