The NSW Government is moving forward with plans to construct overhead power lines across the state, rejecting calls to bury them underground.

An inquiry into Transgrid's $3.3 billion HumeLink Transmission line project has determined it will remain above ground.

The Standing Committee on State Development conducted a nine-week study on the feasibility of undergrounding high-voltage transmission lines.

The upper house inquiry issued a single finding, favouring the above-ground approach for the 360-kilometre HumeLink transmission line in southern NSW. 

Emily Suvaal, Labor MLC and inquiry chairperson, acknowledged community concerns but cited cost and modern energy demands as obstacles to undergrounding.

The report also assessed bushfire risks but found no evidence of high voltage transmission lines starting fires. 

The inquiry acknowledged insufficient consultation and recommended an independent ombudsman for future energy projects, along with impact studies and community consultation for renewable energy zones.

Landholders, represented by advocacy group "Stop, Rethink HumeLink," expressed dismay over the inquiry's outcome. Locals have hinted at potential construction blockades, which could lead to court delays and protracted timelines for HumeLink.

Opposition and crossbench MPs criticised the findings as predetermined, with Nationals MLC Wes Fang labelling the report a “sham”.

They argued that the government had already made its decision. Crossbench MPs Joe McGirr and Helen Dalton, along with committee members Cate Faehrmann and Emma Hurst, echoed these concerns.

The HumeLink transmission line project will connect the Snowy 2.0 project to the grid, linking Wagga Wagga, Bannaby, and Maragle in southern NSW with 360 kilometres of transmission lines.