Keeping you informed
We are committed to working closely with landowners and the community as we design the New England REZ. Local community input is important and helps to ensure our planning for the project balances project objectives with community needs and priorities.
We understand different communication methods suit different people, which is why we use a range of channels to engage with communities, including:
- Regular e-newsletters - sign up here.
- Pop-up information stalls and community information sessions in the region
- Hardcopy project updates delivered to letterboxes in the project area
- A dedicated phone number and email address
- Surveys
Upcoming events
We attend regular community events across the region so you can speak to the team, ask questions and provide feedback.
Upcoming events you can find us at include
High Country Markets - Uralla Showground
- Sunday 1 June, 8.30am - 12.30pm
Peel Street Market - Tamworth
- Sunday 15 June, 8am - 1pm
Muswellbrook Markets - Muswellbrook Showground
- Saturday 22 June, 8am - 1pm
Aberdeen Highland Games - Aberdeen
- Saturday 5 July, 8am - 4.30pn
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming events:
New England REZ community reference group
We’ve established two community reference groups (CRG) for the New England REZ to provide an open forum of discussion between EnergyCo, the community and key stakeholders:
- The north community reference group represents communities within the REZ
- The south community reference group represents communities between the REZ and Bayswater in the south, near Muswellbrook
Meetings will be held quarterly and are facilitated by Independent Chair Margaret Harvie.
Recruitment for the 2025-2026 community reference groups took place in late 2024 following an expressions of interest period throughout September, October and November.
Vacancy – South community reference group
We are seeking to fill a newly available position on the south New England REZ community reference group.
This is an opportunity for a passionate, community-minded individual based in the project area between Muswellbrook and Tamworth to help shape the future of the REZ by:
- representing the views of their local area
- providing input into engagement and communication activities
- raising issues and opportunities that matter to local communities
How to apply
We encourage individuals who are active in their communities and interested in contributing to the future of energy in the region to apply.
To apply, please review the Terms of Reference and complete and return the following documents to [email protected]:
Applications will be reviewed by the Independent Chair, who will assess all submissions and select the successful applicant based on the criteria outlined in the Terms of Reference.
Registrations close: 5pm Tuesday 10 June 2025.
Next meeting
Date: Tuesday 1 July 2025
Time: 5.00 pm – 7.30 pm
Location: Muswellbrook
Learn more about the North and South community reference groups
The North community reference group represents communities inside the renewable energy zone boundary and includes the following members:
| Name | Organisation | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Elena Weatherall | Glen Innes Local Aboriginal Land Council | [email protected] |
| Lyndon Strong | Armidale Local Aboriginal Land Council | [email protected] |
| Councillor Dorothy Robinson | Armidale Regional Council | [email protected] |
| Alex Hunter | Community representative | [email protected] |
| Annette Kilarr | Community representative | [email protected] |
| Bruce McMullen | Community representative | [email protected] |
| Diane Gray | Community representative | [email protected] |
| James Reilly | Community representative | [email protected] |
| Tony Lashlie | Community representative | [email protected] |
| Mayor Margot Davis | Glen Innes Severn Council | [email protected] |
| Mayor Kate Dight | Inverell Shire Council | [email protected] |
| Councillor Sarah Burrows | Uralla Shire Council | [email protected] |
| Damien Timbs | Voice for Walcha | [email protected] |
| Councillor Rachel Greig | Walcha Council | [email protected] |
Documents
The South community reference group represents communities between the renewable energy zone and Bayswater in the south, near Muswellbrook and includes the following members:
| Name | Organisation | |
|---|---|---|
| Brigitte Thomas | Community representative | [email protected] |
| Kate Whitehead | Community representative | [email protected] |
| Linda Taylor | Community representative | [email protected] |
| Ninna Douglas | Community representative | [email protected] |
| Robert Warren | Community representative | [email protected] |
| Mayor Jeff Drayton | Muswellbrook Shire Council | [email protected] |
| Noel Downs | Nungaroo Local Aboriginal Land Council | [email protected] |
| Mayor Russell Webb | Tamworth Regional Council | [email protected] |
| Councillor Adam Williamson | Upper Hunter Shire Council | [email protected] |
| Tim White | Valley Alliance | [email protected] |
| De-Anne Douglas | Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council | [email protected] |
Documents
- Terms of reference
- January 2025 - Presentation
- 30 April 2025 - Meeting minutes
- 30 April 2025 - Presentation
Get qualified, confidential support
Call 1300 089 551 to speak to qualified psychologists and social workers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need a referral.
This service is available to property owners, their families, tenants, commercial property and business owners, and employees directly affected by property acquisition and other EnergyCo property discussions, like access agreements.