Working with the community - New England Renewable Energy Zone

Since early October, we have been talking to landowners and holding information sessions in the region to discuss the new study area for dual 500kV transmission lines between Muswellbrook and the central south hub near Walcha.

In recent weeks we have held 12 information sessions across 10 local townships, including additional sessions at Timor and Nundle in response to local feedback. These sessions totalled over 40 hours of engagement and were attended by more than 840 people, including many landowners in the new study area.

On 25 November we hosted a webinar to share some key findings of the Bulk Corridor Design Refinement Report, including how we assessed firefighting constraints and construction challenges in the previous corridor. The session also covered what this means for the next stage of corridor refinement and how landowners and the community can continue to provide input as planning progresses. You can view a recording of the webinar on the video below.

In addition to our direct engagement with landowners, we are inviting feedback from the wider community through a ‘have your say’ period until Friday 12 December 2025. We want to hear your views on potential opportunities and constraints within the new study area. All comments received will be considered as we refine to a 1km-wide corridor. 

You can send your feedback by email to [email protected]. Alternatively, give our team a call on 1800 061 114 (toll free). We can also make arrangements to receive your feedback in person or via post. 

After the engagement period, we will publish a feedback report outlining the key topics raised by the community and EnergyCo’s responses. We will share the report with the community once finalised.

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 – click here to subscribe
• 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

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.