What is a community reference group?

A community reference group (CRG) is a forum set up by EnergyCo to create ongoing two-way communication between project teams and the communities associated with renewable energy zones (REZs).

The CRGs offer opportunities for community members to share local knowledge, raise concerns and provide feedback to EnergyCo as the project progresses.

Members of the CRG:

  • share project updates and timelines with the community 
  • raise local concerns and reported impacts 
  • provide community feedback directly to EnergyCo 
  • help identify ways to minimise environmental, social and property impacts 
  • discuss community benefit opportunities 
  • improve transparency and trust between the project and local residents.

New England CRG Sep 2025

New England REZ Community Reference Group

We’ve established two CRGs for the New England REZ to provide an open forum of discussion between EnergyCo, the community and key stakeholders:

250924 EnergyCo NE REZ Pix CRG Nth Uralla Mtg
250924 EnergyCo NE REZ Pix CRG Nth Uralla Mtg. 

North Community Reference Group

The North community reference group represents communities inside the renewable energy zone boundary and includes the following members:

Name OrganisationContact
Shannon GreenAmaroo Local Aboriginal Land Council[email protected]; [email protected]
Lyndon StrongArmidale Local Aboriginal Land Council[email protected]
Paul GaddesArmidale Regional Council [email protected]
Alex HunterCommunity representative[email protected]
Annette KilarrCommunity representative[email protected]
Bruce McMullenCommunity representative[email protected]
James ReillyCommunity representative[email protected]
Justin Hoad Community representative[email protected]
Paul ButterworthCommunity representative[email protected]
Rebecca Taylor Community representative[email protected]
Elena WeatherallGlen Innes Local Aboriginal Land Council[email protected]
Mayor Margot DavisGlen Innes Severn Council [email protected]
Pauline AleGuyra Local Aboriginal Land Council[email protected]
Mayor Kate Dight Inverell Shire Council [email protected]
Fiona Snape Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council[email protected]
Mayor Russell WebbTamworth Regional Council [email protected]
Councillor Sarah BurrowsUralla Shire Council[email protected]
Michael LucichVoice for Walcha[email protected]
Councillor Rachel GreigWalcha Council [email protected]
250924 EnergyCo NE REZ Pix CRG STH Mtg Tamworth
250924 EnergyCo NE REZ Pix CRG STH Mtg Tamworth. 

South Community Reference Group

The South community reference group represents communities between the renewable energy zone and Bayswater near Muswellbrook. It includes the following members:  

Name OrganisationEmail 
Allison McPheeCommunity representative[email protected]
Brigitte ThomasCommunity representative[email protected]
Kate WhiteheadCommunity representative[email protected]
Michael McNelisCommunity representative[email protected]
Vicki FrenchCommunity representative[email protected]
Mayor Jeff DraytonMuswellbrook Shire Council [email protected]
Noel DownsNungaroo Local Aboriginal Land Council[email protected]
Fiona SnapeTamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council[email protected]
Mayor Russell WebbTamworth Regional Council [email protected]
Tim WhiteValley Alliance [email protected]
Councillor Adam WilliamsonUpper Hunter Shire Council[email protected]
De-Anne DouglasWanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council [email protected]

Join the community reference group

There is currently an opportunity available for a community representative to join the South CRG.

We're seeking a person who can represent local community, environmental and business interests and contribute to open, constructive discussion.

If this sounds like you, please register your interest with us by sending an email to [email protected]

CRG resources

CRG application form

CRG application form (PDF, 102 KB)

CRG code of conduct

CRG code of conduct (PDF, 62 KB)

CRG terms of reference

CRG terms of reference (PDF, 99 KB)

North CRG Meeting Minutes and Presentations
South CRG Meeting Minutes and Presentations

Explore the New England REZ engagement portal

Learn more about the project, provide feedback to help shape our plans and stay informed on upcoming events near you. 

Explore the portal
New England Engagement Portal Mockup 260501- Edited
New England Engagement Portal Mockup 260501- Edited. 

Learn more about the New England REZ

Project information
Community
Resources
General resources

Contact the New England REZ team

Call us

Phone 1800 061 114 (toll free), Monday to Friday, 9am to 5 pm

Email us

Send us an email at: [email protected]

Explore the REZ engagement portal

Learn more, see upcoming events and provide feedback

Register for updates

Sign up for the New England REZ e-newsletter