The Hunter-Central Coast Regional Reference Group has been established to involve local voices in the planning and delivery of major projects across the region.
Formed on 5 May 2025, the group replaces the Hunter Transmission Project reference group, which first met in February 2024. Its scope has expanded to cover the Hunter Transmission Project, the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, the Waratah Super Battery Project, Port-to-Renewable Energy Zone road upgrades, and the Newcastle Logistics Precinct.
The group will meet regularly to discuss project designs, gather community feedback, identify ways to minimise impacts on people and the environment, and explore opportunities to deliver benefits to local communities. Members will also work on approaches to reduce the cumulative impacts of multiple projects being developed in the Hunter and Central Coast.
“The Hunter region is at the heart of the energy transition in NSW. The Hunter-Central Coast Regional Reference Group provides a platform for collaborative and meaningful engagement across all our projects,” EnergyCo Chief Executive Hannah McCaughey said.
Membership reflects a broad cross-section of the region, including council leaders, business and Aboriginal representatives, environmental voices, community members, and academic expertise. The independent chair is Bob Pynsent, former Mayor of Cessnock and former chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation.
The group includes Singleton Mayor Sue Moore, Cessnock Mayor Daniel Watton, Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz, and Muswellbrook Mayor Jeffrey Drayton. Business representative Samantha Martin-Williams, Aboriginal representative Ashley Williams, and environmental representative Craig Anderson join community members John Sullivan (Singleton), Professor Phillip O’Neill (Cessnock), and Dianne Crosdale (Lake Macquarie). Newcastle’s Amanda Wetzel also sits on the group.
EnergyCo says the new structure is intended to provide a consistent forum for discussions with the community across all of its current projects in the Hunter and Central Coast.
“This group helps ensure local voices continue to be heard and have a say in shaping these important projects,’ said chair Bob Pynsent.
“This group plays a vital role in supporting the state’s renewable energy transition while also providing a regional connection to ensure the delivery of real outcomes for the Hunter.”
