Engagement with ACEREZ
For updates or enquiries about the construction of the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission Project you can now engage directly with the network operator, ACEREZ.
More information, including upcoming events and engagements, can be found on their website.
Community reference group (2026 - 2028)
EnergyCo established its first Community Reference Group (CRG) for the Central-West Orana REZ in August 2022. The CRG aims to provide an open forum for discussion between EnergyCo, the community and key stakeholders about the REZ transmission project and broader REZ issues.
The CRG is refreshed every 2 years. Recruitment for the 2026-2028 CRG took place in May 2026, following an Expressions of Interest process between 11 May and 29 May 2026. The list of CRG (2026-2026) members is below.
ACEREZ, the network operator for the REZ transmission project, is responsible for managing the CRG.
CRG members and documentation
Terms of reference
Members
| Name | Organisation | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor Joshua Black | Dubbo Regional Council | |
| Cr Katie Dicker | Mid-Western Regional Council | |
| Mayor Kathy Rindfleish | Warrumbungle Shire Council | |
| Deputy Mayor Pat Ryan | Upper Hunter Shire Council | |
| Aleshia Lonsdale | Mudgee LALC | |
| Beverley Smiles | Central West Environment Group | |
| Jane Hegarty | Cassilis Development Group | |
| Kylie Manson | Warrabinga Wiradjuri NTCAC | |
| Sally Neaves | Catholic Diocese of Bathurst Environmental Group | |
| Leigh Shoemark | Community representative | |
| Lisa Penson | Community representative | |
| David Menchin | Community representative | |
| Jane Diffey | Dugald Saunders MP office | |
| Mel Manchee | Roy Butler MP office |
Central-West Orana REZ Regional Steering Committee
The Central-West Orana REZ Regional Steering Committee was established in July 2022. The committee was established to identify and then coordinate the delivery of actions across local and state government agencies to mitigate cumulative impacts in the REZ region and provide community benefits.
Core membership including senior representatives from local host Councils, state government agencies relevant to the cumulative impact focus areas, and EnergyCo. The committee provides a forum for all key stakeholders involved in the effective delivery of cumulative impacts mitigation measures to collaborate and coordinate approach.
The Central-West Orana REZ Regional Steering Committee meets quarterly and will continue to meet to ensure cumulative impacts are effectively managed with support from government at all levels.
Steering Committee Project Group forums
Several Project Group forums have also been established under the Regional Steering Committee to provide a more detailed, technical forum that serves to focus on key critical cumulative impacts. Project Groups have been established for Water, Transport, and Housing & Accommodation.
Similar to the Regional Steering Committee, membership of Project Groups include senior and technical representatives from host Councils, state government agencies relevant to the particular cumulative impact focus area, and EnergyCo.
The Central-West Orana REZ Regional Steering Committee meets quarterly and will continue to meet to ensure cumulative impacts are effectively managed with support from government at all levels.
- EnergyCo
- NSW Premier’s Department
- Infrastructure New South Wales (INSW)
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development NSW (DPIRD)
- Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure NSW (DPHI)
- Dubbo Regional Council
- Mid-Western Regional Council
- Upper Hunter Shire Council
- Warrumbungle Shire Council
In addition, additional stakeholders beyond the core membership parties may be invited on an as needed basis. These may include (but not limited to):
- NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
- Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW)
- Network Operator
- Access Rights Holders
- Meeting No.3 - September 2023.pdf
- Meeting No.4 - October 2023.pdf
- Meeting No.5 - November 2023.pdf
- Meeting No.6 - March 2024.pdf
- Meeting No.7 - April 2024.pdf
- Meeting No.9 - July 2024.pdf
- Meeting No.10 - September 2024.pdf
- Meeting No.11 - December 2024.pdf
- Meeting No.12 - March 2025.pdf
- Meeting No.13 - July 2025
- Meeting No. 14 - October 2025
Regional Reference Group
The Regional Reference Group was established in October 2020 and ran until April 2022. The group was formed as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to engage with the community, landowners and other interested stakeholders about the development of the REZ. It was established in advance of securing any generation projects or defining the transmission route and provided input into the design and development of the REZ as well as ways to maximise and share benefits for regional communities from the project.
The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone Regional Reference Group preceded EnergyCo’s role as infrastructure planner for renewable energy zones.
- Local Members of Parliament (State and Federal)
- Orana Joint Organisation of Councils
- Dubbo Regional Council
- Gilgandra Shire Council
- Mid-Western Regional Council
- Narromine Shire Council
- Upper Hunter Shire Council
- Warrumbungle Shire Council
- Warren Shire Council
- Liverpool Plains Shire Council
- Coonamble Shire Council
- TransGrid
- Essential Energy
- Department of Regional NSW
In addition to the above, stakeholders were also invited to attend as appropriate, including:
- Business chambers
- NSW Farmers
- Regional Development Australia
- Landcare
- Agriculture Commissioner
- Community and Indigenous representatives.
- 29 October 2020
- 22 February 2021
- 2 June 2021
- 14 October 2021
- 5 April 2022
Discover training and employment opportunities
The Group Training Organisation (GTO) Program is helping ensure local communities are first in line for the jobs being created by the Central-West Orana REZ.
Build real, job-ready skills with our free, nationally accredited Renewables Taster Program.
Learn how we're supporting local employment, training and supply opportunities as renewable energy zones are developed.
Learn more about the Central-West Orana REZ
Contact the Central-West Orana REZ team
If you have questions about the Central-West Orana REZ transmission project or would like to provide feedback, please contact us.
For construction or out of hours enquiries, please contact our network operator, ACEREZ on 1800 298 379 or visit acerez.com.au to log an enquiry.
1800 032 101 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
For construction or out of hours enquiries, please contact our network operator, ACEREZ, on 1800 298 379 or visit acerez.com.au to log an enquiry.
Get in touch with EnergyCo
1800 118 894 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
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