Working with the community

Community feedback

EnergyCo is working closely with the community as we plan and deliver the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

EnergyCo has been consulting with communities and landowners on a study corridor for the New England REZ network infrastructure project since June 2023. 

This feedback, along with information gathered from field investigations has resulted in a range of changes to the preliminary study corridor. These changes can be viewed on the interactive map.

We will keep the community informed about opportunities to get involved and provide feedback as the project progresses.

Pop-up events for the New England REZ

Our team holds regular pop-up events and information stalls in the region to chat with the community and answer any questions about the New England REZ. We held seven pop-ups in June and July 2024 in Scone, Muswellbrook, Tamworth, Wallabadah, Aberdeen and Armidale where we spoke with more than 100 community members. Thank you to everyone who has taken time to drop by the pop-ups and speak with our team.

To stay informed about our upcoming pop-ups, please register for email updates here

New England REZ community reference groups (2025 - 2026)

EnergyCo has established two community reference groups for the New England REZ network infrastructure project which aim to provide an open forum of discussion between EnergyCo, the community and key stakeholders.

The North community reference group represents communities in the REZ and the South community reference group represents communities between the REZ and Bayswater in the south, near Muswellbrook. 

Margaret Harvie, an experienced facilitator and engagement consultant has been appointed as Independent Chair for the community reference groups. 

Recruitment for the 2025-2026 community reference groups took place in late 2024, following an expressions of interest period throughout September, October and November. The first meetings took place in January 2025 and will continue to be held each quarter.