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 Councilceo@amaroolalc.com.au; chair@amaroolalc.com.au
Lyndon StrongArmidale Local Aboriginal Land Councilceo@alalc.org.au
Paul GaddesArmidale Regional Council pgaddes@armidale.nsw.gov.au
Alex HunterCommunity representativeexec@zneturalla.org.au
Annette KilarrCommunity representativeakilarr2@outlook.com
Bruce McMullenCommunity representativemcmull@bigpond.net.au
James ReillyCommunity representativejamesreilly1605@gmail.com
Justin Hoad Community representativejahoad@bigpond.com
Paul ButterworthCommunity representativepaul.butterworth@costagroup.com.au
Rebecca Taylor Community representativerebecca@rgpsychology.com.au
Elena WeatherallGlen Innes Local Aboriginal Land Councilceo.gilalc@gmail.com
Mayor Margot DavisGlen Innes Severn Council mdavis@gisc.nsw.gov.au
Pauline AleGuyra Local Aboriginal Land Councilguyralalc@gmail.com
Mayor Kate Dight Inverell Shire Council mayor@inverell.nsw.gov.au
Fiona Snape Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Councilfiona@tamworthlalc.com.au
Mayor Russell WebbTamworth Regional Council russell.webb@councillor.tamworth.nsw.gov.au
Councillor Sarah BurrowsUralla Shire Councilsburrows@uralla.nsw.gov.au
Michael LucichVoice for Walchamisha@alternation.com.au
Councillor Rachel GreigWalcha Council rgreig71@gmail.com
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 representativemcphee_allison@hotmail.com
Brigitte ThomasCommunity representativebrigittethomas@hotmail.com
Kate WhiteheadCommunity representativekate.whitehead@kwlaw.com.au
Michael McNelisCommunity representativemichael.mcnelis1@outlook.com
Vicki FrenchCommunity representativefrenchsaway@gmail.com
Mayor Jeff DraytonMuswellbrook Shire Council jeff.drayton@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au
Noel DownsNungaroo Local Aboriginal Land Councilnungaroo@outlook.com
Fiona SnapeTamworth Local Aboriginal Land Councilfiona@tamworthlalc.com.au
Mayor Russell WebbTamworth Regional Council russell.webb@councillor.tamworth.nsw.gov.au
Tim WhiteValley Alliance president@valleyalliance.net
Councillor Adam WilliamsonUpper Hunter Shire Councilcr.williamson@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
De-Anne DouglasWanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council ceo@wanaruahlandcouncil.com.au

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 nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au

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: nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au

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