EnergyCo has opened registrations for the community reference groups for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project.
The two community reference groups will be established for the project to represent communities in the REZ, as well as communities between the REZ and Bayswater in the south, near Muswellbrook.
The community reference groups will provide a unique opportunity for local residents, community groups, First Nations representatives and other stakeholders to help shape the future of network infrastructure across the region.
The New England REZ project is key to the transition to renewable energy across the region, providing new transmission lines and energy hubs needed to connect renewable generation projects in the REZ to the existing electricity network at Bayswater, near Muswellbrook.
EnergyCo is looking for a mix of people who live locally, have interests in the project and are passionate about shaping the future of renewable energy infrastructure in their community.
EnergyCo Chief Executive, James Hay, said that local input during the planning and delivery stages for the New England REZ network infrastructure project is crucial.
“It’s essential that we work closely with the community to understand their needs, protect local interests, and build trust as we move forward,” Mr Hay said.
“The community reference groups will help us do that by bringing local knowledge and perspectives directly into our planning process.
“They’ll play a critical role to foster open and regular communication between the project and community, helping us to address challenges and maximise community benefits.
“We have been engaging with landowners and stakeholders on the study corridor since June 2023. The community reference groups will build on this and aim to gather local input to identify what’s important to communities on the ground and find the opportunities to provide lasting legacy benefits.”
To apply visit energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne. Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 23 October 2024.
Featured image: John Carnemolla/shutterstock.com
