EnergyCo is seeking new community representatives to join its New England Renewable Energy Zone community reference groups, with four vacancies now open across the region.
Two positions are available on the North Community Reference Group and two on the South Community Reference Group, with applications closing on Friday, June 5.
The groups provide a forum for discussion between EnergyCo, local communities and key stakeholders as planning and delivery of the New England Renewable Energy Zone continues.
EnergyCo said it was particularly seeking people who could represent community, environmental and business interests and contribute to “open and constructive discussion”.
The New England Renewable Energy Zone is one of the state’s major renewable energy infrastructure projects and will connect renewable generation developments across northern NSW with the wider electricity grid.
The North Community Reference Group represents communities located within the renewable energy zone, while the South Community Reference Group represents communities along the transmission corridor running south towards Bayswater near Muswellbrook.
Meetings are generally held quarterly and are facilitated by an independent chair.
The groups were established to promote two-way engagement with local communities and stakeholders during delivery of the network infrastructure project.
“The role of the community reference group is to provide an open forum for discussion between community representatives, key stakeholders and EnergyCo about the New England REZ network infrastructure project,” EnergyCo said.
The groups discuss issues relating to the planning and delivery of the project, along with broader renewable energy zone matters affecting local communities.
EnergyCo said the reference groups perform an advisory rather than decision-making role.
“The community reference groups provide an advisory function, informing the decision-making of EnergyCo through a consultative role,” the terms of reference state.
“The community reference groups are not a decision-making authority for EnergyCo and the project.”
Each group can include up to seven local community members or stakeholder representatives, alongside representatives from local councils and Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
Limits have also been placed on landholder representation, with no more than 50 per cent of members permitted to have direct landholder interests that could result in future financial gains or losses linked to the project.
People interested in joining either the North or South Community Reference Group can apply by emailing nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au before the June 5 deadline.
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