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11 Sep 2026
Hunter Valley, NSW | News

Hunter Advisory Committee inaugural meeting

A collection of people standing on a lawn facing the camera

 

On 1 September 2026, the first meeting of the Hunter Advisory Committee (HAC) was held in Kurri Kurri. 

The HAC was established after feedback from Hunter stakeholders highlighted the need for a formalised engagement structure. It ensures that NZEA's work in the Hunter is informed by regional knowledge, lived experience and stakeholder perspectives. Over 30 participants took part in the day. 

NZEA’s director for the Hunter Region, Tanya Peterkin, said the first meeting of the HAC saw a range of topics explored. These topics included the closure of major energy assets, emergence of new industries and changing workforce needs.  

‘Representatives from across the Hunter were very generous with their time and contributions at the HAC. 

‘We know that representatives want to work together to solidify economic and job opportunities for the region. NZEA will continue to work with HAC members to harness these opportunities,’ said Tanya.  

The HAC saw speakers from government, industry and education explore the current barriers and opportunities of the energy transition and the broader push for further economic diversification of the region.  

The Energy Corporation of New South Wales (EnergyCo) spoke about the large-scale projects that will come out of the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone. Work is being done to simplify procurement processes to ensure local businesses can benefit from larger projects taking place in the region. 

Singleton Council spoke about their work around worker transition. Approximately 40% of the Singleton workforce directly or indirectly employed in the mining industry. The Singleton Council’s Industry Growth Series is a targeted workshop and forum series to support local businesses. The series helps businesses identify and access growth opportunities across emerging and established industries. The program launched in September with a focus on Defence. The council have also launched their Industry Pathways Program, providing job seekers and career changers unprecedented access to employers, employees and training providers. 

Marcus Hucker from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spoke about attracting investment to the Hunter. The Hunter Business Attraction Committee is helping connect local businesses with industry, government and research. The committee provides a service to answer investor queries and align regional stakeholders with investment opportunities. 

HAC members include: 

  • local councils
  • First Nations and Land Council representatives
  • unions
  • local industry
  • TAFE NSW and University of Newcastle representatives 
  • state and federal government organisations such as EnergyCo and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
  • organisational bodies such as the Committee for the Hunter and Hunter Jobs Alliance. 

The next HAC will be held in the Hunter in February 2027. 

For further information, visit our Hunter page.

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