Hunter Joint Organisation

27/05/2026

Can wind turbines be recycled?💨♻

In short, yes! A wind turbine has a typical 20-to-30-year life span and around 90% of materials found in wind turbines such as steel, copper and concrete are readily recyclable. Rotor blades are more challenging to recycle as they are made of composite materials such as fibreglass, resin and carbon fibre, however pilots are being explored to use this material to create surfboards and sneakers.

These initiatives align strongly with our Strategic Plan 2035 and our Regional Advocacy Priorities, the Hunter is positioning itself as a leading circular economy region to create new jobs and drive our evolution to the net zero economy.

This informative article shared by the Federal Net Zero Economy Authorityer illustrates the power of initiatives to harness innovation in order to drive economic transformation, build resilience, and enhance community wellbeing across not only in the Hunter, but Australia.

For more information on recyclable wind turbines visit Net Zero Economy Authority website - https://shorturl.at/CFexP

Visit our website for more information on our Strategy https://hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/hunter-jo-strategy/ and Regional Advocacy https://hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/hunter-jo-advocacy/

24/05/2026

Disaster resilience is one of our advocacy priorities, working with NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) to help our member councils and their communities to adapt and build resilience to the impacts of more frequent and severe natural hazards, extreme weather and climate change.

To help the community prepare, NSW RA have developed ‘Adaptation Stories’; a series of short films from regional NSW featuring leaders and communities building preparedness to natural hazard risk, with two films featuring stories from the Hunter, Central Coast and Manning Coast.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) invites you to attend a free screening this June
🎥 Laneway Theatre Newcastle on Tuesday 16 June https://comms.reconstruction.nsw.gov.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz69f29ab1e6810918/interface.html
🎥 Yarramalong Hall Central Coast on Tuesday 23 June https://comms.reconstruction.nsw.gov.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz69f29d82dee12569/interface.html
🎥Taree Old Bar Surf Club on Monday 24 June https://comms.reconstruction.nsw.gov.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz69f29bfd50286380/interface.html
🎥Murrook Cultural Centre Williamtown on Tuesday 30 June https://comms.reconstruction.nsw.gov.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz69f29e9c7e99f128/interface.html

The screenings are relaxed local community events that bring together people working in, or interested in, disaster adaptation, and explore what adaptation looks like in communities affected by natural hazards.

We are pleased to receive grant funding from the NSW Reconstruction Authority towards disaster adaptation in the Hunter, Central Coast and MidCoast Region.

To find out more, visit our Disaster Resilience page on our website https://hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/disaster-resilience/

Register here for the screenings https://comms.reconstruction.nsw.gov.au/adaptationstories

20/05/2026

Economic transformation in the Hunter Region is our top advocacy priority 📍📝

The Hunter’s long reliance on coal mining has helped shape our identity and economy for generations. However, with both Federal and State Governments, along with market analysis, forecasting a downturn in coal demand, we must diversify our economy to create the jobs and industries of the future.

That’s why we were grateful to Business Hunter for hosting an Infrastructure Lunch with Senator Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the Hunter’s next phase of economic and industrial growth.

The discussion highlighted the important role regions like the Hunter will play in delivering Australia’s future industry agenda, particularly as national priorities continue to focus on innovation, advanced manufacturing, defence and the energy transition.

Key conversations throughout the session focused on:
🟠The impact of Federal Budget priorities on regional infrastructure and investment
🟢Building the Hunter’s long-term industrial capability and workforce capacity
🔵Opportunities linked to the Future Made in Australia agenda
🟣The role of initiatives such as the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund in supporting industry growth and regional development

It was valuable to receive insight from Minister Ayres about how national policy settings are intended to translate into practical outcomes for regional economies, businesses and communities. The discussions tied directly to our advocacy work, where we advocate for our regions strategic priorities to build economic resilience.

Thank you to Business Hunter for hosting an insightful event and creating the opportunity for industry, government and regional stakeholders to continue important conversations about the Hunter’s future.

Visit our website for further information on our priorities and how this event reflects our organisations advocacy work https://hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/hunter-jo-advocacy/

18/05/2026

Our three take aways on the 2026–27 Federal Budget for local government in the Hunter region:

We’re grateful for the $2 billion announcement for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing, as this strongly reflects priorities we have consistently advocated for through both our regional Advocacy Priorities, particularly the need for direct investment in local government to accelerate development-ready land and housing supply across the Hunter.

As highlighted through our advocacy work, significant areas of development-ready land already exist across the region, but construction cannot proceed without core enabling infrastructure such as transport, stormwater, water and sewer services. Data from our ten member councils shows targeted infrastructure investment could unlock more than 61,000 new housing lots across the Hunter.

At the same time, we remain disappointed by the reduction in Financial Assistance Grants for local government, with the proportion of Commonwealth taxation revenue allocated through these grants declining from 0.51 per cent to 0.49 per cent.

Local Government is responsible for approximately one third of all Australia’s public infrastructure assets and over 75% of Australia’s road network, yet they have a limited ability to raise revenue. These untied grants are essential to maintain this infrastructure, deliver services and support growing communities across the Hunter.

Lastly, we welcomed the Government’s continued commitment to roads, with an increase in funding across several programs, aligning with our long-standing advocacy for increased investment in local roads and regional transport infrastructure. This commitment acknowledges the growing pressure on regional councils responsible for maintaining large road networks.

For more information on our Federal Government advocacy priorities, visit our Federal Budget Submissionhttps://hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260203_Federal-Budget-Submission_Hunter-Joint-Organisation.pdf

Visit our website to view our advocacy priorities https://hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/hunter-jo-advocacy/

12/05/2026

The NSW Joint Organisation Chairs Forum plays a key role in supporting and strengthening collaboration across regional NSW councils. It brings together the Chairs and Executive Officers of all NSW Joint Organisations, along with other alliances of councils, to share information and to discuss and collaborate on our shared advocacy and program priorities across Regional NSW. 🤝 🗺️ 📚

Our first meeting for 2026 was held yesterday in NSW Parliament house. Chaired by our very own Hunter JO Chair and Sue Moore Singleton Mayor, key focus areas included:

📝 Exploring a potential state-wide approach to policy, planning, capacity building and advocacy to improve community benefits for regional communities arising from renewable energy and other State Significant Developments

📢 Showcasing the significant and diverse contributions of the Riverina and Murray region to our state, and the achievements, challenges and opportunities being pursued by the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO)

🔑 Key updates from sector partners including the NSW Office of Local Government, Australian Local Government Association and Local Government NSW

🌊 Updates on the significant program initiatives being delivered by JOs across the state that are directly supporting local councils deliver net zero and disaster resilience objectives

🗺️ Discussions with the Hon Ron Hoenig MP, NSW Minister for Local Government on the importance of regional council collaboration and models for doing so, along with the challenges and opportunities for regional councils arising from broader local government reform processes.

These conversations were critical in ensuring our regions remain resilient, connected, and well-represented.

10/05/2026

We were pleased to attend the 2026 Local Government NSW Rural & Regional Summit in Sydney, joining councils and community leaders from across NSW to engage in important conversations about the future of our rural and regional communities. 📢 🗺️ 🤝

The Summit provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our councils, from health service access and water security, to navigating Special Rate Variations and building resilience in the face of ongoing drought.

These discussions are critical to ensuring our advocacy is informed, targeted and reflective of the real issues impacting our communities on the ground. We look forward to continuing to work alongside our member councils and partners to drive practical solutions and strong outcomes for regional NSW.

08/05/2026

Today, we’re appearing before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport as part of the Inquiry into Local Government Funding. 📢 📜

Our team will be in Taree to represent the Hunter region and contribute to this important national conversation on the future sustainability of local government.

We’ll be advocating for fairer, more sustainable funding arrangements that reflect the real challenges facing regional councils, from maintaining critical infrastructure and managing growing communities, to responding to disasters and increasing service demands.

Local Government is responsible for approximately one-third of Australia’s public infrastructure assets, with roads dominating the asset base. According to ALGA, councils manage between 75-77% of Australia’s road network, with limited ability to raise revenue to maintain them.

As the closest arm of government to the community, we play a vital role in supporting strong, liveable communities, and it’s essential that funding frameworks keep pace with these expectations. We need support from both Federal and State Government to maintain essential connectivity across the country and provide community infrastructure. We look forward to sharing our insights and continuing to push for outcomes that support our region now and into the future.

You can read more about our submission here:https://hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260203_Federal-Inquiry-Fiscal_Hunter-JO.pdf

06/05/2026

Read the latest news from the Hunter JO team 🗞️ 📜

Including:
🟢 A word from our Chair Cr Sue Moore, Mayor of Singleton Council and Steve Wilson, our Executive Officer
🔴 Political Engagements
🟠 Regional Submissions
🟡 Media
🟣 Strategic Engagements
🔵 More News

If you would like to subscribe, visit our website https://hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/

"We met with 22 Government and Shadow Ministers and MPs to share our priorities in the lead up to the NSW 2027 Election".

04/05/2026

🔥 Want to make your home warmer in winter?

Heating is one of the biggest contributors to household energy bills, especially in winter. Efficient heating options such as reverse cycle air conditioning, combined with good insulation and draught proofing, can keep homes warmer for longer while using less energy.

Improving heating isn’t only about replacing systems. Simple steps—like sealing draughts, using curtains effectively, or choosing efficient portable heaters—can make a noticeable difference, particularly for renters who can’t make permanent changes.

Together with local councils we are working with ZapCat, the regional household electrification program and certified social enterprise, to help communities across Cessnock City Council, Lake Macquarie City Council, Maitland City Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council, Singleton Council and the Upper Hunter Shire Council electrify their homes.

Through this free program, residents can receive independent advice on heating options, rebates, and practical actions suited to their home or rental.

Get an instant estimate for costs, savings, and rebates or book a free virtual consultation to get started https://www.zapcat.com.au/hunter/

The Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration program is funded by the NSW Government.

29/04/2026

Today we brought together our council colleagues for our Regional Planning and Economic Development Forum, focused on advancing our priorities in housing and economic development. The day provided an opportunity to align on key initiatives and hear directly from our State and Federal partners on the work underway to support the Hunter’s growth and economic transformation.

Key highlights included:
✅ An update on our current Hunter JO regional priorities, projects and advocacy efforts
✅ Exploring opportunities to strengthen collaboration between Local Government and industry to improve efficiencies around housing delivery from UDIA NSW
✅ An update on High Speed Rail Authority (Australia) and its potential to shape future growth and connectivity across the region
✅ Presentations from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA), providing insights into the development of a Hunter Investment Prospectus

These collaborative discussions are critical to harnessing our region’s unique strengths and diversity to drive economic transformation, build resilience, and enhance community wellbeing for the Hunter Region.

Thank you to NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) and Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA) for joining us for these important conversations. As the hub for local intergovernmental collaboration, we continue to bring councils and partners together to coordinate regional priorities and advocate for the outcomes our communities need.