29 July 2026
Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) and local Hunter Valley community organisations have welcomed the approval of the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) and called for a boost to the region’s nature reserve network in recognition of the project’s impacts.
Quotes attributed to NCC CEO Jacqui Mumford:
“The Hunter Transmission Project will ensure clean and affordable energy can get to the homes and businesses that need it.
“This is a key step in moving off expensive fossil fuels and securing a safe climate future.
“However, the project will clear significant habitat. That’s why we’re calling for the creation of new protected reserves to ensure wildlife aren’t stranded by these impacts and prioritise habitat corridors across the Hunter region.
“While we acknowledge that EnergyCo has done important work to reduce impacts – like avoiding some breeding ponds of the Littlejohn’s Tree Frog – much more needs to be done to safeguard our species’ future.
“By combining the renewable energy rollout with stronger environmental protections and strategic conservation, NSW can future-proof its economy whilst protecting nature.”
Link Road Forest Campaigner, Mr Ian McKenzie said: “Protecting these areas is the responsibility of this generation to help future generations benefit from adequate green space in addition to protecting these lands for their biodiversity value.”
Kerry Walker, Hunter Wildlife Rescue said: “The protection of relatively undisturbed lands is critical to provide homes, water sources, food, corridor movement, genetic biodiversity and to temper the encroaching effects of climate change – for animals we release today and every day.”
Background:
In June (2026), NCC, alongside key environment and local Hunter organisations, requested the NSW Government extend and rationalise select conservation reserves within the Hunter region as part of the HTP offset delivery.
An NCC report, launched in May (2026), identified 11 sites for consideration and details on how protecting these sites would align with the Hunter Conservation Investment Strategy and provide opportunities for First Nations joint management.
