Stakeholders from across government, industry, research and the community gathered at the University of New England on 14–15 May 2026 for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Forum.
The two-day event focused on the opportunities and challenges associated with the region expecting to become NSW’s largest REZ. Discussions centred on five key areas: workforce accommodation, water security, waste and circular economy, skills and training, and local supply chains.
The first day explored infrastructure and sustainability challenges, including a panel on waste and circular economy featuring Dr Jessica Allen, TRaCE Enterprise Academic Fellow and Dave Mitchell, TRaCE Translation Manager. The session highlighted the importance of embedding circular economy principles into renewable energy development, with a strong focus on practical, scalable solutions.
The second day shifted to workforce capability and regional economic benefits, with discussions emphasising local skills development and strengthening supply chains to ensure long-term value remains in the region.
Across panels and workshops, the forum fostered collaboration, shared insights and identified key regional priorities. Participants left with a clear message: strong partnerships and locally informed solutions will be essential to ensure the renewable energy transition delivers lasting benefits for New England communities.
