Managing natural resource issues in the Hunter catchment

Since it was established in September 2005, the Hunter Community Reference Group (CRG) has provided a community voice on the management of priority natural resources issues in the Hunter region.

Operating as a subcommittee of the Board of the Catchment Management Authority (CMA), the group assists in the exchange of information and helps the CMA keep in touch with the broader community.

The CRG has provided expertise on a number of assessment panels for funding allocations, including the Upper Hunter On-Ground Initiative, and continues to provide input to the development of the annual budget for Hunter Catchment Contributions. The group is also currently participating in the redevelopment of the CMA’s website.

The CRG is made up of 15 community members, and two CMA Board members who co-Chair the meetings. CRG membership is based on skills, rather than on representation of any particular organisation, agency or company, and is conducted on an honorary basis.

The current members of the CRG were appointed in November 2008. They are: Tony Hegarty from Cassilis, Patricia Bestic from Greenlands, George Betts from Scone, Peter Horn from Clarence Town, Noel Jupp from East Gresford, Eric Line from Birmingham Gardens, Norma Brooks from Buttai, Andrew Martin from Howes Valley, Geoff Hyde from Fern Bay, John Kennedy from Muswellbrook, Margaret McMahon from East Seaham, Linda Gant from Cassilis, John Drinan from Glendon Brook, and Peter Dixon-Hughes from Denman.

CMA Board members Arthur Burns from Scotts Flat and Julia Imrie from the Goulburn River catchment are co-Chairs and provide a critical link between the CRG and the CMA Board.

Review the Terms of Reference for the Hunter CRG. If you'd like more information contact the CMA on (02) 4930 1030.