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Hunter Region

The Hunter, Central and Lower North Coast is home to the sixth largest urban population in Australia and is a major contributor to the NSW economy. The area is diverse, encompassing coastal areas characterised by large lakes, estuaries and wetlands; fertile alluvial river flats; cool temperate rainforest ecosystems; through to open grasslands and forests. The area is experiencing significant population growth and expanding urban development, which makes sustainable resource management more important than ever.

This region of New South Wales covers a total area of approximately 36,000 square kilometres, extending from Johns River north of Taree, south to Gosford, and west to the Hunter catchment boundary near Ulan. While much of the area has been cleared for agricultural production, large areas (mostly in steep rugged terrain) have been set aside as National Parks and State Forests.

The Hunter River is the only regulated major coastal river in NSW. State Water operates major dams at Glenbawn (750,000 ML), Glennies Creek (283,000 ML), and Lostock (20,200 ML). There is significant extraction of water from unregulated streams and groundwater to support town water supplies, agriculture, and industrial activities.
Major industries in the area include mining and agriculture. The Hunter accounts for more than one-third of Australia’s black coal production. Most of this is exported through the Port of Newcastle. Wheat and wool are also major export contributors. Rich alluvial flats support intensive farming such as dairying and vegetables. Further inland, viticulture, cereal crops, beef cattle, sheep, and horse studs predominate. There is also increasing production of wine grapes. Fishing and aquaculture are also significant primary industries.

All of these industries rely on the sensible and sustainable management of the area's water resources. DWE plays a vital role in managing the competing demands for water resources, allocating water to producers and the environment, and working with land managers to improve their resource base.

DWE is responsible for a number of important projects and programs, including: