Committees / The Hunter

Hunter

The Hunter Chapter Committee exists to improve conditions for development in the Lower Hunter region.  Primarily, UDIA will use the expertise of the Committee to support developers in the efficient release and servicing of development sites across the region, and to support the growth of the region for the benefit of our members. 

Key Agenda Items 

  1. Hold servicing agencies to account and reduce constraints through the Urban Development Program and advocacy with decision makers.
  2. Participate in strategically planning the future of the Hunter through Local Strategic Plans and LEPs.
  3. Reduce red tape and costs related to biodiversity and developer contributions.
  4. Promote the creation of a Greater Sydney Megaregion with connectivity between Newcastle, the Coast, Sydney and Wollongong.
Learn More

The UDIA Hunter Committee members for 2025 are:

  • Jeffrey Bretag, The McCloy Group (Chair)
  • Alan McKelvey, Sparke Helmore Lawyers (Vice Chair)
  • Jason Yeo, ADW Johnson
  • Craig Anderson, AEP
  • David Gray, Ashlar Properties Pty Ltd
  • Graeme Jeffries, AVID
  • Steve Barr, Barr Planning
  • Andrew Williams, Belford Land
  • Linda Ferguson, Colliers
  • Adam Kelly, Daracon
  • Belinda Barrie, Gyde Consulting
  • Tim Goldacre, Harrington Estates
  • Richard Kerr, Highview Partners
  • Michael Nolan, Home in Place
  • Jade Curtis, Lake Macquarie City Council
  • Kemal Hughes, Landcom
  • Matthew Prendergast, Maitland City Council
  • Geoffrey Rock, Monteath & Powys
  • Tom Goold, Newquest Property
  • Matthew Egan, Port Stephens Council
  • Trent Halvorsen, Stantec Australia
  • Rosie Sutcliffe, Urbis
  • Zoe Kavanagh, Walker Corp

Working Groups

In addition to the formal Hunter Committee, and in order to facilitate broader involvement across the membership, the Hunter Chapter welcomes any member to participate in work focused on specific issues. To join a working group, contact the Regional Manager.

Active working groups:

  • Biodiversity
  • Ausgrid
  • Hunter Water
  • Office of Water
  • RFS
  • Cessnock City Council
  • Lake Macquarie City Council
  • Maitland City Council
  • City of Newcastle
  • Port Stephens Council
  • Transport for NSW

Events and Training in the Region

UDIA holds four paid events in the Hunter each year with high profile speakers from the industry discussing issues important to the region.  For more details visit our Events page. We also periodically host free Member Briefings with Department of Planning and other authorities to provide updates on key issues for the industry. These Member Briefings are communicated via email and our Regional Developers Update monthly newsletters.

To sponsor a Hunter event, contact anicolaou@udiansw.com.au

Regional Manager
Elizabeth York
0434 914 901
eyork@udiansw.com.au