Our History and Achievements 

The Lower Hunter & Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy was originally conceived in 1993 by Environmental Managers of Lower Hunter Central Coast Councils who felt that there was significant potential to work collaboratively, and more cost effectively, on environmental management issues of common regional concern.

They agreed that formalising a strategic, coordinated partnership approach to these issues would provide greatest potential for effective outcomes. As a result, a steering committee was formed (which comprised senior staff and elected representatives of all interested councils) and in 1994 a regional development grant of $40,000 was received to develop a regional environmental management strategy. The member councils involved were, and continue to be, Wyong, Gosford, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Cessnock and Maitland.

In 1995 an extensive, 12 month, community consultation process was undertaken throughout the region following the Agenda 21 model, which led to the finalisation of the Lower Hunter & Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy (LHCCREMS). The strategy provided a comprehensive assessment and identification of key environmental management issues which required a regional approach, particularly in the light of anticipated future growth and development.

In early 1996 the strategy was endorsed by all 7 Lower Hunter and Central Coast councils and a further $140,000 in regional development funds was granted to resource the first year of implementation, allowing for the employment of a full time Project Coordinator.

In 1997, based on early successes and the perceived value of the collaborative approach, member councils committed their own funds to extend the implementation program.

By 2002, the LHCCREMS initiative had grown significantly, and Hunter Councils Inc agreed to host the program on behalf of the member councils. The LHCCREMS office then moved from Lake Macquarie City Council to Hunter Councils Inc, located in Thornton NSW.

Around the same time, the 6 Upper Hunter councils joined the program and it was rebadged as the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy (HCCREMS). The 6 councils to join were: 

• Upper Hunter Shire Council
• Singleton Council
• Muswellbrook Shire Council
• Dungog Shire Council
• Gloucester Shire Council
• Great Lakes Council

One year later, Greater Taree City Council also joined the program.

See all Our member councils at a glance.