Hunter River Estuary Wasewater Masterplan
Stakeholder engagement and strategic communication
Case study
Client.
Hunter Water Corporation
Services.
Strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, scenario planning, regulatory consultation, community and government relations.
Description.
The Hunter River Estuary is a vital ecological and economic system supporting wetlands, industry and recreation. With five major treatment plants nearing capacity and rapid regional growth ahead,
Hunter Water needed an adaptive, evidence-based plan to guide $300 million in future investment, balancing growth, environmental health and community expectations in a changing climate. 
Engagement approach.
Mara led a stakeholder program engaging councils, agencies, industry, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, environmental groups and residents, building trust and reducing consultation fatigue through early, transparent communication, Plain-English materials, FAQs and digital tools such as Social Pinpoint supported clear, two-way dialogue.
Mara explained a range of innovative solutions with stakeholders and the community, including nutrient offsetting, catchment management and bubble-licensing, to achieve stronger environmental and social outcomes. 
The Hunter River Estuary Wastewater Masterplan set a new benchmark for integrated waterway and wastewater planning in NSW.
By combining scientific modelling, adaptive planning and deep stakeholder collaboration, the project positioned Hunter Water as a national thought leader in resilient, sustainable wastewater management, ensuring the Hunter Estuary continues to support both a thriving environment and a growing community. 
