A major powerline project has caused distress and heartache for locals, prompting allegations of exploitation and bullying.
The 100 kilometre Hunter Transmission Project on the NSW east coast will include 500-kilovolt above-ground transmission lines between Bayswater Power Station and a proposed switching station at Olney, near Eraring Power Station.
Some residents are set to lose their homes while others will have to give up portions of their properties.
For Hunter Valley film director Ian Barry, diagnosed with debilitating motor neuron disease, and his wife Vicki the project has caused heartache dealing with bureaucrats and lawyers.
He alleges EnergyCo, the state's renewable energy authority, trespassed on his property and is not offering fair compensation for its acquisition.
More embarrassment ensued when Energy Minister Penny Sharpe admitted, during a budget estimates hearing, his case was used as a recruitment tool to screen applicants by the authority.
An agitated Mr Barry said he felt bullied by the authority for his disability and the latest episode reflects a body that was egregious in its conduct.
"I feel very used. I feel I've been exploited as a bit of a side show act," he told AAP.
"The entire culture of EnergyCo is a law unto itself."
NSW Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MP Mark Banasiak said it was problematic and symptomatic of a consultation process gone wrong.
"My concern is if they're going to do this to a man who's got the final stages of motor neurone disease, how are they going to treat other able-bodied people?"
Ms Sharpe agreed saying "people should be treated with respect through this process."
EnergyCO chief executive Hannah McCaughey said it was "an error of judgement".
Mr Barry's lawyers wrote to the authority detailing how protracted negotiations for his 128-acre Cedar Creek property had adversely impacted his terminal illness.
"The process to date has taken a considerable toll on Mr Barry's health and has demonstrably exacerbated his motor neurone disease which has placed undue strain on both Mr and Mrs Barry," documents seen by AAP said.
Country mayors have estimated that up to four in five rural councils are impacted in some way by the construction and operation of renewable energy generators.
They have also highlighted that solar and wind projects in particular, generate an economic "sugar hit" during the construction phase but few local jobs afterwards.
The development and construction capital cost of the Hunter-Central Coast infrastructure project is estimated to be about $600 million.
