This data is a compilation of existing vegetation mapping within the Lower Hunter region. Additional vegetation surveying has been undertaken in Cessnock LGA to refine existing mapping products. This data was compiled on behalf of the Australian Government's, Department of the Environment and Energy by Parsons Brinckerhoff Pty Ltd. The GIS mapping data were obtained to inform sustainability planning for the Lower Hunter region, particularly to assist in informing the NSW Government review of the NSW Lower Hunter Regional Growth Plan and Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan. Once this review is complete, the second stage is to undertake a strategic assessment of proposed urban development and related infrastructure corridors. The NSW Government has entered into an agreement with the Commonwealth to conduct a strategic assessment of proposed urban development and related infrastructure corridors. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this dataset are factually correct, the Australian Government does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this dataset. This data is a compilation of existing vegetation mapping within the Lower Hunter region. Additional vegetation surveying has been undertaken in Cessnock LGA to refine existing mapping products. Existing vegetation mapping projects within the region were reviewed and prioritised according to their resolution, detail and accuracy based on the desktop review and stakeholder consultation. This prioritisation was used to determine priority of mapping when merging the mapping data layers into a single mapping product for the entire region of Lower Hunter. The compiled mapping was standardised by correlating each vegetation map unit to the draft Plant Community Type (PCT) being developed by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. (VIS_ID 4513)