Detectives say Adam Andrew Bidner, 30, of Aberdare, and Mr Mears were known to each other and claim Mr Bidner used his Toyota Landcruiser to run down the 54-year-old at the waste management facility on Old Maitland Road on Sunday.

Mr Bidner is then accused of leaving the scene.

Mr Bidner appeared in Cessnock Local Court on Thursday charged with dangerous driving occasioning death-driver manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death and driver not disclose identity of driver/passenger as required.

He did not enter any pleas or apply for bail and the matter was adjourned until August 26 for the brief of evidence to be served.

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However, the police prosecutor noted due to the large amount of forensic material and expert evidence required it was unlikely the brief would be ready by that date.

Police say emergency services were called to the tip about 5pm on Sunday after Mr Mears was found critically injured.

He died at the scene.

Hunter Valley police were called and established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.

Hunter Valley detectives and the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad established Strike Force Nargal to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Mears' death and following extensive inquiries, police searched a property at Lovedale about 10.30am on Wednesday where they seized a Toyota Landcruiser.

Mr Bidner was arrested at the property and taken to Cessnock police station.

Investigators then searched a home at Aberdare and seized a number of items.

Detectives say investigations are continuing.

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