Posted: 20.01.2022
The community will have its say on a proposed extension to a coal mine in the state’s northwest at a public hearing in the new year.
Whitehaven Coal currently has planning approval to extract up to 11-million tonnes of run-of-mine coal per annum from its Narrabri Underground Mine until 2031.
Under its proposed Stage 3 Extension Project, Whitehaven would expand its longwall operations to the south of the existing mine while the life of the mine would be extended by 13 years to 2044.
The NSW Department of Planning & Environment has finalised its whole-of-government assessment of the Project; however, the Independent Planning Commission will determine the state significant development application for the Project under ministerial delegation.
Professor Mary O’Kane AC, Chair of the Commission, Professor Snow Barlow and Professor Chris Fell AO will form the three-member Commission Panel that will decide the application.
The Commission will seek public submissions on the mine extension during a public hearing on Monday 14 February 2022. In the context of the current COVID-19 risks, the Panel will conduct the hearing wholly remotely with registered speakers participating via tele- and/or videoconference.
Professor O’Kane said public participation in the decision-making process is critical.
“Meaningful community engagement is vital when determining big, contentious development applications and I’m very keen to ensure that those who have a view on the Narrabri Underground Extension are heard,” Professor O’Kane said. “It’s particularly helpful to hear the community’s views on the Department’s assessment of key issues and how any impacts can be satisfactorily managed, mitigated or offset by imposing conditions of consent.”
Anyone wishing to have their say at the public hearing is required to pre-register via the Commission’s website: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/projects/2021/12/narrabri-underground-mine-stage-3-extension-project-ssd-10269
Written submissions will be accepted until 5pm AEDT on Monday 21 February 2022 via the ‘Have Your Say’ portal on the Commission’s website: www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say.
The public hearing will be broadcast live online at www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/livestream.
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