Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment has now finalised its whole-of-government assessment for the Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project (MP09_0013) and provided it to the Independent Planning Commission NSW for determination.

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has requested that the Commission conduct a public hearing into the carrying out of the Project prior to determining the state significant development (SSD) application for it.

As required under COVID-19 regulations, the Commission will conduct this public hearing electronically by video conference (with an option to participate by telephone).

Three Commissioners have been appointed to determine this SSD application: Professor Alice Clark (Panel chair), Dr Peter Williams and Professor Chris Fell AM. They will host the Electronic Public Hearing from​ 10am AEDT on Monday 19 October 2020​ to hear directly from community members. (Please note: The Commission has tentatively set aside Tuesday 20 October 2020 to extend the public hearing to a second day should it be necessary.)

How to Have Your Say

If you wish to apply to speak at the Electronic Public Hearing, you must complete the registration form available on our website by no later than 5pm AEDT on Monday 12 October 2020. Those who are registered to speak will be provided further technical information closer to the hearing.

How to watch and/or listen to the Public Hearing

This Electronic Public Hearing will be broadcast on the Commission’s website. If you have no or limited internet access, you’ll be able to listen to a live audio stream of proceedings by dialing 1800 093 431 ​and entering the following PIN: 25135846#

 ​A transcript of the hearing will be published on our website.

Written submissions

The Commission will accept written comments on the Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project up to one week (seven days) after the hearing via email, post or our online portal. The deadline for written submissions is 5pm AEDT on Tuesday 27 October 2020.​ Written comments are weighed the same as spoken presentations.

Merit appeal rights

After this public hearing, no merit appeal may be brought under Division 8.3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in respect of any future decision made by the Commission as consent authority for this SSD application.