Expansion plans for the Dendrobium coal mine have been blocked by the IPC due to risks of damage to the drinking water catchment.
The NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment has now finalised its whole-of-government assessment for the Dendrobium Extension Project 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).
Commissioners Steve O’Connor (Panel Chair) and John Hann have been appointed to determine this SSD application. They will host the Electronic Public Hearing from Wednesday 2 December to Friday 4 December 2020, commencing at 10am AEDT daily, to hear directly from community members. (Please note: The Commission has also tentatively set aside Monday 7 December and Tuesday 8 December to extend the public hearing should it be necessary.)
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 23 November 2020. Those who are registered to speak will be provided further technical information closer to the hearing.
This Electronic Public Hearing will be broadcast on the Commission’s website: www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/livestream. 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: 32761378#
A transcript of the hearing will be published on our website.
The Commission will accept written comments on the Dendrobium Extension Project up to one week (seven days) after the hearing via email, post or our online portal:
www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say. The deadline for written submissions is 5pm AEDT on Tuesday 15 December 2020. Written comments are weighed the same as spoken presentations.
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.
We recognise the importance of community participation in our decision-making process. Using our ‘Make a submission’ form is the easiest way for you to make a submission on cases currently before the Commission.