Independent Planning Commission hearings into the proposed Narrabri Gas Project can now go ahead online.

Public hearings were to have been held in Narrabri as the next stage of the project’s assessment process, but were cancelled in March because of COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings.

NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes has announced the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 has been amended to allow public hearings and meetings for NSW infrastructure developments using telephone and video conferencing.

Mr Stokes said the amendment ‘was vital to clarify the legal requirements for public hearings and meetings during the pandemic and ensure planning bodies can continue to operate without delay.’

The move has been welcomed by Narrabri Chamber of Commerce, Narrabri Shire Council and Santos. However, gas project opponents argue that digital submissions will not allow a fair hearing.

Lock the Gate Alliance claimed that holding public hearings online or on the phone would be unlawful and would restrict community participation due to lack of access to technology, computer literacy, and reliable phone and internet connections in regional areas.

Narrabri Chamber of Commerce chairman Russell Stewart said the gas project needed to proceed through its determination process as soon as possible.

“Nothing is more necessary than industry development. Australia needs to be self supporting. Any further delays in determination of this project serve no purpose.”

Santos welcomed the Minister’s announcement.

“The new regulation will enable the IPC to hold public hearings and make a determination on whether or not to consent to development of the Narrabri Gas Project within 12 weeks of the IPC receiving the Department of Planning’s assessment report,” said Santos managing director and chief executive Kevin Gallagher.

“A decision on Narrabri is more important than ever, with many investments in new oil and gas development now deferred as a result of low oil prices and the collapse in demand as many parts of the economy have gone into hibernation as we fight COVID-19.”

Narrabri Shire mayor Cathy Redding welcomed the announcement by planning and public spaces minister, Rob Stokes to allow for public meetings and hearings to be held online while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.

She went on to say that those calling to suspend planning processes ‘may have an ulterior motive.’

“This is not about fast tracking the Gas Project decision, this is about keeping calm and carrying on with our planning processes in the face of a once in a hundred-year global pandemic,” said Mayor Redding.

“I am satisfied that meaningful and transparent public hearing processes can occur online and recently called for the NSW government to keep planning processes moving despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“I think that anyone who suggests COVID-19 is a ‘short-term health crisis’ and that we can simply put the planning system on ice until it’s over is either ill-informed or pushing an agenda.”

Cr Redding said restrictions against very large gatherings could be in place for some time and that this should not derail the ability for a government to continue to function.

“We can either give up and admit this virus has us beaten, or we can keep calm and carry on.”

People will be prevented from having their say, argue IPC’s digital hearing opponents

Opponents of the Narrabri Gas Project said digital IPC hearings would not allow full community participation.

“The Berejiklian Government’s decision to enable digital hearings for Santos’ coal seam gas project and Whitehaven’s Vickery coal mine expansion, will prevent many people from having their say,” Lock the Gate Alliance said in a statement.

“Lock the Gate Alliance wrote to the Minister and the IPC, warning them that holding public hearings online or on the phone would be unlawful and would restrict community participation due to lack of access to technology, computer literacy, and reliable phone and internet connections in regional areas.”

“Many people living in north west NSW will struggle to participate in digital hearings because they live on the wrong side of the digital divide,” Lock the Gate NSW coordinator Georgina Woods said.

“These hearings remove the community’s legal rights to have the merits of any decision challenged in court, so it’s vitally important that they are thorough and inclusive.”

“Tony Pickard, who lives adjacent to Santos’ proposed Narrabri gasfield, said he and other locals would now be restricted from having their say,” Lock the Gate said.

“There are many people in the north west who lack quality internet connection and I am one of them,” Mr Pickard said.

“I’m right at the front line of potential damage from this gasfield.

“I have a right to be heard and to hear what Santos, the Government and all speakers have to say at any public hearing about this project.

“By forcing the Planning Commission to go ahead with this process while people are locked in their homes, the Planning Minister is showing a deep lack of respect for people in this region that will be harmed by this gasfield. It’s a disgrace.”