Narrabri Shire Council has responded to the announcement that the NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved the development of the Vickery coal mine extension near Boggabri.
The council lodged its objection to the extension in a submission to the IPC.
“Council has on a number of occasions, placed on the record its support for the Independent Planning Commission and its assessment processes,” the council said in a statement.
“We have always said that whether we are for or against a project we will accept the final decision of the commission.
“We accept the commission’s decision to approve the Vickery Extension Project.
“Council is currently working through the 89 page Statement of Reasons for the decision released by the commission.
“Whilst we are disappointed that the IPC did not agree with council that the contributions payable by Whitehaven for new community infrastructure should be significantly greater than $3.2 million, council reaffirms its commitment to spend every cent in Boggabri.
“Whitehaven Coal has some way to go to rebuild community trust and make appropriate investments in risk mitigation and compliance monitoring for the project,” the council said.
“Council looks forward to working with Whitehaven to realise local employment and business opportunities for Narrabri Shire.”
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